(From the August/September 2005 issue of "Escape From America Magazine" Vol. 8 No. 1 - EscapeArtist.com Inc. 832-1245 World Trade Center Panama, Republic of Panama) The alluring beauty of the Far East is seen through its contrasts of culture, lifestyle, and climate. Everyone has a desire to live and settle in a paradise of ease and quiet enjoyment. To many, the east provides such a place: an environment that satisfies every transient and … [Read more...]
Two Lost Americans On A Borneo Rainforest Safari
Just a smidgen before sunrise in the Borneo rainforest when a gray mist still veiled the chocolate-colored Kinabatangan River, the macaques and proboscis monkeys started dropping down from the trees in search of breakfast. From our motorboat on the water, we kept an eye out for movement among the leaves. The monkeys often traveled in packs, so many times when we'd see one swinging down to the river's edge, the rest of the group — either bachelors … [Read more...]
Danger Zones & Pleasure Zones by Adrienne Brady
Author Adrienne Brady was born in Burma but grew up in the UK. She has lived a life of travel, among her travels she has enjoyed various 'home' bases around the world including Brunei, Dubai, Libya and Singapore. Her travels for the core of this book - detail her various trips throughout Sri Lanka, northern Thailand, Brunei, Libya, the Emirates through to the west coast of Ireland. Her time in Sri Lanka is during a particularly violent time … [Read more...]
Gelato World Tour 2.0
New Gelato Partner for the Second Edition, that will start in Singapore Record requests for participation from Australia for the first stage: 16 gelato artisans in Asia / Pacific in the race for the title of World's Best Gelato Rimini Fiera – The second edition of Gelato World Tour will start in less than days in Singapore making the city state the Gelato Capital of the World for 3 days in March 2015. The event will also be an occasion to … [Read more...]
A Visit to the Marconi Museum in Tustin California
When one meets founder Dick Marconi for the first time, one soon realizes just how passionate he is for both the thrill of racing and the vehicles that he has acquired over the years. But it is not only all about his personal interests - as some private car collections can become. His passion goes much deeper than that and ultimately his goal with the museum is to leverage it as a vehicle to give back to the community and help raise funds for a … [Read more...]
Investigating Legendary Party Thrower Jim Haynes
It was through my fellow American expat friend, “The Famous Zack,” a black Christian science-fiction writer originally from Ohio, with a short story coming up back then in the now-defunct “AMAZING STORIES,” that I first heard about the wild parties thrown by the legendary Jim Haynes, whom some sour-grape artists deemed an apocryphal “traitor.” So well known was Haynes as a manic socialite host that he even felt propelled to write a … [Read more...]
How to Choose the Best Boat Trip in Sardinia
Sardinia is one of the most popular summer destinations for tourists from all over the world. With more than 3000 km of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, Sardinia is a true paradise on earth! I know Sardinia very well as I was born and raised on this beautiful island, and after 20 years of living here, I have explored nearly everything - from the most beautiful and secluded beaches to the cultural sites inland. The most … [Read more...]
GranMonte Vineyards, All in the Family
After returning from Brunei and a quick day of rest we set out for the jungles of Khao Yai National Park and part of Thailand's "wine trail". GranMonte Vineyards located in the heart of the small Asoke Valley was the highlight of our day. This winery was founded by Thai couple Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy. Their daughter Visootha (or Nikki) is Thailand's first female winemaker (only in her 20's, she has many harvests ahead of her). The entire … [Read more...]
Undiscovered Brunei
Brunei Darussalam (meaning an Abode of Peace) is a country that one often cannot even locate on the world map. When I told friends I was coming to Brunei one said "oh, why don't you also visit India since its so close." Others told me they had to look the country up on Google Maps. A geographical lesson is obviously in order. Brunei is located on the large island of Borneo and is surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. The rest … [Read more...]
Back in Thailand
There is such a contrast between the countries of Brunei and Thailand and nowhere is this more evident than at their respective airports. Usually for International flights I allow about 2 hours to get to the gate and with some extra time but in Brunei the airport is so small, quiet, and there are not so many flights that even 40 minutes is usually enough time to check in, go through security, get to the gate and still have time left … [Read more...]