Oregon's coastline is full of secrets: veiled pleasures and surprises, clandestine, deserted beaches and hidden gems peppering the towns in the form of lodgings or eateries. But perhaps the most stunning secret on all of Oregon's coast lies just outside of the art and culture mecca of Cannon Beach, on the north coast. There's a castle a bit south of town, hidden behind the walls of trees just north of the Arch Cape Tunnel. You can become king … [Read more...]
Young Female, Traveling Alone
Embarking on a Holy Adventure I had a strong grip on the seat in front of mine. I could have felt my stomach shrinking in fear and moving upward, toward my chest. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some turbulence. Please keep your seat belts fastened until the seatbelt sign is off," announced the pilot. I looked around. I was the only female in the vicinity. The Indian men kept staring at me. They had been looking since I got … [Read more...]
Great Wall and Great Zoo
The frigid bite in the September morning air in Beijing, China made me glad I had brought along a jacket. With the help of the hotel clerk who had acted as my interpreter, I had hired a taxi to drive me to The Great Wall. I thought that my request was simple enough to avoid any confusion with the taxi driver, but I thought wrong. Because of the demands of the 50th Anniversary celebration under the communist rule that Beijing was carrying … [Read more...]
And That’s The Way It Is…
I am writing you from Chefchaouen Morocco. All the keys are reorganized on this computer so bear with me as it is very difficult to type. I am not looking at the screen just down at the keyboard. We arrived in Africa yesterday passing by the Rock of Gibraltar. Immediately as anticipated we were hounded by faux guides marketing to us with fear - telling us it was unsafe to travel in the afternoon because Moroccans become more dangerous in the … [Read more...]
My Foreign Language
The preparation for the trip back to Vietnam was almost as unsettling as the trip itself. Mom didn't want me to go because she was afraid something might happen to me. I had planned to go with several other people, including a Vietnamese guy who goes by his Catholic name of 'Matthew,' and I had assured mom that Matthew would look after me since he had gone back several times already. Father had demanded that I not go because he didn't want me … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Getting There
Death Valley is located in the south eastern part of California, nestled right up against the Nevada border. It is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and motorists can arrive a variety of ways. The closest major airport is McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas - about 100 miles away from the eastern/southern park entrance. One can rent a car in Las Vegas and then drive to the park - a little more then a 2 hour drive … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey
Pelin Ayan is our long time Social Media Director - she also lives in Istanbul and has these recommendations (PDF file) for 3 days in the capital city. Turkiye in the winter can be cold, very cold. However the cold and the largest snow storm in over 50 years did not stop me from spending as much time hopping from one tourist attraction to the next. Over a foot and a half of snow fell in Istanbul the week I was there, and western Turkey is … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, (HCMC) or Saigon (District 1), was founded about 300 years ago. This is Vietnam's largest city with around 9 million people. For comparison, the roots of Hanoi in the north date back to the 3rd century BC and that city was founded more then 1000 ago. Ho Chi Minh City can be explored on bike or foot. However be aware that traffic conditions can be horrific at times - Ho Chi Minh City features thousands of motor bikes - they … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam – Attractions
Many of Saigon's primary attractions are located in District 1 or 3 and often are within walking distance of each other. Tours outside of the city are usually reached by bus. Here are a few attractions that we have visited during multiple trips to Saigon. Ben Thanh Market is located in District 1 and houses numerous vendors selling a wide variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, fruits and vegetables. This market was first built in 1914. Large … [Read more...]
Saigon, Vietnam – Lodging
There are numerous hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), ranging in price from around $15/night all the way up to the 4 and 5 star hotels well above $100/night. Many hotels will include breakfast for free. Most will keep your baggage for a little while if you plan on returning or take side trips. The author has stayed in and or visited all of the following hotels. If you have additional hotel recommendations for this page, please email … [Read more...]
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