We heard someone once say that living in Mariposa County will turn you into a photographer. Perhaps just visiting Yosemite will do the trick. Picturesque locations await you from massive granite formations to amazing waterfalls, to sweeping mountain vistas to alpine lakes. 95% of the visitors to Yosemite National Park visit 5% of its total landmass - this 5% being the valley floor. As a result it is fairly easy to become immersed in Yosemite's … [Read more...]
Egypt Uncovered
A vast expanse of sand stretched out before me, the fine soft grains covered in abstract monoliths of all shapes and sizes. For a moment, I felt as though I had been transported onto the film set of a "Star Wars" movie. All I needed now was my son's light saber and you could call me Luke Skywalker. The rock-strewn landscape glittered like gold in the midday sun, the harsh rays bouncing off the twisted structures. Eager to get a birds eye view … [Read more...]
Day 3 – Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville is a small town along the Mississippi River about 55 miles west of New Orleans. With friendly locals, quaint shops, galleries, two museums (Historical Donaldsonville Museum and the River Road African American Museum & Gallery), a historical district and good restaurants, one can easily spend a half day here. The nation's first African American mayor was elected to office in Donaldsonville in 1868, merely three years after the end … [Read more...]
Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Australia – September 2007
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest Koala sanctuary (founded 1927). Located only 20 minutes from Brisbane, it is a short drive, or you can easily take one of the buses which stops right in front. There are many other animals here but the focus is on the Koalas. You can even have your picture taken with one of the cuddly animals. Note some of the celebrity photos on display with the animals. Another highlight is the … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles anchors the heart of Southern California and LA is the 'King' here in the south land. International tourists who visit California often say to me, I visited Los Angeles and San Francisco, and I really didn't like Los Angeles, but San Francisco was so awesome; it is such a small city - easy to get around, manageable, picturesque etc. Well that is not what LA is about. To the casual visitor Los Angeles can be extremely overwhelming to … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Venues and Theatres
The following are select venues that we have visited and or attended an event at - in the Los Angeles area. Some of these venues are also discussed on our Hollywood page. Also note that sports stadiums and arenas often hold live performances and host major entertainment stars. We provide reviews of the major LA area stadiums and arenas here. Bob Baker Marionette Theatre. If one spends some time digging through all the layers of Los … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood
Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood. Few locations in the world have the instant International recognition and exposure that Hollywood has. Hollywood is only a name that most movie goers associate with the Film and TV industry. However, most people have no idea that its only a cog in the wheel of the vast movie making business which is centered in Southern California. In fact, of the major studios, only Paramount Studios is still located within Hollywood … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Irvine
Irvine (current population over 230,000) takes its namesake from James Irvine, the founder of Irvine Ranch (along with two partners). This huge ranch was originally 185 square miles of land (about a 1/4 of the entire present day Orange County). Irvine's son, also named James - inherited the ranch and then founded The Irvine Company in 1894. After his death in 1947 the company was controlled by his Foundation and stock holders. Eventually it was … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Torrance
Perhaps Torrance is not the first city you think of when visiting Los Angeles - but when digging into the city's history and unique attractions you quickly find that this is a city worth exploring. While flight was invented by the Wright Brothers near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina - it is in Torrance that flight was developed as a commercial entity. A number of company headquarters are located here - it is ground zero for International auto … [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...]