I've lived in the Bay Area, in northern California, since I was a kid, but have rarely had a reason to visit Oakland over the years. Oakland often evokes images of a poverty ridden, perhaps even a crime inflicted town. I just never thought it had anything worth checking out. I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Oakland as part of a hosted trip for Dave's Travel Corner and boy was I wrong about Oakland. The city is definitely up … [Read more...]
Planning the perfect piste-side proposal
Of all the locations to choose when planning your proposal to the person of your dreams, few can match the serene majesty of the Alps. The heady mix of crisp, fresh air, rugged mountain scenery and glistening snow makes the Alps the ideal place to pop the question. Wrapped up warm against the elements, the sparkling ring and glistening snow complimenting her beaming smile; what could be more perfect? Of all the locations to choose when … [Read more...]
Turkey Day in Turkiye
John M. Edwards, a Mayflower descendant, becomes a pilgrim in Turkey Originally I was going to write about haggling with friendly, but aggressive, Turkish merchants over carpets and kilims, amidst endless rounds of little glasses of thé du menthe–until I realized everyone else had already exhausted this topic. The gist: you end up getting ripped off, but you like the carpet anyway. Then I thought I’d write about the wonders of Instanbul, … [Read more...]
The Most Romantic Destinations in Paris
Paris, France has long been considered the mecca for romantic destinations across the world. It's clear this starry-eyed reputation is well deserved from the moment you step into the city. From the charming cobbled stone streets to the beautiful and exceptional cafés, there's a lot to love in this most vibrant part of beautiful France. Although your average romantic is certainly capable of finding plenty of amorous destinations from simply … [Read more...]
A Trace of Thrace: Balkan Adventure
In Plovdiv, Bulgaria, John M. Edwards snitches on the mystery-shrouded Balkans’ best-kept secret: an ancient (and enduring) heresy I was on the way slow train from Budapest through the Balkans, on my way to Bulgaria, chainsmoking and guzzling Egri Bikavier (Bull’s Blood) wine, when the train came to a juddering halt and was boarded by heavily armed Serbian soldiers. A Serb with an impressive handlebar moustache and an assault rifle demanded … [Read more...]
What To Do With 24 Hours in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik's dramatic location – nestled between the mountains and the Adriatic Sea – is overshadowed only by the beauty of the medieval walled town at its heart. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and home of the many luxury hotels Croatia now offers, Dubrovnik is the main reason so many tourists are flocking to book their Croatia holidays. If you only have 24 hours here, you need to make them count. 8am: Arrive at Dubrovnik airport. … [Read more...]
Barcelona’s Best Tapas Bars
Barcelona is well known for its incredible culinary offers and has really become a foodie’s paradise in recent years. From fresh fish and paellas to delicious meats and stews, Catalan cuisine certainly has something for everyone. What’s very much a la mode however, is ir de tapeo, a chilled out, gastronomic bar crawl where musings are shared over a selection of delicious tapas. But with so many great bars in the city, it’s difficult to know where … [Read more...]
Turks and Caicos and the Atlantic Kite Challenge
Blue Haven Resort and Marina in Turks and Caicos Selected as Official Arrival Destination For the Atlantic Kite Challenge PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS - Oct. 275, 2013 – Christopher Columbus was alleged to have made first landfall in the Western world in 1492 on the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands. While this fact has not been proven, the six riders of the Atlantic Kite Challenge will leave no doubt once they arrive at Blue Haven … [Read more...]
Gotham
John M. Edwards, alias ”Tom James, Zagat Reviewer,” wonders if a bon vivant who can’t cook but can criticize, could possibly win a James Beard prize for “gourmandism.” “I’m sorry but we are fully committed!” The dumbed-down dame maitr’d, a dead ringer for “Jewel,” flashed an ultra ambiguous vampyr smile. Inside, it did indeed slightly resemble a lunatic asylum. Horsey-faced tourists yammered loudly, throwing back their heads with … [Read more...]
Waltzing through the Kaffehaus Kultura Vienna
“The [Café] Central is a place for people who have to kill time, so as not to be killed by it. . . .” --Alfred Polgar “I AM SIGMUND SPIELBERG!!!” The obviously unemployable flaneur with umlaut eyes landed at my marble-topped table without a proper invite, brusquely pushing aside a Thonet wooden chair. Brandishing a copy of Der Spiegel on a wooden rolling pin in his left hand, and reeking from an unfortunate cologne resembling turning … [Read more...]
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