Just two blocks from the White House and within walking distance to everything the nation's capitol has to offer, it's easy to see why The Willard InterContinental in Washington DC is known as the "Residence of Presidents" and has remained an anchor in a town that's undergone countless transformations over the hotel's 200 year existence. In 1862, National Hawthorne wrote, "The Willard may be much more justly called the center of Washington … [Read more...]
Washington D.C.: 11 Great Sites in a Day
In the summer of 2017, I was in Charlestown, WV on business and it occurred to me that Washington D.C. was only a couple of hours away. At the time I was working to develop my photography hobby into a potential career, and D.C. seemed like an excellent place to get some good practice shots. I was currently learning the settings of my first DSLR camera and some entry-level techniques for capturing images. I was no Mike Carano, but as I played with … [Read more...]
3 Beautiful Attractions that Make Sacramento a Haven for Tourists
Sacramento, California may not be as popular and famous as San Francisco, but it is nonetheless a beguiling destination for people who are looking to a catch a break from their busy urban lives. It is California’s capital city and one that will leave you in love with this wonderful state on the West Coast. Whether it is the historical buildings, the shopping centres, the tantalizing dining or the awe-inspiring museums, the city has a little bit … [Read more...]
8 Top Rated Tourist Attractions in Michigan
Sometimes, the most beautiful places you have left unexplored may be in your very own backyard. Now, I don’t literally mean the backyard of your house (although, that also may encompass of a lovely garden your wife busily planted away). By “backyard”, I mean the spots and locations within your country or city. United States is a huge piece of land, and without a doubt, has innumerable, beautiful places that are any tourist’s or vacationer’s … [Read more...]
Visiting the United States of America, Where to start?
As with other large countries, a visit to the USA can be daunting. Distances are great, attractions numerous, there are plenty of events to partake in regardless of the time of year and due to its size weather can sometimes be a concern. In my opinion quality always trumps quantity when traveling and because of America's large size I recommend visiting specific parts of the country rather than trying to see it all. And make multiple … [Read more...]
Brac Island, Croatia – July 2013
Brac (pronounced 'brach') Croatia is an easily accessible island (about 50 minute ferry ride from the city of Split on the mainland). A visit here is well worth a day trip...at minimum. For the adventurous, renting motorbikes is a must. The island has some beautiful beaches as well as more intimate private bays. Picturesque villages dot the shoreline around the island and small cut off roads often lead down to these villages or connect them below … [Read more...]
Secret America
Secret America by Barb Karg and Rick Sutherland This interesting book covers the gamut of American secrecy. The information contained within its covers are not found in your typical high school history book! From super secret societies which contain a plethora of influential individuals such as the men's only Bohemian Club or the Bilderberg Group to information about the US currency possibly including "secret symbols", this book guides readers … [Read more...]
Pass the Prosciutto Please!
Having loaded up on fresh prosciutto this morning we were set for the rest of the day. Its not Italy so the prosciutto is not served with melon. Wanting to duplicate our love for the Italian prosciutto experience, we bought a melon from one of the numerous vendors in the fruit/vegetable market for the equivalent of a dollar. Thinly sliced, fresh - makes all the difference in the world. Like most niche foods - go to the source for the authentic … [Read more...]
Suds and Solace
"The future is an opaque mirror. Anyone who tries to look into it sees nothing but the dim outlines of an old and worried face." --Jim Bishop The morning of September 11, 2001, as a Peace Corps trainer I'd scarcely opened an HIV/AIDS seminar in a shabby hotel two hours north of Port-au-Prince, when the Haiti health program manager pulled me aside. "The World Trade Center and the Pentagon have been attacked by planes," she whispered. "It's … [Read more...]
Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo This is a delightful fast paced read about a 19-day road trip Harry Truman and his wife Bess took from their house in Missouri to Washington DC and back again in 1953 soon after leaving the presidency. Times were simpler back then for ex Presidents as they were able to make this trip as private citizens (President Truman drove) without the accompaniment of secret service. They were actually … [Read more...]