After a nearly 13 hour car + van ride from Georgetown in Guyana which began at 4am and included a 4 hour border crossing (slow ferry a big part of this), I arrived in Paramaribo in the late afternoon. Exhausted after eating only an energy bar I found tucked away in my backpack given to me weeks ago by Jacki Ueng I checked into the Guesthouse Zin & Grand Cafe. For only $23/night it included a private room with AC and use of their pool. I soon … [Read more...]
A Dream of Mine, To Take a Gorilla Safari in Uganda
My bucket list of countries high on my list to still visit is dwindling in number - this shorlist focuses on either memorable experiences or unique natural outdoor natural attractions. Long on my list has been a visit to parts of eastern Africa to see the gorillas in the wild. My interest was rekindled after talking to a good friend of mine who is on a mission to see every country in the world. He recently returned from parts of eastern Africa … [Read more...]
A Little Bit of Malta on my Mind
I proceeded to a tiny room at my hotel in central Valletta, oddly enough having to pass through the restaurant first. Many elderly ladies were absorbed in a riveting game of Bridge and I had to slink past their tables without bumping into them. Finding a balcony I stood overlooking the scenic water and Fort Saint Angelo in the distance while absorbing the smells of the salty water, the warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and the tantalizing … [Read more...]
A Perfect Vibe, Koh Mak, Thailand
A number of islands in Thailand or beach destinations, especially in the southern part of the country can be over tourist-ed at times and or are destinations for travelers who want to party. For many years I've been attracted to some of the islands in the north closer to the Cambodian border including one of my favorite islands in Thailand, Koh Kood. However, recently I made the trip to Koh Mak, a tiny neighboring island accessible via one of two … [Read more...]
Visiting Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is the land of ancient temples - these stone spires dot the dusty landscape of what is called the Bagan Plains. We are visiting in the middle of winter, yet the temperatures are very warm during the day and pleasant at night; apparently rain has not fallen here for weeks. Coming from Inle Lake, some 6 hours away by bus we were startled by the dramatic difference in landscape. Inle Lake has plenty of water - in fact villages are built above … [Read more...]
Tahiti, Exploring this Gem in the Middle of the Southern Pacific Ocean
I've wanted to visit Tahiti for years but the high cost of airfare has been a barrier to visiting the country. But with recent flights from the west coast of the USA launching earlier this year and prices much more affordable then in the years past, my decision to visit Tahiti became more realistic. The capital city of Papeete is by far the largest city in the country - and yes there is even traffic downtown. But as far as cities go, this is … [Read more...]
Banjul to Varela: Where?
As I stepped into the Range Rover under the dusty skies of Banjul in the early AM I was greeted by the familiar sounds of Don Williams. Fortunately he is my favorite singer so I was able to easily absorb about 6 hours of one of his cd's cycling through the same songs over what ultimately would turn into a 10.5 hour adventure before we reached our final destination in northern Guinea Bissau. Our journey involved several border crossing - going … [Read more...]
Flowers Everywhere! Southern California’s Springtime Bloom
Driving out in the morning from Mission Viejo to Lake Elsinore mid week, I thought for sure I would have the poppy fields all to myself. I could not have been more wrong. Pulling off the 15 on Lake Street and heading onto Walker Canyon Road I soon found myself in a 'zoo'. Seemingly all of Los Angeles and Orange County had made the trek out this Wednesday morning - traffic officers were directing cars, cars were backed up all the way into Walker … [Read more...]
10 Inspirational Travel Instagram Accounts Worth Following
This wonderful planet features a diversity of inspirational and beautiful places. Some travelers have been able to create careers out of exploring a range of often niche experiences or locations. For them, travel is a passion and certainly a huge part of their lifestyles. And in deciding which accounts to feature here, I started pondering - what would Ansel Adams or more recently, Galen Rowell think about the incredible amount of digital … [Read more...]
An Interesting Mix of Activities & Distractions in Guyana, South America
The final touchdown could not come soon enough. 39 hours prior I left my place in California for the airport at 430am. After a night in Miami (part of which involved nearly a 2 hour drive to go 3.1 miles from the airport - you think Los Angeles traffic is horrendous, think again), I finally arrived in Guyana. Most people I told prior to my trip that I was going to Guyana greeted me with a blank stare. The few older folks correctly equated Guyana … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 55
- Next Page »