Monthly Archives: May 2012

See the cub peeking out? It was such a relief – I was worried there might not be any animals left. Not only are there a lot of animals, they put zoo animals to shame. Do you remember that spectacular “Circle … Continue reading →

Cocky bugger, glad to be done with college. Crete 1980. The travel-bug is an addiction. Like a disease. Once you get it, your eyes will always be on the horizon, and restlessness will gnaw at you. There is a tribe … Continue reading →

Coming in for a landing, I fell on my ass like a clumsy clown. Standing at the plane’s open door, the person before you steps out and just…disappears. Your brain can’t comprehend how something could be right here, then instantly … Continue reading →

Well, yes, actually, New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world. You saw “Lord of the Rings.” It really looks like that.  A country the size of California with only 4.5 million people (compared to California’s 30+ million), … Continue reading →

People have often asked me which places are my favorites. Here’s how I answer: if you could take four 2-week trips, I’d recommend (not in any particular order): Two weeks in Italy Two weeks in a tropical paradise (Polynesia, the … Continue reading →

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that there are several things on my “Life List” that I could do right now (or at least begin this week) if I just got off my ass. Some can be done anywhere. Many are … Continue reading →

There was an man with a normal life and normal responsibilities. Wife, kids, mortgage. He had a soul-killing job that paid the bills. He hated his job, but he got up every day and did it, with no complaints. When … Continue reading →

It occurs to me as I study the 450 so-far-not accomplished things on my list that I’d better start prioritizing and making a plan. So here is my current top eleven, and how long I think each will take. Hot air … Continue reading →

Fiji looks a little like Hawaii, but the water… the water is even more stunning.  Bands of turquoise and aqua, layer upon layer, stretching out to the horizon.  Mesmerizing tropical eye candy… we spent hours just gaping. Tom Hanks’ “Castaway” … Continue reading →

I read this anecdote years ago, and it stayed with me. In 1945 there was a young man, an aspiring writer, released from the army when WW2 ended. He deeply admired William Faulkner, so he decided to hitchhike all the … Continue reading →