Traveling Boy

Is "A Picture Worth A Thousand Words?" - The Answers

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PDT

As John promised here are the answers to the four photos in his previous article, "Is A Picture Worth a Thousand Words?"

To the Marquesa Islands on the Freighter Aranui 3

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:25:00 PDT

It's an odd duck of a ship: a wide deck with two yellow painted cranes dangling over it and a six storey, or so, aft structure bringing up the rear like a mini skyscraper -- taller than the distance from the deck to the waterline. It's the Aranui 3, the lifeblood to the Marquesas. Those islands, a cluster of volcanic terrain just below the Equator, lie almost 1000 miles from Tahiti.

Switzerland Tourism's Intellectual History: Born in the Romantic Movement

Tues, 24 Jan 2012 19:20:00 PDT

Despite Harry Lime's assertion in Graham Greene's "The Third Man" that Switzerland's contribution to world culture is the cuckoo clock and chocolate, there is a long tradition of artistic achievement in this tiny country of six million. In fact it is a country that so loves their artists that their profiles grace Swiss Francs rather than those of politicians.

Renewal: Corregidor Island

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 PDT

It was my grandson's first visit to the Philippines. What better way to introduce him to this land, than to plunge him right away into the historic sea of this country's fight for freedom during World War II? The island bastion of Corregidor, with its fortifications across the entrance to Manila Bay was the site of the Americans and Filipinos' last stand in 1942 in the Philippines.

Mexican Jews

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 PDT

Two old Jewish men, Sid and Mark, are sitting in a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. One day Sid asks Mark, "Do you know of any people of our faith born and raised in Mexico?" Mark replies, "I don't know, let's ask our waiter."

The Caesar Salad

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:00:00 PDT

Today, the whole world knows of the Caesar Salad -- a salad generally consisting of romaine lettuce and croutons, dressed with parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Curiously enough, many people attribute its birthplace to the nation of Italy. Most dispute this claim, and credit the Caesar Salad's creation to restaurateur Caesar Cardini.

The Road to Hana: The Road More Traveled -- and With Good Reason

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:50:00 PDT

Just as the queasiness in my stomach from the continuous onslaught of curves and cutbacks along the narrow uphill road began to subside, we rounded yet another 180- degree bend. The first waterfall with whipped cream waters dripping down deep-creviced cleavages appeared by the roadside, its beauty washing away all my remaining reservations.

Angelina Jolie Interview - Up Close and Personal: Frank Talk on Family Values and Her Humanitarianism - Part 2

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:50:00 PDT

In Part 1 of this interview, Angelina Jolie, whose body of work as an actor includes the "Lara Croft" series, "Salt," "Changeling," "The Good Shepherd," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," and "A Mighty Heart," discussed her first directorial effort in "The Land of Blood and Honey," which she also wrote and produced. In Part 2 of the interview, Jolie talks in depth about her humanitarian awakening and how it impacts on her family.

Angelina Jolie Interview - Part 1: Frank Talk on Her Directorial Debut

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:20:00 PDT

What can you say about Angelina Jolie that hasn't already been said? She is the most famous, most photographed woman in the world whose significant other, Brad Pitt, is equally as famous as both an actor and activist. In addition to this award-winning actress' films generating big box office, her humanitarian activities are legion and have culminated in her debut as writer/director/producer of "The Land of Blood of Honey."

Berlin's Hoppegarten: A Day at the Races

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:05:00 PDT

Powerful horses, with jockeys astride in their brilliant silk colors, are loping towards me. I stand in the middle of the turf track staring through the camera viewfinder while my "All Access Press Pass" clings to my wrist. The brilliant green splendor of the scene captivates me. Lush green forest all around the glimmering green race course and the magnificent movement of the horses are all nicely framed in my camera lens.

Dominican Republic: Outdoor Adventure on a Grand Scale

Tues, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 PDT

First things first. No waterslide at any waterpark will ever be the same again - not after cascading down real waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. The waterfall escapade - billed as 27 Waterfalls, though that's really a misnomer, as it's more like 10 waterfalls flowing into 27 pools of water - is only one of a multitude of outdoor adventures offered by Iguana Mama.

