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...]
Xcalak, Mexico – Activities
Banco Chinchorro Banco Chinchorro coral atoll is about 30 miles off shore. This is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere and is littered with the wrecks of sunken ships. As a result it is an attractive area for Scuba divers. Kayaking The coastline near Xcalak offers numerous opportunities for kayaking. The shoreline in this part of Mexico is protected by an offshore coral reef - the second largest in the world just behind … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Scuba Diving
Catalina has some incredible diving opportunities ranging from beginning to advanced. The Catalina Dive Park is an excellent area to dive or to learn diving. This park is located out on the small point almost at the base of the Casino. You can access the water via a walkway with slippery steps (very slippery!) that lead down to the water. This dive park is enclosed with floating buoys connected to each other by rope. Be careful not to leave the … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Activities
Cape Canyon Expedition offers a unique eco-adventure experience into the interior of the island. Tour offered once daily in the morning - guests meet at the Tour Plaza (next to the Golf Gardens). The tour is conducted using an eco friendly H1 Hummer (with a covered roof yet open/breezy experience. This vehicle runs on bio fuel from recycled vegetable oil collected from local restaurants in Avalon. The tour itself is rugged at times accessing … [Read more...]