Little Tokyo (part of the fringes of downtown Los Angeles) is home to the largest Japanese-American population in North America. Markets, hotels, Japanese shops and plenty of little restaurants can keep one occupied for some time. Best to ditch the car and explore by foot as geographically Little Tokyo is fairly small. During World War II when the Japanese that lived here were forcibly moved to internment camps such as Manzaznar in … [Read more...]
Its a Long Way to Tipperary
I was planning a solo trek through Iceland when my Father decided to invite himself along on my vacation. He further changed my mind and decided we were going to Ireland, a country he had wanted to see for quite some time. Being the ever-obedient son I gave in. With destination chosen, the hard part was going to be trying to figure out the logistics of creating a travel experience both of us would enjoy. This trip had to be as stress … [Read more...]
Niagara Falls–Is it Worth the Trip
For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit in a visit to Niagara. Furthermore besides the … [Read more...]
Alaska & Canada Bicycle Trip Part II
Portland, Oregon - September 02, 2001 Victoria and the lower Forty Eight The planned few days off in Victoria turned into two weeks, thanks to the relentless hospitality of my friends Gil and Lynne Blair, both of whom I met on a cycling trip two years ago in Washington State. I am greatly indebted to them for providing me with thousands of calories, electric light, this thing that spews hot water (they call it a 'shower'), and teaching me … [Read more...]
Quebec’s Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve
An Idyllic Natural Haven The rain was pouring when we left Montreal to begin our journey of touring the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve - a nearby natural part of Quebec preserved for the coming generations. It had not let up when, after an hour's drive, our bus stopped in front of a boathouse in the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago at the merging of the St. Lawrence, Yamaska and Richelieu Rivers. Quickly our group of twelve scurried into the … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV – Night Clubs
Hakkasan is located in the middle of the MGM Grand, one of the largest casinos in the world. NOTE: Studio 54 has now closed, essentially replaced by this latest casino hotspot, Hakkasan (a more intriguing, sensual and mysterious sounding name then Studio 54 ever was). Hakkasan is close to the pinnacle of Vegas nightclubs and party spots in North America, if not the World. First of all, to enter Hakkasan you have to pass through the largest … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Nearby Lakes
CONVICT LAKE Located only about 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake is 'hidden' from view from Highway 395 yet is only 2 miles from this highway. Nestled at the base of dramatic mountains - popular for it's scenic vistas and and fish (well-stocked to keep up with the demand of fisherman). Produces some large Rainbow trout - two annual fishing derbies are held - “Round Up at the Lake” in spring and “Ambush at the Lake” in fall.The lake … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Phones
Excellent cell and data coverage exists throughout the island. We recommend using a phone that has a local SIM card installed with a pre-paid Internet and calling plan. This is the cheapest way to stay online - rather then using roaming data. Sim cards are sold at local convenience stores - or at the airport in Athens. Greek phones are operated by Organismos Tilepikoinonion Ellados. If you follow some simple steps when using a Greek telephone … [Read more...]
Paros, Greece – Restaurants
Greek food when prepared authentically is some of my favorite food. Greek salads are towards the top of my culinary list. These usually consist of olives, lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes and a touch of dried oregano. I never had any problems with food sickness on Paros and I ate at many different restaurants. There is nothing quite like eating authentic Greek food along the waterfront of Parikia watching the sun go down on a … [Read more...]