This is a story of a travel and of a girl; of long ago memories. So long ago that I cannot even remember the girl's real name, nor many of the places; only that it inspired love. What better trip is there than that? It started as a mini-trip to San Francisco with a college roommate. He and I were to travel on a budget of zero dollars, excluding a full tank of gas. We wanted to see Haight-Ashbury, the hippy scene of '67. After collecting glass … [Read more...]
Turkey Welcomes You
"Turkish hospitality is impossible to ignore", proclaims the in-flight magazine as I fly to Bodrum. You can't miss it when you set foot in the airport: the welcome visa costs $20. By the exit, the passengers are greeted by a forest of A4 sheets with the names of the people to take to the hotel. It is nice to go to an unknown place, and find somebody waiting for you and calling you by name: in this case, Turkish hospitality will set you back $40. … [Read more...]
The Island of the Eccentrics
You have to be a little eccentric to live here' - said Corinna as she welcomed us to her house. To many in the village she is more than eccentric: she is a witch. Dressed in a long black gown, her hair hidden in a headscarf, she is in no hurry to fight the rumour. When the superstitious villagers saw twenty foreign women getting off the water taxi, armed with an array of lotions and potions to fight mosquitoes and prevent sunburn, they had reason … [Read more...]
A Summer Holiday on a Budget
Booking a budget holiday can be a challenge during the summer months, when the costs of hotel rates, flights and package holidays soar - and that's before you've even begun to consider the cost of food and sight-seeing when you're out there! Luckily there is a way to cut back with sacrificing your fun in the sun. Choose a beach hostel over an expensive hotel and you'll get much more for your money. Hostels have had a slick makeover in recent … [Read more...]
Exploring Richmond’s History, then Taking the Highway to Heaven
From modern Asian malls to the 'Highway to Heaven' with its churches, mosques, temples and historical landmarks, British Columbia's Metro-Vancouver's suburb city of Richmond, the only Canadian city surrounded by dykes, is a place worth visiting. Emitting the sounds ands aromas of the mysterious Orient as well as a religious aura and structures oozing stories from the past, the city of 188,000 is made up from 17 islands, half of which are still … [Read more...]
Five Days in New York City
New York, the largest city in the USA boasts incredible stimuli 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whether it be visual, noise or activity related. This is a city that doesn't sleep with services available 24/7. How many large cities have metros that never shut down - New York's metro runs all day and night 365 days a year. Those who live here sometimes need to escape the "craziness"; those who visit perhaps come here for this. This is not a … [Read more...]
Egypt Uncovered
A vast expanse of sand stretched out before me, the fine soft grains covered in abstract monoliths of all shapes and sizes. For a moment, I felt as though I had been transported onto the film set of a "Star Wars" movie. All I needed now was my son's light saber and you could call me Luke Skywalker. The rock-strewn landscape glittered like gold in the midday sun, the harsh rays bouncing off the twisted structures. Eager to get a birds eye view … [Read more...]
Amazing Moscow
Amazing Moscow. A visit to Moscow only leaves you wanting to spend more time here. Moscow delivers beautiful architecture including incredible onion domed cathedrals, world class museums, shopping and nightlife. We recently spent a few days in this amazing city. We recommend at least 4-5 full days to experience the highlights of Moscow. First things first; all visitors to Russia must acquire a visa before entering the country and the tourist … [Read more...]
The Terracotta Urns of Cuba’s Camaguey
"Camaguey is known as the city of tinajones (huge terracotta or earthenware urns). You will find them everywhere as you walk around town. They are a symbol of our city." Our guide smiled, then continued, "However, wives, beware! Do not let your husband drink from them! There is a legend that if a man takes a drink offered by a woman from a tinajone, he will fall in love with her and remain in Camaguey the rest of his life." In the bygone … [Read more...]
Gracias, Barcelona Policia
I had never stayed in a hostel before, and that was why I committed a cardinal sin when it came to booking a hostel room. Instead of booking a bed for one night and given myself an opportunity to see what the hostel was actually once I got there, I reserved - and paid for - a bed for multiple nights going by what I saw of the hostel on its website. (Please. Don't get out that wet noodle to give me a whipping just yet. There are more reasons … [Read more...]
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