There is a theory of “primitive affluence” that suggests that when a society has its primary needs met by Nature...food, shelter, clothing…then it will turn to creativity. Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia where the rich volcanic soil produces an abundance of food and materials for fabrics and building, is held as an example. The trope is that “everyone in Bali is an artist.” Yet, while it is true that most everyone spends days carving, … [Read more...]
Going Deutsch: The Pennsylvania Dutch Country is really German
John M. Edwards arrives like gangbusters in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, a fundamentalist locavore dreamscape straight out of the Harrison Ford flick “Witness.” When my British friend Vicky Langdale arrived at my apartment above Tullio’s Hair Salon in Westfield, New Jersey, I began brainstorming for something different to do, and I decided on a car trip to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Both of us had seen the Harrison Ford movie … [Read more...]
The Delights of the Menzies Welcombe HotelSpa & GolfClub
For many years as a youngster my Mum and Dad would take me to tea at this superb property deep in the heart of Warwickshire. Only a stone’s throw from Stratford Upon Avon the hotel offers all the many delights that country house hotels are famous for. The 157 acres grounds themselves are glorious with many secret pathways leading to extraordinary sights of the rolling hills of this shire. Growing up in Warwickshire was for me always an … [Read more...]
The Imaginary Kingdom of Belarus
John M. Edwards researches a future trip to a country he suspects doesn’t really exist. . . . I’ve never been there, and neither have you. The imaginary kingdom of Belarus, way off the beaten track, so far away in fact that no one ever seems to find it, belongs more to the world of fictionalized Tintin comics than the grip of postcardy Paid Advertisements. Even asking former communist expats from the various SSRs how to get there usually … [Read more...]
Perth on a Penny Royal a Day: Freebie New Year’s Day Downunder
John M. Edwards finds a six-month circumnavigation of Australia offers much more than empty Outback vistas of red dust and rock formations. but what better way to end you stay than plopping down at a hostel in Perth where everybody knows your name, one-legged pub crawls are the game, and where the Yanks take home the "Americas's Cup" trophy once again! Writing about New Year's Eve the day after is an annual letdown, unpublishable, an egregious … [Read more...]
Chicago’s finest attractions
Chicago, Illinois is one of America’s iconic cities and attracts just over 46 million visitors each year. This Midwest metropolis is the third largest city in the US and holds a wealth of attractions and activities whichever season you decide to visit in. Chicago dates back to the early 1800s and has built itself into one of the world’s most vibrant and beautiful cities. It’s in Chicago that you will find the world’s first skyscraper as well … [Read more...]
The Abominable Sumatran
"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty apes!" A shaggy American with a Yankees cap and soul patch spat out the words haltingly, photographing a rust-colored simpering simian with a winsome pout who looked vaguely human. Unfortunately, the American was me. It was a fair imitation of Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes. Except we weren't extras in a futuristic flick where evolution goes awry. (As you'll remember, in the film, … [Read more...]
Second Date on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Back when my husband ("Mr. TWS") and I first got married in September, 1991 we were given a wedding gift certificate for a ride and lunch on the Napa Valley Wine Train. At that time, the Wine Train had been in operation for only two years. We were thrilled because we’d heard so much about it as the new must-do experience in Napa wine country. So the following summer, we boarded the train in Napa for our three-hour ride and gourmet lunch. It was a … [Read more...]
“Two Tickets to Paradise”, Palau
“I’ve got two tickets to paradise. Pack your bags and leave tonight” – Eddie Money In the evening we arrived to the Airai Hotel located conveniently near Palau’s international airport. The Airai hotel staff was welcoming and our hotel room that overlooked the coastline from a distance and the hotel waterpark below us was a spacious and comfortable midrange option. At the restaurant we sampled tasty white snapper pesto served over a bed of … [Read more...]
Disneyland for Romance
Having recently married, (an unlikely side effect of Obamacare) I seem to find my brain stuck in amorous overdrive - the unlikely beneficiary being my husband, with an impromptu trip for two to the Magic Kingdom. It’s true that many react incredulously to the idea of adults wanting to frolic in a place so firmly aimed at the juvenile but, as a child from Southern California, I have always loved Disneyland and my affection hasn’t waned one bit. … [Read more...]
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