We boarded the plane leaving for Kona behind a clean cut well-dressed businessman toting a RollAboard with a book tucked in tightly in the back. Only one word of the title showed, "sex" and this apparently caught the eye of a number of travelers as we heard hints of conversation and chuckles from behind us. But no one had the guts to actually ask this traveler for more details, juicy or otherwise. For those who know me, know the serious … [Read more...]
The “Big Island”
I'll be exploring the big island of Hawaii next week - will def be hitting some beaches, farmer's markets for tropical fruit and driving to the top of Maua Kea. Does anyone have any suggestions for what else to see - secluded beaches or other attractions. Thanks :) ~ Dave … [Read more...]
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) – February 2008
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) - The Mangosteen is simply called the Queen of the fruit and you will know why when you taste it. We have sampled the Mangosteen's subtle sweet flavors worldwide especially in the tropical countries of SE Asia where when in season it is as common as oranges and bananas are in the West. Unfortunately it is still little known in the West despite the incredible marketing of the Mangosteen juice. It is not allowed … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Little Saigon
Little Saigon is located in the town of Westminster in Southern Orange County between the 405 and the 22 freeways (with good traffic about 45 minutes south of downtown LA). This is NOT a small town. It is predominately a Vietnamese community and is one of the largest Asian communities located anywhere in the USA. If you are not of Vietnamese heritage and you are in some of the stores and shopping districts in Little Saigon, chances are you will … [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...]
Tropical Fruit Farm, Malaysia – January 2004
Tropical Fruit Farm Malaysia - This fruit farm is located on Penang Island west of the city of Penang Malaysia's 2nd largest city. This fruit farm contains over 200 varieties of tropical fruit, and since its almost always "summer" in Malaysia there will be always fruit that you can taste. Tours take about 1 hour and the guide walks you through most of the 25 acres describing the fruit trees and picking fruit for you to taste. At the end of … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Other Attractions
Angkor Zoo is located off a dirt road (on the way to Angkor its just past the ticket gates) off of Charles De Gaulle Blvd. Approximate time here to see all the animals is about 30 to 40 minutes. Its a fairly small zoo with a great variety of birds and reptiles - over 100 species of animals are represented. The highlight are the bears and the cheetahs. A small dirty swimming pool is available for use - although I only saw children using it. Price … [Read more...]
Robert is Here, Homestead FL – April 2003
Robert is Here in Homestead Florida is a rare and tropical fruit stand that has been in business for over 60 years. It was founded by Robert at age 6. We have been here several times - during our most recent visit Robert was still behind the cash register helping customers. We noted that our own purchases were hand written on a paper bag in pencil and then added up. No calculator or cash register here. We are tropical fruit fanatics and had … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Food
There are many many restaurants in this town - most catering to the backpackers. One restaurant I found serves only authentic Lao food and is not known by the tourists at all. I had about 6 meals here and never once saw another tourist. Not having been able to determine the name of this restaurant a location description will have to do. From the Bus station located along the gravel airstrip walk west toward the town of Vang Vieng. Almost … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Attractions
Dhows located in the surf of the beach in front of Nungwi.Stone Town is full of old buildings including many that are in a state of severe decay. This city seems like a tiny maze at times, however its difficult to get too lost - if you walk far enough you will either end up on the seafront or on Creek Road which is the outermost road in Stone Town. While in Stone Town be sure to visit the evening waterfront "fresh fish cookout." This event … [Read more...]