Monterey is rich in California heritage - many of these old buildings are well preserved. Most of these historical sites are within a short walk of the downtown area - and about a 15-20 minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf. Many of these sites are related to the government's influence in Monterey. Monterey used to be the capital of Alta California. An excellent history resource regarding Monterey is: www.montereyhistory.org Colton … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico
We first visited the city of Oaxaca in December, during the dry season so some of our mentions in this article may be seasonally related. For example, some of the fruits we saw in the markets are only ripe during that time of year, and some of the festivals we experienced certainly only occur during December. Oaxaca (elevation 5,084 feet, population 265,000) is located in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. The Oaxaca airport offers … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – Museums
Museums in Oaxaca range from displays of treasure (the jewels of Monte Alban), to historical artifacts to wonderful artwork. We visited the following museums during our time in Oaxaca. Museo de Arte Contempraneo de Oaxaca (Contemporary Art Museum), is located inside Casa de Cortes at Alcala 202. This museum houses permanent displays of five famous Oaxacan artists including Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Gutierrez and Rodolfo Morales. The … [Read more...]
Oaxaca, Mexico – More Info
We were highly satisfied with Roberto's Oaxaca Tours. He offers a number of specialized tours. Roberto is an excellent driver and guide who *really knows* the Oaxaca scene. He speaks fluent English. His tours are setup for travelers, not for himself. And that is a big difference. Google him and be sure to book his services far in advance as he is in high demand. Looking for a cool space to hang out while in Oaxaca? Check out Convivio located … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Coulterville
Coulterville is located at the junction of Highways 132 and 49. This old mining town used to be a booming community along the first stage coach road into Yosemite Valley. Now with approximately 115 people it is just barely reaping some of the benefits of the tourist boom that other historic mining towns have seen in more recent years. Coulterville is slightly removed from the main mining tourist town areas therefore not as many people drive … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Mariposa
Mariposa is the next major gold mining town if you continue south on Highway 49 from Coulterville. Mariposa county used to be the largest county in California in the 1800's, extending all the way to Los Angeles. However, it is much smaller today. Mariposa, meaning butterfly in Spanish used to be called Logtown. It used to be a central mining town in the area. Today it is centrally located to Yosemite National Park and is a stopover for many … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Attractions
Spokane offers such a wide diversity of attractions and experiences, that even the most vanilla type personality will not be bored. Those who simply want to visit Spokane in the summer and read books can do so in numerous park. Shopping is plentiful. Intriguing architecture. Plenty of museums. Family attractions including for children. Manito Park is well worth a visit, especially for those who enjoy plants and formal gardens however beware … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Radio Stations
The following is a list of radio stations originating in Sonoma County area, which can be heard in Santa Rosa. However, most of these stations do originate out of Santa Rosa. We make our best effort to keep this list updated - however radio stations change faster then the wind changes directions at times. With few exceptions, do NOT become attached to your 'favorite' Sonoma County radio station - chances are it will change format fairly … [Read more...]
Nepal – Bargaining
Bargaining was one of the highlights for me in Katmandu. Every where you walk in this crowded city you are surrounded by swarms of people trying to sell you something. They offer everything from the "best knives made in Nepal", to jewelry, to drugs, to women. Often we would be walking along and some shady character would come up to you and ask in a hushed whisper if you wanted to purchase marijuana, hashish, or coke. When we first arrived it … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Shopping
There are quite a few excellent shopping center in the Lake Tahoe area. Some of them are listed below, some with descriptions. A good listing of malls in the Reno area is: www.newtoreno.com/malls.htm Tahoe City Boatworks Shopping Mall is one of my favorite places to hang out in Tahoe City. They are located at North Lake Blvd, and Highway 28. This Mall is located right next to The Lake and the Boatworks Marina. Often times after shopping I … [Read more...]