We are enjoying the long light this time of year in the northern latitudes. And as far as capital cities, it doesn't get much more north than this; Helsinki is at 60 degrees north latitude. A few hours of semi darkness settles in around 1230pm until 3pm and then by 4am its fully light again. Wandering the streets in bright light at 10:30pm is perhaps an odd feeling for those who live in the middle latitudes. And furthermore it seems strange … [Read more...]
Just woke up in “prison” in Helsinki
"Am I there yet? Am I there yet?" This question rattled around several times in my jet lag induced brain for a few moments before one eye fluttered open. In the foggy haze of nonstop travel for the past few days I looked around. I was in a small room. I noticed the window. It was high up the wall, not in a normal spot for a window. I glanced at the blinking red light. It was 4am. But there was plenty of outside light in the room. There was … [Read more...]
Testing out the Can Am Spyder RT-S on California’s Open Roads
As I rode through the California foothills on a late Spring day it certainly felt very summer like. Warm temperatures and the wonderful smell of dry grass baking in the sunshine greeted me as I made my way up to Brentwood, California to test out a new Can Am Spyder Model RT-S. In the early morning I rode past all the windmills that dot this part of California enjoying the fact there wasn't yet that much traffic around. As I rode through the … [Read more...]
A Day of Diversity Exploring Los Angeles
Here is an example of a single day microcosm of the diversity of Los Angeles. In the morning we visited the oldest McDonald's still in operation on the planet (out of some 20,000 McDonald's worldwide!), located in Downey. It was built in 1953. The original McDonald's was founded in San Bernardino California in 1948 and was a barbecue restaurant serving over 100 different barbecue recipes. This particular restaurant was the third ever and has … [Read more...]
A visit to Navala, a traditional Fijian Village
The highlight of today was a visit to Navala, a traditional Fijian village located in the beautiful highlands on the main island. As we climbed up from near sea level, soon we were surrounded by picturesque mountains; the countryside this time of year is a beautiful shade of green in all directions. Upon arriving at the village - we entered one of the thatch homes. The roof and sidewalls are made of local materials - with the roof lasting … [Read more...]
Reflections on Bangkok
I initially came to the "City of Angels" in 1996. It was my first big trip outside of the United States - to a country that was so different compared to the lifestyle I was used to. I was in my early 20's; everything about the city was new, exiting and unfamiliar. Mundane things I take for granted when traveling in Asia now - made a huge impression on me at the time. Writing these words while sitting under part of the Sirat Expressway near … [Read more...]
Exploring near Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Our winemaker friend was in town, visiting from the Napa Valley in California. Immediately we thought of taking him to the Khao Yai Wine Trail - which features a number of wineries located near this National Park. Our destination was Granmonte Vineyards an established winery in Asoke Valley - about 3 hours from where we live. Along with the winery, they also run the Vincotto Restaurant (delicious Mediterranean cuisine) and a guesthouse. The … [Read more...]
Grand Mum
I don't know her name but we visit with her every year we are in Thailand. She is always referred to as 'grand mum'. She is family. She doesn't know when she was born and lost her birth certificate somewhere along the way. She knows she is somewhere around 90 years old and certainly looks to be in that age range. Her son says she is somewhere in her 90th year. This year she consulted a fortune teller - he told her she has one more year to live … [Read more...]
Pebble Beach Food & Wine Weekend
The Pebble Beach Food and Wine Weekend is only in its seventh year yet remarkably it seems like it should be much older than that. In such a short time it has become the West Coast's premier food and wine event. It is an intriguing pairing - matching some of the world's best wine with top chefs in a location that is visually stunning. The inspirational rugged coastline and natural beauty is the backdrop for a long weekend of decadence and at … [Read more...]
Exploring Chachangsao Thailand
Driving by the signs for the Bang Khla floating market many times over the years finally we decided to go. On a Wednesday. File this decision in the "stupid" category. All the floating markets we have gone to in and around Bangkok have always been held on the weekends only. So to was the case here. We drove 90 mins to the river in Chachangsao and lo and behold we arrived to a bunch of empty buildings and no one floating on the river. Making … [Read more...]
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