When I arrived in Varanasi, I was clueless. The first thing I did was walk down to the river – the fabled River Ganges, the holiest waters of India. As a novice solo traveler, I …
September 23, 2011
Go Abroad!
Varanasi, India: On the Holy Ganges
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Beyond the Angkor Temples
If you’re in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you’re most likely there to see the magnificent Angkor temples. But if you get “templed out” or have additional time, Siem Reap has more to offer. Many of the …
September 20, 2011
Climbing Jbel Toubkal: Morocco
Toubkal’s name translates to “big” in Arabic, and at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), it’s the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and Northern Africa in general. Since the mountain is 70 kilometers from Marrakech, my …
September 15, 2011
Busan: South Korea's Second City
It’s been seven years now since I staggered off the plane and stepped into the sticky summer air of Busan, the south’s largest seaport. I remember that first bus ride, white-knuckling it as we careened …
September 13, 2011
"Cheap-o Hawaii": Malapascua, Philippines
“Bad Easter”: that’s the Spanish translation of Malapascua, the Philippine island we visited recently. But I like to call it “Cheap-o Hawaii.” It has all the amenities Hawaii offers – including a multitude of water …
September 11, 2011
Glamorous Cannes, France
Cannes is a scenic resort town on France’s southeastern coast – a stretch of Mediterranean beach cities known collectively as the French Riviera. This busy destination features endless sunshine and gorgeous stretches of sand, so …
Balsamo Coast, El Salvador
The Balsamo Coast of El Salvador isn’t heaven – but if you surf, it may be the nearest thing here on earth. Plus it’s a whole lot easier to get in. A four-hour flight from …
September 6, 2011
Another Hong Kong Afternoon
A Chinese Gollum squatting on a concrete stool Savors a secondhand cigarette butt And searches the sacred text of his racing form For a path to redemption. In a nearby meat shop, a bloody-shirted man …
September 1, 2011
Orinoco Delta, Venezuela
An intricate labyrinth, the waters of the Orinoco Delta weave through the jungle on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Orinoco branches off into over 60 waterways and 40 rivers in the delta, meandering …
September 1, 2011
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is about midway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi up the Vietnamese coast. If you’re traveling between the two largest cities in Vietnam, it is the perfect spot to take a break. …
August 30, 2011
Isle of Eigg, Scotland
For a month-long visit to Scotland, I decided to hunker down in just one spot – on the remote and rarely visited Isle of Eigg. At twelve square miles and with a community of just …
August 25, 2011
Green Island, Taiwan
I never really understood why the Portuguese referred to Taiwan as Formosa, or “beautiful island.” The pollution, traffic and combined chaotic mess of Taipei and Taichung make you easily forget that Taiwan is, in fact, …
August 25, 2011
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The boat ride to Santa Cruz, Guatemala, was cold. The wind blew fervently as the boat hit rough patches, splashing swaths of freezing water on the passengers seated in front. Lake Atitlan is very windy. …
August 24, 2011
A Taste of California in Kenting, Taiwan
If there’s an equivalent to Ocean Beach in Taiwan, it’s Kenting. In Kenting, unpleasant weather is a rarity and swimmers can enjoy the water year round. The mood is relaxed, and almost…Californian. If you’re traveling …