Upon leaving the unexpectedly small Cartagena airport, I was welcomed by a huge billboard featuring a Colombian Elvis impersonator. The other passengers who had also just arrived were poppin’ into little yellow micro-machine cabs and spinning off into their own assorted narratives. I stood and watched their numbers dwindle. Soon I was one of only a few prey left for the desperate transportation peddlers. A husky, determined Colombian man … [Read more...]
Five Reasons Why You’ve Got to Love Thai Culture
Not sure what to think of Thai culture? I tell you what: once you immerse yourself in it, you’ll come to love it. For Buddha’s sake! Wait! This isn’t a platitude. Thai culture has a squillion of aspects that make living so much easier and less complicated than westerners’ way of life. Like what? Well, here’s what will make you grow fond of Thais’ traditions sooner or later. Eating on the floor, the table, or whatever is flat … [Read more...]
By a Single Thread
A birthday card from our kids shows the front paws of a tiger; a cub is peeking out between two protective legs, cub eyes full of mischief as if saying, "is anybody out there silly enough to dare touch me, with my big daddy around?" I gaze at it for a while. Gradually, a decisive fraction of a second once upon a time starts to cross my mind... * * * Entering deep relaxation after some yoga that morning, I've planted gratitude in my mind for … [Read more...]
Tahiti, Exploring this Gem in the Middle of the Southern Pacific Ocean
I've wanted to visit Tahiti for years but the high cost of airfare has been a barrier to visiting the country. But with recent flights from the west coast of the USA launching earlier this year and prices much more affordable then in the years past, my decision to visit Tahiti became more realistic. The capital city of Papeete is by far the largest city in the country - and yes there is even traffic downtown. But as far as cities go, this is … [Read more...]
A Wild Ride in West Africa
Even the driver seemed surprised! Bad sign, these guys have seen it all. In the center of the brightly painted wheel, where the hub should have attached to the axle, was a jagged gaping hole. We’d already used our spare wheel and our jack wasn’t working anyway, so we did what anyone in West Africa would do in this situation: we settled in to wait for help. The merciless sun bullied most passengers into the shade of a nearby tree. They sat … [Read more...]
Exploring Shanghai
Shanghai is among the world's largest cities by population. Two airports serve this major metropolis: Hongqiao International Airport (more domestic flights) and Pudong International. The metro connects both airports to the center of town and outlying suburbs. The fastest train in the world, the Maglev connects Pudong Airport to the metro system. Air pollution is certainly a problem here - during the Shanghai Expo in 2010 factories were shut down … [Read more...]
Banjul to Varela: Where?
As I stepped into the Range Rover under the dusty skies of Banjul in the early AM I was greeted by the familiar sounds of Don Williams. Fortunately he is my favorite singer so I was able to easily absorb about 6 hours of one of his cd's cycling through the same songs over what ultimately would turn into a 10.5 hour adventure before we reached our final destination in northern Guinea Bissau. Our journey involved several border crossing - going … [Read more...]
CicLAvia – When LA Ditches the Car
Pity Angelinos, the unhappy residents of the City of Angels Automobiles. Few cities in the world are as car-centric as theirs. From the world’s first freeway (Pasadena Freeway) to the world’s busiest interchange (I-105 and I-110), Los Angeles was developed in the early decades of the 20th century as a marvel of modern transportation, the ultimate exemplar of mobility in a spectacular new era. Street cars, subways and light rails of east coast … [Read more...]
Flowers Everywhere! Southern California’s Springtime Bloom
Driving out in the morning from Mission Viejo to Lake Elsinore mid week, I thought for sure I would have the poppy fields all to myself. I could not have been more wrong. Pulling off the 15 on Lake Street and heading onto Walker Canyon Road I soon found myself in a 'zoo'. Seemingly all of Los Angeles and Orange County had made the trek out this Wednesday morning - traffic officers were directing cars, cars were backed up all the way into Walker … [Read more...]
Stage Coach Inn: A Distinctive Piece of Hudson Valley Heritage
New York State's Hudson Valley is filled with artisan food producers, bucolic scenery, and a wide array of historic inns and bed & breakfasts. One lesser known attraction is the region's horse racing heritage dating back to the 1700s. The village of Goshen New York is home to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame accompanied by an historic track built in 1838 now incorporated into the museum and still in operation today. In fact, what … [Read more...]
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