Meet Russ Hedge, CEO of Hostelling International USA (HI USA) - The largest hostel network in the United States. HI USA was founded in 1934 and is a non-profit organization that offers hostel accommodations, activities and programs promoting inclusivity and diversity. Russ joins the interview to talk about how HI-USA is more than just an ordinary hostel that provides guests a bed to sleep in for the night. Q. Tell us about your journey into … [Read more...]
Time Travel in Nevada City
60 miles northeast of Sacramento lies one of the most picturesque towns in Gold Country. Nevada City, California was originally settled in 1849 and retains much of its old-world charm even today. Modern Nevada City is a haven of laidback living, drawing in post-Burning Man festival-goers with promises of wellness and recuperation. During the spring/summer season, the town comes alive with craft fairs, film festivals and live music, while … [Read more...]
Visit Red Bluff California – April 2018
Red Bluff ("a good place to live") is a small community (approximately 14,000 people) located just west of the banks of the Sacramento River in Tehama County. Features a historic downtown district - easily walk-able spread out along Main Street. Downtown has a mix of historical buildings, shops and restaurants. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the more picturesque buildings in this part of town - as is the Cone & Kimball Tower (a replica of … [Read more...]
Mushroom Madness in Mendocino County
MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIF. – As the flavors of fall arrive in Northern California's Mendocino County so does the annual crop of coveted candy cap, chanterelle, porcini and hedgehog mushrooms. Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 sq. miles of live oak and stately redwood groves, the region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties, 500 of which are edible. The annual haul is nothing short of historic, nurturing … [Read more...]
How to spend a few days in Buenos Aires (and feel like a Porteño)
Traveling to Argentina without visiting Buenos Aires should be considered a 'criminal offense'. This huge city is the pulsating heart of the country containing its political, economic and cultural centres. Besides, it is a fantastic place to explore, with it's European charm (for good reason it is known as the Paris of the South) combined with it's South American vibe. In Buenos Aires, examples of modern architecture stand directly next to … [Read more...]
3 Beautiful Attractions that Make Sacramento a Haven for Tourists
Sacramento, California may not be as popular and famous as San Francisco, but it is nonetheless a beguiling destination for people who are looking to a catch a break from their busy urban lives. It is California’s capital city and one that will leave you in love with this wonderful state on the West Coast. Whether it is the historical buildings, the shopping centres, the tantalizing dining or the awe-inspiring museums, the city has a little bit … [Read more...]
The Three Places You Should Visit in Uruguay – as Soon as Possible and Slightly Off Season
I arrived in Uruguay at the very end of a four months backpacking trip. I was exhausted, and all I wanted to do was rest, lay in the sun, enjoy the sea breeze, eat nice food and write. My expectations were met and exceeded, and by the time I boarded the first of a number of flights that would take me back to Sardinia, I knew I was in love with the country and would have to go back in the future. Locked between Argentina and … [Read more...]
A relaxing day in Fiji
After the stresses of non stop travel the past month I was ready for some serious R&R. Seashell Momi is a Diver's and Surfer's hangout about 45 minutes south of the capital Nadi. Arriving in the dark after passing through beautiful green hills as far as the eye could see, I simply crashed. It was 8pm. I awoke the next morning, 14 hours later at 10am - still tired but certainly more refreshed. Apparently there are only 5 people staying here out of … [Read more...]
Exploring Napa…as in the City of Napa
Introduction For many years the city of Napa was just a place you passed as you entered the Napa Valley - the city center is not on the main highway (Highway 29) and it was lacking in restaurants, hotels and tasting rooms. When you told people you were visiting the Napa Valley, the city of Napa was not mentioned as your final destination, rather you would have been referring to the wineries up valley; it was those wineries that long attracted … [Read more...]
Sacramento & The Gold Country, Moon Handbooks
Sacramento & The Gold Country, by Christopher Arns Initial impressions of Sacramento perhaps: Inland. Old town. Brick buildings. The state's capital city. A good thing considering its somewhat central geographical location in the state, rather than being located in one of the major urban coastal areas. More recently occupied by a body builder, turned actor turned politician. But he has gone away now and there is a "new" governor - or rather an … [Read more...]