I’ve been in Haiti for a few days now, trying to get a better understanding of life in one of the poorest nations on earth (see my related articles on Port au Prince and Cap Haitien.) By any measure, it has an arduous history. Haiti bears the misfortune of being the island that Columbus decided to claim and colonize first. The native Taino indians were promptly enslaved and sent off into gold mines to enrich the coffers of Queen Isabella of … [Read more...]
Everyone Comes to Rick’s
Our Christmas tour around Morocco had seemed like a good idea at the time. A comprehensive itinerary appeared to take in a lot of the country in a short period, making it good value. Unfortunately, it also meant that most of the days were spent crammed into a packed minibus, with brief, highly choreographed stops to see the sights. So when we arrived back in Marrakech, with a day off in the schedule, naturally most people just wanted to chill … [Read more...]
Chasing Adventure in the Dominican Republic
I'm standing at the edge of a mountain, taking in the gorgeous city sprawled below me. I hear the commands "Run, run!" The body instinctively resists but I take a leap of faith and go. I'm up in the air before I even know it, the parachute lifting me up and away. And just like that I'm paragliding in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. The name Dominican Republic more often than not stirs up images of a blue green Caribbean sea, and miles and … [Read more...]
Everything is impossible, until it happens
In late 2013, I decided to ride a bicycle through Africa in an attempt to turn my life around. My parents had passed away back home in Ireland but, to tell the truth, it was not their memory that had dislodged my equilibrium, it was me indulging in self-destruction. It all seemed so impossible on the airplane as I sat reading a beginner’s manual about how to repair punctures, but after a year spent riding through deserts, mountains, remote … [Read more...]
Puebla – City of Angels
Mexico City. Acapulco. Puerta Vallarta. Cancun. If you're like most people, these are the Mexican cities you are familiar with. However, Puebla, or La Puebla de los Angeles (“the city of the angels,”) is the most beautiful Mexican city that you've likely never heard of. Only a couple of hours from Mexico City, I first visited it during a backpacking trip in 2005, more by coincidence than by design, and was astounded by one of the most remarkable … [Read more...]
4 Adventures for Thrill-Seekers in the Dominican Republic
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic was the first place to be reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492 - making it the oldest country of the Americas. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, the Dominican Republic’s 18,704 sq. miles consist of rain forest, savannah and highlands. While the island is mostly known for its beaches, resorts and golf courses it also boasts the … [Read more...]
Visitors Flock to Las Vegas to Commemorate Chinese New Year
The Entertainment Capital of the World Welcomes the Year of the Rooster with Special Events, Cuisine and More LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2017) - Las Vegas will celebrate the 2017 Chinese New Year with an extensive array of culinary offerings, entertainment and experiences for visitors to usher in the Year of the Rooster. Honoring the rich culture and historical importance of Spring Festival, Las Vegas will feature symbolic décor and stunning … [Read more...]
Cruising into Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The day dawned clear on the Holland America Line MS Eurodam after the stormy nauseating seas of the past few days. This was a welcome relief visually and for the stomach which has been struggling with all the back and forth rocking. We pulled around the point of the north east part of the island and passed the historical fort. From a distance we could have been pulling into a port in Greece or perhaps the Middle East - the white buildings … [Read more...]
Petit St. Vincent: A Caribbean Gourmet Getaway
The Grenadines are a chain of Caribbean islands that have been only lightly touched by mass tourism. For water enthusiasts, it’s a treasure chest of crystalline seas, undisturbed coral reefs and top-notch diving. I’ve visited a number of Instagram-worthy Caribbean Islands but the Grenadines are my numero uno. Time spent in this part of the world is an instant elixir to my stress-filled urban existence. As a foodie, no vacation is complete if … [Read more...]
Xi’an Belongs to the World
Chinese culture belongs not only to the Chinese but also to the whole world,” said former Chinese president Hu Jintao. If Chinese culture does indeed belong to the world, then, without a doubt, the place to explore it is Xi’An. If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re probably not alone. Oddly, one of China’s most interesting and unique cities is not particularly well known to the outside world, especially considering its historical … [Read more...]
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