John M. Edwards receives a strange visitor from the Nipponese “Land of the Rising Sun,” who is, of course, despite a strong yen, ultimately a freeloader. In Westfield, New Jersey, United States, North American Continent, at my apt upstairs from the now-long-gone Tullio’s Hair Salon (which daily pumped up the odoriferous air of Free Heat, Aqua Velva, and Brill Cream), I received a visitor from not another planet exactly but instead from a way … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico: The Real Fountain of Youth?
When Christopher Columbus made landfall in Puerto Rico during his second trans-Atlantic voyage, in 1493, a young Spanish nobleman, Ponce de León, some scholars believe, was on board. Rumors of hefty quantities of gold brought Ponce de Leon back, in 1508, where he found an islet with an excellent harbor he named Puerto Rico, or Rich Port. This would become the name of the island, while the town was renamed San Juan. He didn’t find gold, but was … [Read more...]
Top #epicOZ experiences
Australia is a country that begs to be explored - not quickly but slowly over a number of months. In the absence of such time, shorter trips are fine but focusing on a specific part of the country rather than trying to see to much. The distances are great and the experiences diverse. So to is the culture, the weather and the natural landscape. After a number of trips to the country I've spent some time coming up with some of my most epic … [Read more...]
A St. Augustine Culinary Adventure
With the term “culinary destination” so overused, it’s refreshing to visit a town that is a bona fide foodie hotspot. As America’s oldest city, I was not surprised to discover that St. Augustine is loaded with perfectly preserved forts, historic sites and European flair. St. Augustine is in Florida, so the glorious beaches and pristine waterways that surround the city were appreciated, but expected. What grabbed my attention are the big things … [Read more...]
Honeymoon in Vienna
Sigmund Freud, apfelstrudel and Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss clinched my decision to honeymoon in Vienna. When you think about it, psychology, food and art are not the worst foundation for a good marriage. Oh, and Before Sunrise, the movie where Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke spend a day in this romantic Austrian city falling in love. Famous for being the center of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century, Vienna used its newfound power for good, at … [Read more...]
Stay: Miracle Hot Springs of Desert Hot Springs California + Local Attractions
A dry breeze blows - a few clouds drift by overhead lit up by a quarter moon that is bright yet not so overpowering that plenty of stars still shine through brightly. You are in the desert - about a two hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. The property is Miracle Springs Resort in Desert Hot Springs. This family owned resort is built on top of several layers of underground lakes (aquifers) located approximately 300 feet below the surface. … [Read more...]
In San Sebastian, The Surf and the Fun Are All that Matter
I never anticipate travel delays. But lately, I’ve taken to relishing where they will take me. What adventures lie ahead if you’re willing to take the risk, and just go with what happens? I went to get my reservation for my train trip to Coimbra, Portugal and when I finally made it to the SNCF office they told me the train was sold out. The European soccer championships were being played in Lisbon, I was told. “You can ask the conductor, but … [Read more...]
Dreaming of a One Week Road trip in Nova Scotia
I have been to Western Canada several times, exploring the inspirational Canadian Rockies of Alberta and British Columbia. Yet on my next visit to our neighbor to the north, I plan to stay east. I’ve got my eye on a visit to Nova Scotia. When I travel, I love to visit a mix of both urban and natural settings. I love the adrenaline rush of cities, with their variety of attractions, museums and restaurants, but I also relish the inspiration the … [Read more...]
The National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs Australia
So where do old semi's, trucks, road trains and other wheels of the road go to rest? If it is in Australia, most likely to the National Road Transportation Museum in Alice Springs - a small community located along the legendary Ghan train line about one half way between Adelaide in the South and Darwin in the North. When your focus is on large vehicles you need a significant amount of space! This privately owned museum is just outside of town … [Read more...]
Learn the Ropes to Cruise the Waterways of France
When I first went to Paris, I was struck by the beauty of this city. I was also amazed at how many boats I saw. Before I went I read about its history and about the things to see, food to taste and museums to visit. But being one who has spent a lot of time on boats, I was really surprised that I had not seen anything written about, or photos of, all the boats. Walking along the Seine I saw numerous vessels and wondered where they all came from. … [Read more...]
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