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Jaipur: A Land Of Color, Culture And Bonhomie ~ Travel To India ~ by Manju Dubey - When I was a child India was nothing but a land of fairy tales, of Kings & Queens, palaces and intrigues. Well often times when you travel across India you tend to come across remnants of diversity in culture. But once you move across from Delhi towards Rajasthan you can see the majesty of the Rajas who ruled this desert kingdom. Rajasthan - the first thought that comes to mind is the splash of color and vivacity of the people who live there. Can you ever begin to imagine a desert, which is alive? I could not … until my nieces came over to India to visit us. Feb./05 Mystical Varanasi - Mystical Varanasi - Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilization for over two thousand years; this ancient city finds mention in many Indian epics. Activity prevailed here when Greece and Rome did not exist; it was a flourishing centre of trade when Buddha came to Sarnath, some 10 km away, to preach his first sermon in 500 B.C. The city continues to draw Sanskrit scholars and students from all over the world. Apr./07 Nagarhole ~ A Visit Worth Remembering ~ by Manju Dubey - Our holiday was nearing and the children were clamoring to go. Collectively we hit on the idea of visiting the nearest tourist destination with a back to the nature feel. The kids decided we should visit wildlife sanctuaries. Out of the 400 odd sanctuaries, National Parks and reserve areas, we decided to visit the one nearest to our hometown and with an economical cost. So Nagarhole was it! The journey began at six in the morning, with a slight mist and our eager heads popping out to see any wild animal by chance. The tiger is shy of any human contact, but any animal sighting would have been welcome. Oct./05  Northeastern
India - Destination:
Guwahati ~ by Rajdeep Bhattacharjee - Exploring India is always an
experience of a lifetime and it may not be possible for one individual
to cover the whole Indian subcontinent during lifespan. As many of us travel
to experience and share some of the unique locations, I am trying to experience
India’s northeastern region, which is still a mystery and is least explored.
Jan/04
Northeastern
India -Destination:
Shillong ~ by Rajdeep Bhattacharjee - The northeastern region of the
Indian
subcontinent is a remote and one of the most beautiful locations, which
is yet to be explored. As communications being improved in recent times,
the region is very fast turning out to be a Traveler’s Paradise with more
and more tourists flowing in to explore the virgin landscape and amazing
tribal culture. Dec./03
One Week In The Coastal Paradise Of Western India ~In Goa ~ by Rajdeep Bhattacharjee - As I was wondering where to escape to during this time of the year, I received a call from Catherine, a friend of mine from Kolkata who wanted me to join her on a trip to Goa. Wow!!! I just jumped out of the chair and said yes immediately. As we were both camping at different locations, we decided to meet up at Mumbai Airport. It was on the morning of 24th October, I took the newly introduced Spice Jet flight from New Delhi and reached Mumbai in the afternoon and was joined by Catherine who was waiting for me since morning. Nov./05 Spirituality And Old City Charm Is Synonymous With Varanasi ~ More Travels To India ~ by Manju Dubey - What’s so mystical about Benares? It’s the people and their way of life. At dawn the sweet chime of bells ringing in the temples and the chant of the mantras awaken you. Hundreds of temples can be found in Benares. A city so steeped in traditions, religious ceremonies and yet at the same time it has been the home of great scholars especially literary and also related to the sciences and astrology. My mother believed in all that was Benarsi or that belonged to Benares not because it was the city of her birth but due to the deep seated belief in its traditions and way of life. April/05 Tendong Hill ~ Unfolding The Himalayan Folklore ~ by Arijit Karmakar - India is the land of a million Gods and a billion mortals. Here legend is a part of history and faith is unquestioned, thus I begin my journey in search of a folktale, where the entire human race was saved from the wrath of Gods when they took refuge in a mountain. I am heading for Tendong Hill in Sikkim. Sikkim is tucked in the North Eastern part of India and is surrounded by Nepal, Tibet (China) and Bhutan. It is overlooked by the mighty Himalayas and its guardian deity is the third highest mountain in the world - Mt. Khanchendzonga. Dec./05 Think India - Think Holiday At Kerala ~ by Rajdeep Bhattacharjee - It was late last week while wrapping up my tour to Mumbai that I suddenly felt my inner call for Vagamon, branded as one of the world’s 50 must see destinations by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine. The prompt decision led me to change my return schedule to New Delhi and landed me in Cochin Airport the next day with my only intention being to spend a night at Vagamon. Upon arriving, I decided to head for Vagamon Heritage Resort, a resort on top of a hill. Situated at a distance of 100km from Cochin International Airport, the journey to the resort was a cool experience as I was passing through paddy fields, rubber plantations and green just about everywhere. The Vagamon Heritage Resort is 1100m above sea level, surrounded by tea gardens and amazingly beautiful valleys and it is a trekker’s paradise. Mar/05.
