Napa Valley is a narrow long valley located about an hour north and slightly east of San Francisco. This is California and the USA's premiere Internationally recognized wine region. Cabernet is the "king" of the varietals produced in this region and most wineries produce at least one vintage of this wine. There are approximately 1,000 wineries/producers in the valley making wine commercially and of these a fair number are open to the public. … [Read more...]
Splendour of the Far East: The Philippines
My plane bucks like a wild horse on the final approach before landing through disturbing clouds that crowd late afternoon summer skies over Manila. Beside me a Singaporean Flight Engineer and his wife eagerly peer out the window for a first glimpse of the city. "We've been visiting the islands a number of times," she explains, reminding me of how neighbouring Asians refer to the rest of the country, "and can't wait to get back. Philippines are … [Read more...]
Greetings from Yemen & Notes from Oman
What a remote, interesting, economically poor (despite sitting on huge undeveloped oil reserves), culturally rich country. We left the Indian influence far behind in Oman in as India's great influence all over this part of the world hasn't quite made it to this part of Northern Yemen. The food here is much better than the food we dis-joyed in Oman. Typical scene - we walk into any one of numerous restaurants - US: "what type of food do you have" … [Read more...]
ALO’s Guide to Finding yourself in Turkey
The cradle of civilization reaches across Asia and Europe welcoming all who enter its majestic beauty. In the hotel high above the Mediterranean Sea, a sunny day with light grey, puffy clouds wrap the sky in silver gauze. Rain seems imminent, but that is not a concern this morning. Shopping is on the top of my list - that is after room service. I like to brag that my idea of roughing it on vacation is either no cable television or no room … [Read more...]
The Golden Triangle of Andalucia
The rattle of castanets and the sob of guitars drift into the narrow streets from hole-in-the-wall flamenco night spots. Not since tears would come to my eyes when Hansel and Gretel got lost in the woods, had I ever imagined that I could be lost in a forest. But here I was, fully-grown and wandering in the late afternoon gloom, softly calling for my husband. Softly because this was no ordinary woods but a hallowed forest with 850 towering … [Read more...]
Jordan, Oasis of Peace & Beauty
From the cloak of Wadi Rum serenity to the nutrient-rich mud from the Dead Sea, Jordan delivers to the heart and soul of travelers. When I traveled there this past spring, I was struck by the misconceptions the West has of the Middle East. Americans, especially, tend to think of it as a menacing place, but nothing is further from the truth, considering that Jordan enjoys a crime rate well below that of Sweden. As soon as I said I was … [Read more...]
Diving St. Croix
St. Croix is one of those hidden gems, not just for divers looking for great diving in lesser known locales, but for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and more visited places that have become way too 'touristy'. Here divers will find healthy, pristine reefs, a few wrecks, great macro diving, plus the famous 'Wall'. Because it's off the beaten path, Saint Croix is one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean. You'll not only … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Wineries
Bienvenidos al tierra del Malbec - or in English, Welcome to the land of Malbec! Numerous wineries within the region make this wine and it is commonly served in local restaurants. Lesser common, is Bonarda, also a red grape and Torrontés, a white grape. With that said, Mendoza is known for Malbec but the region certainly produces wines from numerous other varietals. Within an hour's drive of the city of Mendoza are several hundred wineries. … [Read more...]
Greetings from Peru!!
Arrived in Lima and rested all day which was good. Saw the catacombs underground in the 16th century St Francis of Assisi Monastery. Many skulls staring upwards with individual bones all separated and arranged nicely in neat orderly piles. Took bus overnight to C. Huayash - the pass was about 14,000 feet which we hit at 1am. I was in bad shape by then - arrived at 6am into town and immediately found hostel and crashed. For 2 days was … [Read more...]
Waitomo Glow-Worms, New Zealand – March 2007
The famous Waitomo Glow Worm caves and grotto are located about 2 hours driving south of Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. New Zealand has many other glow worm caves and but none quite as spectacular as this one. Enjoy a slow moving boat ride through the tunnels ending in the huge Glow Worm Grotto - with thousands of glow worms glowing brightly. Also consider a unique once in a lifetime rafting trip down one of the other nearby caves … [Read more...]
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