Travel
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Betel Nuts and Jade Cabbage
letters from Taipei
By: - Jan 11th, 2017During the holiday playwright Mark St. Germain visited his daughter Kate in Taipei. This is the second of three letters he sent to friends.They encounbtered a cab driver who "When he laughed revealed a black hole where his tongue and teeth would have been. All day he chews betel nuts."
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Lonshan Temple and Snake Alley
Letters from Taipei
By: - Jan 12th, 2017First a New Year visit to Lonshan Temple for prayer and offerings to the manmy Gods. From there it was on to Snake Alley to choose one's favorite kind of reptile for fine dining. For the adventurous there are side dishes of turtle testicles and deer penis wine.
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Northern Greece: Part One
From the Aegean to the Ionian Sea
By: - Feb 07th, 2017Traveling through Northern Greece is a wondrous journey across ancient Macedonia. The scenic land between the modern coastal cities of Thessaloniki on the east and Parga and Preveza on the west, is a treasure trove of antiquities from the time of King Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, along with those from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. Biblical treasures along the route enhance the journey.
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Northern Greece: Part Two
From the Ionian to the Aegean Sea
By: - Feb 08th, 2017The highlights of this itinerary range from rock formations with monasteries perched atop the cliffs at Meteora to ancient Macedonian cities of Philippi and Amphipolis, the former distinguished as the first place Apostle Paul visited in Europe. The modern cities of Kavala and Thessaloniki enhance the experience with museums, monuments, and antiquities in addition to a vibrant urban life.
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Iowa's Field of Dreams
If Your Build It They Will Come
By: - Mar 06th, 2017The Ghost Players who emerge from the cornfield in the movie are re-enacted at the movie site by local residents in period White Sox uniforms.
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New Zealand: North Island
Bay of Islands
By: - Apr 12th, 2017A subtropical archipelago, the Bay of Islands is a unique ecosystem of nearly 150 islands. Pristine natural environment with emerald hills and clear turquoise waters set the stage for picturesque historic towns, which mark the crossroads of English and Maori cultures, giving birth to the nation of New Zealand.
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New Zealand: North Island
Auckland, Rotorua and Waimangu Volcanic Valley
By: - Apr 25th, 2017As New Zealand's largest city, Auckland offers a distinctive urban landscape with two harbors, modern high-rises, beautiful gardens, and impressive museums. Rotorua stands out with its geothermal activity and predominant Maori culture. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a wonderland of crater lakes, hot springs, boiling mud pots, and an exuberant nature that has regenerated following the devastation of an eruption.
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New Zealand: South Island
A Wonderland of Natural Beauty
By: - Jun 04th, 2017Milford Sound with scenic fjords, national parks with spectacular mountain views and cascading waterfalls, and Dart River with thrilling jet-boat rides are the rewards of South Island. Traveling west across the Southern Alps, the rewards continue with the snow-capped Mount Cook region, Fox and San Josef Glaciers, a craggy coastline with "Pancake Rocks", and the artists' haven town of Hokitika.
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New Zealand's Urban Wonders
Christ Church and Wellington
By: - Jun 26th, 2017Christ Church is a vibrant coastal city rebuilding itself following a major earthquake devastation of six years ago. Contemporary architecture is on the rise, while historic treasures are being restored. Wellington, the capital city, is an urban wonderland with a thriving movie industry, world-class museums, outdoor cafes, an attractive waterfront, and beautiful botanical gardens.
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The Roads of North America – Part 5
Sketch: Cruising the Golden Gate Bridge
By: - Jul 19th, 2017Picking up this series after some time, we are continuing with reports about our travels in North America. We flew to San Francisco to attend a theater conference and to discover the city once again, followed by visits to Muir Woods and California’s wine country. There will be other sketches drawn from different locations and events. Here my personal photo-perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge, arguably the most famous bridge in the USA.
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A Shot in the Armagnac
Getting to Know Gascony's Treasure
By: - Jul 20th, 2017Armagnac has finally been recognized as the up and coming brandy. Its only taken 700 years to be recognized in the 21st century. At one time it was Louis XIV's favorite.
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Iceland: Part One
Westman Islands
By: - Aug 13th, 2017Heimaey is the only inhabited one of the fifteen volcanic Westman Islands on the southeast coast of Iceland. Rising from the cold sea, the island has a rugged appearance which belies its natural beauty and friendly people. Visiting Heimaey is a moving experience to learn about volcanic devastation and people's resilience to rebuild and to preserve the island's nature-made beauty.
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Iceland: Part Two
Reykjavik and Western Iceland
By: - Aug 27th, 2017Iceland is a destination for both the culture and nature enthusiast. Although Reykjavik is a small capital city, its cultural offerings are as varied as those of any major European capital. Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland is dotted with charming coastal villages and a feast of natural wonders. Snaefelsjokull, a glacier capped 700,000-year-old volcano, looms large over the western end of the peninsula.
