October 2025 We started in Tokyo, a city so bright, Imperial Palace gleaming in light. We strolled palace gardens with proper grace, Till we lost half the group — “Wrong exit, wrong place!” We learned Read more
October 2025 One gets distracted by the talk of bullet trains, temples, history and the courtesy of Japan. Found within this mix is an assortment of oddities that may only be found among the Japanese. Read more
13 – 14 October 2025 The traditional shukubō lodging offers rest, meditation, dining on shōjin ryōri Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and the opportunity to join in the religious life. I’ve enjoyed rest and veggies, now comes my test. This morning, I Read more
12 October 2025 Every day in Japan feels like stepping into a new adventure, full of surprises and discoveries about its history and culture. The country never ceases to amaze me; the old adage of Read more
11 October 2025 We visit a food market at the train station where we buy a bento: a chicken box lunch. We pay with our Icoca rail card. Our Shinkansen departs Hiroshima on the minute Read more
10 October 2025 From my window, the modern port city of Hiroshima stretches before me. A landscape of high-rises, tree tops, and wind streets framed by green mountains to the north and the wide expanse of Read more
10 Oct 2025 Today is a day for reliving history. To appreciate what I will visit later, I need to review what historians have learned and disclosed about the causations and events of 6 August 1945. Read more
9 Oct 2025 Sadly, too little time in this city. From man hole covers to street art and lively socks, Himeji invites one to stay, play and explore. I walk across the street to enter Read more
8 Oct 2025 Excitement builds. After breakfast, I will officially board a bullet train. I watched them zip by while at the Railroad Museum. Now I get to ride one from Kyoto to Himeji.
7 October 2025 I wake to a spectacular view of sunrise and dramatic clouds over the Tōji Temple, a five storied pagoda, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan at 157 feet. A UNESCO world heritage Read more
5-6 October 2025 With the morning comes cloudy skies and light rain. Our new guide, Jun, leads us through a tiny portion of Omicho Market. Omicho (also called Ōmichō Ichiba) is Kanazawa’s sprawling fresh-food market, Read more
4 October 2025 Kanazawa’s history began in feudal times as the seat of the Maeda clan, one of Japan’s wealthiest and most powerful families. The Maeda ruled the Kaga Domain, which rivaled even Kyoto and Edo Read more
3 October 2025 Today, we depart via bus. Ultimately, we will travel about 72 miles northwest reaching the Sea of Japan, which, in China, is still the Japan Sea. We plan a couple stops in Read more
2 October 2025 Imagine sitting down in a serene tatami room, shoes politely abandoned at the door. You sit on a pillow on the floor. Your feet fall into a well under the low table. Read more
2 October 2025 Takayama used to be the castle town which General Nagachika Kanamori built on behalf of his master at the end of the Sengoku era when Hideyosi Toyotomi ruled Japan. In 1692, however, Read more
1 October 2025 A short drive takes us southerly over the 2,628-foot Magome Pass. The pass is the highest elevation along the Nakasendō Way. Surrounding mountains and the cedar and bamboo forests are outstanding. It Read more
30 September 2025 After a delightful evening in Narai followed by a Western breakfast, I enjoy time to wander Narai’s streets. The village seems a good place to buy lacquerware and woodcrafts. Not being a Read more
29 September 2025 This morning, we begin our days of train travel. For someone from the U.S., I am always impressed by the development and efficiency of public transportation around the world. In most of Read more
28 September 2025 Today, we again travel by coach: direction northeast 190 miles to Yudanaka. Distance doesn’t amount to much but the slow, busy roads take most of our day. Once we arrive, we will Read more
27 September 2025 I depart the massive, bustling megatropolis of Tokyo. I won’t complain, as my destination for the day includes another icon of Japan: Mt. Fuji. I’ve jetted past the mountain in the past, enjoying spectacular Read more
26 September 2025 Om Mani Padme Hum Buddha give me serenity and patience Carrying my backpack, I walk to a new hotel, bracing myself to join a tour group. It feels a bit like handing Read more
25 September 2025 I can’t believe that Godzilla was the last of his species. If nuclear testing continues, then someday, somewhere in the world, another Godzilla may appear. Godzilla, King of the Monsters Unfortunately, Dr. Read more
24 September 2025 I’ve read that there are no fewer than eighteen ways to say “hello” in Japanese, which means I’m visiting Japan eighteen steps behind. When I learned the Russian alphabet, at least I Read more
23 September 2025 The last time I visited Tokyo, I never actually made it past Narita Airport and a nearby luxury hotel—an unplanned overnight courtesy of United Airlines. My grand cultural immersion consisted mostly of jet lag, Read more
