The best place to walk in the footsteps of John Muir is Yosemite National Park, where the famed naturalist and conservationist hiked and climbed granite domes, lovingly surveyed plants and animals, studied with rapt eyes “cloud mountains” in the sky, and developed his passion for wild spaces. Another place that evokes feelings for one of the visionary creators of our national park system is his old home in Martinez, California, about an hour … [Read more...]
A Little Bit of Malta on my Mind
I proceeded to a tiny room at my hotel in central Valletta, oddly enough having to pass through the restaurant first. Many elderly ladies were absorbed in a riveting game of Bridge and I had to slink past their tables without bumping into them. Finding a balcony I stood overlooking the scenic water and Fort Saint Angelo in the distance while absorbing the smells of the salty water, the warmth of the Mediterranean sunshine and the tantalizing … [Read more...]
My Trip To NY NY in Las Vegas
Recently my husband and I took a trip to Las Vegas so we could get a few days away. We weighed our options carefully and decided to stay at the New York-New York, Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. We both love playing casino games and have been going there for about 20 years. From home, we're only a short 45-minute flight from the strip. It's a no brainer. Some people go to Vegas for the shows and other entertainment, but we only go for gambling. … [Read more...]
All Aboard the Australia Bandwagon
Sitting on a 17-hour flight I felt like an ungrateful child. I had the opportunity to take an amazing trip halfway around the world. UK office blocks are full to the dropped-ceilings with dreams of Down Under. Australia had just never been on The List. My husband and I were visiting friends who had fallen in love with Sydney and emigrated. I assumed it would be very similar to the UK, and when we landed, it was. Everything is in English, … [Read more...]
Misadventures of a Gringo in Colombia
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...]
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