Indonesia ~ Adventure~ by John Spampinato - Almost everyone in economy class looked out their window trying, I’m sure, to envision the infamous assault from the perpetrator’s point of view. We did too. Things looked pretty quiet down there now. And then, while pondering this contrast, we suddenly hit the mother of all air pockets and for a few heart-stopping moments it felt exactly like it must have to Yamamoto’s raiders fifty years ago to the hour. Jan/05 Sacred
Mountain Sanctuary ~ An
Indonesian Resort ~ By
Sylvia - Well, what can I say, it's Bali and my mind races to the people,
the beauty, the peaceful green setting. Sacred Mountain Sanctuary is located
in the highlands of Bali. The resort offers a perfect enviroment for meditation
as well as trekking into the nearby mountains. The resort has become a
favorite within Indonesia earning a silver medal in the Tri Hita Karana
Award Competition - an award for hotel excellence. Remember, if you make
a reservation through the above article and you mention that you saw the
resort on Escapeartist.com you will get 15% off on all room-rates. Aug/03
Torn Between Two Lovers - Thoughts On San Francisco And Bali ~ By Robin Sparks - Robin Sparks writes about some of her experiences in Bali and what it felt like to return to the US after the bombings in Indonesia. She talks about some of the changes that have taken place in the U.S. since she left and what life might be like in Bali and San Francisco. She talks with some expats about what someone should expect when they relocate overseas: how will the conflicting demands of wanting things from home cross with the new enviroment of living overseas. Feb./03 .
Escape To Dublin - By Dale Heinen - "...this was the place that spawned the monumental new playwrights Conor McPherson and Martin McDonagh, it was also the home of two seminal theaters, the Abbey and the Gate. I would find more funding, more public support for my plays, wonderful actors, writers on the verge of discovery, and a burgeoning film industry which would throw open its arms when I was ready to segue into film directing." Playwright Dale Heinen talks about the new Dublin. From Pub Culture Into The Graveyard Of Ambition ~ A Rainy Day In Galway ~ By Will Sullivan - Will Sullivan has written a very good portrait of a moment he had while living in Galway. Ireland's west coast is one of the places I've visited that left a deep impression on me; it was the atmosphere of the place that sticks: heavy dark clouds, the rain, the green countryside and the friendly and open people that live on the coast. If you like pubs, rain, and dark days then Will captures the feelings that go with Ireland very well. April/03 Luck
Of The Irish ~ The
Emerald Isle ~ by Dawnelle Salant - It’s easy to see where the phrase
“Luck of the Irish” originated. Part of their luck lies simply in inhabiting
one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. For such a small country,
there is an astounding amount of beauty, history and culture. My short
ten day visit was enough to only skim the surface of all that the Emerald
Isle has to offer. June/04
Resonant, Lonesome Donegal: Travels in Dunfanaghy, Ireland - Donegal, the wind-swept and rugged northernmost province of Ireland, is arguably also Ireland’s most beautiful region. A stark and serene beauty pervades the barren fields and rocky hills that make up the majority of Donegal. The author writes, "Legs aching from the hilly ride, a firm wind tearing through the clear autumn sky, I saw an impressive feature of the Celtic past -- one of the high, rounded ‘Viking signal-towers’ utilized in the 8th century to watch for maurauding Norsemen. All alone on the edge of the world, with the waves pounding off of the black crags and no sign of human existence save for this one forgotten tower, I felt supremely at peace with the world." Travel; A Gaelic Night at the Opera: Ireland's Aidafest - It's festival time in small-town Ireland, the annual excuse for drink and merriment. In September, the big occasion is for lonely hearts, who may find the partners of their dreams at Lisdoonvarna's Matchmaking Festival in Clare. And the first week in October is your chance to buy a horse at Ballinasloe, County Galway's biggest horse fair Travel: Lords, ladies, and lace in Ireland's midlands - "Unity to apparent diversity," is a phrase used to describe the art collection at the Hunt Museum in Limerick. The same words describe the treasures in the hidden hills of Ireland: the Midlands. The recent economic boom in Ireland has meant rising real estate prices, an influx of EU citizens looking for work, and many more tourists. - Also: Exotic mortgage options in the Caribbean
Back
In Time To Gonwonda Land ~ Adventure
In Australia ~ By William Starr Moake - Great article about traveling
around the remote northern territories of Australia. Find out what it's
like to travel through a landscape that is 120 million years old. You will
see some of the oldest flora and fauna in the world. Be careful because
there is the dangerous funnel web spider and the brown box jellyfish, both
of which can kill a human. If you're brave and like adventure then take
a look at what it's like to travel to the far north of Australia. Nov./03
