Pasadena is a sizable city located at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. You may have heard the popular 60's pop song, The Little Old Lady from Pasadena recorded by Jan and Dean...a classic that can still be enjoyed today especially with the windows rolled down driving down Colorado Blvd or part of the 210 or 134 Freeways! The city enjoys a high standard of living - it was founded when wealthy East Coaster's would build "winter" homes and … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Shopping
The following are a few shopping districts and or shopping centers that we have visited in Los Angeles and Orange County. LOS ANGELES Los Angeles is one of Southern California's hubs for shopping and fashion ranging from high end shops in Beverly Hills to the mega sized shopping+entertainment centers. Many of these shopping centers do not just feature shops but are lifestyle destinations in and of themselves - boasting other attractions set … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Accommodation
Los Angeles offers a diversity of accommodation ranging from basic rooms to some of the state's top luxury properties. If you have your own suggestion for LA area hotels, please email dave@pon.net & reference this page in your email. We will consider all recommendations. We have personally stayed at nearly all the properties listed below. And be sure to scroll down to the map at the bottom of this page listing approximate pricing and … [Read more...]
Swiftboating the Mekong River
Pnomh Penh, Cambodia Dec. 19, 2004 After a hot and sweaty bus ride south from Saigon, I thought we reached the South China Sea when we first came across this open body of water. Then the driver filled us in that this was the Mekong River, still sixty kilometers inland from the sea. It is a truly massive river, a good deal wider than the Mississippi River down by New Orleans. From its headwaters in Tibet it has traveled about 4300 kilometers … [Read more...]
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb
9/1/2000 - Friday After traveling for three days and undergoing quite an ordeal getting from San Luis Obispo to Nairobi, Kenya, I finally arrive in the Nairobi airport at 7:50 pm. After going through Customs and gratefully retrieving my backpack and suitcase from the baggage claim area, I was overjoyed to see John Bragg there to greet me. We had some very long big hugs of relief to have made it to Nairobi safely and in time before the rest of … [Read more...]
Whitewater Rafting Forges Bonds Stronger than the Rapids
Colorado River Rafting is a Trip Visualize the boat's brow cutting through the swirling, surging water; the sun sparkling on the frothy waves, making tiny rainbows; the abrupt lurch of the craft, as the surging waves suddenly shift direction. The adrenalin is pumping, all senses alert, with nature working overtime to orchestrate a thrill you'll never forget. That's what most people think a raft trip entails, but there's much more going on. … [Read more...]
Las Vegas
One of the most exciting tours I have ever taken in my life was one of my Las Vegas grand canyon tours. Imagine floating in the air over the grand canyon, one of the wonders of the world. As we arranged for the champagne lunch tour, the helicopter company sent a limo to pick us up at the hotel. The ride lasted about five minutes then we were dropped off at the helicopter launch. Fellow passengers from all over the world chatted and waited for … [Read more...]
Business Travelers turn to B&B’s for their Internet Savy & Extra Value
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are Plugged In People expect a B&B to radiate charm and coziness. Travelers seek them out for their distinctive character, along with the personalized attention thrown in. But high-tech savvy? You bet! Despite their down-home demeanor, the typical B&B is exceptionally attuned to the benefits of the Internet. The B&B industry is closely linked up via the World Wide Web. Searchable B&B directories make it convenient … [Read more...]
My Time in Vietnam
Part I Vietnam Hanoi September 24 Bob left Hanoi right away on the train for Sapa near the Chinese border to do some trekking among the colorful minority villages and then to spend three days in Halang Bay learning to kayak. It is probably not surprising that the relationship has taken a beating on this trip so we are traveling separately until we join a friend in Hong Kong on November 20 when the three of us will spend two months in … [Read more...]
Schulz Museum
The following is an article that first appeared in the April 2003 issue of Upbeat Times, a regional newspaper which is published once a month in Sonoma County, CA. I had just arrived at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and was waiting in the front lobby when a young girl skipped in and the first excited words out of her mouth were "Mom, look its Snoopy!" I immediately saw what attracted her attention. On the wall were several … [Read more...]