"Shriek, inte. Shriek, inte." In her panic, Lisa resorted to Swedish. I tried to stop shouting, but my fear flew out of my mouth in a high-pitched scream. The flap of large white wings threatened boat upheaval. We clung to our paddles. "Why the heck did I come to Sweden, anyhow?" I thought. "I might die here today." *** When I filled out the exchange student profile, I checked the box for 'no pets'. Smoking - heck yeah, I'll inhale … [Read more...]
Visit Barcelona a la L’Auberge Espagnole
Besides telling us about the adventures of a year abroad it takes us on a tour of magnificent Barcelona. So next time we are staying in Barcelona accommodation, let’s explore the city through the eyes of Xavier, the protagonist of the story. On his search for a place to stay Xavier, a French exchange student, ends up moving into an apartment in the Raval district with 6 other international students. As you can imagine, things could get a … [Read more...]
Once in a Lifetime
What did I know about birds? Enough to feed spinach greens, not stale muffins, to the domestic ducks at Recreation Park in my hometown of Long Beach, CA. Enough to avoid annoying the thirty-pound swans in London's Hyde Park. Enough to understand that silence was golden while trailing knowledgeable birdwatchers in the woods near The House of the Doves at Uxmal. And once, at my grandmother's house in Los Angeles when I was ten, I learned the hard … [Read more...]
The origin of Spanish stereotypes
When people hear the term "stereotype" it has somewhat of a bitter taste to it and one immediately assumes it is something negative and it slips into the meaning of "prejudice." However, if we are being accurate a stereotype is merely a popular belief about a specific group based on assumptions and conceptions. Curious about it, however, is that whether we condone them or not, we often use them as a point of orientation, when we don't know much … [Read more...]
More fun in Los Angeles
There's always, always something to do in Los Angeles and this past weekend was no different. Stumbled into a place to stay at the last minute - turned out to be where George Clooney used to live and Quentin Tarantino wrote Pulp Fiction. Nice! Location was quintessential West Hollywood - minutes from the "strip". Hit the LACOT Travel Tweetup at the Xbar at the Hyatt in Century City. Good to reconnect with other LA area based travelers … [Read more...]
Island Escape, Roxy Maldives Resort
A stay on a private island in the middle of the Maldives can make the rest of the world seem mundane, pedestrian in comparison. Such is the case of Roxy Maldives Resort (formerly Zitahli Resort & Spa Kuda-Funafaru) on its own private island in the heart of the Noonu Atoll, accessible via a 50 minute seaplane ride from Male (the capital city of the Maldives). The "welcome pier" at Roxy Maldives "Remote" Maldivian resorts such as these … [Read more...]
Pack for a Purpose with the Selous Safari Comany in Tanzania
Small space. Little Effort. Big Impact. Pack For A Purpose (www.packforapurpose.org) is a simple concept that makes a big impact on the lives of children around the world. The organization was founded on the principal that every little helps; all it takes is to use a small amount of holiday luggage space for medical supplies and educational materials. The Selous Safari Company in southern Tanzania is one of Pack For A Purpose's biggest … [Read more...]
Long Weekend in Puerto Rico
Spend a Long Weekend in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is an ideal Caribbean Island for a number of reasons; history - with buildings that date back to the 1520's there is no older "western culture" in the Western Hemisphere. Christopher Columbus claimed Puerto Rico for Spain in 1493. Food - Puerto Rican cuisine is Spanish & Caribbean influenced, outdoor activities, water sports, great beaches and ease of travel. Its a "fly and drive" destination. … [Read more...]
May’s Sizzlin’ News From Hawai’i, The Big Island
Hawai'i Island (May 3, 2011) - Spring has sprung on Hawai'i Island, where the yellow, red and salmon-colored blossoms of native 'ōhi'a lehua trees greet visitors in special abundance this time of year. Plan your spring fling now, and be inspired by Hawai'i Island's natural beauty all year long. ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Why Hilo? Fly Hilo! Hilo will welcome two new direct flights from California in June. United Airlines (operated by … [Read more...]
Grayton Beach Affair
Grayton Beach Affair by James Harvey A World War II story. A fleeting romance. A secret mission. Thrown together by the circumstances of war, main character Christian Wolfe finds himself sent to America from Germany on a mission to rescue a German POW. For the two day "affair" he is on American soil in Grayton Beach Florida and finds himself caught up with a beautiful girl. Harvey weaves a tale of suspense and unfinished romance set against … [Read more...]
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