Sweet dreams are made of this. From Russia (with love) to South Korea by Ferry I get a good night's sleep after the wonderful exploration of Vladivostok yesterday. I think about taking a bus to the funicular railway, one of only two in Russia. The second one has just been built in Sochi for the recent Winter Olympics. However, I choose a lie-in and a good breakfast instead. The warmth of the hotel compared to the freezing temperatures outside … [Read more...]
Looking Cool, Feeling Lonely
After my first year of college, I was dying to do something by myself. Freshman year was filled with group outings, constantly noisy dorms, and very little personal space. I arrogantly prided myself in being an introvert, and thought I was so cool for being brave enough to travel through Europe by myself. This two-week solo trip was my chance to establish my independence over the summer, and prove that I was an adult. But it turns out that I was … [Read more...]
Fall in Vail, Colorado
I am careening downhill on my rented cycle, hair streaming behind me, the cool September air of the Colorado mountains rushing past my face. I’m grinning. Biking is exhilarating, I realize, especially when you’re on a paved path weaving through stunning fall scenery. Yup, I'm in Vail, Colorado to experience adventure, romance, and world-class cuisine with my husband, courtesy of Vail Tourism. Growing up in the Bay Area, Vail and Aspen to me … [Read more...]
Isn’t it Iranic?
The taproot of the tree of civilization, Iran. While the USA is an entity less than a quarter a millennium young, Iran’s recorded history bows back 5000 years. At its height, about 500 B.C., Persia controlled more than 2.9 million square miles of land spanning three continents, east into India, south to Egypt, westward to Greece. It reigned over roughly 44% of the world’s population, making it the largest world power ever by population … [Read more...]
All-in Tickets from KLM Airlines
I have flown my share of budget airlines (mostly in Europe as they are often reasonably priced and quick way around the continent) but you always get what you pay for: a basic seat, very limited carry-on luggage allowances and generally no food or drink. Often the flights are to secondary airports that aren't always central to your final destination. While these in continent flights are typically only a few hours at most, there are certainly also … [Read more...]
Elephants in Indonesia
When I was a kid I did not want to get a dog or a kitten. I did not even want toys for presents! Everybody was surprised by my wish because I expressed it from very small age and everyone was wondering why. I wanted to see how it does it feel to be next to the most gigantic animal on the planet. How does it feel to watch it walking, eating, and taking care of its children? I wanted to see an elephant. My wish grew bigger as the year was … [Read more...]
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Explore The Arts
Santa Fe and art go together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This northern New Mexico town has been attracting artists for decades. Like magnets, they are drawn to the magical light, turquoise sky and starkly stunning landscape. Galleries galore and top-notch museums attract art appreciators like bees to honey. Georgia O’Keeffe was deeply inspired by Santa Fe. At her namesake museum, you’ll find plenty of examples of her sensual, … [Read more...]
National Geographic, New York Times Best-Selling Author Dan Buettner and Gallup Announce The 25 Happiest Cities in the United States
National Geographic, Gallup and New York Times best-selling author and National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner have announced The 25 Happiest Cities in the United States based on The National Geographic/Blue Zones® Index. The Index was specifically developed to measure a population’s happiness based on 15 metrics including civic engagement, walkability and healthful food options. Boulder, Colorado tops the list with walkability, access to … [Read more...]
Finding Inspiration (and lots of fish) at Waterfall Resort, Alaska
52-acres of wilderness await guests at Waterfall Resort - a private fishing lodge located on Prince of Wales Island near Alaska's Inside Passage. Seasonal runs of large numbers of fish pass through here including wild king and silver salmon, various size halibut (and this fish can easily get over 100 pounds), lingcod and numerous other types of fish. The site of the resort was once a thriving cannery - founded in 1912 and operating through the … [Read more...]
Good Beer, Good Cheer: 200 Years of Stuttgart’s Cannstatter Volksfest
It’s a fine feeling to be a stranger at a big party and feel fully welcome. It’s an even better feeling when everybody at the party seems like they are having the time of their lives. And if the party goes on for 17 days straight, well, I guess that’s 17 days of good feelings—though you might want to nap now and then. In Stuttgart, Germany, they’ve been having a whale of a party for a mere 200 years or so. I was just at the 199th year, and … [Read more...]
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