Italy In Winter - From Rome To Venice ~ By Matthew Atlee - Traveling around Italy in the winter, so I'm told, is a great idea because the summer crowds are gone and you have a greater opportunity to see the art and history of the country. The weather is cool to cold but the sites are great and the food is even better. If you've always wanted to go but were afraid of the crowds, you should try Italy in the winter. March/03 Naples -Falling For Italy’s Raffish Old Rogue ~ by Steenie Harvey - A balmy winter night. I’m drinking wine and scoffing seafood risotto outside a restaurant called Ettore on via Santa Lucia. Somebody is late hauling their laundry in - towels and teacloths flutter like ghostly banners from a washing line strung between two balconies across the street. This is a pure southern Italian cliché - right down to the honking Vespas and neighborhood minstrels. Carrying accordions and a double bass, another three are now preparing to give diners a serenade. Mar/05 Overseas with a Toddler: Traveling in Italy - Mama Mia - This timely article by Maura Madigan dispels some of the misconceptions and fears surrounding life outside the USA. Maura's article focuses on the benefits for children living an international life, such as increased cultural awareness and tolerance of differences and indifferneces. She says, "It’s the chance for them to experience life, not prefabricated kiddie fun." Why not show them the world. Maura, her husband, and their two-year-old daughter are on the road again after living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on a three year work contract. By the time their daughter was 18 months old, she had lived in three countries. Maura writes that many people, including friends and relatives, think it's outrageous to move and travelabroad with children. They keep urging them to settle in the US, but they don't feel that travel and fun need to end once children enter the picture. “Passion
Of Rome” - Semester
Abroad ~ by Nicholas Pellicani - Rome has been called the Caput Mundi,
or Capital of the World. While its present day relevance has diminished
of late, it still conjures up images of Julius Caesar inspiring, elaborate
papal processions, and Mussolini yelling from the balcony. A semester
abroad allowed myself the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful piazza’s
and feast on the world’s best food, but I was not prepared for the impression
one magical night would leave on me. It would be a calm, modest,
yet deeply spiritual night shared by thousands, which would forever make
Rome a part of me. April/04
Prehistoric
Underpants - The
Iceman Of Bolzano, Italy ~ By Bonnie Burns - They say he died 5,300
years ago. It must have been a shock to the two German tourists who
found him sticking out of a melting alpine glacier. The mummy, Iceman,
now rests in the northeast part of Italy in a town called Bolzano. July/04
Ten Days Under the Tuscan Sun and in the Shade of Umbria - Ten Days Under the Tuscan Sun and in the Shade of Umbria - It was simple enough to get there from Paris -- EasyJet was easy and cheap...a little more than a one hour flight to Pisa from Orly Airport at 6 a.m. without much ado or hassle for about 100€ round trip. The little Pisa airport was a simple, too. A two-minute shuttle took my daughter and I to our rental car at the Hertz lot -- a bright blue Fiat Panda that seemed to have "we're in Italy" written all over it. The luggage fit perfectly in the trunk and off we went. Sept./06 Time
In Venice - October
In Venice ~ by Suzy Fischer - We woke up on that perfect Venice October
day and went down to a breakfast of bread and coffee as is the Italian
custom. We did not know yet that it would be the most perfect of
Venice fall days, with the sun still warm, and mostly just the townspeople
left to go about their days after this summer's mad rush. July/04
Trieste, Italy ~ A Friendly City Off The Beaten Track ~ by Dulcy Blattner - I'd been thinking about a visit to Trieste for years, ever since my father shoved a folder of papers in my hand saying, "I guess you should have this now." The folder contained the location of a grave in Trieste's cemetery, along with decades of correspondence between my grandfather and the cemetery's caretakers. The grave was that of my father's sister – my aunt – who died before reaching her first birthday. Jun/05 Via Francigena ~ Trekking The Pathway To Paradise ~ by Brandon Wilson - In the entire world, reportedly, there were three roads to Paradise in early Christendom. The first is the Camino de Santiago that meanders 500 miles across northern Spain. This has been trekked by millions of faithful for centuries on their way to pay homage to the remains of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela. Of course, the path from Rome, center of the Holy See, to Jerusalem must appear in this sacred trinity. But in second position and gaining in popularity is the Via Francigena (The Frankish Route). Only recently has this important trail, whose origins date back at least as far as the seventh century, received the recognition it so richly deserves. Jan/05 When
In Rome…..Eat Ice Cream ~ Italian
Adventures ~ by Dawnelle Salant - Our first stop in Italy was a place
I’d never heard of before, and in keeping with what I usually find of unknown
places, it quickly became one of my favorites. Cinque Terre is a series
of five small fishing villages positioned on the steep breathtaking cliffs
of the Ligurian Sea. The villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia,
Manarola and Riomaggiore, are definitely one of Italy’s hidden delights.
