My love affair with Finland began the moment I stepped off the Finnair plane. My ancestry is Norwegian and I guess something primal in my Viking genes bonds me in kindred spirit with this unique Nordic land. Having toured over a hundred countries, this is virgin territory for me and what an utterly cool place to visit in January. I've packed enough thermal gear to survive the most brutal blizzards but on arrival in Helsinki today, there is no … [Read more...]
Chocolates, Beer, Bikes & Barges: Adventures for Singles, Belgium & Holland 2006
We arrived to cosmopolitan Brussels with 3 lost bags and 1 missing person. One suitcase went to Moscow but all caught up eventually. Janice and I are led a perfect size group of 39, not too big to get lost in or too small for comfort. Each July trip draws school teachers who have loyally followed me around the world and they do love Europe. We began with a light orientation tour in the historic heart of this capital, followed by a tour of the … [Read more...]
AFS December Christmas Markets Germany
We arrive in Munich and our guide makes it clear this is Bavaria. This trip Bavarians favor autonomy from Germany and even have their own language. I've been here many times but looking through sober eyes now, I find it more vibrant, clean and sophisticated. We spend 2 days with Nancy, an excellent guide who has already emailed me to remain in touch. I have a mini-group of just 26 so this is like a vacation for me. It's a first time abroad … [Read more...]
Walking with Ghosts
Hurricane Katrina had no favorites. She picked equally on the weak and the strong, black and white. She stomped on the rich and the poor and she stopped life in its tracks. Imagine life with all your possessions in the front yard or in the gutters. Worse yet, imagine you have no possessions, no house. Imagine searching for your friends, your family or your pet weeks after they disappeared. Yes, just imagine! This is the reality for thousands … [Read more...]
LA Freeways, Los Angeles Freeways
Los Angeles, CA – LA Freeways, Los Angeles Freeways - The freeways of Los Angeles and Orange County. The people of Southern California are in a love hate relationship with their freeways. The logo of Los Angeles could be a number of things, but it might very well in fact be one of the automobile. There is an intensity and power found on Los Angeles freeways rarely found in other big cities. The freeways in Los Angeles were among the first and … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Arts District
Vineyards - lots of them, planted to Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grew on the north east fringes of what is now the Arts District along the edge of the Los Angeles River. The years were the 1830's and the 1840's and the man responsible for these vines was Jean Louis Vignes, a french immigrant who came to California in 1831. By the way, a street near downtown still carries his name. By 1849 his 'little' vineyard called El Aliso was … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Burbank
Burbank is often called the "Media Capital of the World" - and for good reason. Located within a short drive of Hollywood, a number of prominent studios and entertainment companies have their headquarters in town as well as production facilities. And a number of prominent films have been shot in Burbank both in studio and around the city including Apollo 13, Back to the Future, Casablanca, Jurassic Park and many other movies you know and … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Venice Beach
Venice Beach is located just south of Santa Monica along the edge of the Pacific Ocean. This is a town of eclectic dichotomy of street side artists and backpackers along with a mix of trendy upscale establishments. Venice is home to numerous actors and actresses and the city has been featured in a number of films and TV shows including Baywatch. Very popular with surfers and you will often see surfers riding bicycles with their surf boards … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Restaurants
There are literally thousands of restaurants in Los Angeles and compared to some large cities, overall the food here is generally quite good. Unlike in some cities, excellent restaurants are not always the most expensive or 'polished' - rather often some of LA's best food is found in unassuming strip malls. Pick any type of food you can think of. Los Angeles will have it. Any type of food. Chances are you will find a number of restaurants serving … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Random Attractions & Activities
Alpine Village California Polo Club Graffiti Shepherd's Grove LA River Magic Castle Miracle Mile Oakley HQ Spadena House Wayfarers Chapel The following are activities or attractions that perhaps you normally wouldn't initially consider visiting in Los Angeles or Orange County (especially for first time visitors). Often are secret locations or off the beaten path. Alpine Village Alpine Village - is located at … [Read more...]
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