30-31 May 2025 We laze in charming Würzburg as long as possible. Temperature reaches mid-seventies and the sun is blasting. However, sadly, we must board an ICE direct train from the Hbf to Frankfurt’s Airport. Read more
28-29 May 2025 After visiting Würzburg in 2021, I wrote: “The Nuremberg Residenz is too groß and grand, Bamburg Residenz too small and simple, but Würzburg Residenz is just right.” I enjoyed my visit to Read more
Rothenberg, Germany – 25-27 May 2025 The walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a dream come true for lovers of medieval architecture—and for anyone who ever wanted to pretend they were on castle patrol. Read more
25-27 May 2025 Rothenburg is a Bavarian village often included on river cruises. It’s located on the Tauber River, which flows into the Main River, and the Main River connects to the Danube through the Read more
22-24 May 2025 I fell in love with Nürnberg when I visited in 2021. I forever love a walled city with turrets and moats. Actually, I fell in love with Nürnberg artist, Albrecht Dürer. Or maybe Read more
21 May 2025 Regensburg proves to be a wonderful old city filled with beautiful architecture, a grand cathedral, historic plazas and cafes. The Danube weaves through the city as church bells toll from soaring towers. Read more
19-20 May 2025 Departing Munich’s Hbf, with a train leaving about every hour, we travel about an hour and a half to the city of Regensburg. We settle into a 6-person compartment to zip through green Read more
16-17 May 2025 Using the DB Navigator App, we purchase tickets on a EuroCity train south to the lakeside resort of Prien am Chiemsee. Prien seems like stepping into a picturesque postcard with beautiful lake Read more
14-15 May 2025 After the huge crowds in Paris last month, I hesitate to hope for a better outcome for Munich. Lots and lots of people are traveling, flights are full, popular destinations crowded. Good Read more
12-13 May 2025 11-13 May 2025 I face the epic dilemma of an experienced global traveler: Option one, revisit those spots from years ago, where I’ve likely forgotten everything except the name of that one Read more
16-17 April 2025 I take liberties with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Instead of “Take the train from Casablanca going south,” I leave Marrakech upon the highways going North to Casablanca. It nears the end of Read more
14-15 April 2025 Crosby Stills & Nash spoke of “saving all my money Just to take you there.” They sing of “Blowing smoke rings” and the “Striped djellabas” of Marrakech. They also spelled it Marrakesh Read more
13 April 2025 Whoopa…. Would you know we’re riding On the Marakesh Express? Would you know we’re riding On the Marrakesh Express? They’re taking me to Marrakesh All on board the train All on board Read more
11-12 April 2025 We close the door on our comfortable stay at Dar al Hossoun in Taroudant. Leaving the cats and peacock behind, we continue our progress westward. For the past few months, I have Read more
10 April 2025 The city of Taroudant looks large and enticing. As we enter the city, I see miles of adobe walls enclosing the old Medina. The entire area looks relatively untouched by modern man. Read more
9 April 2025 Thomas Lawrence, soldier and archaeologist, served in Saudi Arabia during WWI as a liaison between the British government and the Arab tribes. Such reality never gets in the way of location shooting Read more
8 April 2025 Early morning, we motor up the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Itinerary notes “we travel west.” This appeared commendable. I love fortresses/kasbahs. But then, yikes! Our vehicle points north into the gorge. Read more
7 April 2025 True, sunsets are gorgeous. Libation in hand, quiet evenings, good company: it’s a wonderful time. Meanwhile, sunrises, though often gorgeous, depends upon timing. Sunrise at Merzouga Dunes is 6:59 am. This is Read more
6 April 2025 This morning, I am moving – slowly. Food has little appeal. I head for our bus. The day’s itinerary leaves no room for laggards. The drive will be long but broken up Read more
5 April 2025 There always seems to be a tour day of sit-and-ride. This is it. I generally love these days. With professional drivers, I enjoy sitting back and watching the scenery roll past my Read more
4 April 2025 Here, within a Mediterranean country, I consider myself a breakfast person. My breakfast usually includes olives, cheese, amlou (a delicious spread of honey, almonds and argan oil), croissants, maybe a baghrir (a Read more
2-3 April 2025 Fez/Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, becomes the most impressive. The medieval city was founded in 789 BCE by Idris I, the first ruler of the Idrisid dynasty. His son, Idris II, expanded Read more
2 April 2025 We depart Casablanca for the 54-mile drive northeast to the city of Rabat. It is sunny and warm; the ocean is a brilliant blue and I relax. We are a group of Read more
1-2 April 2025 Let’s first clarify the facts. No one filmed the iconic film Casablanca in Casablanca. Rick’s Café never existed. Whispered rumors were that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart didn’t even like each other Read more
