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If you’re a foodie like me, you’re in the habit of seeking out big, bold flavors. On the other hand, there’s a case to be made for the pleasures of a more subtle flavor profile. The same is true for travel. Unlike countries like India or Thailand, with their knock-your-socks-off sights, Scotland is a nation […]

Okay, I’ll admit it. I like chasing movie sets. I get a perverse thrill from visiting places I’ve seen in TV and movies. In fact, I’m still kicking myself for missing out on the Lord of the Rings tour while visiting New Zealand. (What was I thinking?!!) Let’s see. The Sound of Music tour in […]

Some of us travel to transform the places we visit, while others travel to be transformed. In the north part of the island of Kauai, Hawaii, a drive down Highway 560 west from Ha’ena will lead you to a short trail on the left side of the road (past Ha’ena Beach Park). Following this trail […]

Apart from the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids in Giza, there probably isn’t a site in the world more iconic than the Taj Mahal. Everyone knows what it looks like: its white onion dome, its four thin towers, its great, rectangular, reflecting pool I’ve been there twice and can confirm; the Taj Mahal […]

As you’ve no doubt gathered from my blogs, I have a special connection to Japan. I’ve been there many, many times, I speak a bit of the language. I even lived there for a few years back in the 80s. If I had to sum up my feelings about the country, I’d say I go […]

There’s a great scene in Spielberg’s latest film, the Fabelman’s (2022), where young Sammy is granted an audience with the legendary filmmaker, John Ford (played by David Lynch). It goes like this: “John Ford: Now, remember this. When the horizon’s at the bottom, it’s interesting. When the horizon’s at the top, it’s interesting. When the […]

I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” ― Bruce Lee If Petra had lips, it might well mimic Bruce Lee’s words. I approach Petra, Jordan by horseback, which is a pretty cool experience for a suburban kid like me who […]

Is it bad to like a bargain? On the one hand, when visiting a developing country, I know that I’m far richer than most of the people I meet, especially vendors selling a product or service. On the other hand, shouldn’t everyone, including me, pay something close to the market price? I struggle with this […]

I travel for many reasons. To be inspired. To learn. To focus on the present. But sometimes, I visit a place just for the sheer loveliness. The Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever visited. (No put intended). Abutting pretty Lake Towada, 3-4 hours north of Tokyo […]

Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of my favorite movies. That isn’t to say that I ever actually wanted to BE Indiana Jones, having headhunters, witchdoctors and Nazis chasing after me. I most definitely do not like snakes. What I like about watching Raiders is observing people solving puzzles that reveal exotic, hidden spaces. […]