Wales is a magical land filled with enchanted green valleys, purple tipped mountains and shining stretches of sea. Mighty castles beckon one to explore their shattered remains, a living testament to the long term wars between the English and Welsh people. We drove from Chester between steep, granite cliffs and an almost imperceptible changing countryside on the way to Conwy and Snowdonia National Park - the main A55 making Wales very accessible … [Read more...]
Ventura’s The Cliff House Inn: Close to LA but Worlds Away
We heard the surf pounding the rocks in front of us, though we couldn't see the waves in the inky blackness. Far out on the water's surface a flame flickered and glowered, illuminating the edges of a wooden pier. Festive white lights ran up and around the palm trees next to our table, and I read the menu by the dim light of the candle. It was too beautiful not to sit outside, though my dress-up skirt and cute jacket were obscured by layers of … [Read more...]
Houdini Seance Evening at The Magic Castle, Los Angeles
"Open sesame." I asked the secret passageway through the bookcase to reveal itself. "Open sesame!" I commanded, an octave lower. Nothing. I looked at my friends, the ten of us pressed close together in the bustling hallway, but they were all there for the first time as well. I stomped my foot. "OPEN--" The creaky bookcase swung open, and we hurriedly followed the guide inside. For my fortieth birthday I had decided to celebrate with the Houdini … [Read more...]
Mainland Ecuador: A Traveler’s Delight
The Galapagos Islands are among the most popular tourist hot spots of South America, topping the list with Peru's Machu Picchu and the shared Brazilian/Argentine wonder, Iguazu Falls. As a consequence of the islands' appeal, mainland Ecuador is often relegated to a short stopover enroute to the coastal launching point. Visitors choosing to skip the continent and tour only the islands are missing a country with some of the most diverse tourism … [Read more...]
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
We recently visited Francis Ford Coppola's winery and estate (Francis Ford Coppola Winery) in northern Sonoma County which with good traffic is about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Francisco California. The location is a rather bucolic one, the winery is nestled against the hills surrounded by vineyards. We have visited hundreds of wineries over the years; this one is unique. While wine is the focus of their operations here, the estate offers … [Read more...]
Taking the Plunge
Somehow the morning had taken an unexpected turn. Instead of finding myself enjoying a quiet breakfast in a little cafe with big picture windows overlooking Lake Taupo, I found myself sitting on a wooden bench on a platform suspended high above the Waikato River, watching as my feet were cinched into a snug harness. Connected to that harness was a very thick piece of elastic rope. And it was from that rope that I would momentarily be swinging. … [Read more...]
Blown Away by Bruges
I was originally planning to be in S. Korea this trip but when a friend canceled due to a family emergency I flew over here instead to explore my family's roots in Luxembourg and the countryside. This has been an inspirational trip so far, from the people I've met to the amazing towns and countryside. Usually when I think of travel I want to visit Asia but now I'm craving more of Western Europe! I came to Bruges, Belgium for one reason and one … [Read more...]
A Taste of Heaven
Like blind tourists, my friends and I stumbled upon a small travel agency one morning in Panajachel, Guatemala. Little did we know, this happenstance would lead to one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and the most delectable tamale I've ever tasted. I can clearly remember biting into that tamale - warm, delectable cornmeal surrounding a layer of seasoned chicken - after our return from an adventurous weekend in Semuc Champey. It … [Read more...]
Death by Greece
110 degrees. All day, all night. This was my first Grecian experience. That, and an old man waving his reproductive organ at us as he peed in the street outside of our hostel. Welcome to Athens. My friend Melissa and I were prepared for the overly friendly old men (we had just come from Spain after all), but the heat was another story. All day and night we would laid there, in our non-air conditioned hostel, with no fans, waiting for that … [Read more...]
Building Back Peru
Volun-Tourism is one of the fastest growing sects of international travel. Unfortunately, corporations profiting on this burgeoning market have become common. Those looking for travel volunteer opps should seek out groups that are well organized, accept volunteers of varying time commitments, don't charge high participation costs, and most importantly, are non-profit groups putting the majority of resources back into their assisted communities. … [Read more...]
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