Where are the Solomon Islands? This country is located in the Coral Sea close to Papua New Guinea and about a 3 hour flight north east of Brisbane Australia. Typically not a cheap destination, either flights, hotels, car rental or food (which in our experiences, was basic and bland). Known as the 'hapi isles' for its friendly people, for its marine life, and significant World War II history. The main airport is in Honiara, the capital city. I … [Read more...]
Arriving Into Iran and the Tests of Traveling
I left for the Tbilisi International Airport in the country of Georgia at 10pm. I arrived at my final destination, Shiraz, Iran some 20 hours later - the next day. If you look on the map this is about a 3 to 3.5 hour flight. As it were, the airport in Tbilisi is under construction; a new runway is being built so all day flights have been moved to the night. I spent all night in the beautiful fairly new Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, … [Read more...]
Dave’s Dominica Taxi Service
I must have picked up about 15 people today with my self titled new job on the island, "Dave's Dominica Taxi service". Getting around from place to place is dependent on the generosity of drivers - and this hitch hiking seems like an easy and cheap way to see the island. With bridges still out or damaged from the tropical storm in 2015 - one of the main roads was closed leaving a smaller road through the rainforest as the alternative way to get … [Read more...]
Songs of the Baka by Dennis James
After retiring in 2005 from careers in law, husband and wife Dennis James (author) and Barbara Grossman (photography) decided to visit a number of countries often found on do not visit lists. There are numerous books written about one's travels and reflections often authored by retirees however there are a few that focus on such unusual destinations. Dennis and Barbara are intrigued by these lesser visited countries and enjoy living and … [Read more...]
Undiscovered Dominica, Too Short of a Stay on the Nature Island
After spending four relaxed yet still activity packed days on Dominica I find myself staying in the midst of sprawling apartment complexes on neighboring Guadeloupe in the city of Pointe-à-Pitre. Mere 25 minutes away by small jet, Guadeloupe feels worlds apart. World's away from the unspoiled natural setting and the the pleasant feel of space when you have a low population density (only 72,000 people live on the entire island). Now I am … [Read more...]
Secret Bay, Dominica
A stay here is for the discerning traveler who highly values an intimate setting (4 acres total) combined with appealing natural surroundings, the utmost privacy and a property that maintains a beautiful silence. This clifftop location features merely eight villas and bungalows. The villas are more spacious then the bungalows; each villa comes with its own plunge pool. But all come with excellent views. Appropriately there is a secret beach at … [Read more...]
Saba Anyone?
I recently counted the times I've either flown, ferried, or come in on a cruise ship to Sint Maarten in the last two months; my arrivals and departures added up to 14 times (interesting considering I had never visited the island until late 2015)! During my stops in Sint Marteen, my eye has caught glimpses of the intriguing, mysterious and prominent shape of Saba (a municipality of the Netherlands) in the distance, sometimes clear, sometimes … [Read more...]
Port Moresby Nature Park- Papua New Guinea – August 2015
This attraction on the outskirts of Port Moresby (mile marker 14) is well worth visiting. The gardens are meticulously maintained and there are always a number of orchids in bloom regardless of the time of year your visit. Workers are available to help guide you or answer any questions. The orchid gardens are part of a fairly new Adventure park which also contains a tall water-slide when you want to beat the heat. This nature park was founded … [Read more...]
Kokoda Homestay Papua New Guinea – May 2015
Most people who visit Kokoda in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea do so to make the 8-10 day walk on the Kokoda Trek. This trek is the site of severe battles during World War II between the Australians and the Japanese with local Papua New Guineans often acting as "carriers" ferrying supplies for the troops. However, a visit to this area can have additional rewards by staying in local villages. Kokoda Homestay helps arrange your stay … [Read more...]
Confessions of the First Travel Blogger
One of these claims to be “The Most Interesting Blogger in the World” I was surprised when I picked up a copy USAToday and saw an item that cited me as “The first travel blogger.” I doubt it, though I was early to the game, not long after Al Gore invented the Internet. In 1993 the term “blogger” didn’t exist, so what I was posting was a real-time serialized account of my travels. If that qualifies, then perhaps the first travel blogger was … [Read more...]