The highlight of a visit to this National Park is the Benxi Water Cave system (located about 45 minutes from the major city of Shenyang). This 500 million year old cave is the world's longest underwater river cave accessible by boat. It is one of this region's most visited attractions - the temperature is 12C year round - so if you are visiting in the summer its a welcome relief from the heat and during the dead of winter - a huge temperature … [Read more...]
Gliding to Confidence in Hocking Hills, Ohio
One of my favorite activities is hiking, yet I’m afraid of heights. I love trying different modes of transportation in my explorations, but I’ve been seasick on whale watching trips and catamaran booze cruises. While I’m a huge fan of beautiful views, driving in elevation, particularly if the roads wind and twist, tends to make me carsick. I generally feel colder than everyone else around me. To function at an optimal level, I need to eat more, … [Read more...]
Coming Home to Hocking Hills, Ohio
We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. -- T.S. Eliot The press trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio, that I was invited to sounded like just my kind of quirky fun – visits to a washboard factory and the world’s only pencil sharpener museum, candle and pottery-making classes, off-road Segway and zipline rides, and hikes - including a haunted one … [Read more...]
Foodie Paso Robles Comes Into Its Own
Just a few decades ago, sleepy Paso Robles, California, hosted no distilleries or craft breweries and only a few dozen pioneering wineries. Rodeos and pickup trucks were more pervasive than limos chauffeuring wine enthusiasts around this beautiful area in northern San Luis Obispo County. Today, vineyards abound in all directions and the overall “agriculture culture” remains strong in the fabric of this increasingly diverse community. When … [Read more...]
The ‘Gorges’ View, New York
Although there are so many places in other countries that are absolutely breath-taking, mind-numbing, and make you say I-need-a-picture-or-else-I’ll-never-forgive-myself, there are many beautiful places just in my home state, New York. And I’m talking nature, not Manhattan (which is a beauty in and of itself). In June 2014, my boyfriend Sarvar and I decided to venture upstate to a park called Watkins Glen State Park. It’s next to the village … [Read more...]
Bhutan: My Trek in Paro Chhu Valley, Jomolhari and my time in Thimphu
April 6th, SFO–Osaka–Bangkok My flight at 1055 was to Osaka (KIX) with another flight continuing on to Bangkok (BKK). My flight is delayed by one hour. I arrive at the airport at 0955 but the check-in agent needs to see an onward ticket from BKK and does not know where Bhutan is - and has not heard about Druk Air either! It takes 30 min, even though there are few people in the check-in queue while he verifies Thailand entry requirements for … [Read more...]
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia – December 2014
Lake Ohrid is one of Macedonia's true natural gems. The lake was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 - the lake itself is visually stunning but then you add a historical town such as the old city of Ohrid perched on hills and cliffs overlooking the lake, along with its picturesque architecture and you have a recipe for a truly beautiful spot. Small rocky beaches dot the edges of the cliffs - the old city of Ohrid boasts of a number … [Read more...]
Autumn Delight- Verde Canyon Hot Springs
Finally, time to relax and enjoy the last days of Indian Summer. Sliding into a rectangular basin full of clean, warm mineral water, my arms and legs titillate happily. As I lay my head back against the lip of the concrete tub to inhale the fresh, cool autumn air and take in the view of golden leafed oak trees and the Verde river meandering below the canyon. Undoubtedly, this is Nirvana. This is my first time visiting Verde Canyon and I … [Read more...]
Culture and Work Exchange in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert
As I exited the taxi a tall, dark, man wearing flashy sunglasses and brown tunic that nearly reached his ankles, approached me. This was Fawaz, my work exchange host for the next two weeks. While he appeared intimidating at first, maybe because of his height alone, his warm smile and outstretched hand made any first impressions quickly fade away. The head scarf he wore was similar to the "desert scarf" that had recently made its way in style in … [Read more...]
A Tour of Lahemaa National Park with Tallinn Traveller
The tour operator, Tallinn Traveler was founded in 2008 by initially offering short day walks around old town Tallinn. They have since expanded and offer a variety of day trips outside of Tallinn and now employ approximately 30 guides. All tours are offered in English. This particular tour was worth every Euro. Led by young, interesting and often humorous guides, this National Park tour touches on a variety of attractions within a 200km … [Read more...]
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