Many have been to Pea Island National Refuge when they drive down Hwy 12 in North Carolina’s Outer Banks (OBX) on the way to somewhere else. But, they may not know it. It’s a lonely stretch of road, often driven in silence as you take in what could be the country’s largest sandcastle held together by a strip of asphalt and a delicate truce with Mother Nature. Usually, vacationers are eager to get to their destination. They see this stretch of … [Read more...]
Moscow: Tagansky Bunker Blues
I am early for the tour and am made to wait in the entrance hall. At least I am out of the snow, although it’s colder inside than it was outside. Exactly on schedule, I am ushered in for a security check and then taken back to the cold entrance room for an introduction. Sasha, a youthful but stern 20-something, is my guide. His English leaves much to be desired and he speaks in a loud, military-style voice that seems appropriate for this … [Read more...]
Lessons From A Near Death in Namibia
Clutching my throat, I asked my guide Hans, “Do you know what plant this is?” “That’s not a good plant. It’s poisonous, and you shouldn’t touch it. You need to wash your hands thoroughly.” “But, I put it in my mouth.” Blank stare, followed by Hans’s eyes growing wider. “I took a bite of it and now my mouth is burning. Really burning. It’s like I’m gargling with carbolic acid,” I managed to explain in a hoarse voice, as my throat … [Read more...]
Two Backpackers Tasting Coffee Around the World
Exploring coffee cultures around the world. Follow two caffeine junkie-backpackers searching for the world's best coffee! The quality of a cup of coffee is determined by a complex combination of factors, both environmental and method of preparation. Since altitude, soil quality and climate are influential factors, the bean origin influences coffee quality. These were our favorite coffees around the world. South East Asia Coffee culture … [Read more...]
Where Should You Eat? Restaurants in Coastal Alabama
If you've never been on a beach vacation in Alabama, you are missing out. I had the opportunity to visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama recently and what a treat it was. From the white sugar sand beaches to the deep sea fishing, the Alabama coast has it all. To me, the Alabama coast was a great beach vacation without the pretense of some other popular beach locations in the U.S. When you don't want to "keep up with the joneses" and just … [Read more...]
Safari in Botswana – Hospitable, Warm, Welcoming Botswana
You may wonder what there is to do in Botswana. This large country has only one major city, Gabarone, and Botswana is not greatly publicized when it comes to tourism. I’m not even sure how I found out what a great destination Botswana is. But at some point in my travel research, I decided I had to go on safari in Botswana, most famous for the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert. Genuine hospitality, beautiful scenery, not to mention an exciting … [Read more...]
Sustainable Tourism in Sicily: Organic Surprises and Cultural Delights
“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything.” -Goethe We’ve always loved Sicily. Not just because my hubby’s half Sicilian (his father’s from near Messina), or because it’s lovingly steeped in antiquity. Sicily has become our heart away from home – and our home is where ever we happen to park it. Since we began our journey, we've been very aware of the plethora … [Read more...]
Ulaanbaatar Top Things to Do
Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to Mongolia. Not only all international flights land there but also the country road system start from the capital. Whether you are recovering from your flight or preparing your trip, make sure to spend some time in Ulaanbaatar proper. Or in UB as travelers and Mongolian call it. Top Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar Several sites are interesting and worth a visit. We visited a couple of them and were glad we did. Seeing … [Read more...]
Why Nashville Is A Bucket List Destination
A strange article for me to write is "how cool" Nashville is. Don't get me wrong, it's a great city. In fact now, it's possibly the hottest, growing city in the American South. It's hip. It's cool. People are moving there by the thousands from larger, more well-known cities such as New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Nashville is not only a travel mecca, but in fact a domestic mecca - a place where 30-somethings are congregating in hoards to … [Read more...]
Alaska: Wilderness Unbound
Alaska is absurd. Bears, moose, mammoth mountains, soaring pines, jagged peaks, water streaming past boulders, surging down valleys, crashing against sand. We started in South Dakota, attending a wedding in the Black Hills the weekend prior to departure. This was July of 2014. On Sunday, we drove to Denver, hopping an Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle, using two companion certificates. Our departure from Seattle to Anchorage was delayed. We … [Read more...]
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