Sharing my travel photos and stories.

New Travel Blogs I Enjoy

New Travel Blogs I Enjoy

Jan 26, 2012

I just stumbled into a few new travel blogs that I’m adding to my reading list.  And I’m sharing them with you below: Ytravelblog:  Caz and Craig have been traveling around the world since 1997!  They are typically ranked in the top 3 in terms of traffic to their site.  Not only will you read about their adventures…if you’re a travel...

Staying in a Castle – Palazzo Catalani in Soriano Nel Cimino, Italy

Staying in a Castle – Palazzo Catalani in Soriano Nel Cimino, Italy

Jan 22, 2012

As I write this, it’s been two years and three months (who’s counting) since our great European Adventure!  We did the typical thing, Rome, Berlin, Prague… and the great “off the beaten path” surprise was our stay at the Palazzo Catalani in Soriano Nel Cimino.  (The full photo album can be visited by clicking here to see it in...

Remembering Central Park In The Fall

Remembering Central Park In The Fall

Jan 21, 2012

I love traveling during the fall season for many reasons.  The air feels cool and crisp.  Perfect all day walking, stomping and exploring weather.  The change in colors gives depth to the visual palette.   And the anticipation of setting a date so far out in the year, and the delicious feeling when you finally take that trip.   I savor those...

Photo Moment – Dakak Beach Resort, Philippines

Photo Moment – Dakak Beach Resort, Philippines

Sep 13, 2011

Located in the southern islands of Zamboanga, Dakak beach resort sits on 750 metres of private beach with pure powdery white sand. You have to fly into Dipolog via an airline from Manila such as Cebu Pacific.   The resort is about 45 minutes from Dipolog downtown area.  You drive through a very remote area.  The landscape is lush and green with the...

Don Henley stayed at the Hotel California = Urban Legend

Don Henley stayed at the Hotel California = Urban Legend

Feb 8, 2011

It’s my favorite song. And that is why for years I never ever questioned that the famous “Hotel California” in Todos Santos was in fact the very same one that the Eagles made famous. And after 14 years of visiting Cabo…I finally made the…errr… pilgrimage to this famous hotel in the middle of the Baja Desert. I found myself in...

Dapitan, Philippines

Dapitan, Philippines

Feb 8, 2011

During our vacation in the Philippines, we had the opportunity to check out Dapitan, which is just on the other island next to Dipolog.  Dapitan is a sleepy fishing town famous for having been where Filipino national hero – Jose Rizal spent four years in exhile. We were meeting my cousins for lunch – and passed the time away watching life pass us...

Phuket: Patong and Koh Phi Phi are polar opposites. Armpit and Paradise. Ha!

Phuket:  Patong and Koh Phi Phi are polar opposites.  Armpit and Paradise.  Ha!

Oct 21, 2010

I am a professional vagabond.  An explorer of faraway places.  The new experiences uncover new emotions and feelings.  It is as much an inner discovery as it is an outer exploration. The first part of this journey was at the top of my most unfavorite places.  Patong sucks for women.   It’s about as appealing as a rascal pirate’s...

Zip Line in Maui

Zip Line in Maui

Aug 27, 2010

To see the island from the sky, you must do the zip line in Maui.  I watched a lot of travel videos to try to pick the right tour guide and in the age of digital media it’s so easy to experience something “virtually” which may push you over the edge to try it … or keep you in your seat to not try it. Disclaimer:  My review and...

The road beyond Hana Highway

The road beyond Hana Highway

Aug 19, 2010

The problem with famous roads is just that.  They’re famous.  If you’re in Maui, you’ll see “Drive Hana Highway” on every “must do list”.   Ok.  So it’s beautiful.  Breathtaking even.   And yes…yes yes…it is a must do!  And if I were Queen Hannah of Hawaii I would ban all tourists from Hana Highway and raise the speed limit to...

Hiking in Kauai – the Kalalau Trail

Hiking in Kauai – the Kalalau Trail

Jul 28, 2010

I have just returned from 10 days and 9 nights in Hawaii.  Three islands, Maui, Kauai and Kona.  Each are very special in their own way.   I did it all.  Saw the sunrise over Haleakala.  Smelled a Silversword flower (blooms around year 50 and dies); Swam with Manta Rays; Helicopter tour over Lava; Snorkeling in the best beaches; Hilo Icecream; Rope swing...

Quirky things while traveling

Quirky things while traveling

Dec 16, 2009

I see different things while traveling. 1:  Heathrow Airport Goes Social.  I was entertained with how modern Heathrow is.  They have computer stations….areas where you could hop online scattered all throughout.  Check out the signage above these workstations – and how social it is.  They promote that you can go online for video, game, sound,...

Prague Old Town Square

Prague Old Town Square

Nov 27, 2009

5 reasons why we went to Old Town Square every day we were in Prague. 5 – It was close to our hotel. 4 – There was a lot of sights to see. 3 – They had the best vendor food right in the middle of the square.  Bacon and potatos, sausages, potato pancakes..and ham sandwiches. 2 – There was always a gelato stand somewhere nearby. 1 –...

Farmer’s Market – Post Chestnut Festival Weekend

Farmer’s Market – Post Chestnut Festival Weekend

Nov 23, 2009

The week after the Chestnut Festival we found ourselves in Soriano nel Cimino.  A medieval hill town about 2 hours from Rome.  It took us two trains, a bus ride, and a hike to get here. The local farmers gathered during the weekend and showed off their wares.  Cheese.  Meat.  Wine.  Yum.

Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall

Nov 23, 2009

I remember when I was in elementary school learning about the Berlin Wall… watching and hearing about the 3.5 million people trapped behind it.  Over the 25 years that it was up, more than 5,000 people tried to cross with death tolls ranging from 100 to 200.    Oh the injustice of it all. Finally, November 9, 1989 when the wall came down.  I was...