One of a number of my trips to Africa was built around a singular goal - that of reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits (the tallest mountains on each continent). Hint, I did reach the summit but not without overcoming hardship on the way. While not the tallest mountain on the planet and with routes that aren't particularly technical, its summit still tops out at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). It is the altitude that can be … [Read more...]
Notes from the latest trip to Bangkok from an Intrepid Traveler
I landed at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok before the sun had even risen. I first landed here in 1996, the first of what would be many trips to the Kingdom over the past few decades. I lingered in the arrival's hall soaking in the nostalgia. New Year’s morning: the roads were empty, and I arrived at my guesthouse just after the sun came up. The always felt excitement of returning to Bangkok had been replaced by the … [Read more...]
Adventures in Saudi Arabia
The temperatures have been warm during my stay in Dammam, ranging from 108 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest parts of the day. I've been wandering around the city on foot for the past several days. My experience in extreme heat in the past has paid off, alternating between consuming copious quantities of water alternating between fruity and other sweet drinks. To compound things, several days offered up a stiff breeze (and that's … [Read more...]
A Completely Miscalculated Flight
I had booked my flight from Erbil (or so I thought) a few weeks ago. When it came time to sadly leave Iraq, I departed my guesthouse in Erbil and arrived at the airport. The first security check involved lines of cars stacked up as three cars in each lane were checked by guards at one time. Passengers opened all of their doors and trunks, dogs were involved, sniffing the tires and inside of each car and each person in each vehicle was subjected … [Read more...]
Exploring the Midwest of the United States of America
I stopped in Chicago, one of my favorite food and wine towns in the entire country. I enjoyed some exceptional wine and food at the Greek Restaurant Avli on the Park on top of a tall building just up from the waterfront. I headed south that evening, arriving in South Chicago. It was very dark. I arrived on a street filled with people running around, yelling, drinking and cars double parked. I felt out of my element. My desired space for the night … [Read more...]
Isla Grande, Colombia – the Island of Total Tranquility
A friend and I discovered a sign indicating 'restaurant' near our eco lodge, a metal shack located behind the owners home. An elderly woman who we call grandmum lives there with her husband and her son. She is a wiry and energetic woman who is always happy to see us; for some reason, there are never any other guests. Sometimes her dog Lola comes running out; she recently suffered an injury, a nasty claw mark down her back resulting from a fight … [Read more...]
Getaway Trip, Sonesta Redondo Beach
Needing a break from wine work and with Los Angeles always a relaxing and therapeutic drive away, I scheduled a mid week getaway to Sonesta Redondo Beach. This beachside resort is within about a 20 minute drive from LAX. And for those wanting to enjoy Southern California's mild year-round coastal climate and its 'fit' lifestyle, the resort is conveniently located across from the Strand, a bike and pedestrian path which runs up to Malibu. Bicycles … [Read more...]
Set me Free, Koh Tao Island, Thailand
One of Thailand's more beautiful islands is located about 1:15 minutes from the pier in Chumphon by water taxi. This is the shortest distance from the mainland although ferries also run from Surathani, further to the south. All tickets can be purchased online. This island offers an ideal balance between tourist infrastructure and natural beauty. Normally Koh Tao would be crowded with both Thai tourists as well those visiting primarily from … [Read more...]
Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage with Holland America: Helicopter Ride + Dog Mushing on Norris Glacier, Juneau
Arguably this experience is one of the most memorable on shore excursions offered by Holland America on a visit to Alaska's Inside Passage. I always gravitate towards unique experiences and this one is truly special, featuring stunning visuals of the mountainous interior from a helicopter including the Juneau Icefield, a landing directly on a glacier and dog mushing, all in the same afternoon. Northstar Helicopters (founded 1998) is located … [Read more...]
A Most Memorable Experience: Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas
One of the activities synonymous with visiting the Bahamas is swimming with pigs. I have long heard about this, especially during multiple trips to the Bahamas over the past several years. Prior to our latest trip to the Bahamas, the closest I've ever come to swimming with pigs was wading with swimming pigs in the remote Tuamotu Islands in French Polynesia. So, when I was invited by EMBRACE Resort in remote Staniel Cay in the Exumas to join … [Read more...]
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