During my latest visit to Reims I stopped by Taittinger to see their historic caves and imbibe in some delicious Champagne including the latest release of their flagship bottling, Comtes de Champagne. The history of this site is overwhelming. Saint-Nicaise, the bishop of Reims was killed in the 5th century and was buried here. In 1229 an abbey was built by the Benedictine monks over Saint-Nicaise’s gravesite and to house his relics. The abbey was … [Read more...]
Traditional Mountain Houses on the Manaslu Circuit Trek: A Cultural Guide for Trekkers
When you think of the Manaslu Circuit, you probably picture snow-capped mountains, remote trails and the mighty Manaslu peak at 8,163 meters. But this trek is about so much more than natural beauty. One of the most overlooked but fascinating aspects of the Manaslu region is its architecture — the types of houses and settlements you see along the trail. Each house tells a story. From the lower tropical foothills to the high-altitude … [Read more...]
Tarlac: The Heart of Central Luzon
The morning sun cast long shadows across the sugarcane fields as I made my way north from Manila along the MacArthur Highway. Like many travelers before me, I had always seen Tarlac as a place to pass through – a mere waypoint on the journey to more famous destinations in the Philippines' northern reaches. But something made me stop this time, drawn by whispers of historic haciendas, sacred mountains, and a culture that blends the Kapampangan, … [Read more...]
20 Fast Facts About The Burgundy Wine Region
You don't have to be a sommelier to know that wines from Burgundy have a certain prestige in the wine world. Peruse a restaurant wine list, and you'll notice that some of the featured wines or top shelf offerings are Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from Bourgogne, or Burgundy. Wine is grown worldwide, so what is it that makes Burgundy so revered amongst the well studied and introductory wine drinkers? Origins Winemaking in Burgundy can be … [Read more...]
Bangkok to Phnom Penh
This Cambodia trip was the most unexpected and unplanned trip I have ever been on. Although I had intended to travel there, I never anticipated it would happen so quickly because my 14-day visa-free had expired, and I had to leave Thailand urgently to avoid paying fines. This blog will follow my chaotic trip from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, along with some advice and tricks. I was informed that I could not extend my visa anymore, only a night … [Read more...]
Secret Oasis in Centre of Historic Market Town
As a guest of The Bush Hotel in Farnham you enjoy the best of all worlds. Steeped in history but embracing contemporary design and offering a personal touch in the way that only an independent family-run hotel can. Surrounded by the Surrey hills and nestled in its own private gardens in the heart of this attractive historic town, the hotel still feels like it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, with its quiet and relaxed … [Read more...]
!Salud! Raise a Glass to Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes, Mexico – Mexico may be best known for its spirits like tequila and mezcal, but Mexican wine is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Within Mexico are several wine regions, many of which are becoming regular household names. Aguascalientes, while one of the smallest states in Mexico, is the fifth-largest wine-producing region in the country. With an average elevation of more than 6,500 feet above sea level, … [Read more...]
Horror Talk with Rich Ragsdale – Director, Composer, Producer and Writer
“Ghost House” is one of the best horror movies I have seen in a long time. The horror elements are so original and raw - the jump scare, the atmosphere, the soundtrack etc, everything is done completely right. The movie does not throw in excessive unnecessary special effects or follow the Hollywood’s formulaic scare tactics. It hit me in a way that most horror flicks hadn’t. I remember when the movie was over, I immediately pulled out my phone … [Read more...]
Lithuanian Food Expert Reveals Top Brunch Places in Country’s Most Visited Cities of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda
September 13, 2021. With Lithuania now offering its visitors an additional night in the country for free, its biggest cities Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda prove to be all the more suitable travel destinations for a quick getaway. Aside from being abundant with cultural sites and natural monuments, Lithuania's biggest cities stand out for their unusual and bizarre gastronomical experiences marked by a pronounced preference for local ingredients … [Read more...]
Mongolian Homestay & Other Adventures
We left Ulaanbaatar in the early morning under the gloomy grey skies with a persistent drizzle. Depressing weather, but certainly not unexpected. Could be worse. Could be the -30 they often experience here in the winter months. There is a reason I am not here in winter. We stayed with nomads - spending our nights in Mongolian gers - round accommodations that apparently can take only several hours to setup but seem very sturdy. These nomads … [Read more...]
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