With only a limited amount of gulf coastline in the entire state, this part of Alabama really delivers in regards to long white sand beaches, bright blue sunshine and clean air, world class southern cuisine, but most of all, the genuine Southern hospitality. The area certainly becomes crowded in the summer. This is a true family destination with a wide range of visitors coming from the Midwest and the East Coast. Visitors come year after year; … [Read more...]
On the way to Alabama
"Above the Clouds" - the name of this blog, is an appropriate one for this post! Internet is everywhere these days - always nice to be working/surfing at 35,000 feet where I currently am! It appears that we are over the Texas panhandle on the way to DFW for a stopover and then down to southern Alabama where a group of travel, wine and food journalists will treated to some Alabama hospitality over the next week and especially to some excellent … [Read more...]
Wrapping up Harvest Napa Valley!
During the last 15 years I have been visiting, tasting and reviewing Napa wineries (The Napa Wine Project). This project to date has reached 10,000+ hours, 1,030 visits, tastings and extensive reviews of unique Napa Valley based wineries, producers or tasting rooms; eventually I have to write a book about this unique experience. During the project I met Emil Tedeschi, owner of Tedeschi Family Winery and I have been working here when I'm in town … [Read more...]
Bridge of Life
This "bio" museum (Bridge of Life) at the time of our visit was under construction; it is located on the Amador Causeway (made from rocks excavated from the Panama Canal) that connects the island region of Amador to the mainland (about 20-25 minutes from Panama City. We drove past this museum a number of times during our stay here. The museum is the only Frank Gehry designed building in Latin America. It opened in late 2012. At the time of … [Read more...]
Chillin’ in Panama
Arrived in Panama (my last North American country to visit) after a very quick break between the Egypt trip- looks like the main city is booming - cranes and towering skyscrapers (some in progress) are lined up all along the shoreline. We are staying in an upscale International chain hotel but with a twist. There is large color photo that spans the length of the wall of semi nude women. Ummm yea. Panama has their own currency, the Balboa - but … [Read more...]
Relaxing in Alexandria
Arrived in Alexandria at 1am after catching a few flights up from Luxor. Ended up staying at the historic Sofitel in old Alexandria, woke up late and walked out to our balcony. We were greeted to a beautiful view of the blue Mediterranean coastline and the buildings of the city which stretched in all directions around the bay. A friend of a friend picked us up and immediately told us "don't get scared if you feel like you are in a Hollywood … [Read more...]
Hanging out on the Nile
Spent the afternoon swimming and sailing languidly on the Nile River along its western bank just up river from Luxor. Fellucas (wooden boats with one large sail and no boom) dot the shoreline on both sides of the river in Felluca. As a result competition is stiff for tourist dollars and like anything else we've tried to buy you can really bargain down the price. We ended up at 30 Egyptian pounds for a several hour sailboat ride after the price … [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...]
Adventures in Luxor
There are hundreds of tombs cut into the hillsides west of Luxor but the best restored tombs are in the Valley of the Kings. Chamber after chamber are decorated with colorful hieroglypics and drawings. Some are situated at the back of canyons and go down several levels. After visiting and then ascending one such tomb the 40C temps outside felt like an arctic breeze in comparison to the stuffy, humid, sweltering temps found in the chambers! … [Read more...]
Entering Luxor
Luxor lies along the banks of the great Nile (the longest river in the world). If it wasn't for the Nile there would be no population here (a ribbon across the great Sahara Desert. The green of the agricultural fields extends both sides of the river maybe 8-10km where it abruptly ends at the sands of the Sahara Desert. The town is spread out along the east and west banks with most of the population centered on the east side. There is no bridge … [Read more...]
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