31 March 2025 When March came, my weather at home was stormy, cold and wet. I suppose I could say the month entered like a California Mountain Lion. Today, here in Tanger, March is exiting Read more
28-30 March 2025 Whether spelled Tangier or Tanger, this vibrant Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar thrives where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Since Phoenician times (around the 3rd to 4th century BCE), Read more
30 March 2025 Before visiting, I research two items: free walking tours and if Hop on Hop Off buses operate within the city. Tanger offers both. Because of time constraints, we chose to avail ourselves Read more
29 March 2025 We depart Tanger. Today, we visit two cities of northern Morocco. Picked up at our hotel, we meet Mostafa, our driver, and begin to learn more about Morocco’s culture and history as Read more
28 March 2025 While I traveled to parts of Morocco in 2010, I thought it a good time to update my impressions and learn more about this country. Actually, it was my niece who chose Read more
Thursday, 27 March, 2025 We have enjoyed some wonderful walks about the city. Parisian streets are busy but clean. Drivers appear polite when we cross a street – they no longer seem to aim for me Read more
Wednesday, 26 March, 2025, sunny and cool I believe if one desires to know and understand a place, one walks it. Best learning about Paris by walking and using its fabulous Metro. There exists miles Read more
Tuesday, 25 March, 2025 Early train, Museum Pass in hand, reservations booked. We set off to explore Versailles. Tourists, go that-a-way. Take your patience and good shoes. Be patient or stay home! Château de Versailles Read more
24 March, 2025 Paris beckons. Some cities remain timeless, majestic, and full of charm. They offer a tapestry of culture, history, food and drink. Paris holds that promise and more. I have visited Paris numerous Read more
23 March 2025 There are cities in the world that deserve repeated visits. Being the greatest on any list is an honorable position. Paris fits that description. I rejoice in visiting the City of Light Read more
22 March 2025 “I was looking into Carnac, France” my niece messaged me, “because they are famous for their 10,000 standing rocks. It’s about 1.5 hrs from Rennes and might be a little far to Read more
19-21 March 2025 In fall of 2019, I visited this city and thought “a perfect stop. I wish I had more time.” Well, the time has come as Gabrielle and I lodge here for the Read more
20 March 2025 Departing Saint-Malo, we drive west through farm land, lush forests, and small villages to the headlands of Cap Fréhel. Occasionally, we spy peeks of bays and a rugged Brittany coast. Stone buildings Read more
19 March 2025 Caught up on blessed sleep. Weather is sunny and cool. With rain predicted for later in the week, we adjust plans accordingly. After a coffee and biscuit, my niece Gabrielle and I Read more
18 March 2025 Sometimes the most challenging part of visiting a foreign country is pronouncing your city of destination. One wrong inflection, and I would find myself hundreds of kilometers from my room for the Read more
17/18 March 2025 In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside you. – Deepak Chopra Chaos is chaos no matter how you experience it. You either adapt or die. – Pat Bunyard Always Read more
3 January 2025 Nancy and I ushered 2025 into the world in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The land is grand, the food good, the culture exciting. But, it is always good to head home with Read more
2 January 2025 Another slow morning, waking to a chilly room and a hot cup of coffee. The Inn is quiet as we walk across to breakfast. Kitchen will cook to order. Times like this, Read more
1 January 2025 Nancy and I enjoy a leisurely morning waiting for the sun and temperatures to rise above 40°. Our previous excursion found us in the north of Finland seeking the Northern Lights. I suggest, Read more
31 December 2024 We awake to a clear, crisp morning in Santa Fe. Skies are blue and cloudless. Northwest winds bring the feel of snow in the air although snow has not fallen since November. Read more
From Geologic Features to Cultural Diversity 30 December 2024 El Malpais National Monument features an informative Visitor Center and several routes or trails open for exploration. It is an easy visit on I-40 in Grants.
From Deep Craters to Painted Rocks 29 December 2024 We awake to cold. Frosty has visited overnight. We continue east through desert. We have a full tank of gas, practically a steal at 2.79 a Read more
Get your kicks on Route 66 28 December 2024 Heartfelt appreciation for hot coffee this morning. We may be in high dessert, but it is cold out there. We pack up the “Prius mule team” Read more
Central Valley minus Grandma Joad 27 December 2024 A road trip is an anonymous freedom on four wheels! Radial tires humming along open roads with endless horizons stretching out before me. Every mile brings a Read more
27-29 September 2024 There exists far more to Rio than sandy beaches, Carnival, and volcanic plugs. The city is a jumble of wide chaotic streets, a fusion of colonial and modern, and a population of Read more
25-26 September 2024 Rio is sort of like Cher. It only needs one name to be recognized.
