My trip to Haiti came about in the most random way. Haiti was my last country to visit in the Caribbean - it has certainly been on my radar for some time. A friend took a trip to Cap Haitien in the northern part of the country and spoke highly of his time there. I signed up for the American Airlines Aviator card - made a few purchases in the first few months triggering 60,000 miles. I soon turned around and cashed in those miles for this trip - … [Read more...]
Lonely Planet – How to Survive Anything
Lonely Planet released this very interesting visual read earlier in the year. This entertaining book focuses on a variety of problems travelers invariably face during their travels (especially those who travel independently). The book is not only a fun read but delivers practical advice for specific problems focusing on outdoor activities such as surviving an earthquake, surviving a night in the snow or a Tsunami. But the book also offers … [Read more...]
Island Hopping, Andaman Sea – Thailand
This week we have been exploring the warm clear waters of Southern Thailand. Our first stop was Ko Tah Chai - dubbed the "Maldives of Thailand" for its azure surrounding waters and the satin-like white sand beaches - which are so silky underfoot. Activities include: A Nature Hike - where you can spot a green pointy snail that lives and eats in certain trees and the pretty "chicken crab" which tends to hide during the heat of the day. The … [Read more...]
El Salvador Wedding and Lago De Coatepeque
I am sitting on the edge of Lago De Coatepeque in El Salvador on an early morning - wakened early by the suns first rays hitting my face from my cozy spot on the floor, wedged between two sofas. Last night I vaguely remembered stumbling in around 2am. Lacking in the sleep department and heavy in the alcohol recovery, I feel surprisingly well for just a few hours of sleep. Last night was a blur, it was my cousin's wedding and it was epic. The … [Read more...]
Dispatch: Atom Ant Japanese Houseguest
John M. Edwards receives a strange visitor from the Nipponese “Land of the Rising Sun,” who is, of course, despite a strong yen, ultimately a freeloader. In Westfield, New Jersey, United States, North American Continent, at my apt upstairs from the now-long-gone Tullio’s Hair Salon (which daily pumped up the odoriferous air of Free Heat, Aqua Velva, and Brill Cream), I received a visitor from not another planet exactly but instead from a way … [Read more...]
Odd and Unusual Bangkok
So, where do you go when you have seen most of the major attractions in Bangkok and you have a friend in town visiting for the first time? You seek out the odd and unusual. First we jumped on the Skytrain, got off at Chitlom, wandered for a bit until we reached the luxury Swissotel Nai Lert. We were not coming specifically to see the hotel, rather we were after the Tubtim Shrine on the grounds of the hotel. This is a fertility shrine … [Read more...]
Indonesia: Hello Mister!
The motion sensor detects my presence and two glass doors slide open to grant me entry into the Woolworth's Supermarket. I grab a trolly (shopping cart) and peruse the isles pausing to examine labels at my will. Although I have been shopping for decades, this time feels a little different. To my right a woman in pink track shorts excuses herself to reach across and grab the peanut butter. A mother wheels by with a small girl strapped in the … [Read more...]
What is The Unstoppable Life?
Sailor Who Circumnavigated Globe Reveals How to Make Your Dreams Come True Larry Jacobson knows what it's like to have a dream that seems nearly impossible to realize. He also knows how to make that dream come true. "I remember being a curious kid looking out at the docks in Long Beach from behind the locked gates that led to the pier," he said. "I saw this montage of beautiful sails and gleaming boats and the vast expanse of the sea, and … [Read more...]
Culinary Institute Napa Japanese Tsunami Relief Dinner
This is a last minute event for Napa Valley California residents or those in the area, or those wanting to help support the Japanese Tsunami relief effort. Rising Sun, Raising Support Thursday, April 21, 2011 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CIA Students, Faculty and Staff Invite You to a Feast of Japanese Cuisine and Wines of the Napa Valley to benefit The American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund Location: … [Read more...]
Sailors Take Note
My brother John is again off on his round the world galavants. This time he's stationed in Puerto Vallarta Mexico helping get a 46 foot Beneteau sailboat ready to ship off sometime this month for the South Pacific. They are going to head south west from PV with their first stop at the amazing Marquesas (in the middle of nowhere). This small group of islands are among the most remote on the planet - with their nearest continental land fall being … [Read more...]