Why should you visit Vietnam? If ever there was a reason to spend a holiday in Vietnam, it would be to immerse yourself in the Oriental Neverland whose possession changed the world. The once known only for its importance as a battleground for giant superpowers, Vietnam has emerged independent and flourishing with its mysterious spices and overwhelming architecture. The blending of European culture and Southeast Asian inscrutable charm is reason … [Read more...]
Turkey Welcomes You
"Turkish hospitality is impossible to ignore", proclaims the in-flight magazine as I fly to Bodrum. You can't miss it when you set foot in the airport: the welcome visa costs $20. By the exit, the passengers are greeted by a forest of A4 sheets with the names of the people to take to the hotel. It is nice to go to an unknown place, and find somebody waiting for you and calling you by name: in this case, Turkish hospitality will set you back $40. … [Read more...]
Monkey in Hotel Room, Varanasi, India
Reluctantly we left Varanasi despite the naked people sitting in the dirty streets, the unbelievable amount of cow poop clogging the narrow streets, the CONSTANT power outages, the smelly garbage everywhere, the people urinating and defecating in open view along some of the ghats, terrible pollution, large bellied obviously malnourished children, incredible poverty, CONSTANT badgering and aggressive pan handling by the touts and "guides" (worst … [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...]
A Safari through Cuba’s Wilderness Island
I felt content as our catamaran gently sailed through the gentle waters of Bahia de Nipes on our way to Cayo Saeta, located 120 km (75 mi) southeast city of Holguin in eastern Cuba. The bar on the catamaran was open and everyone in our group with drinks in their hands was enjoying the massage of the soothing breeze. We lazed in this glorious do-nothing atmosphere, thinking of the day we would soon spend on a pristine island, literally … [Read more...]
Chena Hot Springs, Alaska – June 2008
Chena Hot Springs Alaska (pronounced "Cheena") is located about 1 hour 20 minutes outside of Fairbanks Alaska at the end of a 56 mile long paved road. This is a year round resort with many activities for all types of interests. There are two highlights - the large outdoor "rock lake" which is an excellent place to sooth off any aches and pains in the natural hot water. There is a pipe shooting out water which provides a great back massage and … [Read more...]
ALO’s Guide to Finding yourself in Turkey
The cradle of civilization reaches across Asia and Europe welcoming all who enter its majestic beauty. In the hotel high above the Mediterranean Sea, a sunny day with light grey, puffy clouds wrap the sky in silver gauze. Rain seems imminent, but that is not a concern this morning. Shopping is on the top of my list - that is after room service. I like to brag that my idea of roughing it on vacation is either no cable television or no room … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Hotels
Lodging in Mendoza ranges from very basic to high end hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and the Sheraton. Pricing is typically more expensive closer to the center of town and near the Plaza del Armas. Lodging is really quite spread out throughout the city and there no specific 'hotel' district. Aires de Montana is a destination spa located in the Andes about an hour from Mendoza. Lodging is also available on site - elevation is 1800 … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – LA Area Attractions
This is an outline of our entire Los Angeles article including all the attractions Dave has personally visited in the greater LA Area. We visit LA often so additional attractions will be highlighted here over time, as this is by no means an exhaustive list! Airports - LAX - Hollywood/Burbank (BUR) - John Wayne (SNA) - Long Beach (LGB) - Ontario (ONT) A Accomodation - Budget - Luxury - Moderate Beverly Hills - Robertson … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Koreatown
Los Angeles, CA – Koreatown lies in the western backyard of downtown Los Angeles and from this vaguely defined "town", on most days you can easily see downtown Los Angeles (unless its too smoggy of course). This is one of the more densely populated regions of Los Angeles as a result driving can be a real challenge here. Parking lots at the small 2-story malls are very limited, with narrow space, narrow lanes and exits. Trying to turn left is … [Read more...]