Do you long for an excursion into a world rich with mystery and a healthy dose of the supernatural? On a nondescript street in San Jose stands one of the most fascinating homes in the …
April 15, 2010
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Stories by Derek Ray
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The Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
Delphi: Sanctuary of the Ancient Greeks
In the shadow of Mount Parnassus amid olive, pine and cypress trees stands one of the truly sacred spots of the ancient world. About 2,000 feet above sea level, Delphi is one of the best …
April 3, 2010
Rome (in a Day)
“I love it here but after a while we get a little tired of seeing all these naked statues,” a Midwest couple confided to me about their first trip to Rome. I had already decided …
March 24, 2010
The Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles
Having lived in Los Angeles during the Rodney King riots of 1992, I’ve always viewed the Museum of Tolerance as a beacon of hope. Located at the corner of Pico and Roxbury Drive in West …
March 11, 2010
International New York: Ellis Island and the United Nations
Is New York City the center of the universe? Perhaps at least the multicultural capital of the world? There’s no lack of people who believe this, and you may be one of them after visiting …
Walden Pond, Concord, Massachusetts
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” This thought was expressed by Henry David Thoreau over 160 years ago while living in the one-room cabin he built overlooking Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau conducted …
February 16, 2010
Vancouver, B.C.
My first impression of Vancouver was that the general vibe is less hectic than in most U.S. cities. People are friendly, and when they ask “What do you do?” it seems they’re more interested in …
February 8, 2010
Santa Barbara: The American Riviera
Santa Barbara has always been one of my favorite day trips in Southern California. The Spanish architecture and beautiful setting between the mountains and ocean creates an atmosphere that never fails to regenerate my spirit. …
January 21, 2010
Rainforest in Ecuador: Misahuallí and Jatun Sacha
While visiting Ecuador, if you lack the time and/or money for a multi-day tour into the Amazon with a stay at a jungle lodge, you can still get a taste of the rainforest just five …
January 19, 2010
Christmas in Ecuador: The Casa de la Niñez Project
I had for months anticipated the opportunity to spend two weeks in Ecuador over the Christmas holidays. It is a country of incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. During my first week there, I volunteered at …
January 11, 2010
The National Gandhi Museum in Delhi, India
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” This is one of my all-time favorite quotes. It comes courtesy of the simple spiritual man in the loincloth who brought the British Empire to …
Historic Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is one of those American towns with a truly unique flavor. Artists have long embraced this historic community. Adobe architecture and a well-preserved nature contribute to its status as a hub of culture …
December 23, 2009
World-class Oslo, Norway
Before visiting Oslo, I viewed the city as primarily a gateway to the fjords, but upon arriving I was pleasantly surprised by the attractions it has to offer. Be prepared for steep prices, as it’s …
December 18, 2009
Highway 1: San Simeon through Big Sur to Carmel
Fill up the car with gas and travel up the coast through Big Sur on Highway 1 to Carmel, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Starting at San Simeon, site of the …
December 8, 2009
Cloud Forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica
Walking deep into a lush, primeval forest with a symphony of bird songs in the background is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Costa Rica is at the forefront of sustainable …
December 2, 2009
Vibrant Madrid, Spain
I arrived in Madrid from the airport via its sparkling, modern metro system a bit lost and concerned at how inadequate my Spanish was. Stopping at a corner market for assistance, I was guided by …
November 30, 2009
Cosmopolitan Copenhagen
Copenhagen may lack the glamour of London, Paris or Rome, but the discerning traveler can find just as rich a travel experience in this cosmopolitan city. If arriving by train, you’re within walking distance of …
Birthplace of the Olympic Games: Olympia, Greece
As a student of ancient Greek history and mythology and a follower of the Olympics since I was a child, the site of the ancient Olympic Games has always held a fascination for me. Olympia …
November 8, 2009
Mystical Varanasi, India
One of the most exotic travel experiences I’ve ever had was in Varanasi, India. Varanasi, sometimes called Benares, is the holiest city of the Hindu religion. The highlight of any trip to Varanasi is a …
Paris: 3 Days in the City of Light
How can one possibly encompass Paris within a brief article? Arthur Frommer considers “the city of light” his #1 travel destination in the world. Ernest Hemingway called it “a moveable feast.” The Eiffel Tower, the …
November 4, 2009
Re-tune in Sedona, Arizona
Yearn to climb atop some huge red rocks? Need a bit of psychic guidance or attunement of your aura? Looking to spark your creative instincts? Artists, nature lovers and those with a metaphysical bent flock …
The Garden Island: Kauai
Kauai, the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, is a treasure overlooked by many travelers to Hawaii. It trails Oahu, Maui and the big island as the first choice for most tourists, but it’s a worthy …
October 26, 2009
England's Lake District
“I wandered lonely as a cloud/ that floats on high o’er vales and hills/When all at once I saw a crowd/A host, of golden daffodils” If these words spark your romantic imagination and thoughts of …
October 15, 2009
Unforgettable New Orleans
New Orleans is the most unique city in the country. Having grown up there, I may be biased when I say that, but I believe the evidence is apparent. The music — primarily jazz and …
October 14, 2009
Greek Islands: Mykonos and Delos
Mykonos and Delos lie side by side in the Cyclades chain of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. They could not provide more of a contrast – yet together they provide the quintessential Greek experience. …
October 6, 2009
Grand Tetons/Yellowstone National Park
The national parks have been described by Ken Burns as America’s best idea. I doubt that many visitors to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park would argue with that. I journeyed there in late …
September 27, 2009
Taj Majal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is often regarded as the most beautiful building in the world. So, of course I watched in horror as my digital camera slipped from my grasp and fell to the hard pavement …
The Town of Books: Hay-On-Wye, Wales
Hay-On-Wye, a small village in Wales, is an unlikely bibliophile’s paradise. Nestled along the river Wye just across the Welsh border from Herefordshire, England, Hay-On-Wye boasts nearly 40 secondhand bookstores. There are no Borders or …
September 16, 2009
Spectacular Sognefjord, Norway
A trip to Norway is incomplete without getting out on the water to experience the fjords. The sea plays an essential role in the history of Norway, exemplified by some of its most notable museums: …
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
I highly recommend stopping in Manuel Antonio if you’re visiting Costa Rica. This seaside jewel offers a verdant rainforest teeming with wildlife and hiking trails adjoining a picturesque beach. It’s worthwhile to hire one of …
September 1, 2009
Delhi, India: Survivors of the Street
Upon arriving in Delhi, India, I was approached innumerable times by ragged-looking children begging for food and money or aggressively hawking items, even as I sat in the backseat of the rickshaw taxi. I discovered …