Here in India, where there is land there are people. Where there are people there is trash. Where there is trash there are cows. Where there are cows there is cow shit. Where there is cow shit there are people collecting the shit and making cow pies. Such is the state of the outskirts of Agra. We drove through fields where we saw many cow pies drying in the sun today on our way to an old Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri 40 clicks from Agra. … [Read more...]
Botswana Safari
Where does a person go if she wishes to view the largest elephants in the world in their natural habitat? Botswana, specifically she would embark on a Botswana safari to Chobe National Park. This park is so enormous it can claim four separate ecosystems. There are more than elephants to view of course; the area has an impressive predator population that includes lions and hyenas. Another spectacular destination for a Botswana safari is the … [Read more...]
Yosemite – Attractions & Activities
Mariposa Sequoia Grove is the largest grove in the area and is located just 2 miles from the southern park entrance along Highway 41. Note that the Mariposa Grove Road is closed during the winter so you have to park at the park's south entrance and walk 4 miles roundtrip to the grove. This grove is also home to the Grizzly Giant, one of the largest Sequoia trees in the world. Another place to visit these giant trees is at the smaller Tuolumne … [Read more...]
Yosemite – Mariposa
Mariposa was originally founded as a mining town and during the height of the gold rush had a much larger population than today which is currently under 2000 people. The town boasts a number of small family owned shops, galleries and restaurants as well as many items of historical significance. Mariposa County has one fast food restaurant and no stop lights. The one fast food restaurant is in the town of Mariposa and opened before a loophole … [Read more...]
Loews Hollywood Hotel, Hollywood – October 2009
Loews Hollywood Hotel - Looking to be in the middle of the all the Hollywood action? The Loews Hollywood Hotel is our pick for staying right in the heart of Hollywood. You cannot get much more central than this; its location is ideal as it adjoins the famous Dolby Theatre shopping center and you can easily walk to most of the main attractions on this part of Hollywood Blvd. This hotel also boasts an excellent spa, a rooftop pool on the 5th floor … [Read more...]
Spotlight on Two Luxury Resorts
The Palazzo Sasso (Italian Amalfi Coast) The Brando - Marlon Brando's Private Island, Tetiaroa (in construction - opening 2011) Ravello, 2009 - Perched on the cliffs of Ravello overlooking the Amalfi Coast and Mediterranean Sea, Palazzo Sasso commands one of the most extraordinary views in the world. For over ten years Sasso has enjoyed treating guests to the best and most luxurious hotel experience in one of the most breathtaking spots on … [Read more...]
Turkey Welcomes You
"Turkish hospitality is impossible to ignore", proclaims the in-flight magazine as I fly to Bodrum. You can't miss it when you set foot in the airport: the welcome visa costs $20. By the exit, the passengers are greeted by a forest of A4 sheets with the names of the people to take to the hotel. It is nice to go to an unknown place, and find somebody waiting for you and calling you by name: in this case, Turkish hospitality will set you back $40. … [Read more...]
The Terracotta Urns of Cuba’s Camaguey
"Camaguey is known as the city of tinajones (huge terracotta or earthenware urns). You will find them everywhere as you walk around town. They are a symbol of our city." Our guide smiled, then continued, "However, wives, beware! Do not let your husband drink from them! There is a legend that if a man takes a drink offered by a woman from a tinajone, he will fall in love with her and remain in Camaguey the rest of his life." In the bygone … [Read more...]
Gracias, Barcelona Policia
I had never stayed in a hostel before, and that was why I committed a cardinal sin when it came to booking a hostel room. Instead of booking a bed for one night and given myself an opportunity to see what the hostel was actually once I got there, I reserved - and paid for - a bed for multiple nights going by what I saw of the hostel on its website. (Please. Don't get out that wet noodle to give me a whipping just yet. There are more reasons … [Read more...]
Gracias, Barcelona Bystanders
The visit to the Pablo Picasso Museum was a mind-ruminating experience. I can't say I comprehended everything I saw, nor can I say I was able to appreciate everything I saw - what was up with that "blue period" and why did shading every drawing/painting in blue inherently give it special significance? Nevertheless, I enjoyed the tour and was reflecting on what I saw when I plopped myself down on a bench in a park across the street from the … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- …
- 133
- Next Page »