I proposed after 3 wonderful years together. Yeah for me, right? Of course it is, but... I think I may have dug myself into a hole. So typically, the groom would never volunteer to take on ANYTHING related to planning a wedding; we’re supposed to just show up on the day of the wedding in the tuxedo chosen by our lovely brides. Yet, as a present for my bride, I took over the planning of our honeymoon. No pressure, of course. I wanted to avoid the … [Read more...]
The Charming Plaza Mayor in Madrid
Visitors to Madrid in Spain are always enthralled by the myriad activities and attractions throughout this beautiful city. From its beautiful squares, scenic artistic landscapes and fascinating history, you'll never have a dull moment. Among all those attractions, however, one spot really stands out from the crowd, and is a must-see while you're visiting this charming city: the Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor is one of the absolute best spots … [Read more...]
Wedding Celebration, Chennai India
After a busy few days spent shopping for clothing for the event - sari's, shoes, long colorful flowing robes etc - we now have our appropriate Southern Indian wedding ceremony attire. The celebration went off without a hitch - one of India's most famous violinists (T. N. Krishnan) and his daughter took the stage for over an hour with hypnotizing music. Hundreds of people came to celebrate the joyous occasion! … [Read more...]
Pre Wedding Ceremony Preparations, Chennai
After a hectic few days bouncing around the planet, we find ourselves in Chennai India. Today was a fun Henna party - and then shopping for Sari's. This city is chaotic on the streets - but so far not nearly as much as our experiences in some of the larger Northern Indian cities. … [Read more...]
Mad Scientists at Raymond Winery
My first impression of Raymond Winery when I arrive for my "Winemaker for a Day" blending experience with my fiance, Tom, is that we are at a traditional Napa winery. The "Winemaker for Day" experience involves creating my own wine blend and bottling the wine to take home with my own label - which I am currently designing with a happy employee named Casey at the tasting room counter. The tasting room has beige walls and white counter-tops with a … [Read more...]
San Diego’s Best Beaches: An Insider’s Perspective
San Diego has acres and acres of coastline. With breathtaking views and free public beaches choosing the "best beaches" is very subjective. In most cases accessing San Diego's coastline also requires a car rental unless you are staying very close to the beach. San Diego's International airport is located minutes from downtown; consider an International Air Charter. Here are five on my favorite beaches and each is dramatically different in … [Read more...]
South Pacific Films by David Stanley
Over the past eight decades the paradise isles of the legendary South Seas have provided a backdrop for many Hollywood productions. French Polynesia has been the most popular location by far, followed by Fiji and Samoa. Both Hollywood films set in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal Diary (1943) starring Anthony Quinn and The Thin Red Line (1999), were about the Pacific War. Easter Island features in Kevin Costner's Rapa Nui (1994) while The Other Side … [Read more...]
Bangkok Day Tripping
We are always going into Bangkok for something. This time for yellow fever vaccinations - I had mine last year for Cote d'Ivoire (good for 5 years) - this time around for Syy for our January trip to Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique. Its not easy getting Yellow Fever vaccs in Bangkok - only available on the weekdays - hospitals don't offer it so we ended up going to the Red Cross Clinic at the Snake Farm. This time of year Bangkok is … [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...]
The Bride, the Priest and the Maniac
We both sighed when the gate agent announced our flight would be delayed - again. Only twenty more minutes the agent promised. My stomach gurgled as I slumped into my seat and returned to my book. Great. I'd probably have to run like a crazy woman to make my connecting flight at the next airport. These kinds of delays are one of the reasons I dislike traveling alone. My mind inevitably churns with all the "what ifs," especially if re-routing is … [Read more...]
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