Opening in 1973, the Baros Maldives was only the third island destination resort in the Maldives. It's gorgeous beauty and proximity to Male were among the primary reasons for it's opening. Even though such history is fairly recent - things were significantly different back then. There were no banks on Male, fishing was still the primary income source for the country, the population was less then a 1/3 of what it is today and on Baros the … [Read more...]
Surprised in a good way by Taipei
I have flown into Taipei many times over the years but never really explored the city or the surrounding countryside. For some reason I never had any interest in doing so. However, after spending 4 days in Taipei recently, I must admit that my perception of the city has changed dramatically. For those who have never been to this part of the world, Taiwan makes an excellent first choice/introduction to Asia. It is easy to get around and … [Read more...]
Everything is impossible, until it happens
In late 2013, I decided to ride a bicycle through Africa in an attempt to turn my life around. My parents had passed away back home in Ireland but, to tell the truth, it was not their memory that had dislodged my equilibrium, it was me indulging in self-destruction. It all seemed so impossible on the airplane as I sat reading a beginner’s manual about how to repair punctures, but after a year spent riding through deserts, mountains, remote … [Read more...]
MGM National Harbor—Local Flavors, International Appeal
It may sound like a crock of balderdash to start out a review of a luxury resort with a statement about how happy the employees seem. Or that the property has transformed an area by emphasizing local hiring and local artists. But cross my heart, the service people weren’t smiling at Maryland’s MGM National Harbor resort because they were Westworld robots. And the place has such regional roots that the very clay from the property … [Read more...]
The Joys of Travel and Stories That Illuminate Them by Thomas Swick
Author Swick highlights "the seven joys of travel" in seven chapters - anticipation, movement, break from routine, novelty, discovery, emotional connection and a heightened appreciation of home". This book is about his experiences, people he meets on the road and the resulting stories from travel when one is open to experiencing these seven joys. These seven chapters are followed by seven additional chapters focusing on personal stories from … [Read more...]
Ko Yao Noi Island, Thailand – February 2017
This little piece of paradise is located merely about 25 minutes from near Phuket on a speed boat - you can also access the island from the other side - from the city of Krabi. For being located in between and fairly close to two popular urban areas - somehow this island has escaped the pull of developers and the crowds that are found on those other mainland destinations. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful, the pace of life is slow - … [Read more...]
How tough is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and How Prepared should you be?
Gorilla trekking to Volcanoes National park Rwanda one of the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences a person can have for an entire lifetime, meeting eye to eye with these amazing creatures is an opportunity that anyone should never miss. Several questions usually linger in the minds of tourists wishing to take part in gorilla trekking. These questions include what gorilla group is the most desired, how long does it take to track the … [Read more...]
Suzhou, China’s floating city
Suzhou is often referred to as “the Venice of the East.” In a less ethnocentric world, we would perhaps call Venice “the Suzhou of the West.” The original canal city, Suzhou was already a over a thousand years old when Venice was founded (514 B.C.E. vs. 421 C.E.) It is also significantly larger than Venice, a full order of magnitude more, in fact. Its canal system is indescribably extensive and complex, spreading through a vast network of fields, … [Read more...]
4 Classic San Francisco photos and where to shoot them
Point your camera in any direction in San Francisco and you will capture the city’s iconic beauty, distinctive architecture and diverse people. Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, Alcatraz Island and the Palace of Fine arts are four among many that immediately say “San Francisco”. There are many places where you can capture these four icons with a camera but these suggested spots offer unobstructed views and a minimum of people. They're … [Read more...]
Puebla – City of Angels
Mexico City. Acapulco. Puerta Vallarta. Cancun. If you're like most people, these are the Mexican cities you are familiar with. However, Puebla, or La Puebla de los Angeles (“the city of the angels,”) is the most beautiful Mexican city that you've likely never heard of. Only a couple of hours from Mexico City, I first visited it during a backpacking trip in 2005, more by coincidence than by design, and was astounded by one of the most remarkable … [Read more...]
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