There is a theory of “primitive affluence” that suggests that when a society has its primary needs met by Nature...food, shelter, clothing…then it will turn to creativity. Bali, a tropical island in Indonesia where the rich volcanic soil produces an abundance of food and materials for fabrics and building, is held as an example. The trope is that “everyone in Bali is an artist.” Yet, while it is true that most everyone spends days carving, … [Read more...]
The Abominable Sumatran
"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty apes!" A shaggy American with a Yankees cap and soul patch spat out the words haltingly, photographing a rust-colored simpering simian with a winsome pout who looked vaguely human. Unfortunately, the American was me. It was a fair imitation of Charlton Heston in Planet of the Apes. Except we weren't extras in a futuristic flick where evolution goes awry. (As you'll remember, in the film, … [Read more...]
Cock-a-Doodle-Don’t, Cockfighting in the Philippines
John M. Edwards attends a horrific “cockfight” on Bantayan Island in the Philippines, only to end up wondering what exactly were the ingredients in the national dish of adobo. . . . The roosters swaggered around like Mick and Keith, with dangerously sharp spurs attached to their legs. While the apocalyptic poultry sussed each other out with malice, the excitement began to build. My two new Norwegian backpacker friends snapped photos with … [Read more...]
9th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Returns
THE 9TH ANNUAL LOS ANGELES TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW® RETURNS TO THE LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FEBRUARY 8-9, 2014 Rick Steves, Travel Channel's Samantha Brown, Todd Carmichael, Don Wildman, Peter Greenberg, Pauline Frommer, Patricia Schultz among exclusive featured speakers (LOS ANGELES, CA) - L.A.'s favorite and the country's largest travel show will return to the Long Beach Convention Center on February 8 and 9. Named as one of Southern … [Read more...]
Epicure.SB Heats up with 100+ Choices in October
Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Santa Barbara’s Month-Long Epicurean Adventure Santa Barbara, CA (September 16, 2013) — Celebrate the best of the Santa Barbara South Coast’s cuisine, libations and culture during the month-long culinary extravaganza epicure. The 5th anniversary of this popular event celebrates the Spirit of Santa Barbara with over 100 ways to crave, toast and explore the bounty of the region. With 31 days, 67 events, 17 prix … [Read more...]
River Cruise vs. Mini Cruise: The Pros & Cons Explored
Taking a cruise can be a memorable and exhilarating experience. Deciding whether to take a river cruise or a mini cruise is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to both choices and choosing the right one will make all the difference in your holiday experience. Whether you are interested in visiting a popular Caribbean island or a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, there are great cruises for every seafarer. River Cruises … [Read more...]
Indonesia: Hello Mister!
The motion sensor detects my presence and two glass doors slide open to grant me entry into the Woolworth's Supermarket. I grab a trolly (shopping cart) and peruse the isles pausing to examine labels at my will. Although I have been shopping for decades, this time feels a little different. To my right a woman in pink track shorts excuses herself to reach across and grab the peanut butter. A mother wheels by with a small girl strapped in the … [Read more...]
Sumatran Blend, Ripples on the Edge of Time: Toba or not Toba?
An American backpacker treats Sumatra, Indonesia’s “Lake Toba”--filled with crunchy Elysian entrepots --as a writers’ retreat where backing off comes with the territory “Characters are just like black marks on paper. . . --William Gass, Fiction and the Right of Life I arrive by high-speed hydrofoil across the Malacca Straits to Medan, the ersatz capital of Sumatra, during Ramadan. I was, of course, on my way to flop down and relax at the … [Read more...]
My Name is Ali
“My name is Ali. I’m from Iran.” My mind went blank. What did I know about Iran? I tried to think of something. It’s a big country in the Middle East and my country, America, isn’t too keen on Iran. Persian carpets? The moment I was thinking, I looked around at my surroundings. A dozen of red Chinese lanterns were lit brightly and lined both sides of the street. Across from me at a mamak, Indian men were pulling roti dough around and around in … [Read more...]
Palau Tops Scuba Diving Awards
(January 17, 2013) --- Considered by industry experts and scuba diving enthusiasts as “the best of the best,” Scuba Diving Magazine’s Top 100 Gold List is a “popularity contest” where rankings are based on a total number of responses from global readers and divers. The Top 100 Gold List features operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more. Here are some of the highlights … [Read more...]