Somewhere between the modern and the traditional, there lies Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s fascinating capital is a city evolving before our very eyes. Its population is rapidly trading its ancestral, nomadic ways for a more modern life while still trying to retain the uniqueness of its rich culture. Ulaanbaatar is a city in transition, moved by dynamics bigger than itself. It lies at the intersection of globalization, capitalism, the legacy of … [Read more...]
Introverted Travelling
As I was wading the fetid swamp of high school adolescence, I didn’t have many friends. I was teased and, not being a large boy, pushed around occasionally. I was also fairly bright, though not necessarily the brightest, and I found fart jokes or pinging bras by the high school boys to be crass and mundane. The jokes I found funny either soared over the low brows of my peers, or possibly were completely devoid of humour. I prefer to believe the … [Read more...]
World’s Most Dangerous Border
World’s Most Dangerous Border The bitter wind tore through my parka, as I stood less than 25 feet away from an armed North Korean soldier. I shivered again, but this time in reflection of where I stood. Sharply uniformed North and South Korean soldiers were patrolling with weapons by their side. I was in the DMZ, the demilitarized zone that bisects North and South Korea. Former President Bill Clinton, described it as the "the scariest … [Read more...]
Celebrating King’s Day (Koningsdag) in Amsterdam
Holland celebrated their own King's birthday (Willem-Alexander) for the 3rd year in a row in April 2016. This fun event is known as "Koningsdag" or "King's Day" and is held on April 27, a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Two of the Netherland's largest brands, KLM and Heineken, joined forces to celebrate this special occasion in variety of ways including bringing a lavishly decorated bright orange boat to the canals of … [Read more...]
Universal Studios Hollywood and TripAdvisor to Send One Lucky Winner and Guests on the Ultimate Harry Potter Trip Around the World
Universal Studios Hollywood and TripAdvisor to Send One Lucky Winner and Guests on the Ultimate Harry Potter Trip Around the World to Experience “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Theme Parks in Hollywood, Orlando and Japan and “The Making of Harry Potter” at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Sweepstakes Winners Begin Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure at the Highly-Anticipated Grand Opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal … [Read more...]
Everett Potter – Travel Journalist
Everett Potter is an accomplished journalist who has written for and currently writes for major publications. He also manages the well-regarded site, Everett Potter’s Travel Report. Besides his writing prowess he is an accomplished speaker. I was reminded of his career and work when I spotted one his articles "Snowshoes, a Love Story" in the January-March 2016 edition of the Ritz-Carlton Magazine. I reached out to him and these are his … [Read more...]
Broken Bridge, Dandong China – September 2015
The iron "Broken Bridge" was built over the Yalu River in 1911 by the Japanese. It was the first iron bridge over this river - later it was partially destroyed by USA military forces during the Korean War in 1950. The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge sits right next to the "broken bridge" and is the only bridge in Dandong to connect both countries and is in fact one of the few ways in and out of North Korea. A Beijing Pyongyang passenger train uses … [Read more...]
Plan Your Own Great Wall Adventure
A day trip to the Great Wall easily qualifies as a major highlight of our month long travels across China. In fact, I would even go as far as saying that if I had to pick just one “must” from a long list of great things to do/see in China, touring the Great Wall would be it -- although to visit only one location in China would be very distressing, as the rest of the country is fascinating. Why does the Great Wall qualify as my top … [Read more...]
New Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Launches with Bonus Miles and a Gift for Sustainability
Up to $100,000 Total Donation to the Polynesian Voyaging Society For All New Credit Cards Activated Between Today and May 31, 2014 HONOLULU - Hawaiian Airlines® with MasterCard®, Barclaycard US and Bank of Hawaii today announced the official launch of the richly rewarding Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard® for consumers and the Hawaiian Airlines Business MasterCard for small businesses. In celebration of the new card, new consumer and … [Read more...]
Plum Blossoms Mark a Spring of Festivals & Events in Hangzhou China
International Tea Expo, Cartoon and Animation Fair, Spring Festival Temple Fair, Winter-sweet and Mume Blossoms Show and the Wild Monkey Festival Hangzhou, China — The winter bloom of China’s distinct Mume flower, or “Plum Blossom,” marks the first signs of a Spring full of festivals and events in the ancient city of Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and splendid city in the world” for its ancient temples and the UNESCO … [Read more...]