Aug/04
Relishing Narcissus in South Korea - Relishing Narcissus in South Korea - Barry Walsh is wandering the world trying to find a place between the gloom of mundane routine and the vivacity of the new. Sometimes travel makes it happen, even on weekend getaways to the environs of mountain hermitages of South Korea. Walsh writes, "This is bliss. I am the only Westerner traveling today as always, but whereas during the week I am detached, now I feel I belong. My weariness of heightened cynicism is replaced by a tempered tranquillity, my spirit found by renunciation. To me this is what experiencing a foreign culture is all about. I have done nothing uniquely Korean on my journey, but my self-assurance is sufficient. I ask the bus driver in my limited Korean how long the stop is for. I already know – it’s always the same – but right now my self-love is smothering my self-consciousness. While in the toilet, I observe my appearance – why don’t I have a girlfriend?" Squid Island ~ Ullungdo, South Korea - Squid Island - Richard S. Ehrlich is from San Francisco, California, and first journeyed to Asia in 1972. Ehrlich writes, "At night, Islanders tie undried squids to indoor racks. Down by the seashore, fishermen's trash buckets are filled with discarded squids' eyes, but the rest of the slippery animals are carefully gutted. They have turned isolated, middle-of-nowhere Ullungdo into a boomtown with tentacles. The island offers moody, inspiring, rocky hills and a seemingly hostile coastline." August/02.
Escape
to Lebanon ~Travel
To Lebanon ~ by Elienne M. W. Lawson - Nice travel article about passing
through beautiful Lebanon. The country has great mountains and valleys;
it also has great beach towns that were favorite hang outs of the rich
and famous in the 50s and 60s. The country is on the way back and might
be a place to invest in in the near future. Sept./03
Lebanon Beyond Beirut - Four Must-Do Day Trips ~ by David Lavoie - Beirut is wonderful, a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city famed for its friendly people, exclusive shops and fine restaurants. The Solidaire quarter of Beirut especially is worth the trip to Lebanon, but there is more, so much more to see in Lebanon, and some of it is outside the capitol and easily done as a day trip. Here’s a sampling. These world-famous caves are immense and absolutely spectacular. Located about 18 kilometers along the highway north of Beirut in the valley of Nhr el Kalb, Jetta Grotto is formed of two galleries, the lower gallery being opened only in 1958. One visits it by boat, since it is home to an underground lake, a trip of about 500 meters. Mar/05
Luxembourg
~ A
Confluence Of Culture ~ by W.B. Sullivan - I saw the giant red spheres
at first from a distance. They rested calmly on the side of a steep grass
hill facing a large rocky outcrop ominously known as the Bock. The spheres
lay about, in no particular order, resisting gravity and descending haphazardly
towards the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers in the
meandering valley below. Feb./04
An
Island With Sapphire Fever ~ Madagascar's
Hidden Wealth ~ by Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - Excellent article
about the history of gold and sapphire exploration in the north of Madagascar.
The above article examines the atmosphere at the sapphire pits and talks
a little about the history of Diego Suarez - a northern port town that
is said to have a bay as beautiful as Rio de Janiero's. Sept./03
Antananarivo
~ The
City Of A Thousand Warriors - Madagascar's Capital ~ By Rabenilaina
Harinia Cyrille - Some great photos of Madagascar and Ansirabe in the above
article. If you go to Madagascar you must check out the wonderful markets
on Friday. There you can buy handicrafts and fine goods that can be found
nowhere else in the world. There are some great hotels to stay at in Antananarivo
and Ansirabe and the views of the surrounding lakes and plains is stunning.
