The Paris Motor Show last September bought a moment of joy to VW owners around the globe, the return of the beloved people's sport car, the Volkswagen Scirocco, which hoped on sale by late 2007. But, for many north American VW enthusiasts, the origin came as a surprise, the VW AutoEuropa outside Setubal, Portugal. AutoEuropa currently builds the European market only the Sharan and Eos models. Beyond the new Scirocco, Setubal has a lot to be … [Read more...]
A journey through time in Sabah
Sabah is part of East Malaysia, situated on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Administratively this island as a whole is divided between both Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei as well as Malaysia itself. Sabah occupies the northernmost tip of Borneo and its apt name alludes to local weather patterns! Translating to "land below the wind", Sabah's name is a reference to the nearby Philippines and the propensity for typhoons in that region. … [Read more...]
Diving St. Croix
St. Croix is one of those hidden gems, not just for divers looking for great diving in lesser known locales, but for anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and more visited places that have become way too 'touristy'. Here divers will find healthy, pristine reefs, a few wrecks, great macro diving, plus the famous 'Wall'. Because it's off the beaten path, Saint Croix is one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean. You'll not only … [Read more...]
The City of Arts and Sciences
So the new list of today's Wonders of the World is about to come out. I found it bizarre that the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia wasn't one of the contenders. Machu Picchu, Petra, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall, all undoubtedly wonders of the world, but how about thinking a little outside of the box? Does a Wonder have to be ancient? This contest is an exciting project amongst the now enormous travelling community on the planet, but it does … [Read more...]
Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa
Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa Hermanus is a delightfully pretty seaside town, only an hour and half from Cape Town, which is sandwiched between the coastline of Walker Bay and a high mountain range afew kms inland. Regarded by WWF as being one of the world's best locations to watch Whales it holds the annual Whale Festival at the end of September, which attracts over 100,000 eager Whale watchers. Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks and … [Read more...]
The Monkey Hut Hostel, Lake Apoyo Nicaragua – August 2006
The Monkey Hut Hostel, Lake Apoyo Nicaragua - is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Apoyo - only about a 20 minute drive from the city of Granada. Travelers from around the world congregate here and is a great place to meet people. This is part resort, part hostel and part hotel! Visitor's can stay in private rooms or choose from very affordable lodging in their dorm. Day trippers can come out and spend the full day or even just an … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a fairly wealthy community located along the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles. The 10 freeway ends in Santa Monica and is the main freeway leading to this city from Los Angeles. PCH or Highway 1 runs along the western part of Santa Monica bordering the ocean. The famous Santa Monica Pier is located near the end of the 10 freeway in Santa Monica (with good traffic this is about 20-30 minutes from downtown LA. You can … [Read more...]
Samoa, Heart of Polynesia
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This "Heart of Polynesia" is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa. American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. … [Read more...]
Sydney Beaches, Fun in the Sun
Whether you're up for a Crocodile Dundee adventure or you'd just like a taste of the Australian sun, the beaches in and around Sydney can offer you all that and more. Being in the southern hemisphere, Australia's seasons are reversed from those in Europe, North American, and much of Asia, so if you're looking for good beach weather, make sure to travel some time from September to May - that is, spring to autumn. The Sydney shoreline encompasses … [Read more...]
Introspection on Travel
"I am having a cup of tea (via email) with a friend while sitting in a 4 star hotel coffee shop along a bank of windows looking out over the Yellow sea with my computer in my lap and free WIFI access to the Internet. Something my friend said to me has set off a flood of thoughts. Being a wanderer, crossing a different land among people who speak languages strange to one's ear...meditating in tune with the dreamy rhythm of train wheels against … [Read more...]