So here's the idea: We had been trying to get out of the hotel for weeks, and finally, an opportunity presented itself. We were going to Matanzas, a town in the countryside of Cuba. It was the center of the slave trade in the time of its existence and in keeping with the trend of that trade, it created some of the most intriguing musical and cultural styles of the area. It is also completely untouched by tourism and it came highly recommended … [Read more...]
Eight Great Small Escapes
Save time and airfare by driving or taking the train to a getaway near you ... Like most people, you're likely watching your wallet more carefully these days and a big trip may not be on your list for this year. But getting away doesn't need to be a big affair to an exotic locale. Sometimes the best trips are close to home, especially when they maximize your time off and minimize your impact on the environment; by choosing a leisurely car or … [Read more...]
St Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle
St Patrick's Day celebrations have spread worldwide; with fans of Celtic culture from New York to New Zealand donning green and drinking whiskey in honor of all things Irish. Originally a religious feast day honoring Ireland's patron Saint, the first parades were actually held in Boston and New York in the eighteenth century. Today, 150,000 people take to the streets of New York for the 'Paddy's Day' Parade, which draws two million spectators … [Read more...]
Wadi’s, Deserts, Ocean, Arabic Hospitality – Enjoying Oman
The following is taken from Dave's Journal regarding his time in Oman in which he covered parts of Muscat, several Wadi's including Tiwi, the fort town of Nizwa, the main north south highway, and many areas within several hours driving of Salalah in the south. We have driven over 2000 miles so far! I must say that Oman is TRULY THE PINNACLE of off roading! With its huge, steep, rocky, remote wadis, large sand dunes, and tracks anywhere you … [Read more...]
Dhaka, Bangladesh
If you are looking for a country that often many westerner's cannot even identify its location on a map, a place where foreigners are generally treated with care and respect, a country that has not been polluted with tourism, the "land of smiles" and a country where you will rarely see foreign tourists, then consider a trip to Bangladesh. However note that tourism can be difficult for independent travelers. Airfare is generally fairly … [Read more...]
Relaxing in Ubud, Bali
Recently we were in Bali for a week. We spent most of our time in the Ubud area and this article focuses on area attractions and information regarding this region. The closest International Airport is in Denpasar which is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the town of Ubud. From the airport the cheapest way to get to Ubud is to take a taxi to the bus station in Legion/Kuta and from the station, a bus to the bus station in Ubud. Note that … [Read more...]
Almost alone in the Peruvian High Andes
I've been asked by several people why I'm spending all my time in the Andes and not seeing the rest of this diverse country. In my email below I provide my answer. I warn you that it's long, so if you are too busy or not interested, please delete now! I just returned from an incredible adventure in the mountains, and I'm at a loss for words... Whenever I visit spectacular scenery I always fail to find words to express the fullness of what I … [Read more...]
New Orleans
Welcome to Southern Louisiana! Or if you prefer, Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll). Here, in the "south" the people are friendly, the food is amazing and music is an ingrained part of people's daily life. It has been many years since the disastrous events of Hurricane sisters Katrina and Rita. Today there is little evidence of their disastrous swaths - now you actually have to look to find it. Time heals physically but … [Read more...]
Day 3 – Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville is a small town along the Mississippi River about 55 miles west of New Orleans. With friendly locals, quaint shops, galleries, two museums (Historical Donaldsonville Museum and the River Road African American Museum & Gallery), a historical district and good restaurants, one can easily spend a half day here. The nation's first African American mayor was elected to office in Donaldsonville in 1868, merely three years after the end … [Read more...]
Day 5 – Breaux Bridge, Music
Travelers who enjoy crawfish and or Cajun and Zydeco music, a visit to the town of Breaux Bridge is mandatory. Restaurants in this town were among the first in Louisiana to offer it on their printed menus, the crawfish etouffe, now common in southern Louisiana was invented here and the annual Crawfish Festival is held in the first week of May. You haven't seen a festival like this one before; features a crawfish eating contest (current record is … [Read more...]
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