Docking at the wharf of Manila reminds me of my first arrival in the city many years ago: the first of many arrivals I have experienced in the Philippine capital. A sunny climate greets me. The sunlight is intense yet reflecting so vibrantly upon the waters of Manila Bay. Over the years, there have been critics moaning about the city - mentioning its smog and chaotic traffic, its crimes, not to mention the voluminous homes (if such can be called … [Read more...]
Palau Tops Scuba Diving Awards
(January 17, 2013) --- Considered by industry experts and scuba diving enthusiasts as “the best of the best,” Scuba Diving Magazine’s Top 100 Gold List is a “popularity contest” where rankings are based on a total number of responses from global readers and divers. The Top 100 Gold List features operators, resorts, live-aboards, underwater experiences (i.e., best wall, shore and wreck sites), dive bars and more. Here are some of the highlights … [Read more...]
Dropping onto Saipan
Dropped into Saipan in the dead of night - starry skies, the blackness of the sea greeted us - disturbed only by the lights emanating from this small island. I had only done cursory research before our visit here and after speaking for nearly 2 hours to my seatmate who lives here now - I wasn't really sure what to expect. He spoke of sweat shops (now extinct), high alcoholism, a hub for smuggling drugs in from China, unemployment, gambling … [Read more...]
World War II History Tour on Peleliu Island, Palau
Peleliu Island in the country of Palau is a part of the beautiful "rock islands" - hundreds of small limestone islands all covered with vegetation. This southern most part of Palau offers spectacular beauty in the form of pure white sand beaches, peculiar looking umbrella-like shaped islands, intense green vegetation covering the islands and its turquoise waters. There are a number of reefs in the area and snorkeling provides excellent visibility … [Read more...]
Philippines: Celebrating Pistay Dayat
The Pista'y Dayat Festival is a celebration of thanksgiving in the Philippines. Also known as the Sea Festival, it is celebrated every Spring in the city of Lingayen in Pangasinan province. It is a celebration of the harvest and the bounty of the sea. Originally a small beach festival, Pista'y Dayat has become Lingayen's largest celebration, attracting visitors from around the world. The event lasts for two weeks, and is marked by beautiful … [Read more...]
Revisiting Dapitan: A Hero’s Retreat
Dapitan became famous after the Filipino hero Jose Rizal arrived on its shores more than one hundred years ago. Jose Rizal's colorful exile in this place from 1892 to 1896 has had a very significant role in Dapitan's history making it the ultimate "Shrine City of the Philippines". Perhaps, Rizal is Dapitan and Dapitan itself is eternally tied to Rizal. Without him, this place would never be known the world over and never become one of the most … [Read more...]
Tales from the Desert Kuwait
Staring out at the blackened waters of the Persian Gulf from high atop our hotel room near old town Kuwait City. The sun has obviously set and we are free to go out on the streets and eat food. 8 more days of Ramadan await us and our daylight appetites. Upon flying in our flight attendant enthusiastically made an announcement, "If you would like to see a spectacular view of desert sand, please pull down your window shades". Based on her tone … [Read more...]
The High Life, McLeod Ganj
We are now at about 8000 feet up in the Himalayas near Mcleod Ganj just outside of town at a guest house; we will stay here 2 nights and then move further up into the Himalayas. Very very humbling to be back in the shadow of the WORLD'S GREATEST mountains, no apologies given to the Andes in this regards, as the Himalayas are in THEIR OWN CLASS and everyone should see them at least once in their life. These 5 and 6 thousand meter mountains tower … [Read more...]
Diverse Berlin
There is no need to track back Germany's past in detail to remind ourselves of the significance Berlin has in regards to the past and the separation of Germany. If you stay in apartments in Berlin you will immediately notice the international dynamic of the city. Something that was unthinkable 30 years ago. I can't tell what it would have been like if I had grown up in a different place, but although I come from a small town in Germany I was … [Read more...]
Wanderlust In Bohol Paradise
"Life without travel is dull." ~The Author Our racing machine sounds like a roaring thunder on the highest gear dashing through lengthy and paved highway that connects Tagbilaran and its neighboring towns, all in the province of Bohol, Philippine Islands. The 8:00am sun has finally put itself clear after days of frequent rains in the island. I still sense the morning dew leftovers as I ride in next to Lloyd, going to one of the world's … [Read more...]