Like Scotland's Loch Ness Monster, Vietnam has its very own sea serpent legend-one which resembles a prehistoric escapee from "Here There Be Dragons" on the edges of Age of Exploration mappa mundi. Trapped in lovely Ha Long Bay ("Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea"), "The Tarasque" is not only a version of Nessie but purportedly just as camera-shy. Featured in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Knows," Ha Long Bay is now a UNESCO … [Read more...]
Where is the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Disoriented is a term that means being lost or unclear about where you are. It originated from when the East or the Orient was considered the center of the world. If you have lost the orient you are dis-oriented and are not sure of where you are. From a young age, I have been oriented to travel from when my family moved to Georgia when my dad was in the army or moving to California as a young child or my many years of living at sea. Parts of the … [Read more...]
Family Holidays in Alcudia
Colonized in the past by Phoenicians, ancient Greeks and Romans, historic Alcudia on Mallorca's rugged north coast, is anything but a one dimensional diet of sun, sea and sand. That said, the main beach at Puerto Alcudia is quite rightly lauded for its serene beauty and is the primary reason for its enduring popularity with young families. Alcudia is essentially made up of three distinct areas; Alcudia old town is some two kilometres inland while … [Read more...]
Northern Ireland: Terra Titanicus
The only thing Belfast does in moderation is moderation. Always, it has been Brobdingnagian in spirit. Always, it has lived large. Belfast, reaching for the sky, Photo by Didrik Johnck Once it was the largest linen producer in the world. And had the largest ropeworks. It was the largest manufacturer of fizzy drinks; largest shirt maker; had the largest flax machine works; largest tobacco factory; largest handkerchief factory. … [Read more...]
Up in Lisbon
One of the best ways to get to know the charming capital of Portugal is by walking without a fixed direction. So, even if you feel disoriented at first, you will always be gladly surprised with what you might find on your Lisboan way. To understand how to get located in the city, you just need to understand that as other large cities in the world like Rome, Istanbul or San Francisco, Lisbon was built on seven hills that explain its steep … [Read more...]
Berliner Dom – The most beautiful church in Germany
The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), is a beautiful stone church built between 1894 and 1905 by order of William II, the last German emperor, as a symbol of the German Protestantism and the emblem of the ancient Prussian empire. The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), is a beautiful stone church built between 1894 and 1905 by order of William II, the last German emperor, as a symbol of the German Protestantism and the emblem of the ancient … [Read more...]
Starting Early with the Philly Cheesteak: The Delicious Icon of Philadelphia
"Philly cheesesteak! Philly cheesesteak! You're always telling me that you can't wait until your son is old enough to enjoy a Philly cheesesteak!" Many times my grandson, Laith, would repeat these words to me about initiating his son to the delights of Philadelphia's famous sandwich. This day I thought that I would bring his wish to a happy conclusion. I invited my grandson and his family - his wife Maria and their almost two-year old son … [Read more...]
Exploring the Wonders of Palau
The island nation of Palau is located about 500 miles east of Manilla in the Philippines and about a 2 hour flight from Guam. A number of airlines fly to Palau including United, Delta and China Air. There are numerous flights from Japan. Local car rental companies maintain offices in the small arrivals lounge of the International airport. Unlike some airports where you find only major car rental companies and or more expensive pricing - these … [Read more...]
The Brandenburg Gate-Berlin
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most representative buildings in the capital of Germany and is located in the Mitte district. This beautiful construction is so representative for the Berliners as the Arc de Triomphe for the Parisians. It was built from 1788 to 1791 based upon the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens and although the Brandenburg Gate is nowadays the only gate, there were originally 18 gates like this in Berlin. Commissioned by … [Read more...]
Shopping in Florence – Your Guide to the Best Shopping Spots
Florence, Italy offers many exciting things to do and great places to see. Simply rent one of the Florence apartments for your holiday and you'll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer. Of course, you won't want to miss taking some time to go shopping at the incredible shops available in the area. With so many great shops to choose from, you'll be able to find vintage items, designer fashions, jewellery and more. If you're not … [Read more...]
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