Regular travelers know how fortunate they are, even if it's for work: not all of us are that blessed. Sure, we grumble at having to deal with airports, queues, baggage and airport security: hey ho - that's the way it goes. Consider yourself lucky. But do you really give the airports,…
History
Almost no matter where you go in North America, you'll find a diner. You know the ones we're talking about: burgers, shakes, bacon, pancakes and sometimes in spectacular settings. They've been around since the 1930's, so why are there so many of them around today - and even in countries where you…
In the words of Depeche Mode, "people are people, so why should it be that you and I should get along so awfully?" This song was written in 1984 and, sadly, it feels like we're living in Orwell's 1984 all over again. To us, anyway, the past couple of years has been a…
Like you, we love to travel wherever and whenever we can. And, for the most part, that is both do-able and easy. Some places are - not surprisingly - out of the realm of reality for most of us (the North Pole for example) but out of the 195 countries on the planet,…
How naïve we have been in the past, especially when it comes to government running wild. A little test nuclear explosion in the desert? What's wrong with that? Believe it or not, this is no joke. in the 1960's, the USA had a dilemma. California, in the early 1960s, America…
Luxury flats: low, low prices.
Ahh, Asia. A quixotic mélange of countries, peoples, ideologies, history and . . . fun! Nothing makes your holiday a complete and utter joy by simply smiling and joining in. Yes, of course, you may not speak Mandarin or Korean, but that shouldn't stop you. Google Translate is a…
When you think of that most marvelous of edifices, Stonehenge, what do you think of? Probably "Spinal Tap" but that's not history now, is it? No, probably second in line is your disappointment in not being able to run up and lick the sarsen standing stones. At one time - when your…
We love sharing the planet with our readers and friends. So much to see and do, and so little time, especially when you’re in our age bracket, And sometimes getting around to see these places are, sadly, a non-starter. So what can you do, but simply see the world vicariously.
A good day in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is one of those places that is on everyone's list to see. Even if you know nothing about it, you want to go there. Unless you've been under a rock all of this time, this is one of those must-see places on the planet. …
Doesn't sound like much fun, does it? Why would you want to go to a place that actually has the name mosquito in it? Especially if - like us - you grew up in a place where the annual plague of mosquitos appeared every summer - without fail - and completely ruined your…
Are you one of those "been there, done that" kind of people? That's excellent if you are. The world is so big, we humans are so small and life is so short. So why not grab life by the horns and really go for it? How about a place that is…
Jerusalem is a place that has been at the centre of so many events - many religious - that we don't feel like we need to delve into its history. It's on the news almost every day, and the more things change there, the more they remain the same. We've done a number…
This post has nothing to do with your chosen financial institution. This is an honest question about the City of lights. For those of us who have been blessed to be able to experience this most magic of places, a walk along the Left bank of the Seine river is de rigueur, bien…
It's rather amazing when you go from one place to another - in the same country - and then haven't a clue about what they're saying. There's regional slang, of course, which almost no-one can understand. For example, Yinz, from Pittsburgh, USA. Whaaa? That means you all (not to be mistaken with…
Another post about yet another place on this beautiful earth that may be bubbling under for you . . . and for others. Today, it's Anguilla. Anguilla is a small Caribbean island known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches and warm hospitality. Here are several reasons why you should consider visiting. …
If you live or have lived in the United States, the story of African Americans is a sad, troubled and still unsettled part of that country's history. Slavery is, for the most part, gone but the pain still lingers. For so many years, much of the story has been hidden behind doors, with…
One thing that Europe doesn't lack is history. It's been around forever, it feels like. Actually, though, the history of Europe is traditionally divided into four time periods: prehistoric Europe (prior to about 800 BC), classical antiquity (800 BC to AD 500.) What is even more amazing than that, is that so…
Let’s get normal.
You're always spoiled for choice when you choose Japan as a destination. Welcoming, progressive, playful and unforgettable, it's a "no brainer" when it's time to go. But, Japan is so diverse, where should you go, especially if you've been before, or want something new. Well, say hello to Sapporo. The capital city…