A highlight of a Viking cruise to Provence is a full-day excursion to the heart of southern France's lavender country. However, plan your trip accordingly - timing is everything when it comes to this aromatic plant. It must be sown at a certain time of year and harvested precisely during dry warm conditions. And for those coming to be inspired by its visual appeal, there is a certain time of year for that as well. The lavender fields hit their … [Read more...]
Sick in Scotland
With the early signs of Spring blossoming this time of year in many parts of the world, I thought I would find at least some signs of the lessening grip of winter that these warmer months bring. I was completely wrong. I arrived in Glasgow and it was gloomy, raining and frigid. I didn't even see the trees starting to push green buds. After I left the bus from the airport I didn't have much energy to look further - summoning the last bit of … [Read more...]
Why now is the time to visit Cyprus
After visiting the island of Cyprus last year (located in the far eastern reaches of the Mediterranean Sea) I became enchanted by it's beauty, the slower pace of life in the small towns, its food (including seafood) and drink and the mesmerizing beauty of it's beaches. I visited Pissouri (only about a 90 minute drive from Nicoscia). Pissouri allowed me to check off everything I was looking for in a relaxing Mediterranean … [Read more...]
Three Must See Sights in Northern Cyprus
Last summer when I mentioned to people I was planning a trip to Cyprus (Northern Cyprus as well), I often received blank stares or the question "where is Cyprus". A little geography is in order; the island is in the Mediterranean Sea - in the far eastern reaches south of Turkey and just west of Lebanon. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Italy's Sicily and Sardinia. I flew from Beirut, Lebanon - there are certainly … [Read more...]
Remembering My Time on Paros, Greece
Of all the islands I have visited over the years, the first island I ever visited in Europe many years ago left a lasting impression on me. This was Paros, Greece. I was backpacking with my brother throughout Europe in summer. We had just arrived in Athens where the city was suffering through it's worst heat wave of the season with temperatures in the day hovering in the low 40's (105+ F). Incidentally Athens holds the record temperature for any … [Read more...]
A Perfect Picture Paradise, Pissouri Cyprus
After another epic yet challenging trip in Jordan followed by the stresses of travelling in Lebanon I was more then ready to go somewhere and 'do nothing'. However, one never really knows if your perception of a relaxing destination will actually meet your expectation once you arrive. Time and time again I've been disappointed when looking for the "perfect" place to relax - a place that is not overly touristy, has a good vibe, is surrounded by … [Read more...]
Urban Camping, Zürich Switzerland
On a bright partly cloudy sunny day I found myself tethered to a speeding boat in Lake Zürich Switzerland, attempting my first wake boarding. Several fellow journalists enjoying cold beers and sunshine were watching me from the boat while I found myself struggling to stay warm in the early summer's cold waters. Fortunately they were also cheering me on. I was pulled out of the water successfully on the first try and then again 5 subsequent times. … [Read more...]
A Coal Mine and Rock Climbing, Exploring Wales
Wales is built for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts; the region has participated historically in adventure exploration involving some of the most extreme corners of the planet. One has to look no further then Cardiff Bay where Captain Scott sailed out in the Terra Nova (expedition to Antarctica) or the challenging mountain and glacier terrain of Snowdonia synonymous with well known mountaineering names such as Mallory, Irvine, Hillary and … [Read more...]
Welcome to the World of Contrast – Light, Dark and all Shades in Between #Iceland
I've never come across such a wide range of plays of light and darkness in a single day as today, my first introduction to Iceland. Enormous dark clouds layered themselves over plateaus in the distance - themselves layered by alternating white and dark between land, snow and glaciers. The sun shone in the foreground contrasted by the darkness in the background. The play of light and color between the water, the sky and the clouds was impressive … [Read more...]
Almost Blown off the Mountain in the Snæfellsnes, Iceland
Today I set off for western Iceland. After several hours and multiple stops I reached Snæfellsnes, a peninsula in Western Iceland. I found a random scruffy hitch hiker standing by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. I quickly stopped and found out he had hiked down to the main road from his campsite in this remote part of the peninsula because his 6-year old son had somehow turned the car radio on and drained the battery. I delivered … [Read more...]
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