Opatija, Croatia is a beautiful seaside town with a long tradition as a tourist destination and a 7 mile shoreline promenade called the Lungomare offering sparkling vistas from sunrise well into the indigo evenings. Hotels all offer breathtaking views. And of course, there are the legends. Every town in Croatia has at least one. Here, […]
Amazing Istria: Opatija to Rovinj and the Mystery of St. Euphemia Read More »
My first stop along Croatia’s coastline was a ferry ride to Korcula, only 20 miles long but 6th largest of the collection known as the Dalmatian Isles. It’s old town is charming with streets designed in a fishbone shape and walled since the 13th century. Built for protection from the sea winds in the winter
Hvar and Korcula Islands: Brilliant Jewels of the Adriatic Read More »
The climb is a 306 step staircase bordered by mythical serpents called naga. Presiding over the city at the top is Wat Phra That, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. The golden spire glitters near the summit of Doi Suthep, a 5,499-foot mountain outside Chiang Mai. Lanna was an ancient Thai state located in
Visit the Most Holy Relic of Thailand’s Most Sacred Temple Read More »
Each morning before sunrise, the faithful line the sidewalks of the city of Luang Prabang in north central Laos. The custom dates back to the origins of Buddhism, and now hundreds do as Buddha did during his time, roaming the streets barefoot each morning seeking alms. Everyone speaks in hushed, reverential tones as shoes are
Giving Alms: Silent and Beautiful Sunrise in Luang Prabang Read More »
The Royal Palace situated within the city of Angkor Thom, close to Siem Reap Cambodia, belonged to kings of the tenth and first half of of the eleventh centuries. King Jayavarman VII built the city, whose name translates to “Great Kingdom” and includes Angkor Wat, over a 30 year period with the assistance of 6,000 elephants.
Expression of the Highest Genius; The Majesty of Angkor Thom Read More »
In the Land of a Thousand Temples, this glittering swirl of meringue generously sprinkled with tiny diamonds is a visual feast. More like a Disney fantasy than a place of Buddhist worship. Made more unusual because it’s new. Known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, located in Chiang Rai is the project of well-known
Visit Wat Rong Khun, the Famous White Temple of Chiang Rai Read More »
In mountainous northern Thailand, at the end of a long dirt road, private except for occasional but welcomed visitors, live the “long necked women” of the Kayan Hill Tribe. With our Thai-speaking guide, I visited this small village called Ban Nai Soi, where four different ethnic groups; Kayan, Akha, Hmong and Lahu live together, refugees
My Visit with the Long-Necked Women of Thailand’s Hill Tribes Read More »
Thailand is known as “land of a thousand temples”, each stunningly unique and overwhelmingly beautifully Buddhist. It’s also known as the “land of a thousand smiles”. I think there’s a connection… First, it’s hot. Plan your adventures for mornings, late afternoons and evenings. Not during the heat of midday. The city comes alive at night.
How to Have an Amazing Time in Mystical, Magical Bangkok Read More »
My Zimbabwe adventure included a morning hike in the Victoria Falls Rainforest and an afternoon helicopter ride over the falls. Both were incredible! It is the largest waterfall in the world. Not the widest or the highest but the world’s largest sheet of falling water. Twice the height of Niagara and only rivalled by Iguazu
Twelve Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Victoria Falls Read More »
Share my visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland, or eSwatini as it’s now known. The last traditional kingdom in Africa. I found cheerful, friendly Swazi people proud of their rich culture and traditions, which they love to share with visitors. In few places have the youth uprisings been as surprising as in Eswatini, a kingdom
Brilliant Colors, Rich Cultural Traditions of “Must See” eSwatini Read More »