From the cloak of Wadi Rum serenity to the nutrient-rich mud from the Dead Sea, Jordan delivers to the heart and soul of travelers. When I traveled there this past spring, I was struck by the misconceptions the West has of the Middle East. Americans, especially, tend to think of it as a menacing place, but nothing is further from the truth, considering that Jordan enjoys a crime rate well below that of Sweden. As soon as I said I was … [Read more...]
A journey through time in Sabah
Sabah is part of East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Administratively this island as a whole is divided between both Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei as well as Malaysia itself. Sabah occupies the northernmost tip of Borneo and its apt name alludes to local weather patterns! Translating to "land below the wind", Sabah's name is a reference to the nearby Philippines and the propensity for typhoons in that region. … [Read more...]
Penang Malaysia, Exit 161
As you cruise down the main north south freeway in Malaysia take exit 161. This will lead you across the 12km bridge connecting the island of Penang to the mainland. Penang, Malaysia is a fast growing city; the new very tall apartment complexes that seem to sprout everywhere from its shores are testament to this. Part of the island is a "free trade zone" and many International businesses are located here including Aigilent, Dell, Bosch and more. … [Read more...]
Relishing the Mountains and Forests of the Dominican Republic
Not that I was not enjoying the pleasures of Playa Dorado -Puerto Plata's chief resort area. In spite of all the tourist facilities a traveller could ask for, from casinos, fine restaurants to enticing sands, I developed the urge to explore the nearby region in the Dominican Republic. After studying what the numerous organized tours offered, I decided on the Santiago- Jarabacoa excursion - a trip which included the city of Santiago, … [Read more...]
Kota Kinabalu Trip Malaysia
I remember this vividly; it all started on a lovely afternoon when I leisurely sat in front of my computer and browsed through my recent emails and happened upon an eye catching message which suddenly took my full attention. It was an email from Air Asia to announce that 100,000 free tickets would be given away starting today. I spread the news immediately and it soon reached Choo Pooi my colleague who was an avid outdoor adventurer. She had … [Read more...]
The Alternative to Inca Trail
It isn't lined with Inca stones, it is a rough mountain path, but in many ways it takes you to a much deeper, more real Peru. You may not see ruins three times a day but you go through two magnificent lost cities and some genuine untouched Quechua villages, not to mention the most incredible mountain views. What's more - this trail is not for everyone, it is for those who can take it. The trail takes you from Cachora village (three quarters of … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Andes Tours
The Andes, the world's second greatest mountain range dominates the landscape outside of Mendoza. One can be within these mountains with about an hours drive from the central part of Mendoza. Numerous tourist agencies offering trekking trips ranging from 1 to 12+ days. In addition consider driving high into the Andes, which is less rigorous then trekking, but still an invigorating way to see these great mountains. We used the following two … [Read more...]
Two donkeys lost in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
Among those who come to Africa to join a safari, the holy grail of animal tracking is the so called 'Big Five'. Originally coined by the big game hunters of days long past, it comprises the lion, African elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, and the Cape buffalo. Supposedly these were not necessarily the biggest animals, but the most difficult to hunt. Now, my brother Abdul and I were definitely not out to hunt these animals. We just wanted to see them … [Read more...]
Greetings from Peru!!
Arrived in Lima and rested all day which was good. Saw the catacombs underground in the 16th century St Francis of Assisi Monastery. Many skulls staring upwards with individual bones all separated and arranged nicely in neat orderly piles. Took bus overnight to C. Huayash - the pass was about 14,000 feet which we hit at 1am. I was in bad shape by then - arrived at 6am into town and immediately found hostel and crashed. For 2 days was … [Read more...]
Lake Sabrina, CA – June 2007
Lake Sabrina CA - Rarely do you find a place of such beauty. Located at 9,100 feet its an alpine lake surrounded by aspen covered slopes - a granite island sits in the lake framed by the other end of the lake and the high Sierra peaks. You can hike around this lake and if you have some time and want to do some high country backpacking and camping you can hike up to a plethora of other less populated lakes all the way up to 12,000 feet. It is … [Read more...]
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