KEY LARGO, Florida Keys -- The Upper Florida Keys are to showcase their "conch" spirit during the second annual Key Largo Conch Republic Days set for Friday, April 23, through Sunday, May 2. Overflowing with frivolity, fun, feasts and feats, the festival is to include an unusual attempt to land the region in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for "extreme underwater ironing." Kicking off the celebration is a planned raising of the flag -- … [Read more...]
Street Food in Penang
Penang, an island on the east coast of Malaysia, is home to beautiful beaches, a colonial splendor, and exotic imperial architecture. But, I return every year to eat from a little cart by the side of the road. And I am not alone. When the British set up the port of Penang, they created a confluence point for Chinese, Thai, Malay and Indian traders who brought their own foods and their own spices to the island. Street food is a way of life in … [Read more...]
Spotlight on Two Luxury Resorts
The Palazzo Sasso (Italian Amalfi Coast) The Brando - Marlon Brando's Private Island, Tetiaroa (in construction - opening 2011) Ravello, 2009 - Perched on the cliffs of Ravello overlooking the Amalfi Coast and Mediterranean Sea, Palazzo Sasso commands one of the most extraordinary views in the world. For over ten years Sasso has enjoyed treating guests to the best and most luxurious hotel experience in one of the most breathtaking spots on … [Read more...]
The Terracotta Urns of Cuba’s Camaguey
"Camaguey is known as the city of tinajones (huge terracotta or earthenware urns). You will find them everywhere as you walk around town. They are a symbol of our city." Our guide smiled, then continued, "However, wives, beware! Do not let your husband drink from them! There is a legend that if a man takes a drink offered by a woman from a tinajone, he will fall in love with her and remain in Camaguey the rest of his life." In the bygone … [Read more...]
Top 5 Budget Winter Sun Destinations
5 Hot Spots that Won't Break the Bank As temperatures continue to drop in the Northern Hemisphere, more and more people can't wait to escape to some winter sun. Exclusive resorts in the Caribbean and year-round warm climates have often been viewed as the priority of the rich but there are plenty of fantastic destinations which offer sun, sea, sand (and more) to travelers on a budget. Dominican Republic, Caribbean The ultimate by-word … [Read more...]
Koh Lipe, Thailand – December 2008
Koh Lipe Thailand - Koh Lipe is a small elongated island located in an archipelago just north of the Malaysian border. People originally came here because of its remoteness and incredible natural beauty much of which is contained within the blue green waters that surround these islands. The tsunami of 2004 did little damage to this area as the wave was only about 3 meters. As a result, since then development has taken hold and numerous guest … [Read more...]
Exploring Turkey’s South West Coast
Turkey is one of the world’s most popular destinations for tourists, and it’s easy to understand why. The year round sunshine and balmy climes while its European neighbours are battling the biting cold is just one. But the warmth doesn’t just come from the sun; it is also exuded from the Turkish people, who are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on the planet. From the Blue Mosque and spice bazaar in Istanbul to the Ottoman … [Read more...]
Setubal, Portugal
The Paris Motor Show last September bought a moment of joy to VW owners around the globe, the return of the beloved people's sport car, the Volkswagen Scirocco, which hoped on sale by late 2007. But, for many north American VW enthusiasts, the origin came as a surprise, the VW AutoEuropa outside Setubal, Portugal. AutoEuropa currently builds the European market only the Sharan and Eos models. Beyond the new Scirocco, Setubal has a lot to be … [Read more...]
A journey through time in Sabah
Sabah is part of East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Administratively this island as a whole is divided between both Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei as well as Malaysia itself. Sabah occupies the northernmost tip of Borneo and its apt name alludes to local weather patterns! Translating to "land below the wind", Sabah's name is a reference to the nearby Philippines and the propensity for typhoons in that region. … [Read more...]
Diving St. Croix
St. Croix is one of those hidden gems, not just for divers looking for great diving in lesser known locales, but for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and more visited places that have become way too 'touristy'. Here divers will find healthy, pristine reefs, a few wrecks, great macro diving, plus the famous 'Wall'. Because it's off the beaten path, Saint Croix is one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean. You'll not only … [Read more...]