Thank you, James Michener! I’ve learned a lot from your books over the years and the thousand pages of Iberia I just finished was no exception, an enlightening tour of Spanish history and culture.  However, I can say without a doubt, that the most important part of the book (and for me, probably the most [...]

Folks can debate about who puts out the best guidebooks.  A lot of people brag about not using guidebooks at all, but the fact is it can be really helpful to have information in a format you’re familiar with.  These days, I feel fairly confident traveling.  But I wish I had a Lonely Planet for [...]

I had done all the tasks I could think of, been to the internet café, caught up on my journal, lingered over dinner and chatted with other travelers while enjoying my two beers.  Exhausted from the day’s sight-seeing, I was ready to relax.  I crossed my fingers and prepared to look at my watch, hoping [...]

DanDan, the twenty-year-old daughter of my Chinese host family, had decided that we would go to KFC for lunch.  I wasn’t thrilled, but when in Rome do as the Romans do, and in China, American fast food was immensely popular.
I had been in Asia for less than a week and couldn’t order for myself, so [...]

Living in Mexico and studying Spanish/Latino culture has sparked a secret desire in me that I dare not reveal to any of my gringo friends.  I want to see a bullfight.  I can’t deny that it’s cruel to animals.  But it’s also human culture, and I’m curious to see it.
I did see a cockfight once. I had [...]

I had done some international touring in my 20s, but had I really done overseas adventure travel? I wasn’t sure.  It all depends on your definition of adventure.  Journeying to New Zealand in my mid-thirties I was determined to go for it.  I went on one of their “great walks” (Milford Track, 4 days, 53.5 [...]

Sitting on my balcony at three in the afternoon on Holy Friday, I am enjoying something which can be hard to come by in Mexico – silence.  This respite from the sounds of city life is due to the fact that almost everyone is in church, watching or participating in a reenactment of the crucifixion. [...]

Several co-workers and I were scheduled to attend a conference in New Orleans during the first week of September 2005.  Little effort was made to hide the fact that we all felt more excited about seeing the city than attending the conference:
“We’ll have to skip out one night and go hear a New Orleans music [...]

Welcome to the City of Roses. Portland is so quirky, progressive and politically correct it has earned the distinction of being satirized in a sketch comedy series (Portlandia – Independent Film Channel). Bring your sense of fun and your all weather shoes.
Where to Eat?
At a brew pub, of course! You’re in the Pacific Northwest so [...]

Fabulous beaches, pre-Columbian ruins, fresh guacamole… one can think of so many reasons to visit Mexico.  Don’t forget the art.  During the first half of the last century, Mexico enjoyed one of the most vibrant art scenes in the world.  The legacy these artists left is in itself a compelling reason to go to Mexico.  [...]