America (like many places, we guess) has its ups and downs, and they're usually significant. The US is a (if not the) monster presence in almost everyone's lives, no matter where they live. From the lowest of low (war) to the highest of high (endless variety) it's a place that has a pull…
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Thanks to social media, the world can sometimes get smaller as it swells in size. Instantaneous communications is the norm now, and it's a luxury that so many can still afford, no matter their station. Many of us will remember a time where using the post, a telephone or, if we were lucky,…
No matter where you live (almost) you're certainly going to be some distance from Australia. For example, from Sydney to Canada is 18 hours, 31 minutes. From Incheon in Korea, the flight time is 11 hours and 05 minutes. And from New York City, it's 20 hours and 41 minutes. It's…
We don't know if it's just us, but does it feel like, in the past few years, there has been an exponential growth of very visible billionaires? When we were growing up, or even just a few years ago, you could count them on one hand. But, now they're everywhere. Of course,…
Let's start right off and say that Turkey is one of the most historic, diverse and complex places on the planet. Stradling the line between east and west, it has always been pivotal in human history. While some of its religious and social aspects are traditionally associated with Western Asia, it is culturally…
Those of you who know of the Isle of Man, raise your hands. Hmmm, just a few. And why is that? There could be any number of reasons, but it's not one of those places that spends millions promoting itself. But, that doesn't mean that it's not worth your time. …
Leave it to the Japanese (as ever) to create an efficient process, but then to add a layer of fun on top. Sure, in this case it's mainly for making commuting more efficient. About 800,000 people take the trains daily and their network now extends to numerous cities, covering over 2,400 km. Specifically, you may…
.....just a good pair of shoes. – James Carville. And an open mind. Long considered a place of debauchery and overt sin (what with its booze, crazy street antics and reputation for "saucy" entertainment) the City of New Orleans is all of that, and so much more. New Orleans, located in the…
Rent classic British cars from the 1960’s and onwards. Go on, son. You know it makes sense.
There are 195 countries in the world today, more than enough to keep you busy for the rest of your life, likely. And, when the inevitable comes and taps you on the shoulder, suggesting that maybe you should slow down on the quest to see all 195 of them, you might want to think of your Plan…
In this day and age, in this slice of time in the universe, you may ponder your existence and wonder what life is all about. Where is the good and why can't everyone share of piece of it? And, in the most concrete sense of the word, what is real, anyway, and would…
If you think that this post has something to global financial planning sessions, then surprise! As thrilling as that prospect may be, this is an example of organisation, cooperation of a different sort, and one that all of us can experience and enjoy. It's proof that, when tasked, governments can collaborate, be creative…
Riddle me this: you need to travel from A to B, but the logistics are getting in your way, literally. If it takes too long on a boat to get there, what are your options? Fly, you might say. OK, but, in this case, there are dozens of islands with no…
Almost everyone who considers themself a traveler has taken at least one cruise. Whether it's ocean cruising, river cruising, singles or solo cruises, adults-only and couples cruises, luxury cruises or adventure cruises, there is something for everyone. And, sure, cruises have a certain "reputation" with some non-believers, but that is just sensationalism. …
Ah, governments. You gotta love 'em. Always looking after their people. Peace and love, peace and love. And when the great bird of freedom flies over us, we know that we can relax, because we're in good hands. Here's an interesting example, The Runit Dome. What is it? The…
America is big and it has lots of things to do. That's an understatement. There are so many to choose from. Take a look at the top candidates: Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco. Empire State Building New York. Alcatraz Island San Francisco. Bellagio Fountain Paradise. Central Park New York. The High Line…
Even as we approach our "sunset years," it's clear that most of what we used to be is still with us. Our playfulness. Our sense of humour. Our love of life. Our desire to travel. Seeing live music and enjoying it just as much as we did when we were…
Some people have just got it made. Whether it's money, beauty, brains, some people just have all of the luck. And, of course, luck is only a minor part. Connections is probably the most important skill to have, as it helps most of us punters to slowly work our way up the ladder.…
.... literally. It's not an homage to an old western film, or not even the sign for a trendy bistro that's just debuted with much fanfare where you live. Instead, this is the real thing, what you paid for. And, of course, it's in Europe, where so many things began, and so…
We don't need to spend too much time discussing how proud, clever and efficient (not to mention kind) the people of Japan are. Similar to the Koreans, the Japanese strike a balance between efficiency and personal pride, for the good of all. As a refresher, Japan is an archipelago, or string of islands, on the…