This is the story of how Stalin lost his nose and why the face of former British prime minister Tony Blair pops up in the strangest places in a former Soviet republic. But first I want to tell you about Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. And later I’ll tell you about kyz kuu, a kind of lovers’ kissing game they play on the steppe of central Asia. Kazakhstan, independent since 1991, and squeezed between those other ‘stans’ (homelands) … [Read more...]
The Kamping Fuhrer
Inside an Impressionist painting, in the French south, on the campground, inside the trailer, we were all talking and drinking up a storm like total strangers who’ve never met before. The bearded Brit nervously cleared his throat, extended his glass, and made polite overtures to my uncorked bottle of wretched red "vin de table." The mysterious Aragorn-like Englander looked like he hadn’t had a drink in an eon and that each sentence was framed … [Read more...]
Sheiks on the Plane, International Airspace
John M. Edwards flies into the wild blue yonder from London Heathrow to New York JFK, wedged in between two suspicious-looking suspected terrorists supposedly from the United Arab Emirates. . “Goddammit, there are snakes on the plane!” I couldn’t help but laugh at the drunken comment attributed to Samuel Jackson several aisles behind, followed by the lame “Don’t call me Shirley” from Airplane. While my two outlandishly dressed seatmates … [Read more...]
Bucket Shop Blues
Daring to save deflationary dollars during a worldwide recession, John M. Edwards tries a risky “bucket shop” for cheapo airfare to Amsterdam, ending up on a white-knuckles chariot charter flight from hell. . . . For the umpteenth time I must reiterate: It is now high time to cash in and use up all those Frequent Flyer Miles. But with a worldwide economic disaster grounding us with nightmare worries about the future and egregious … [Read more...]
Puerto Rico: The Real Fountain of Youth?
When Christopher Columbus made landfall in Puerto Rico during his second trans-Atlantic voyage, in 1493, a young Spanish nobleman, Ponce de León, some scholars believe, was on board. Rumors of hefty quantities of gold brought Ponce de Leon back, in 1508, where he found an islet with an excellent harbor he named Puerto Rico, or Rich Port. This would become the name of the island, while the town was renamed San Juan. He didn’t find gold, but was … [Read more...]
Top #epicOZ experiences
Australia is a country that begs to be explored - not quickly but slowly over a number of months. In the absence of such time, shorter trips are fine but focusing on a specific part of the country rather than trying to see to much. The distances are great and the experiences diverse. So to is the culture, the weather and the natural landscape. After a number of trips to the country I've spent some time coming up with some of my most epic … [Read more...]
A St. Augustine Culinary Adventure
With the term “culinary destination” so overused, it’s refreshing to visit a town that is a bona fide foodie hotspot. As America’s oldest city, I was not surprised to discover that St. Augustine is loaded with perfectly preserved forts, historic sites and European flair. St. Augustine is in Florida, so the glorious beaches and pristine waterways that surround the city were appreciated, but expected. What grabbed my attention are the big things … [Read more...]
Stay: Miracle Hot Springs of Desert Hot Springs California + Local Attractions
A dry breeze blows - a few clouds drift by overhead lit up by a quarter moon that is bright yet not so overpowering that plenty of stars still shine through brightly. You are in the desert - about a two hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. The property is Miracle Springs Resort in Desert Hot Springs. This family owned resort is built on top of several layers of underground lakes (aquifers) located approximately 300 feet below the surface. … [Read more...]
In San Sebastian, The Surf and the Fun Are All that Matter
I never anticipate travel delays. But lately, I’ve taken to relishing where they will take me. What adventures lie ahead if you’re willing to take the risk, and just go with what happens? I went to get my reservation for my train trip to Coimbra, Portugal and when I finally made it to the SNCF office they told me the train was sold out. The European soccer championships were being played in Lisbon, I was told. “You can ask the conductor, but … [Read more...]
Dreaming of a One Week Road trip in Nova Scotia
I have been to Western Canada several times, exploring the inspirational Canadian Rockies of Alberta and British Columbia. Yet on my next visit to our neighbor to the north, I plan to stay east. I’ve got my eye on a visit to Nova Scotia. When I travel, I love to visit a mix of both urban and natural settings. I love the adrenaline rush of cities, with their variety of attractions, museums and restaurants, but I also relish the inspiration the … [Read more...]
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