Beaches provide a beautiful escape from the daily grind of life. Laying back on a relaxing beach towel and soaking up the sun is a luxury that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing. However, as there are thousands upon thousands of beaches to explore on this beautiful planet of ours, it may be difficult to distinguish which sandy destination is truly paradise and which is merely a mirage. Rest easy friends because we have put together … [Read more...]
The South Pacific Cargo Cult of “John Frum”
Dispatch: Coconuts and Campbell's: John M. Edwards traces the origins of the wackily hybrid South Pacific cargo cult of “John Fromm” (or “John Frum”) from the world’s most useful conversation starter. . . . “Where are you from?” “United States.” “What is your name?” “John.” “Hey, I am John, too!” Although the polite fisherman was dressed like a native, in imported out-of-date garb straight out of “That Seventies Show,” I … [Read more...]
West Sweden & Skane: Volvo’s Car plus Vacation – Day 7-8 of 14
DAY 7 Drive to Helsingborg - explore this city Leave early from Villa Sjotorp and drive to Helsingborg Driving time: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Check in at the Clarion Grand Hotel - this historic hotel is centrally located - minutes walking from the waterfront and nearby a number of Helsingborg's central attractions. There is a pay for parking garage as well as a select number of parking spots in front of the hotel … [Read more...]
Sometimes You’re Not Lost. And THAT’S the Greatest Lesson of Them All
“Can you do me a solid, Madame Laveau?” I whispered, so close I could have sworn I felt her lean in. There was no response. Not yet anyway. The months before heading to New Orleans was a chaotic mess. I had lost my job. Or rather, my career. A career I had studied for. A career I took pride in. I’m a teacher. But as I left the office the day I was let go, I remembered what my former boss said to me before my dismissal: “Your. Students. Love. … [Read more...]
Jamaica’s Coolest Joint
JAMAICA – Last Christmas I realized I needed a little sun. I regretted missing two invitations to go to Jamaica — here was my chance! I enlisted one of my best friends to share in the adventure. We chose Negril, the beach resort for locals on the island (it's their Malibu or Montauk). Negril used to be a hippie enclave and has slowly evolved into a boho jet-set destination with great Chris Blackwell hotels and restaurants — my music video … [Read more...]
Pencils In The Land Of Flowers
After hopping off our motorbikes we made our way down the dirt road leading up to the ocean. With the mid-afternoon sun blazing, the smell of yesterday's drying fish was stout. As we passed by the makeshift shops and shacks, we captured the local women's attentiond. They were all seated upon dusty edges raised above the junky, polluted streets (every other one with a newborn plugged into one of her breasts) and quietly began whispering. Stopping … [Read more...]
Conned By An Entire Community?
We'd been in Nepal's bustling capital city less than 24 hours. In what has become routine upon arriving in a new city, I was up around sunrise eager to wander out and explore the streets of a place that's been a dream of mine for over a decade. Like every other SE Asian country's capital, Kathmandu's streets are chaotic. Chaotic, I said. The roads are awful. Resembling heavily bombed strips of concrete, the streets are extremely fractured and … [Read more...]
Kodagu (Coorg) Southwest Karnataka, India
PART ONE Nature’s show On long circuitous winding roads, close your eyes to keep away the tumultuous feeling that erupts as bile climbs the ravines of your own inner system. Suffer motion sickness on a mountain road or keep Avamin and lime ready. Or just stick your eyes out, arrest your breath and stare in awe. This is for what you’ve escaped the humdrum of your congested city life. Wide vistas of undulating green and inhabitation of small … [Read more...]
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em
My husband Gaz and I donned our raingear and headed to Nanjing Lu, the main pedestrian thoroughfare and shopping district of Shanghai. Big, bright, neon and modern, much of Shanghai’s architecture resembled a caricature of what someone in the 50s thought “The Future” would look like. Shimmering glass buildings covered in a rainbow of glowing signs flanked the wide walkway. The streets heaved with people, and in the sea of short, black haired … [Read more...]
Ancient To Modern in Miami
Imagine a trip to Miami - fun in the sun, sand, and on the water; palm trees swaying in the breeze, tropical fruity drinks, tanning lotion, and dancing until dawn. But there's more to Miami than beaches and bars. It's a city full of history, culture, and architecture. These little gems - these not so typical tourist attractions - really tell the story of the city. Each time I go to Miami, I find some new cultural or historical treasure. It’s a … [Read more...]
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