Couch Surfing!! What a weird term - The first time I heard of it I thought it was some sort of illegal activity. It turned out to be a club where you could offer free accommodation in your humble abode to the complete strangers who happen to visit your hometown, and you could get the same in return by requesting free stay whenever you are traveling abroad. Also it offers an opportunity for you to practice your courtesy as well as hospitality to … [Read more...]
Greetings from Yemen & Notes from Oman
What a remote, interesting, economically poor (despite sitting on huge undeveloped oil reserves), culturally rich country. We left the Indian influence far behind in Oman in as India's great influence all over this part of the world hasn't quite made it to this part of Northern Yemen. The food here is much better than the food we dis-joyed in Oman. Typical scene - we walk into any one of numerous restaurants - US: "what type of food do you have" … [Read more...]
The Gold Coast of Queensland Australia
The city of the Gold Coast is a coastal urban area situated in the South East of Queensland Australia extends along almost 60 kilometres of coastline. The coastline features Australia's most renowned surf and tourist beaches and city also boasts some 270 kilometres of navigable waterways. Surfers Paradise is the centre of tourist activity within the Gold Coast, which is 78 kilometres by road south of Brisbane and 25-30 kilometres north of the … [Read more...]
Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Australia – September 2007
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest Koala sanctuary (founded 1927). Located only 20 minutes from Brisbane, it is a short drive, or you can easily take one of the buses which stops right in front. There are many other animals here but the focus is on the Koalas. You can even have your picture taken with one of the cuddly animals. Note some of the celebrity photos on display with the animals. Another highlight is the … [Read more...]
Australia Zoo, Crocodile Hunter AU – September 2006
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...]
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