We say we want an authentic local experience when we travel. But do we? Suburbs and industrial parks are authentic if, by that word, you mean a place where people actually live and work. What we really seek are sights and a slice of life that doesn’t feel produced for the consumption of others. Or maybe all we desire are places not frequented by other tourists. We want to feel we’re having a unique experience, one that hasn’t shown up already … [Read more...]
48 hours in Los Angeles – Fast, Furious and Fun!
When you think of Los Angeles, the first thing you think of is Hollywood. But there are many other things to do there that are not related to tinsel town. Recently, I spent a whirlwind weekend in Los Angeles. I hurried off my delayed Southwest flight, found the shuttle bus to the Westin Hotel at Los Angeles Airport. Fifteen minutes later, a quick ride by LA standards, I flew into the hotel room where my friend had already arrived. A quick change … [Read more...]
Lost to the charm of Seville
Sometimes it is better to travel and be surprised by a destination rather then trying to do research ahead of time. My time in Seville has given me a new perspective about this beautiful part of Spain and my trip here has been without any preconceived expectations. Previously I had only heard of Sevilla through an opera that was based on a story about a barber - other than this fragment of knowledge I knew nothing about this charming little town … [Read more...]
Trier – Rome of the North
“Ante Romam Treveris stetit annis mille trecentis” (Trier stood 1300 years before Rome) – legend of Trier’s founding. Trier is the UNESCO World Heritage city you’ve never heard of. While you were busy swooning over Berlin’s modern architecture or Munich’s copious beer gardens, you’ve missed Germany’s most remarkable city, quietly minding its own business along the banks of the Mosel river, the way it always has for two and a half … [Read more...]
Teotihuacan – Where The Gods Were Created
Chances are, you have seen images of Chichen Itza or Palenque, the stunning archeological remains of grand Mayan cities in Mexico. Perhaps you’ve even visited these sites at some point. Considerably less well-known, though, is Teotihuacan, or “the place where the gods were created.” In my mind, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Teotihuacan is western hemisphere’s ultimate pyramid city, vastly more impressive than even its more famous brethren on … [Read more...]
Citadelle LaFerrière – or how to keep the French out of Haiti
I’ve been in Haiti for a few days now, trying to get a better understanding of life in one of the poorest nations on earth (see my related articles on Port au Prince and Cap Haitien.) By any measure, it has an arduous history. Haiti bears the misfortune of being the island that Columbus decided to claim and colonize first. The native Taino indians were promptly enslaved and sent off into gold mines to enrich the coffers of Queen Isabella of … [Read more...]
Annual San Miguel writers’ confab turns page, marks 12th year
The 12th annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival will be held in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, February 15 to 19, 2017, with the participation of more than 100 featured authors and artists. Guest speakers and performers of note include Naomi Klein, Pedro Ángel Palou, David Ebershoff, Ana García Bergua, Robert Moore, Mary Karr, Julián Herbert, Billy Collins, Anna Styczynska, Gibrán Portela, Judy Collins, Eduardo Limón, Claire … [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...]
5 New Destinations You Should Try In 2017
As the year begins, you should now start planning your travels. This will give you ample amount of time to save and to plan. If you are having a hard time deciding where to go, keep on reading and be inspired from the destinations that we will suggest below. Umbria, Italy While it is not as popular as other Italian destinations, Umbria is quickly becoming a tourism hotspot, especially for foodies. Aside from its natural beauty, it also has … [Read more...]
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