Opening in 1973, the Baros Maldives was only the third island destination resort in the Maldives. It's gorgeous beauty and proximity to Male were among the primary reasons for it's opening. Even though such history is fairly recent - things were significantly different back then. There were no banks on Male, fishing was still the primary income source for the country, the population was less then a 1/3 of what it is today and on Baros the … [Read more...]
Surprised in a good way by Taipei
I have flown into Taipei many times over the years but never really explored the city or the surrounding countryside. For some reason I never had any interest in doing so. However, after spending 4 days in Taipei recently, I must admit that my perception of the city has changed dramatically. For those who have never been to this part of the world, Taiwan makes an excellent first choice/introduction to Asia. It is easy to get around and … [Read more...]
Ko Yao Noi Island, Thailand – February 2017
This little piece of paradise is located merely about 25 minutes from near Phuket on a speed boat - you can also access the island from the other side - from the city of Krabi. For being located in between and fairly close to two popular urban areas - somehow this island has escaped the pull of developers and the crowds that are found on those other mainland destinations. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful, the pace of life is slow - … [Read more...]
Suzhou, China’s floating city
Suzhou is often referred to as “the Venice of the East.” In a less ethnocentric world, we would perhaps call Venice “the Suzhou of the West.” The original canal city, Suzhou was already a over a thousand years old when Venice was founded (514 B.C.E. vs. 421 C.E.) It is also significantly larger than Venice, a full order of magnitude more, in fact. Its canal system is indescribably extensive and complex, spreading through a vast network of fields, … [Read more...]
A Most Unusual Walk in Panama City
It’s tough to walk a mile in the shoes of someone who’s been shot. But it’s worth the walk anyway, to learn about how people gone bad can find their way to good. In the Central American country of Panama, Panama City’s Casco Viejo neighborhood is a great place to do it. I’m walking with former bad boy Samuel Palacio through Casco Viejo, a historic district in Panama City that has long been riddled with crime, much of it gang related. Samuel … [Read more...]
My 5 Favorite Caribbean Destinations
I have been fortunate to have visited all countries in the Caribbean except for Haiti and have visited nearly all of the territories. Haiti is definitely on the list for upcoming visits. I have stayed in a wide variety of accommodation in the region including a number of luxury properties. Luxury Retreats recently reached out to me; they focus on high end vacation rentals worldwide including a number of Caribbean luxury vacations. After … [Read more...]
A Family Discovery of the Natural Beauty of Jasper and Its Environs
Packing up the van as we loaded up the children and luggage from our hotel in Edmonton, we embarked on the Jasper area of the Canadian Rockies adventure hoping to find snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, raging waterfalls and animals of the area. My daughter Muna and I were travelling with my eldest grandson Laith, Maria his wife and their two inquisitive sons, Bilal and Tamer. As we left the city anxious to visit Alberta’s natural wonders … [Read more...]
Visitors Flock to Las Vegas to Commemorate Chinese New Year
The Entertainment Capital of the World Welcomes the Year of the Rooster with Special Events, Cuisine and More LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2017) - Las Vegas will celebrate the 2017 Chinese New Year with an extensive array of culinary offerings, entertainment and experiences for visitors to usher in the Year of the Rooster. Honoring the rich culture and historical importance of Spring Festival, Las Vegas will feature symbolic décor and stunning … [Read more...]
St. Lucia Jazz: The Caribbean’s Heartbeat
This must be an out of body experience...or at the very least what this experience would possibly feel like. Those were the words going through my mind as I witnessed the performance of the internationally acclaimed zouk band "Kassav' perform on my old stomping ground in my hometown of Soufriere (St. Lucia). The iconic Pitons (dramatic volcanic spires that rise sharply) in the background must have added to this feeling of the experience being … [Read more...]
How to Spend a Few Days in Dominica
Dominica is ideal for the independent traveler looking to getaway from crowds, to bond with nature, and to explore the country on his or her own. Aptly called "the nature isle" when one visits the country, one soon understands this description. First of all, there are not a lot of people who live in the country, some 72,000 by the last count, so it never feels crowded, the island is full of rivers, waterfalls, some freshwater lakes and dense at … [Read more...]
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