The Travelogue of a Writer My name is Philip Gardiner. You may or may not know of me, I am the author of several books, including my latest The Serpent Grail and another Gnosis: The Secret of Solomon's Temple Revealed. In these books we uncover the secrets of the ancients and reveal the true Holy Grail - an actual artifact within which was mixed the Elixir of Life. All this work didn't take an afternoon. In fact it took many years work and … [Read more...]
The Flood, The Tsunami Dec 26
If there is a Paradise on earth it must be here. We repeatedly confirm each other in that statement, several times a day. Mai's Quiet Zone is the name of the little resort where we live, here in the Northern part of Khao Lak. It is not a misnomer. With her husband, the Thai woman Mai has created an area where everything breathes idyllic peace. On the beach are some practical little red brick and bamboo bungalows. Two storey bungalows encircle … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey – Must See Attractions
Some of the primary historical attractions are only open on certain days of the week. Many are open from Tuesday through Sunday and are closed Mondays. Dave has visited the following sites within Istanbul. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) was constructed in the early 1600's. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Because this is such a heavily visited tourist destination, tourists are only allowed to enter from one of the side doors … [Read more...]
Fantasy Island Resort, Roatan – December 2002
Fantasy Island Resort Roatan - Looking for some fabulous warmth in the midst of winter? Yearning for incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities? Visit the Fantasy Island Beach Resort run by Privilege Hotels, located on a private, 21-acre island off the south shore of Roatan island in Honduras. Enjoy their warm beaches, water sport center, and the amazing fishing. With over 100 rooms this island has 2 restaurants, 3 bars, a private marina, … [Read more...]
Zanzibar
While roaming eastern Africa in the waning months of the old century I stumbled into Stonetown, a small romantic city located on the western shores of the island of Zanzibar. Soon I became intoxicated not by drink, but by things such as the fading shadows of the dhows that cast their spired shapes over the blackened waters at sunset and by spending hours sitting near the harbor watching exotic groups of world travelers pass by. Slipping out … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Massage
There are seemingly thousands of massage parlors and day spas in Bangkok ranging from the very cheap to the more luxurious. Districts such as Khao San Road are loaded with cheap massage options. Parts of Sukhumvit also feature an extensive range of massage parlors. FOOT MASSAGE usually lasts from 30 to 120 minutes. Your feet are initially washed in warm water - it is a good idea to show up at the massage parlor wearing shorts instead of … [Read more...]
Cold Spring Tavern, Santa Barbara CA – May 2001
Cold Spring Tavern Santa Barbara - If you are ever near Santa Barbara, CA be sure to drive the old stagecoach road into town. This narrow windy road crosses the 154 (Cachuma Pass) in two locations, one near the summit and one lower down the hill north of the summit. The tavern is located about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara. This road winds its way through a brushy canyon under the large green bridge that was built for Highway 154 to cross … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Lodging
Lodging on Catalina varies in price depending on the time of year you visit the island. High season typically runs April through October. November through March sees less visitors although the weather can still be quite nice during these 'winter' months. You can often find greatly reduced prices during January and February - especially mid week. Most visitor's to the island stay in Avalon - the town boats a variety of boutique lodging … [Read more...]
Key West, FL – Hotels
Prices are listed where available. Generally the prices for lodging are quite a bit higher then in the rest of Florida, especially during the "on" season during the winter months. Prices may drop by half during the off season in the summer. However, the prices will still be quite high. Visitors to Key West should start their journey at the Key West Welcome Center located at 1601 North Roosevelt Blvd. Friendly staff provide current travel … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Monterey Hotels
The prices listed below range from the lowest (the off season rates/single person - 1 room) to the highest (holidays and weekends /double person - one room). 'Motel Row' is situated along part of Munras Ave where motels are stacked up like houses, one after the other. These tend to be smaller one or two story older but well maintained properties, (unlike for instance, "Motel Row" in Tahoe's South Shore). Most are not immediately within a short … [Read more...]