You should take a tour or the train from Antananarivo to Ansirabe and make
sure to walk in the blue forest above Antananarivo. July/03
Discover The Secret Of Isalo - Adventures In The South Western Corner Of Madagascar ~ by Harinia - One of the most frequented National Parks in Madagascar is Isalo. From Antananarivo the RN7 will lead you to Isalo National Park. Taking the road, you will reach the province of Fianarantsoa (408 km from Tana) before arriving in Isalo (206 km from Fianarantsoa.) Situated in the south western corner of Madagascar, the lsalo range raises its rocky heads on the distant horizon. May/05 Getting Around Antsiranana ~ In The Extreme North Of Madagascar ~ by Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - As I mentioned, Madagascar is a wonderful, tumbledown Indian Ocean island where people laugh at hardship. Diego Suarez, situated in the extreme north of Madagascar, considered one of world’s most beautiful and widest bays, is a county town but also the third port of the continent island. Diego Suarez harbor, named after the two Portuguese explorers who “discovered Madagascar, is on the island’s northeastern end. Their names are: Diego Diaz, who discovered it in 1500 and a sailor, Fernando Suarez that visited it in 1506. Sept./04 Hira Gasy ~ Music In The Highlands Of Madagascar ~ by Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - Malagasy people like dancing and singing. From the North to the South, from the East to the west, by the way of the High plains, Madagascar sings and dances. Not only to modern rhythms, no necessarily to world music. Like the other countries in the world, Madagascar has its own culture and tradition. This tradition is alive and kicking throughout the country in many guises. Popular culture needs no electricity, stage or professional artists. In a country so impregnated with the memory of its ancestors, songs and dances remind of the depth of its roots whilst at the same time entertain the community. Such diversity is in keeping with the size of the country which comprises 18 ethnic groups, despite obvious similarities from on group to another. Dec./04 Humpback
Whales Around Sainte Marie Island ~ In
Madagascar ~ by Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - From Toamasina, Nosy
Boraha or - Tamatave in French, and about 370 km from Antananarivo -
is one of the most important ports on the East Coast of Madagascar, from
this port town you can easily reach Sainte Marie Island by boat or by plane.
The island is also called Nosy Mbavy, that translantes into “the women’s
island”. June/04
In
The South Of Madagascar ~ Among
The Harsh Beauty Of Isalo ~ By Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - The south
of Madagascar is blessed with great beauty and that is nowhere more evident
than in Islao National Park. There are animals and vegetation that can
be only seen in the Park. There are hidden pools and jagged rocks. Old
hotels and brilliant sunsets and walks through the moonlight. Time to go.
June/03
Madagascar
In A Nutshell ~ Photographing
The Red Island ~ by Veronica Verve -When one thinks of traveling to
a far off tropical get-aways, Madagascar usually does not come to mind.
This truly extraordinary travel destination has much to offer both the
budget traveler and the high roller for adventure. The lavish way to explore
Madagascar is by 4x4, otherwise public transportation via taxi-brusse or
bush taxis are readily available; however be prepared to wait for the taxi-brusse
to reach maximum capacity with humans and farm animals. You don’t mind
a couple ducks underneath your feet do you or a goat tied to the roof?
Aug/04
Nosy Be - The Little Great Island In The North Of Madagascar ~ by Rabenilaina Harinia Cyrille - Nosy Be, situated in the North of Madagascar, in the Mozambique Canal Waters. This great island has been granted several nicknames in the course of centuries. The most relevant of those nicknames seems to be “Nosy Manitra” (the scented island in Malagasy). Getting down from the plane in Fascene airport, you will feel the ylang ylang, frangipani tree, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, sugar cane balmy fragrances are almost being aggressive towards you. March/04 Tanà
- The
Nights In Madagascar's Capítal ~ by RAJAONA TOKY A - Hidden
behind the moistness of the night comes a town with no possible comparison,
Tanà, the thousand-lighted city. From wherever you may come it’s
always the same festivity; with a variety of feelings, this town has something
exciting. Jan/04
The Fascinating Coral Reef In Toliara, Madagascar ~ Diving And Traveling In Madagascar ~ by Harinia - One of the most frequently visited provinces in Madagascar is Toliara. From Antananarivo the RN7 will lead you to Toliara. Taking the road, you will reach the province of Fianarantsoa (408 km from Antananarivo) before arriving in Isalo (206 km from Fianarantsoa.) Situated in the southwestern corner of Madagascar, the lsalo range raises its rocky heads. Jan/06
