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...]
Los Angeles, CA – Little Saigon
Little Saigon is located in the town of Westminster in Southern Orange County between the 405 and the 22 freeways (with good traffic about 45 minutes south of downtown LA). This is NOT a small town. It is predominately a Vietnamese community and is one of the largest Asian communities located anywhere in the USA. If you are not of Vietnamese heritage and you are in some of the stores and shopping districts in Little Saigon, chances are you will … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Shopping
The following are a few shopping districts and or shopping centers that we have visited in Los Angeles and Orange County. LOS ANGELES Los Angeles is one of Southern California's hubs for shopping and fashion ranging from high end shops in Beverly Hills to the mega sized shopping+entertainment centers. Many of these shopping centers do not just feature shops but are lifestyle destinations in and of themselves - boasting other attractions set … [Read more...]
Argentina Yours Truly
Although I have made it a relentless point in my life to take advantage of every free moment (and buck or two) I've had in my vertiginous existence to discover a new place in the world, nothing has impressed me more than Argentina. The idea of visiting this far-away country had been in the back of my head for a few years, but somehow I always ended up in another spot (usually a hidden beach in Mexico or the South China sea). That was until 2003, … [Read more...]
Decadence & Decay
"Full body massage sir? My friend, head and neck massage. Only ten rupees. This is very cheap, very good" said the Indian masseuse. This is the third time I have walked by him with disinterest and I was hoping he'd have got the hint. All day long I have been harassed by boat drivers, ganja dealers, barbers, snake charmers, and rickshaw peddlers. This is the holy city of Varanassi and, to me, the epitome of both the beautiful and bizarre … [Read more...]