The following is taken from Dave's Journal regarding his time in Oman in which he covered parts of Muscat, several Wadi's including Tiwi, the fort town of Nizwa, the main north south highway, and many areas within several hours driving of Salalah in the south. We have driven over 2000 miles so far! I must say that Oman is TRULY THE PINNACLE of off roading! With its huge, steep, rocky, remote wadis, large sand dunes, and tracks anywhere you … [Read more...]
Setubal, Portugal
The Paris Motor Show last September bought a moment of joy to VW owners around the globe, the return of the beloved people's sport car, the Volkswagen Scirocco, which hoped on sale by late 2007. But, for many north American VW enthusiasts, the origin came as a surprise, the VW AutoEuropa outside Setubal, Portugal. AutoEuropa currently builds the European market only the Sharan and Eos models. Beyond the new Scirocco, Setubal has a lot to be … [Read more...]
Greetings from Yemen & Notes from Oman
What a remote, interesting, economically poor (despite sitting on huge undeveloped oil reserves), culturally rich country. We left the Indian influence far behind in Oman in as India's great influence all over this part of the world hasn't quite made it to this part of Northern Yemen. The food here is much better than the food we dis-joyed in Oman. Typical scene - we walk into any one of numerous restaurants - US: "what type of food do you have" … [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...]
What to Do & See in Sicily, Italy
Separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Multicultural and cosmopolitan, its history stretches back 3,000 years. Fought over by warring nations for much of its existence, the island has been colonised by Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Normans. These diverse influences, all of which have left distinctly noticeable traces, have shaped the island's character into the truly unique … [Read more...]
America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia
An article is due on the practicalities of attending the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, which will draw huge international crowds this summer of 2007. Here is the vital info and insider tips. All of the action will take place in the America's Cup Port, a magnificently designed complex built specifically for this occasion by the local government of Valencia. The central ultre-modern Veles I Vents building, a sort of command tower for the press … [Read more...]
Italy Story: Hostage of the Hostile Hostel
When I arrived, panting, at the three-story brick-and-steel building, I was dismayed to see a mob of backpackers crowded around the front desk. Two surly staff members were shouting at them in Italian, grabbing crumpled piles of money, and stuffing registration forms, one each, into the hundred cubby holes in the wall behind them. Each nook denoted one available bed. As I made my way to the counter, I heard one of the clerks answer the … [Read more...]
Crimea for the Traveler
Populated by the mysterious Scythians, settled by the Greeks, taken over by the Roman Empire, overrun by the Goths, the Huns, the Khazars, expanded into by the first tzar of Kievan Rus, lost to the Byzantines, swept through by the Mongols, used as an economic muscle by the Genoese, blossomed by the Tatars, fortified by the Turks, annexed by the Russians and finally given as a present to the Ukraine. How many more places can boast such a motley … [Read more...]
The Crimean Peace
Known only perhaps for its 19-th century war with the English, Crimea remains largely unknown to the traveller. Yet there can't be that many places on the planet that are so multi-dimensional it makes your head spin. Populated by the mysterious Scythians, settled by the Greeks, taken over by the Roman Empire, overrun by the Goths, the Huns, the Khazars, expanded into by the first tzar of Kievan Rus, lost to the Byzantines, swept through by the … [Read more...]
Exploring Mallorca: From Wine Tasting to Luxury Hotels
After travelling half an hour through wooded mountains and lush valleys, we reached the winery of Santa Catarina in the area of Andratx - located in one of the most beautiful valleys of northwest Mallorca. Nestled in the southern foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the winery, part of a larger company (Macia Batle), is a real paradise for those who love fine wine. Wine production has been known for hundreds of years in Mallorca. The … [Read more...]