Beautiful Sipadan ~ In Malaysia ~ by David Lavoie - Sipadan Island is both famous and infamous. A tiny, tropical forest-covered island of only thirty acres floating in the royal blue of the Celebes Sea, it has been declared both a protected area and a bird sanctuary by the Malaysian government. The island is indisputably the most famous dive destination in Malaysia, with diving giants like Jacques Cousteau praising enthusiastically the wonderful diversity of its marine life. Dec./04 Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown ~In Malaysia ~ by David Lavoie - Nestled among the newer buidings are many reminders of the ethnic distinctiveness of this vibrant part of Kuala Lumpur. Buddhist temples resplendent in the red and yellow so loved by Chinese people everywhere face trendy, very up-scale stores like “Peter Hoe’s” where everything sold is subtle and elegant, not a trace of red or yellow in sight. On the streets, traditional stands sell fried seafood, spicy tofu, bean curd,fish garnished with chilis, and, of course, noodles everywhere. At one stall Miriam, my wife, stopped to consider the purchase of a (genuine, I swear) Rolex for only $20 US. At another I considered the bright red t-shirts with a Canadian Tire logo reading "Cannabis Tire" and featuring the familiar green five-leafed plant. Feb./05 Lost In Borneo ~ Deep In The Forest Of Borneo ~ by David Metz - I'm scared crazy and my body is shaking terribly. I had just heard two shotgun blasts fire off in the night. It’s late, as I'm startled awake. I'm camped on the only trail that follows a narrow ridge deep in this remote region of Borneo and I fear Murut hunters are coming my way. With animist beliefs and modern weapons, surely they would fire at any animal or man foreign to them, including myself. Jan/06 Malaysia’s Steamy Capital - Malaysia’s Steamy Capital - Kuala Lumpur’s massive Chow Kit market assaults the senses, especially the eyes and nose. Stalls are piled high with eggs, slaughtered poultry, and bloody chunks of meat. There are luridly coloured Indian sweets, homemade cakes, and bulging-eyed fish. Fruit stalls are a colourfest of tiny yellow finger bananas, green and orange mangoes, lychees, limes, and scarlet-skinned dragon fruit. Jun/06 Malaysian paradise: no planes, trains, or automobiles - Malaysian paradise: no planes, trains, or automobiles - There are no roads and no cars. The calmness is invigorating to your senses. The sounds of the tranquil days and peaceful nights are many - gentle waves rolling softly on the beach, the birds in the dark jungle surrounding you, and like minded people enjoying life as it should be enjoyed. No stress, no discomfort. During the day there are activities to keep you busy, if you so desire; or you can do what I did most of the time - relaxed by the sea, read or ate…..and …..slept….well you get the picture. Oct./06 Mataking Island ~ Diving With Danielle ~ by David Lavoie And Photographs by Danielle Horsnell - She glides through the water like a sleek fish, her eyes constantly scanning for life so miniscule I can barely see it. Danielle is not only an excellent diver, but also a very good underwater (UW) photographer, hence her search for subjects. By her example, she has been teaching me a different sort of scuba than I have been used to pursuing. It’s called macro-diving, looking for the sea’s smallest and most fascinating inhabitants rather than moving more quickly and hoping for sharks and manta rays. Jun/05 Travels With Yanni ~In Malaysia ~ Written And Photographed by David Lavoie - I’ve been “on the road” with my dive buddy, Yanni Arshad. Yanni is famous in Malaysian diving circles where she is well-known by her nickname, “The Borneo Turtle.” A professional tour organizer, dive master and dive guide, who works for an outfit called Planet Scuba in the Bangsar section of Kuala Lumpur, Yanni is a great person to know. Her nickname comes from the fact that she was born in Sabah on the island of Borneo, she loves sea turtles and she is completely at home in the water. Yanni is unique. Jul/05
The Mediterranean Islands Of Malta And Gozo ~ Exploring History ~ by Jörg M. Unger - The Republic of Malta lies only forty nautical miles south of Sicily at the 36th degree of latitude – almost the same like Monterey, California, or Nashville, Tennessee. Up to the Ice Age, the islands were part of a land bridge between Italy and North Africa that was flooded when the ice began to melt. Since then the waters of the Mediterranean sea have shaped Malta’s coastline and created a fascinating scenery. Because of the island’s strategic position north of Africa’s shoreline, it attracted numerous kings and emperors with their warriors and legions in the antiquity, as well as the Knights of St. John in medieval times. April/05
A
Journey To Various Places In Mexico - Places
To See ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Jurgen takes us around Mexico; from his
base in Colima, we travel to Chiapas, Manzanillo and through Mexico City.
If you've ever thought about settling down in Mexico, then read the above
article. Oct./03
A
Long Way From Munster To Colima - Travel
And The Self ~ by Juergen Klemann - There have been a few people who
have shaped and influenced my values and convictions in the course of time.
Some of these people have shaped and influenced me when I was an adolescent.
Some of them have shaped and influenced me when I was already an adult.
