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...]
Greetings from rural Ghana
12 hours prior, I was walking along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC just down from the White House. 3 hours after touching down in Accra, the capital city of Ghana in Western Africa I was in the middle of the rural countryside far removed from the hub of activity in the two nation's capital cities. I arrived in Ghana and walked down the jet-way to the tarmac welcoming the warm sun, heat and humidity that only the tropics can deliver. With … [Read more...]
A Few Words About Botswana
As we talked to locals in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city, people were so proud to talk about the things they love about their country. "We are free here, our country is so peaceful, you don't have to be afraid," said one. "You can criticize the government, you have free speech, free elections," said another. Botswana is indeed an incredible country. Home to not only the most beautiful wildlife we've seen yet, including … [Read more...]
Moon Take a Hike Washington DC
Moon Take a Hike Washington DC by Theresa Dowell Perhaps you don't normally associate Washington DC with hiking but the DC area offers some killer hiking opportunities ranging from historic grounds to mountains to beaches and waterfalls. This latest Moon Handbook spotlights 80 hikes in Washington DC and eastern Maryland (all of them completed by the author). This book highlights some of DC's top trails by category. Examples include best bird … [Read more...]
The Insanity-Producing, Migraine-Inducing Experiences of trying to Travel The World on a Thailand Passport with your American Husband
Oh the joys of trying to visit countries with a Thailand passport. While not the lowest of the low, trying to visit many countries around the world using a Thailand passport is about scraping the bottom of the barrel and is about as difficult as it gets. My wife is from Thailand and until she can get USA citizenship these are some of the fun times we have experienced trying to travel. We either try to apply for a tourist or transit visas … [Read more...]