Ooops another month just went by - and haven't updated the blog. Was in Los Angeles again last week enjoying a plethora of activities, very warm weather and very clear skies. See video below taking from Mulholland overlooking the valley. Have a press trip up in Napa starting this weekend - first press trip where I'm actually an expert on the destination - and could easily lead a few of the tours! Then back to town for a week and off on our … [Read more...]
IExplore Photo Contest
Check out Iexplore's photo contest. Anyone can enter and you have a chance to win an Africa safari for two in Kenya! You can vote every day for the same photo until the contest finishes on April 15. On that day, the 20 photos with the highest vote totals will be selected as finalists Help out our contributor Nick with his cool photo taken in Vietnam amazingly shot with a cheap Walmart camera! Nick is our video specialist and also runs … [Read more...]
Valley Song, to run in Venice CA in March
This is a play that is well worth attending if you are in the Los Angeles area, running from early March for three weeks. We interviewed actress Gloria Huwiler sometime back and she has a starring role in this play. Valley Song opens at the Electic Lodge Theatre on Friday March 4th and runs through March 20th. The play, directed by Patrick Ssenjovu, is presented by African Theatre company Sunchild productions and the Electric Lodge and will … [Read more...]
GranMonte Vineyards, All in the Family
After returning from Brunei and a quick day of rest we set out for the jungles of Khao Yai National Park and part of Thailand's "wine trail". GranMonte Vineyards located in the heart of the small Asoke Valley was the highlight of our day. This winery was founded by Thai couple Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy. Their daughter Visootha (or Nikki) is Thailand's first female winemaker (only in her 20's, she has many harvests ahead of her). The entire … [Read more...]
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Sahara & the Nile
Started the day bright and early with a hot air balloon ride above the never ending sands of the Sahara and the bright greeness of the water rich Nile River valley. Temps were already in the upper 20's at 530am. It was going to be yet another hot day. Arriving to the "balloon field" we spotted about 25 balloons in various stages of setup and groups of people milling about. With 32 people in our basket we were supported by the largest commercial … [Read more...]
Hanging out in Cairo
At the moment I'm sitting in sleeper train on our long transiberian journey - not much to do here so we are chugging the vodka. Actually this is the overnighter from Cairo to Luxor. This is doing it in real style - a private suite for 2 people, AC controls per suite and the calming rocking motion that you can only get on a train will quickly put us to sleep - oh and the 32 hours it took to get here from Cali will certainly help. With not much … [Read more...]
Moroccan Memories
Its always nice to re-live travel memories through others - my brother is in Europe and north Africa for about 6 weeks. Currently he's in Morocco having a blast riding camels in the searing heat of the Sahara Desert. I was in Morocco a few years back and had a great time, other than buying too many overpriced rugs. I'll be back in north Africa in a few weeks. … [Read more...]
Jamaica Trip!
Just returned stateside from western Africa - have several days to recover and then off to Jamaica tomorrow! A plethora of activities await on this Caribbean island nation and I will be posting updates here over the next few days. Looking forward to some hot Caribbean sunshine! Have you been to Jamaica before? I'd love to hear some of your favorite recommendations both for outdoor activities as well as restaurants. Definitely looking … [Read more...]
Kakum Rainforest Walk, Cape Coast
I just arrived in Ghana's Cape Coast for a few days of much needed R&R. The bus travelled with an armed guard. I'm not an expert in high caliber weaponry but the gun he was holding sure looked like an AK47. Here we were cruising through the jungles of the Cote d'Ivoire with a bunch of 25KG bags labeled “Uncle Sam” rice from Thailand strewn all over the floor. I soon found out this rice was for a humanitarian mission; apparently public … [Read more...]
Exploring Abidjan
Took an early initiative today to explore Abidjan. Thank goodness for some European styled food and salads with real vinegar - been craving salad ever since I arrived in West Africa! Abidjan is the world's 4th largest French speaking city and my English doesn't go too far here, although I've met a few Ghana expats and Ghana travelers who speak English. Prices are high for taxis, lodging, food and most everything else I found. This is a city … [Read more...]