The first person who fits the bill in this respect was my English teacher
at preparatory school. His name is Dietrich Buff. Unlike my other teachers,
he had not spent all his life as a teacher in Germany. Instead, he had
lived for quite a bunch of years in the United States. That made him stand
out of the crowd. Dec./03
Adventures
In Baja - Looking
For Shiner ~ by Allan Weisbecker - My dog Shiner is gone. She
disappeared four nights ago from this river valley deep down the Baja peninsula
and I haven't seen her since. The valley is lush and until this happened
was quite beautiful, with a shallow meandering river and a quaint little
pueblo nearby, along with scattered ranchos and fincas. On the map, the
river has no name but its source is many miles to the east in the Sierras
de Santa Isabel. I've been driving its deep wide bed east and west, searching
for Shiner, four-wheeling it until I dare not go further for fear of bogging
in the soft river mud. I then climb to La Casita Viajera's roof and scan
the bush with my binoculars, before proceeding on foot, calling out for
her to come. July/04
Budget Baja ~ Busing To Three Walking Towns ~ by Dorothy Aksamit - Baja by bus? Everyone, Snowbirds, Mexicans and Americans, were shocked that we were touring central Baja by bus. To Susan and me it seemed the only thing to do. We wanted to flee to a hassle-free Mexico where towns were small enough for us to wander unhindered by time-share pitches, wet T-shirt contests and strolling cameramen with photogenic iguanas. In hotels we wanted not bare bones, but casual comfort with an eye on the budget. Feb./05 Cancun ~ The Daylife ~ by Dawnelle Salant - Cancun has a certain reputation for being a manufactured part of Mexico where tourists do nothing more than lie on the white sand beaches all day and hop from one glamorous club to the next at night. This is, for the most part, an accurate picture of the city itself. But what many tourists don’t know is that the area surrounding Mexico’s jewel of the Caribbean is chock full of nature, history, breathtaking scenery and adventure filled day trips that will surprise and delight travelers of all ages. Jan/05 Cancun
Night Out - Where
To Go ~ by Dorothy Aksamit - O.K. So you've had eight meals at your
All-Inclusive-Resort, have tried their "reservations only" restaurants
and while it was all savory it's time for a change - it's time to sample
Cancun's culinary offerings. Not as simple as it sounds as Cancun has several
hundred restaurants. The first decision will be "What kind of food". Check
your hotel lobby for brochures such as the Restaurant Menu Map and be sure
to check with the tour desks and the public relations manager. To get you
started consider one of the following, a meager offering from the many
available, hop in a taxi (they're cheap) and you'll discover another Cancun.
April/04
Hard Tail Harleys and Two-Speed Scooters ~ The Adventures of Pancho Sanchez and Johnny Rider - Cultural Identities North and South of La Frontera - Gonzo Travelogue - John Torrente comes once again to the pages of Escape from America Magazine with another tale of anthropological significance. This time he chronicles the difference between the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and the concept of the two wheeled, motorized vehicle. Take a back seat and ride up front. June/02. I Love You ~ A 1980s Cozumel Love Story ~ A Daughter journeys to where her parents fell in love and where she was conceived 22 years ago - Love Story - In 1980, Sierra Brasher's parents met and fell in love on Mexico's Caribbean island of Cozumel. Her mom had made Cozumel her home. Her dad was vacationing. Two young kids on a tropical isle. Innocence divine. Every year, Sierra and her mom and dad returned to the exact place where they whispered those words, "I love you," for the first time. After graduating from the University of Texas in December, Sierra plans on making Cozumel her home. June/02. In Baja - A Birthday ~ by Allan Weisbecker - Deep dusk now and as the beach fire and revelry in front of my campsite attracts the assorted wave-obsessed misfits, bohemian athletes, stoned idiots and former and current outlaws who have settled at or are passing through lower Baja, my 49th birthday party is starting to have the feel of a tribal gathering. March/04 In Search Of Captain Zero ~ Sea Of Cortez And Waves ~ by Allan Weisbecker - The Pacific’s next northwest groundswell having expired to an effete slurp and, further, having suddenly been possessed to see the sun rise over the water rather than set, I find I’m camped on the sea of Cortez – on North American maps referred to as the Gulf of California – the narrow body of water that separates Baja peninsula from mainland Mexico to the east. Apart from two local fishermen ensconced at an ad hoc little fish camp a half mile or so down the beach to the south, I have encountered not a soul since my arrival two days ago. OCt./04 Lake Chapala, Mexico ~ Wanting To Stay ~ by Shawn Howard - Our destination was the town of Ajijic (pronounced “ah-he-heek”). Ajijic is a rather small town sitting right on the edge of the lake. It has a large retired expatriate community from the United States and Canada. The main reason for the trip was to “explore” the region with hopes of finding the perfect winter retreat to run away to in future years. I had read many, many articles on the internet, looked at ads for homes for sale and rent and even talked first hand with one individual who had been there. But, I still felt a little apprehensive about just packing up and moving off to an unknown place for several months next winter, when the trees are brown, and the weather here is cold, dreary and damp. Mar/05 Living
And Teaching In Colima, Mexico ~ A
Place To Rest ~ By Jurgen Klemann - In the last article that Jurgen
Klemann wrote for the magazine, he ended his world tour and was living
and working in Mexico. This article picks up where the last ended and lets
you know what it's like to to spend time in beautiful Mexico. Teaching
at a local university and playing sports and enjoying his students, you
get the feeling that ending up in Mexico for a while might just be the
right move to make. July/03
Living In Mexico - Living In Mexico - I remember my first trip to Mexico fondly. I was in Puerto Vallarta for the new years week of 1993/94. Although Puerto Vallarta is a very popular tourist destination it still hasn't lost the feel of a truly Mexican city. The cobble stone streets and the architecture are reminders of its simple fishing village roots. As a man in my twenties at the time I felt right at home with the "Party until 3AM" atmosphere of the downtown bar scene. The older people at my hotel were quite content to spend the day sight seeing and shopping. The city had something to offer everyone. Living
Like A Native In Morelia, Mexico ~ All
The Details ~ By David Wix - Nice article on moving to Morelia, Mexico.
