So the new list of today's Wonders of the World is about to come out. I found it bizarre that the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia wasn't one of the contenders. Machu Picchu, Petra, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall, all undoubtedly wonders of the world, but how about thinking a little outside of the box? Does a Wonder have to be ancient? This contest is an exciting project amongst the now enormous travelling community on the planet, but it does … [Read more...]
Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa
Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa Hermanus is a delightfully pretty seaside town, only an hour and half from Cape Town, which is sandwiched between the coastline of Walker Bay and a high mountain range afew kms inland. Regarded by WWF as being one of the world's best locations to watch Whales it holds the annual Whale Festival at the end of September, which attracts over 100,000 eager Whale watchers. Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks and … [Read more...]
The Monkey Hut Hostel, Lake Apoyo Nicaragua – August 2006
The Monkey Hut Hostel, Lake Apoyo Nicaragua - is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Apoyo - only about a 20 minute drive from the city of Granada. Travelers from around the world congregate here and is a great place to meet people. This is part resort, part hostel and part hotel! Visitor's can stay in private rooms or choose from very affordable lodging in their dorm. Day trippers can come out and spend the full day or even just an … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a fairly wealthy community located along the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles. The 10 freeway ends in Santa Monica and is the main freeway leading to this city from Los Angeles. PCH or Highway 1 runs along the western part of Santa Monica bordering the ocean. The famous Santa Monica Pier is located near the end of the 10 freeway in Santa Monica (with good traffic this is about 20-30 minutes from downtown LA. You can … [Read more...]
Samoa, Heart of Polynesia
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This "Heart of Polynesia" is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa. American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. … [Read more...]
Sydney Beaches, Fun in the Sun
Whether you're up for a Crocodile Dundee adventure or you'd just like a taste of the Australian sun, the beaches in and around Sydney can offer you all that and more. Being in the southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are reversed from those in Europe, North American, and much of Asia, so if you're looking for good beach weather, make sure to travel some time from September to May - that is, spring to autumn. The Sydney shoreline encompasses … [Read more...]
Introspection on Travel
"I am having a cup of tea (via email) with a friend while sitting in a 4 star hotel coffee shop along a bank of windows looking out over the Yellow sea with my computer in my lap and free WIFI access to the Internet. Something my friend said to me has set off a flood of thoughts. Being a wanderer, crossing a different land among people who speak languages strange to one's ear...meditating in tune with the dreamy rhythm of train wheels against … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV – Attractions
The Eiffel Tower is well worth a visit to the top. This is an exact 1/2 scale replica of the real Gustav's Eiffel Tower located in Paris, France. If you have never been to the real Eiffel Tower in France this is a pretty good replica. You buy your tickets on the first floor of the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas (owned by Caesars). Note the pretty sky on the ceiling when you walk into this hotel. The twilight of a summer Paris evening never changes in … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV – Shows
No visit to Las Vegas is complete without seeing a show. Shows are incredibly popular and is the main reason why some people visit Las Vegas. They range in price from free often outdoor entertainment provided by the giant casinos to the $100+ per person show. Be sure to pick up a Las Vegas Visitors Guide (published by the Las Vegas Visitors & Convention Authority) - you can find these in or around the casino's - often the local Las Vegas … [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...]