Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country. During the month of Ramadan (usually in August), devout Muslims fast during the day, say several prayers and then break their fast with a special evening meal. This important time of year is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and it begins with the crescent moon phase. Fasting is obligatory for Muslims, with the exception of pregnant women, the ill, children or diabetics. From sunrise to … [Read more...]
Hawaiian Healing, Our Favorite Places
My husband and I love to travel, and Hawaii is one of our favorite destinations. We have been to Maui, Lanai and Oahu; Oahu is by far our favorite island. Oahu has a vast variety of things to do, such as hiking Diamond Head, shopping and enjoying nightlife in Waikiki with restaurants serving food of all cultures, visiting the Polynesian Cultural center, going to Luaus, and watching the surfers on the north shore. The local people are … [Read more...]
Beware of Camels and Mysterious Shisha
I thought to myself, “I knew this was a bad idea.” I was officially stuck on top of a camel. Even after two weeks in this scandalous country, I had managed to fall into yet another obvious scam. A young boy had approached me at the base of the Great Pyramid in Giza and sweet talked me into climbing onto his camel for a picture. It seemed harmless enough; camels are pretty docile, and I was not obligated to pay for a ride. Just a quick … [Read more...]
Day Trips from Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton, the capital of the Canadian province of New Brunswick, offers plenty of outdoor, cultural and historic activities to fill any traveler’s itinerary. However, Fredericton is also uniquely located among some of the most incredible natural treasures and scenic places in the world. Within two hours in any direction, you’ll find the ocean, the mountains and forests, as well as spectacular natural phenomena (14-metre tides!) and historic … [Read more...]
Touring Downtown Chicago with Chicago Detours
When you really know something and are passionate about sharing it with others - in this case the intricacies and stories of downtown Chicago, its history and its architecture - your enthusiasm and knowledge is contagious - and what looks like the mundane becomes intriguing. Such is the case of a tour with world traveler, Founder, Executive Director and Tour Guide of Chicago Detours, Amanda Scotese. Not only is her love for this city evident but … [Read more...]
A Totally Different Light Over Manila
Docking at the wharf of Manila reminds me of my first arrival in the city many years ago: the first of many arrivals I have experienced in the Philippine capital. A sunny climate greets me. The sunlight is intense yet reflecting so vibrantly upon the waters of Manila Bay. Over the years, there have been critics moaning about the city - mentioning its smog and chaotic traffic, its crimes, not to mention the voluminous homes (if such can be called … [Read more...]
Jerusalem: the Lion of this Kingdom
In May of 2009, my mother and I traversed France over 10 days. On our final day, at a Paris hotel, I perused cheap flights on the Internet, chancing upon a low-cost Belgian airline, JetAirFly, with one-way flights from Liege, Belgium, to Tel Aviv, for 99 euros. In Jerusalem, my nephew, Guy, and his mother, Miri, agreed to shelter me from the incoming cultural storm. My nerves tingled as I considered the implications: Judea, Israel, Jerusalem, … [Read more...]
2013 Dave’s Travel Corner Travel Essay Contest
Of all the past travel writing contests, this was the most difficult year to narrow down the entries to the top three winners. We initially selected 11 from over 100 entries. One entry stood out from the others and was the unanimous choice for our top spot. After discussion among the three judges - the three top entries are: Bring Adventure Back to Europe, by Richard Bangs Without An Address, You Can’t Go Home, … [Read more...]
From the Outside In: My Reflections as a Non-Muslim Wearing the Burqa in Silicon Valley
My curiosity to try wearing the most conservative Muslim, black Burqa drapery in California overcame my dread that I would be found out by a Muslim who might eagerly approach me as any of us might do when we find "our kind" in a foreign land. I was fearful of offending, or appearing to make light of a serious cultural tradition. It took an immense amount of courage to overcome my trepidation. But at last I decided to just go for it. Logically … [Read more...]
Trekking in Remote Papua New Guinea: Kokoda Homestay
Kokoda Homestay was set up by several villages around Kokoda with the help of Bruce, his wife Rosemary and her son Mark (who lives in Australia) as a way for travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle in the area and as a way for travelers to immerse themselves within the local culture. Rosemary taught school in the 1960's here and much later reconnected with some of her students. Bruce will help arrange your homestay and answer any … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- …
- 152
- Next Page »