Vibrant two-toned houses covered in corrugated aluminum siding dot the cobblestone streets of Reykjavik, brightening the ancient Viking town even during the longest of dark days. Like a cross between a 1940s Monterey and a …
October 28, 2010
Travel on the Cheap
Reykjavik, Iceland
Poor but Snappy in Buenos Aires
Few disagree that Buenos Aires is one of the top urban destinations in South America – and it is, arguably, among the top budget destinations in the world. My wife and I stayed in two …
August 5, 2010
Tranquility in Ensenada, Mexico
I’m dreaming of a place where I can get fish tacos with homemade corn tortillas and a refreshing margarita on the rocks for lunch, then dine on wood-fired pizza and a yummy glass of locally …
July 6, 2010
Twelve Hours in Miami
A 12-hour layover in Miami isn’t anybody’s idea of a bad time. I arrived from Chicago O’Hare so early, I couldn’t even check my bag. Transforming an inconvenience into an opportunity, I began to search …
July 2, 2010
Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions coming back to Chiang Mai. I can't believe I lived here for so long and made this place my home only 3 years ago. We immediately rented a motorbike …
June 3, 2010
Whales up Close in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja
Every winter, gray whales migrate from Alaska and Siberia to the rich waters of Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California to breed and give birth to their 14-foot, 2-ton babies. Unlike whale-watching tours in the …
May 13, 2010
Heaven on Earth: Gimmelwald, Switzerland
After traveling around Europe for three months, the one place I keep telling myself I need to return to is Gimmelwald, Switzerland. Located high in the Swiss Alps, this town of approximately 130 residents is …
March 17, 2010
Springtime in the Desert: Borrego Springs
I think of Borrego Springs as Baja Palm Springs – all the heat without the glitz – and it’s more fun getting to. I love a Sunday drive down County Road S22 into the valley …
February 26, 2010
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Che Baludo!
I’d heard about Buenos Aires in the spring, but I was apprehensive about the winter. I packed my bags like I was getting ready to go snowboarding. Jackets, thermals and beanies. It being July and …
February 15, 2010
Japanese Tea Gardens, San Francisco
An oasis of serenity exists in the midst of bustling San Francisco. A feeling of peace will envelop you as you stroll through the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. Meandering along quiet paths …
December 2, 2009
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, Long Beach
Tranquility is a state of mind that is hard to achieve in today’s world. Fortunately for the addled and the anxious, there are Japanese gardens. One of the loveliest Japanese gardens in the state is …
November 16, 2009