The Calgary Folk Fest: A Distribution of Heterogeneity in Free Spaces

Tues, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 PDT

At the Calgary Folk Fest, the observer/participant becomes half-starved and half-filled up. Split almost right down the middle. The starved half must move and interpret new territories, areas and stages. The filled-up half seems more satisfied with the stable condition, the sedentary condition, the lawn chairs.

Looking to Stay Warm? How About Alaska?

Tues, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 PDT

They are the gently giants you most likely have never seen before... they live in the United States again... even though years ago they were hunted to extinction in Alaska... One man is determined to bring them back... and help bring jobs back to rural Alaska... It's all about passion and determination...

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Stay at the Ball Park Hotel

Tues, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 PDT

Welcome to St. Louis, the "cross roads of America" and to the St. Louis Cardinals and current World Series champions, possibly everyone's most popular baseball team. That is for those who are not part of the Red Sox Nation or Yankee fanatics. It's home to a cathedral with the world's largest collection of mosaic art and a museum of transportation with the world's largest rail collection of rolling stock.

The Blues... and Lives Well-Lived

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 17:30:00 PDT

When the Blues community reflects back on 2011, it will be with great sadness. We lost so many incredibly gifted musicians during the year. The loss of each one of these legendary individuals has been felt by millions of admiring friends and fans the world over. So, instead of grieving, or maybe as my way of grieving, I'd just like to share some of their stories and photographs.

A Magical Walk Through Hemingway's Paris

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 14:57:00 PDT

Magically enchanting and much-loved Paris, the Urban Empress of Europe, remains eternally young and amorous. Occasionally vain, always passionate, and with a long and turbulent history, the legendary city has a special flair for life that has captivated many of the world's most inspired artistic talent.

Time Travel Oligarchy

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 14:57:00 PDT

Some argue that the United States is a failed empire that is descending into a doomed corporatist oligarchy. Ask visitors from other countries, and travel to Europe, where political cynicism has always been more rampant than in the USA. Look at failing economies and bankrupt states across the globe.

Is "A Picture Worth A Thousand Words?"

Tues, 29 Nov 2011 17:35:00 PDT

The phrase above is a cliche almost as old as, well Father Time. Then again, purists will tell you that the above phrase does NOT go that far back. Be that as it may, most people (especially travel journalists!) ARE familiar with those words. An interesting photo can instantly grab your attention far more than a long story - and with a few words, give you intriguing news and information you never knew before.

The Towns on the Saint Lawrence River: The Charms on the Chain

Tues, 29 Nov 2011 17:35:00 PDT

The St. Lawrence River runs from its headwaters roughly 2350 miles, a relatively insignificant number (versus the Nile's 4180) but value of this river belies its length. From Quebec City alone 1,000 ships laden with lumber leave its harbor every year. From minerals to maple syrup, from wood and paper to frozen fish, they all stream east while resources from the Old World sail west up this eminently navigable waterway.

Christmas Markets in the Alps

Tues, 29 Nov 2011 17:35:00 PDT

I lived in a village in the Swiss Alps for two years when I was a little girl and I remember the delicious crunch of the new fallen snow under my shoes on a cold, still Christmas Eve when I was allowed to attend midnight Mass in the village church. The bells rang sharp and clear in the frosty air, the stars twinkled in the dark sky and I knew I would soon see my Christmas present. All was well with my wee world.

Escape Holiday Madness: Christmas In Zurich

Tues, 29 Nov 2011 17:35:00 PDT

It's that time of year again when the pressure begins to build. It's buying gifts, it's sending out greeting cards, it's entertaining out-of town relatives, it's making the party circuit with unending cocktail chatter, it's just exhausting. Perhaps it's time to have a different kind of holiday experience, one that will take you abroad to Zurich - one of the most charming cities in Europe.

A Food and Wine Tour of Alcala

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:48:00 PDT

The famed Spanish actor and cookbook author, Juan Echanove, is said to have "the soul of a chef." His culinary travels throughout Spain have convinced him that "Spain is a country worth eating" - a country whose character can be best understood through gastronomy. I've traveled many regions of Spain, drinking the wines and eating the local foods, and I'm convinced Juan Echanove is right.

Thanksgiving Recipe - Circa 1621

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:50:00 PDT

Thanksgiving is an annual U.S. holiday, with regional recipes and customs varying from geographic areas, plus with many meals including personal family culinary traditions. Just for fun, research shows the following dishes were served at the first harvest celebration in Plymouth (in present-day Massachusetts) in 1621.