This is the story of how Stalin lost his nose and why the face of former British prime minister Tony Blair pops up in the strangest places in a former Soviet republic. But first I want to tell you about Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. And later I’ll tell you about kyz kuu, a kind of lovers’ kissing game they play on the steppe of central Asia. Kazakhstan, independent since 1991, and squeezed between those other ‘stans’ (homelands) … [Read more...]
Stay: Miracle Hot Springs of Desert Hot Springs California + Local Attractions
A dry breeze blows - a few clouds drift by overhead lit up by a quarter moon that is bright yet not so overpowering that plenty of stars still shine through brightly. You are in the desert - about a two hour drive from downtown Los Angeles. The property is Miracle Springs Resort in Desert Hot Springs. This family owned resort is built on top of several layers of underground lakes (aquifers) located approximately 300 feet below the surface. … [Read more...]
Moon Dance Cliffs a well-kept secret in Jamaica
Jamaica’s one of those places that gets a mixed response when you tell people you’re going. It’s either, “Man, I love Jamaica, it’s gorgeous” or “No way I’d go to Jamaica, it’s too dangerous.” Funny how that is. I’ve run into tons of gorgeous in Jamaica and never any danger. Granted, you can find danger wherever you are, or it finds you, but by and large, be careful, don’t be stupid and put yourself in known places of danger, you’ll be … [Read more...]
Visiting Trinidad in the West Indies: Short Notes
Flights to the Island arrive at POS (not the most politically correct airport code in the world) but it stands for Port of Spain. On a good day (without traffic) it takes about 30 minutes from the airport to downtown. There are a number of car rental companies at the airport (economy car pricing runs from about $40 to $60 US dollar). Car rental companies are also available in downtown Port of Spain and other towns on the island. A few things I … [Read more...]
Should I stay or should I go? Bonaire
I mean you can’t beat hanging around a great Caribbean resort like Harbour Village Beach Club on the island of Bonaire. It’s got a great restaurant, stunning sunsets, a long puffy sliver of silky white sand for a beach, and tons of stuff to do, from diving to snorkeling to kayaking and more. There are also the super comfy ocean-facing rooms set amid tropical gardens, and an ever-gracious staff, never leaving you wanting for … [Read more...]
Where to Sleep Tonight – Trinidad
After sleeping in the car the past few nights - I was ready for a change. Night one I hid the car behind a large pile of dirt next to a small road in the middle of the rainforest. Night two, a frightful sleep was interrupted by dark shadows at my driver side window by two guys carrying scary looking weapons. Apparently my choice for my spot of rest was too close to a military base. They were nice and motioned me to move on. Night three I didn't … [Read more...]
First day on the Island of Trinidad in the West Indies
It is always a challenge and at times stressful just to show up in another country without any advance planning. Such was the case with a recent trip to Trinidad and Tobago - on the island of Trinidad. I found some wifi at the airport, called around a few guesthouses, and found one quite cheap. The 30 minute taxi ride was nearly the same price as the room. Upon getting dropped off, some old guy peeked out the gated door in a bad part of town and … [Read more...]
Later “Louise”!: Hurricane Season in Tortola, BVI
John M. Edwards hunkers down in the hallway of his Caribbean concrete-block hotel to sit out a hurricane tempest more powerful than Peter Potamous’s “Hippo Hurricane Howler”! “BEE-HEE-HEE-HAW-HAW!” I impressively bellowed like Peter Potamous, the cartoon hippo on the Hana-Barbera animated series “Peter Potamous and So-So” (1964). I had every right to howl, now that almost all of the tourists on Tortola--in the British Virgin Islands (or … [Read more...]
Five Reasons to Visit the Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular places for those in search of pearly beaches, lush foliage, high-end hotels, world-class hospitality, rich and traditional cuisine, great diving spots and water sports. There’s as much opportunity to party as to relax. You can find all these things and more on the tropical island paradise that is the Dominican Republic. Read on to gain a greater idea of what you can expect and experience in this … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara: Make Mine Mediterranean
Oh the dizzying thoughts of a Mediterranean vacation: maybe a waterside villa in Lake Como, touring Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, or perhaps olive picking in Mykonos? Dizzying indeed—particularly the price. But there’s a stateside Mediterranean that’s no dowdy stepsister, and it’s only a few hour’s drive and many dollars less: Santa Barbara. Wrapped between the mountains and the sea, with picturesque palm trees for its ribbons, Santa Barbara … [Read more...]
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