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...]
Peace, Love and Vodka
The Woodstock Festival took place in New York State’s Catskill Mountains in 1969. Whether you lived through it or were born decades later, Woodstock is the stuff of legends, three days of peace, love and music. Rock and roll giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Grateful Dead and many other icons preformed. Though called Woodstock, the concert didn’t actually take place in the town of Woodstock. It took place in the rural community … [Read more...]
A lifetime of local Knowledge – Thai Village Life
It is impressive the resourcefulness Syy's mom has at her disposal. We've been washing dishes from a liquid soap she's created from a number of mostly organic ingredients. She makes a lip balm out of coconut milk and wild bees wax collected from nearby hives. It smells quite pleasant and works very well for chapped lips. The rice wine takes her most of the day to make - and ferments for about 8 days before its ready to drink. We've had running … [Read more...]
Free Admission to Queen Mary, Long Beach CA
WHISTLE SALUTES, FIREWORKS CELEBRATION AND PUBLIC VIEWING OF HISTORIC MEETING OF SHIPS IN LONG BEACH HARBOR LONG BEACH, CA (March 5, 2013) --- On the evening of March 12th, 2013 in the Long Beach Harbor the world famous former Cunard liner R.M.S. Queen Mary, once the undisputed Grand Dame of the North Atlantic, will be visited by the youngest Cunarder Queen Elizabeth. In celebration of this historic moment, the Queen Mary will offer free … [Read more...]
Roxy Resort & Spa, Maldives – March 2013
Roxy Resort Maldives (formerly Zitahli Resort) is a beautiful resort located on a small private island about a 50 minute seaplane ride from the capital city of Male. This luxurious and secluded getaway is the perfect respite for "escaping" the world for a while in the middle of aqua marine waters. A stay on this private island in the middle of the Maldives can make the rest of the world seem mundane, pedestrian in comparison. The staff is part of … [Read more...]
Greetings from the Village – Eastern Thailand
We are back in the village for the next month - enjoying some fine R&R after a hectic schedule from this past year. The kids are learning Chinese in school and are happy to practice. Our niece of almost 5 years old informed us today that she is "tired of being a Thai girl and wants to be an American girl". We asked her to speak some English but all she could say was "thank you" over and over again! There is a rash of road accidents this past … [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...]
Mystic Fool
Mystic Fool by Andy Hill This is a tale of a nomadic traveler (Ian) drifting through South East Asia trying to find some meaning in his own life. He is a heavy drinker; the alcohol fuels his travels and at times perhaps his thoughts about life and spirituality. During his time in northern Thailand he meets an older man at a bar - perhaps a glimpse into his "future self". This man imparts some wisdom and advice from his own years, as well as … [Read more...]
Charming and Mysterious Mazatlan
We had never been to Mazatlan, Mexico before and weren’t sure what to expect — except beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, perhaps. We found those and so much more, including history, culture and adventure. Mazatlan is a charming Mexican city with a distinctive character and even a little mystery. In Mazatlan, traditions have continued for many years allowing it to maintain an authenticity that one doesn’t find in many resort areas. The people … [Read more...]
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