Kimberly Fisher writes for a number of travel publications and is a prolific traveler. She is also involved with a number of charities (see her bio at the end of this interview). Recently we had the opportunity to ask her about some of her projects, travel advice and travel writing. Q. What was your initial inspiration for traveling? My family has always been very nomadic. We grew up in Alaska and my parents, being … [Read more...]
Visit Macau – November 2010
Macau is a small island located about an hour's ferry ride from the main ferry terminal in Hong Kong (or about 16 minutes via Helicopter from the same ferry terminal). Macau has its own immigration and you will need your passport to enter and exit the country. Typically both Hong Kong dollars and the Pataca (local currency) are accepted. Macau was controlled by Portugal for 400+ years and the Portuguese have certainly left their mark on the … [Read more...]
Prince Albert of Monaco Goes To The North Pole
More used to Grand Prix cars than dog sleighs, Monaco's Prince Albert's forthcoming trek to the North Pole has been greeted with surprise by many. But the Prince is fairly accustomed to the cold, in contrast to the Mediterranean warmth of Monaco where he became ruler last July following the passing of his father Prince Rainier, who had ruled the tax haven for over 50 years. Albert represented Monaco at the last five Winter Olympic Games in … [Read more...]
Franco’s Ghosts
November 4, 2003: Today in the news, Franco is still dead but you can still vote for him. Two weeks ago, I stood in front of one of only three still-remaining statues of the late Spanish dictator who died on November 20, 1975. A week later, back home in San Francisco, my Spanish partner cast his ballot: a ballot which still includes Franco's political party "Falange" - Spanish fascists. There's no escaping Franco. Astride his horse, with … [Read more...]
Five Days in Vegas
Our plane touches down at eleven o'clock pm after a five hour flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My wife and I start our five day vacation in-famous Las Vegas. For fifty-nine years I have been meaning to pay a visit to the city where anything goes and finally I have made it thanks to a little incentive from Hurricane Ivan. We jump into a taxi and right away the happy-go-lucky driver wants to know if we want to take the freeway or the strip … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Summer Events
The following is a listing of events that occur in the summer. Most are annual events although the specific data may vary somewhat depending on the year. April Dave McCoy College Classic Ski/Snowboard Race Ski Club Appreciation Day at Mammoth Mountain Fishing Season Opens Fishing Enhancement Fundraising Dinner Mammoth Boarder-X Ski and Golf Classic Rossignol Race Camp at Mammoth May Mammoth High School Band Spring … [Read more...]
Europe – Money
The Euro was introduced on January 1, 2002. 14 billion Euro banknotes and 55 billion coins were initially introduced to more than 300 million people in 12 countries of the European Union. 12 countries who initially converted were: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands Spain and Portugal, & Monaco. For a list of the Euro conversion rates (for the participating countries old … [Read more...]
Reno, NV – Lodging
Accommodation in Reno is diverse and varied from the larger casinos to many vintage "one-star" motels - usually one or two stories and often in a state of various decay. Reno is lacking in boutique hotels. Prices for hotel rooms tend to be fairly affordable, perhaps somewhat subsidized or supported by the gambling industry. All Phone Numbers are in the 775 area code. Please also visit our Reno Casino page for additional information about … [Read more...]