Laos is one of our favorite countries, having all the attributes of it’s SE Asian neighbors but still retaining a unique charm all it’s own. The Buddhist culture is absolutely fascinating and we marveled over their many amazing temples, all with fantastic, gilded doors. We enjoyed our time there more than most places we’ve ever been. We can’t wait to go back!
Sunset in Fiji – a magical time of day. We would float in the calm, lukewarm sea and watch the sun set each evening and we were calmed by the rhythm of life in the islands.
CHINA – The name alone evokes a myriad of emotions and images; the worlds largest population, communism, take out food, Chairman Mao, tai chi, the Great Wall, and tea. The country is all this and more. The enormity of the country is as intimidating as it’s history and we feel the three weeks we spent there in 2000 barely scratched the surface of this fascinating culture.
Grand China and the Yangtze was our third tour with my company, Grand European Tours, and our first experience traveling to the world of eastern medicine, culture and food. Summing up the overwhelming experience that is China is a difficult challenge. Rich in history and culture, China as a country also faces great challenges of it’s own. The immense population has created some of the worst traffic and pollution we’ve experienced, before or since. Continue reading
Bugs, insects, annoyances. However you like to refer to them, they’re the bane of every travelers’ existence. From the deadly, malaria carrying mosquito to the astonishing strength of the the dung beetle. From the vicious no-see-em’s that strike w/ no warning and whose bites itch unbelievably, to the enormous, beetle-like creature shown below. In a rare move, Foto Friday this week is actually two photos. The first shows a close up of this terrifying bug and the second showing it’s true size compared to a bottle of the worlds best hard cider; Savanna Dry. Be glad you’re not camping in the Namibian bush with him tonight!
We LOVE off season camping. We love open campgrounds, fewer crowds, empty beaches, and the joy of fall in Oregon. During the “discovery” season from late September/ early October until May 1st of each year we never make campground reservations, preferring to simply flip a coin on the way out of town to decide where we’re going..
We were incredibly touched by the children of Cambodia, who have seen such an ugly past and are still dealing with an uncertain future. This adorable little girl accompanied us on some our sightseeing at Angkor Wat.
With fall approaching upon us, we wanted to get in as much late season camping as possible and fishing on the John Day was calling! Le Page park is one or favorite getaways, with the climate and scenery of the high desert of Central Oregon, but just a 2-hour scenic drive down the awe-inspiring corridor that is the Columbia Gorge.
Dove Lewis is, as the staff purports “The place you hope you never need but are glad it’s there”. That was exactly our experience when it was time for Maddy to leave us; although everyone dreads the idea of having to take their beloved pet to their final vet visit, it was a huge blessing to us that they are available 24-hours/day and so she didn’t have to endure a long and painful night before our normal vet opened.Founded in 1973, Dove is the only 24-hr, non-profit emergency and ICU animal hospital in Oregon.
We loved Bali; the scenery, the food, the people, the culture, it’s an amazing island. The local artisans are expert carvers, as evidenced by our lodging in Ubud. Off a dusty side alley and through a falling apart door, we came upon a sort of Eden, all at a bargain price! We could have stayed forever.
Barcelona is one of our favorite cities in Europe and we are endlessly amazed by the gorgeous Sagrada Familia.