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Iceland: Part Three
Wonders of the North and South Coasts
By: - Sep 05th, 2017Traveling from the northern fjords near the Arctic Circle by way of Lake Myvatn to the south coast, Iceland offers breathtaking displays of geological wonders. Craters, hot springs, lava fields, roaring waterfalls, geysers glacial rivers and black sand beaches are all within easy reach. Landscapes of beautiful farmlands and cliffs with seabirds are the added bonus.
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Greenland
A journey South of the Polar Circle
By: - Sep 13th, 2017Greenland, the world's largest island, offers majestic mountains, green valleys and picturesque fjords dotted with icebergs along its eastern coast. Towns of Tasiilaq and Kusuluk are home to Inuits, who have a unique way of life mediated by their environment.
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The Roads of North America - Part 6
San Francisco Bay and Sausalito Houseboats
By: - Sep 14th, 2017This is our second article from the San Francisco area and continuation of The Roads of North America. More than 50 photographs accompany this report. The views along the Bay and other discoveries are well worth seeing - no doubt!
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Exploring Annapoilis Maryland
Three Hundred Years of History
By: - Oct 21st, 2017The state of Maryland was named after Henrietta Maria of France, the queen consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland as the wife of King Charles I. Maryland is the only state in the United States whose judges wear red robes.
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TAP Wine Tour of Portugal
Day One in Lisbon
By: - Nov 22nd, 2017In mid November there was glorious, summer-like weather during the TAP Wine Tour. We were among 70 journalists from the States, Europe and Brazil. Over three days of bus and airplane hops we visited the major regions and quintas or estates in Portugal. Even for experienced food/ wine/ travel writers this was a rare opportunity. There were four daily vineyards or tasting rooms with several wines at each stop as well as five paired with gourmet meals for lunch and dinner. This is a report on day one, a Monday, which previewed the launch of the three day tour that ended with a TAP Gala in Porto.
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On TAP in Portugal
Wine Tour Day Two
By: - Nov 23rd, 2017The wine tasting officially started in the late morning on the terrace of Quinta da Alorna. Some dozen or so wines later, after an elegant lunch, we flew to another region and Esporao. There was a third tasting and dinner at Monte da Ravasquaira. It was lights out at 2 AM then back on the bus at 9 AM. It was a pace that continued for the three day TAP Wine Tour.
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TAP Tap Tap in Portugal
Day Three of a Wine Tour
By: - Nov 24th, 2017By day two of the TAP Wine Tour we were locked into an endurance marathon. We tasted the wines of several regions; the Alentejo, Dao and Douro. Off schedule by two hours we arrived after dark at the venerable and ancient Quinta do Bomfim Symington. After a long hard day I passed on a late dinner that ended at 1:30 AM. The extra sleep helped to get back on track for the third and final day of the program which ended in Porto.
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TAP Dancing in Portugal
Final Day of Wine Tour
By: - Nov 25th, 2017Concluding the TAP Wine Tour after three days and many tastings I'm now a fan and convert. ASAP I plan to find a case of the Alvarinho style of white wine. Hopefully it will evoke ecotic memories of ancient quintas and elegant gourmet meal pairings. Even the best trips, however, have their challenges and pratfalls.
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TAP Gala
Annual Awards Celebration for Wine and Tourism
By: - Nov 26th, 2017For its annual TAP Gala the Portuguese airline pulled out all the stops. It was a spectacular evening of food, drink, awards and entertanment. There were some 350 VIP guests assembled in a vast Porto warehouse. The event ran well past midnight ending with a performance by renowned Fado singer, Ana Moura.
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TAP Is On The Move
TAP Re-Brands
By: - Nov 27th, 2017TAP Airline of Portugal re-brands and becomes the largest promoter of Portugal in the world. Led by Abilio Martins, VP, of TAP, the airline has invested for the future resulting in great results since 2015. Marketing Portugal through its fine wine and cuisine is an important part of its new image.
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Hanging Out With Brad Smith
In Search of Exquisite Port in Porto
By: - Nov 28th, 2017Brad Smith, a fellow traveler in the TAP Wine Tour is a port authority, reaconteur and comedian. It was a non stop flow of information, insights and humor as we paired up for day trips first in Lisbon and then during the following weekend in Porto. The experience evoked hints of apricot, explosions of flavor, with an aftertaste of Dante and Poe.
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TAP Enhances the Portuguese Experience
Michelin Star Chefs And Top Portuguese Wines on Flights
By: - Dec 01st, 2017TAP Airlines cares about their country and customers. Somewhat like a tourism company, TAP prepares you for a Portuguese experience starting 40,000 feet above the earth. Fine Portuguese wines are paired with dishes designed by Michelin Star Chefs. There are videos that educate the viewer about the Portuguese experience.
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