Since most of the world is dealing with scorching summer temps, here’s a cooling visual reprieve. Croatia’s first national park since 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes is the country’s oldest and largest with sixteen lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Located very close to the Croatian border with Bosnia, it’s about a two […]
Croatia’s Ultimate Summer Refreshment: Hike Plitvice National Park 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 »
It’s impossible not to be impressed by (1) the sheer immensity of this walled city and it’s legendary fortress. But an impressive distant past beginning with 7th century onslaughts of Slavs, followed by Saracens, 11th century Venetian rule and, through canny diplomacy, good relations with neighboring countries…even the Ottoman Turks, allowed the city to flourish.
Nine Really Remarkable Things I Discovered in Dubrovnik 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 »
Bubbling cauldrons of soups, meats wrapped in palm leaves, a rainbow of desserts – honestly…when it comes to street food, Southeast Asia is the Big Top of variety, flavor and (let’s say) innovation. Each country I visited, (Thailand, Cambodia and Laos on this trip,) has their street food cultural fingerprint. But there are many similarities.
Eat at the Most Bizarre, (delish) and Colorful Food Circus in the World! 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 »
Elephants are a national symbol in Southeast Asia. Woven into the cultural fabric of Asia, the animal was elevated to a special status upon Lord Buddha’s birth when, scriptures say, his mother dreamed a white elephant came to her with a lotus flower. Practically though, the massive temples in Southeast Asia, staggering in size and
My Once in a Lifetime Experience: Chiang Mai Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Read More »