Australia Zoo Crocodile Hunter - When visiting Brisbane be sure to take a day trip to visit the great Australian Zoo that was run by famed Australian Steve Irwin, otherwise known as the Crocodile Hunter. This is a large wild animal park with excellent exhibits on Australian and International species. Not to be missed is the 5000 seat Crocoseum where wildlife shows are regularly given. The most popular show is the action packed Crocodile … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Gardens
Arlington Garden Sometimes you need a break from the 210 or the 134 and you decide to pull off into Pasadena seeking a respite from the traffic and chaos of urban congestion. That place is the 3-acre Arlington Garden oasis located at 275 Arlington Dr in Pasadena. Free parking is curbside on Arlington Drive or on nearby residential streets. This free public garden (the only one in Pasadena) contains a number of short pathways winding through a … [Read more...]
Its a Long Way to Tipperary
I was planning a solo trek through Iceland when my Father decided to invite himself along on my vacation. He further changed my mind and decided we were going to Ireland, a country he had wanted to see for quite some time. Being the ever-obedient son I gave in. With destination chosen, the hard part was going to be trying to figure out the logistics of creating a travel experience both of us would enjoy. This trip had to be as stress … [Read more...]
Where can you find Islands the Shape of Palm Trees?
All my preconceived notions about the rigid cultural conservativism of countries in the Arab peninsula were thrown out the minute I entered Dubai, a sprawling and mushrooming megalopolis rising up between the fringes of the Arab deserts and the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia may still be the country of chokingly strict laws, but Dubai seems to be the total opposite. Actually it is one of two major cities in the United Arab Emirates, a country roughly … [Read more...]
Windhoek, Namibia
The last time I signed off, my brother Abdul and I had just arrived in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia by bus from South Africa. We decided to pony up some extra money and take a Greyhound type coach and survive the trip, as opposed to paying next to nothing on one of the ubiquitous minibuses but putting our lives into the hands of a crazed driver hell bent to make it to his destination in the shortest time possible. Our guidebook called … [Read more...]
Australian Sport, raising spirits in a remote East African Village
Sport always has an uncanny knack of triumphing over adversity. In a time when security fears and politics are threatening to encroach on our lifestyles, Australians in particular are continuing to ensure that sport remains distinct from such threats. Most recently for example, our Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has spoken out in favor of touring Zimbabwe, despite Government pressure not to tour for political reasons. Such a decision … [Read more...]
Bunbury, Western Australia
Bunbury and the South West area of Western Australia (or WA) is one of the world's great places to live, with a Mediterranean climate, sandy-white beaches, beautiful native forests and all the infrastructure expected of a modern western society. Bunbury is the major city in WA's South West region, that is also home to other centres such as Busselton, Margaret River, Donnybrook, Manjimup, Augusta, Pemberton, Collie, Harvey and Bridgetown. … [Read more...]
Busselton, Western Australia
The first recorded mapping of what is now Geographe Bay and the eventual town of Busselton, was in 1801 by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin, from the ships the Geographe and Naturaliste. The Bay was named after his ship whilst the river was named the Vasse after a sailor who went missing in mysterious circumstances. The area was settled in 1832 when families from the Augusta area, led by John Garrett Bussell, traveled north to farm the … [Read more...]
Looking for Luxury Hotels for Less in Australia
Looking for Luxury Hotels for Less in Australia? The Commonwealth of Australia is the largest island on earth and the smallest continent. It also boasts to being one of the most progressive nations in the world with one of the oldest civilizations. It is made up of a variety of landscapes, including tropical rain forests, the deserts of the outback, snow-capped mountains, rolling expanses of pastoral land and magnificent beaches. That's … [Read more...]
Staying in Sydney Hotels on a Shoestring Budget
As a result of hosting the 2000 Summer Olympics, Sydney has become known worldwide as one of the most beautiful and friendly cities in the world with it's Sydney Opera House on the harbor, it's beautiful coastline, and the many great places to stay. Perhaps you've finally set aside time for your dream vacation in the oldest city in Australia, or maybe you have a marketing business trip scheduled for your newly formed company, and your first stop … [Read more...]