Los Angeles and public transportation seem to be diametrically opposed, but the City of Angels does have a well-placed system of buses accessible from numerous reaches of this large metropolis. Yet, the use of public transportation here, unlike many other major cities is unfortunately rooted in classism; people of a certain social strata do not take the bus. This bias seems frivolous, as the buses are clean, cheap and fairly easy to access and … [Read more...]
What to do in Seoul
When traveling to East Asia Western tourists often hawk to Tokyo or cities in China, not to mention Hong Kong, which attracts an astonishing 50 million visitors per year. Largely left off the itinerary is Seoul, acting often as a stopover point (which is appropriate, as Incheon Airport has been named the best airport in the world.) But tourism in South Korea is gaining traction. It’s repeatedly been voted the world’s most wanted travel … [Read more...]
Visa run to Cambodia
My visa within Thailand was expiring in 2 days. Time to make another run for the border. Usually we are off in another country at some point during our time in Thailand so this is not an issue. But this year we just stayed domestic. Poipet on the Cambodia border is the closest border crossing to our village so we headed out that way. We reached this dusty chaotic border town in 2 hours. As is always the case we were met with enterprising men … [Read more...]
The Secret of Happiness: London (UK)
On Shakespeare's "Sceptr'd Isle," in London, John M. Edwards is confronted by an Aggro Cockney near Hyde Park's Free-Speech Forum: "Speaker's Corner" I once came across a swarthy gentleman wearing a sign around his neck emblazoned with the words, “The Secret of Happiness." Obviously a palmed pound coin could loosen the red rascal’s lips. Even if the “secret” was passed down generation to generation by word of mouth within a Da Vinci … [Read more...]
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns Queensland
I have spent the last few days exploring the Daintree Rainforest (the world's oldest rainforest) from the ground; now it was time to see it from above the canopy level. Fortunately the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is located just outside of Cairns. This is one of the do not miss Daintree Rainforest experiences. 7.5 Km of cable opened in 1995 and now brings passengers from near sea level up to 545 meters at its highest spot. Cable cars are … [Read more...]
Postcard from Cahuita: Wish You Were Here on the “Rich Coast” (Costa Rica)
John M. Edwards succumbs to the lures and snares of Costa Rica’s Caribbean “ecotourism,” instead of “narcissism,” in a relatively wealthy country translating literally as “Rich Coast.” I stood in a state of stupefaction, eavesdropping on a few randomundocumented locals who looked like they were engaging in a slapping fight—except with warm smiles of nonrecognition on their faces, maybe ganja buzzes. “Hey, mon, wha’appen!” “Wa’appen, … [Read more...]
Unusual holidays – volunteering in Zimbabwe
After I decided to volunteer at Antelope Park in Gweru in Zimbabwe many people asked me if I really wanted to go there. Everyone is afraid of something; I was afraid of big dogs. That is partly why I wanted to travel there - to test myself and overcome my fears. 'Where else in the world' – like the motto of Antelope Park says, can you walk with lions? When I reached Zimbabwe for the first couple of hours I felt afraid - not about the animals I … [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...]
The Abominable Sumatran
"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty apes!" A shaggy American with a Yankees cap and soul patch spat out the words haltingly, photographing a rust-colored simpering simian with a winsome pout who looked vaguely human. Unfortunately, the American was me. It was a fair imitation of Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes. Except we weren't extras in a futuristic flick where evolution goes awry. (As you'll remember, in the film, … [Read more...]
Uluru at Sunrise
You crankily awake at some ungodly hour like 4am to get ready to head out to see the sunrise on the face of Uluru. You are tired from drinking and staying up late to watch the brilliant stars the night before. You really don't want to roll out of bed. But when you are standing in front of this orange monolith sleep is the furthest thing from your mind. The sun slowly rises and caps Uluru in a gentle light bathing it softly then becoming … [Read more...]
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