On a humid afternoon in November, I found myself slowly wandering through the outdoor food markets of downtown Chiang Mai, Thailand. A cornucopia of vibrant and enticing food stalls and souvenir stands littered the pathways as vendors competed for my business. My stomach and brain have never had such a conflict... Stomach: "Wow that sushi looks amazing" Brain: "It's 10 THB ($0.33 USD) a piece. How long has it been sitting there? It's a … [Read more...]
Great Barrier Reef Capsizing & Rescue Story
I have been to Queensland several times over the years but each time I've never had the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. It has been on my "bucket list" for a very long time. During my latest trip earlier this year I was fortunate to finally be able to visit this reef, certainly one of the planet's most inspiring underwater and above water destinations. During my time exploring the reef I met an engaging individual, Nick Lynch. I've … [Read more...]
“Two Tickets to Paradise”, Palau
“I’ve got two tickets to paradise. Pack your bags and leave tonight” – Eddie Money In the evening we arrived to the Airai Hotel located conveniently near Palau’s international airport. The Airai hotel staff was welcoming and our hotel room that overlooked the coastline from a distance and the hotel waterpark below us was a spacious and comfortable midrange option. At the restaurant we sampled tasty white snapper pesto served over a bed of … [Read more...]
Touring Koror, Palau
Whenever we arrive to a new place, we attempt to learn about the country. Therefore, our first stop in Palau was the Belau National Museum where the exhibit: “A Cherechar A Lokelii: Palau Through the Years” gave us a detailed introductory education. Strolling through the halls we learned about the past presence and influences of the Spanish, Germans, Japanese and the United States from a historical context. The Spanish first visited Palau in … [Read more...]
Savory Eats at MGM Grand, Las Vegas
While there are no shortages of activities to enjoy at MGM Grand there are also a number of restaurants here. As a Foodie I was thankful to dine in two different establishments; PUB 1842 and Shibuya. PUB 1842 is a casual pub and gastropub; at the entrance you will discover an endless variety of beers lined up. The sign here boasts, “Free Water, Cheap Beer”. The food menu consists of burgers, nachos, lobster rolls, and so much more. Chef … [Read more...]
A Slice of Cabo Wry
I think it’s natural that when you enter another country, particularly for the first time, you immediately look for both the familiar and the strange. Driving into Cabo San Lucas from the airport, I was struck by the scattered groups and solitary sentinels of Cardón cactus, the spindly beasts that are the world’s largest cactus, and that can live over 300 years. These pricklies have been witness to the remarkable changes that have taken place at … [Read more...]
On The Cheap – How Expensive Is Japan?
Every traveller and backpacker I’ve ever met who wants to go to Japan only asks me two questions. 1. Is Japan expensive to travel around? 2. Can you travel around Japan cheaply? Although the first answer is ‘Yes’... luckily the second answer is also ‘Yes’! However, I’m not going to begin by lying to you… transportation costs in Japan will make you cry tears the size of October’s cabbages (i.e. make you cry a lot). Although food is … [Read more...]
Keepers of the Wild Animal Rescue Sanctuary, Kingman, Arizona, USA
Most people traveling down the historic Route 66 through Nevada and Arizona are looking for sights such as old diners and bars, historical structures, and the locations where stories of legendary characters of the past took place. They likely drive right by Keepers of the Wild Animal Rescue Sanctuary, between Kingman and Valentine, Arizona, without much of a second glance. A very low-key entrance with one billboard out front and a small building … [Read more...]
Sofiero Palace and Gardens
My visit to Sweden this time was decidedly different than my previous. Enduring cold weather, cloudy skies and drizzly conditions during my last visit we spent much of our time indoors drinking hot chocolate, eating sushi and visiting with family who live in Malmö. During the entirety of that trip, the cold weather followed us up to Oslo Norway - and then over to Stavanger and Bergen with fleeting glimpses of the gorgeous fjords tantalizingly … [Read more...]
Virginia is for Foodies
Even if you arrive in Virginia knowing not a soul, don’t be surprised if you leave feeling as if you’ve broken bread and shared drink with good folk who are now friends. That’s the way Virginia strikes me. I come here to eat, drink and contemplate its natural beauty, but am most deeply affected by its people. It’s a truly welcoming place, even to a Northern stranger like me. I recently road- tripped my way through the Commonwealth in search … [Read more...]