All I knew about Corpus Christi, Texas, before I visited my step-daughter, Michelle, and her family there this summer was that it was a seaside vacation town on the Gulf of Mexico. I expected to find a typical American beach resort, replete with masses of tourists and messy hedonistic vitality. And, that’s what I found - in part. Corpus Christi certainly deserves its reputation as a fun and entertaining place to vacation. And, despite its size … [Read more...]
Israel, The Holy Land
There is a magical land located in the Middle East; it is but a relatively small dot on the map, but has played an enormous role politically and religiously throughout recorded history. This is a place described in the Old Testament as the Holy Land, home to the Israelites. This is Israel - a landscape of deserts, beaches and at times, snow-capped mountains. Israel is a travel destination sought out by a diversity of travelers: the foodie, the … [Read more...]
Swim with Dolphins: Good Idea?
It doesn’t take much looking these days when exploring travel options to come across adventures involving animals. There are LOTS of photos of people smiling with a wide variety of animals from their travels and adventures. You can swim with dolphins in Hawaii, stingrays (San Antonio, TX Sea World),and even sharks (Disney Aulani in Kapolei, HI)! On every continent there are animals to encounter and experiences to add to your memories – riding … [Read more...]
Nine Reasons to Visit the Azores Now
Name the group of nine European islands merely four-and-a-half hours from Boston Logan Airport. Stumped? You are not alone. Most of America has never heard of the Azores, couldn't locate them on a map, and wouldn't know what part of Europe claims them as countrymen. For the few who do know of the Atlantic eden 900 miles west of Portugal, this Zion is a cherished gift and a dichotomous burden. On one hand, the beauty and virginal nature of the … [Read more...]
A 3-Day Itinerary on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
We started our 3-week stay in Australia with 3 days on Kangaroo Island. The appeal of Australia was without surprise its rich and unique wildlife. Kangaroo Island seems to encompass many of what we looked for. Why Kangaroo Island? The third largest island in Australia with 155 km long and 55 km wide (96 miles by 34 miles), Kangaroo Island is not on the tourist trail and has stayed untouched from the big tourism. Indeed, a third of the island … [Read more...]
Dolphin Reef Spa in Eilat, Israel
Those who have visited Israel, or watched the satirical movie "Don't Mess with Zohan", will recognize another side of Israelis - one that is not so apparent unless you have befriended them or come in contact with them. Deep inside, they are a bunch of fun-loving hippies and love life like there's no tomorrow. It's all about the Work Hard, Play Hard mentality. That is one of the many reasons I love Israel so much. My third visit to the country was … [Read more...]
Trolling Humans for Whales, and Other Divine Madness from the North Country
The Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?” Alice Kingsley: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” The Mad Hatter: “There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it you need to be as mad as a hatter. Which luckily I am.” This seems crazy. In the stern of a Mark V Zodiac on the Arctic Sea I’m slipping into a dry suit, fitting into … [Read more...]
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Host Destination’s First-Ever Songwriter Festival
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest to Feature Exclusive Performances by Nationally Acclaimed Artists in Unique Venues on Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5, 2014 LEE COUNTY, Fla. – August 15, 2014 – The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, known for its stunning natural beauty and southwest Florida charm, invites music lovers to the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which will take place over two consecutive weekends, on Sept. 26-28 on Captiva Island, and … [Read more...]
How to Brave the Budapest Baths
Spa guy John M. Edwards feels frigging fantastic! If you're in Magyarorstag (Hungary), do as the Daubians do: Say goodbye to "bliss" and splash around au Naturale in the "eau de vie" of a real thermal spa, with a Red Bull in Hand... When you first arrive in Budapest for both (clandestine) “business and pleasure”-- feeling like a dumb foreign doppelganger soaking with sweat and stinking of brimstone--say no to the Four Seasons Hotel showers and … [Read more...]
A Fine Day Trolling the Coral Sea with Outrageous Fishing Charters
Billy Hansen is a first rate captain, a "salty dog" in all senses of that phrase. He comes with a number of tattoos, a scraggly long beard, at times salty language and nearly always a cigarette hanging out of the mouth. He is doing what he loves - introducing people to the world of ocean fishing on the local reefs just offshore from Port Douglas in Northern Queensland, Australia. Billy has fished all over the world from Fiji to California and up … [Read more...]