24 September 2024 Life is good. I sit in the hotel bar in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying a cold Antarctica Original Cerveja, catching up on writing, watching YouTube, checking out news, hearing English around me even Read more
23-24 Sept 2024 No rush this am, yet the birds don’t know – or care. I am awakened at the first light of dawn by the raucous Curicacas. Their antics act as my avian alarm Read more
22 Sept 2024 I awake to an opera of birds. One cannot describe it as a symphony as it is too discordant, too raucous. The Curicaca’s endless squabbling as they chase about the grounds and Read more
21 Sept 2024 The native Tupí-Guaraní word for jaguar is yaguará or “he who kills with one leap.” When it comes to jaguars, this is an excellent description. To watch a jaguar stalk and pounce Read more
20 Sept 2024 The Pantanal alarm clocks awake everyone around 5:30 am. The raucous and slightly crazy Curicaca scurries about the grounds and trees screaming and screeching to start a new day. Some consider their Read more
19 Sept 2024 I met a wonderful Danish couple, Ingrid and Gunner, while cruising the Rio Negro. Second day here in Pantanal, I did a double take as they were sitting at the table next Read more
18 Sept 2024 A red sun appears above the horizon. Birds chirp and sing. The air feels cool. It’s 5:30 am. I climb aboard my wagon and Guia Tim motors around the immense grounds and Read more
16-17 Sept 2024 I arrange Uber pickup for the short ride from my hotel to the airport. The morning is cool but hazy. My bag is crammed and I am thinking: how can I lighten Read more
16 Sept 2024 Say hallelujah! I get to sleep in. Exhausted, I sleep for 9 hours. The temperatures range in the low 60s with intermittent sprinkles of rain. I am informed this is unusually cool Read more
14-15 Sept 2024 My amazing cruise ends at an ungodly hour for breakfast and departure. If there exists any criticism of my time on the M/Y Tucano, it would be no opportunity to sleep in. Read more
12-13 Sept 2024 My 6th day on the river begins with a dawn excursion hunting for sleepy wildlife, and a large breakfast followed by a hike to a private sandbar. I stay on the boat Read more
10-11 Sept 2024 Day 4 – Sunrise over the Rio Jaueperi I awake to a beautiful sunrise over Rio Jaueperi, the beginning of a new day. This is as far northwest as we venture, about Read more
7-9 Sept 2024 Clouds, heat, humidity 90%, slight breeze occasionally I am ecstatic to be departing Manaus, convinced being on the water, temperatures cannot possibly be worse. The Amazon represents a wilderness about the size Read more
6 Sept 2024, Friday High 94° low 79° after brief thunderstorm then 90° again Despite heat, there exists things to see. I am early out the door with plans to escape the oppresive heat before 1pm. Read more
5 Sept 2024, Thursday High 97°, low 81°, humidity 68% Manaus serves as the capital of Brasil’s Amazonas state. This busy city is not only rich in history but acts as the gateway to the Read more
4 Sept 2024 So far, the rewards may be worth the effort in getting there. The jury is still out on that decision.
29 March 2024 One does not tour India and leave unaffected. In 2005, I wrote: “I know I will never forget India, nor will I ever be able to adequately describe her. A country where Read more
23-25 March 2024 Today, a short 31-mile drive takes me to Paro, perhaps the best-known small town in Bhutan. Here, I find Bhutan’s tallest building at a staggering 72’, its only international airport, mystical Tiger’s Nest, Read more
23-25 March 2024 Bhutan hosts several annual cultural festivals. One of the most popular and significant is the Paro Tshechu. Tshechus are religious festivals celebrated in various districts across Bhutan. However, the Paro Tshechu remains particularly enjoyable Read more
24 March 2024 Bhutan is a country of mountains and monasteries. However, possibly the pièce de résistance of Bhutan’s plethora of monasteries is Tiger’s Nest. If one sees travel photos of a monastery in Bhutan, Read more
22 March 2024 Altitude 7590 We wake to a magical morning. Thin fluffy clouds float over the valley and around the Trongsa Dzong and Taa Dzong Watch Tower. A dusting of snow lays on the Read more
21 March 2024 Altitude 7200′ Bumthang has its own domestic airport, one of four airports in Bhutan. It opened in 2011 only to be closed due to damage to an instability of the runway. After repairs, Read more
20 March 2024 Altitude 8600 Bumthang Valley, renowned for its temples, and more temples. It is a region of numerous sacred stupas, fortresses and monasteries. Today, we visit four temples in quick succession. There is Read more
19 March 2024 Altitude 8600 Yesterday, following the Lateral Road from the west, we entered Wangdue. It is one of three roads one drives here. (Actually, there is only PNH One, the other 2 lead to Read more
18 March 2024 Altitude 4420 Today is a drive over the 10,200 ft Dochula Pass, and weaving along the narrow two-lane Thimphu-Punakha Highway. Possibly I will suffer fewer than 1001 curves. The mountains and endless Read more