The town is one of the oldest colonial towns in Mexico - its known as the
most aristocratic of Mexico's colonial towns - and you can see the colonial
history in the giant 17th century aquaduct that runs through the town as
well as the classic colonial architecture of Morelia's houses and public
buildings. If you decide to escape the city and travel through the countryside
of the province of Michoacan of which Morelia is the capital, then you
will treat your eyes to green mountains and beautiful lakes. Go now! Aug/03
Look, Listen, Feel: Medicina Natural en Ol' Mexico ~ Anatomically Indecent Posters, Burning Candles, Big Vats of Thick Green Stuff - Gonzo Travelogues - Gonzo Travelogue writer John Torrente visits a natural healer in Mexico. Before the good doctor pulls the sheet up over John's head, John writes, "Watching the spider crawl across the ceiling was the first indication I should have grabbed my clothes, prayed reverently to the God Of Hot Dripping Wax and gone home to find solace with a dry tortilla and several hours of Zamfir - Master of the Pan Flute. Instead, I lie there in my shiny-white-skin glory, wearing pin-stripe boxer shorts and calf-length black socks. Pulled up to my knees." Mismaloya-Yelapa,
Mexico ~ Traveling
In Mexico ~ by Bill Moake - The first time I saw Mismaloya beach on
the Pacific coast of Mexico there was nothing on it except a few palapa
(thatched-roof) huts selling cold beer and hot tamales. Now it's is covered
with high-rise condos, hotels and fancy restaurants, thanks in part to
publicity from films like "Night of the Iguana" and "Predator" which were
shot in the area. Feb/04
Mountain biking expeditions in San Miguel de Allende - Microbrews in France - On a recent trip to San Miguel de Allende to study Spanish, we discovered a whole new adventure. John Kay, an American who now runs La Puertecita. Hotel high atop a hill in San Miguel, takes groups of five to seven on mountain biking expeditions through the countryside near San Miguel - Micro-brasseurs have made their way into a city where wine has reigned for thousands of years. Eight microbrew pubs have opened in Paris for those looking to avoid the standard pilsner-style European beer Notes From Mazatlán, Mexico - Stone Island ~ by Jim Bentein - Stone Island is just a 10-minute boat ride from this popular Mexican resort but its never-ending beaches, laid-back palapa restaurants and sandy, shallow seabed – perfect for wading or gentle swims – is like a world removed from this city’s touristy Golden Zone area. Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island in Spanish), which is actually a peninsula, is just to the south of this city of 500,000 people, accessible via passenger-carrying boats called “launches”, which cross the bay from the ferry harbor all day (return trip about $1.20 Cdn). For those so inclined, there are also five-hour guided tours (about $40 for adults and $25 for children), that include a sightseeing cruise of the bay and lunch. (Stone Island is also accessible by road, but you don’t want to go there). Mar/05 Progreso ~ Mexico ~ Yucatan - Progreso ~ Yucatan: One Couple Finds Paradise - We found out that Progreso was THE place to spend summer vacations for the wealthy of Merida and Mexico City before Hurricane Gilbert 13 years before. There were many grand old houses along the malecon that just needed some TLC to breathe life into them. The beaches were pleasant, as were the onshore breezes in the afternoon. The people were a delight. During that brief stay we found cheap flights advertised between Merida and Mexico City, only 4.0 hrs. From SMA and we began to think we could make this work for a vacation home. Nov./02 Road Trip: From North Carolina to Nicaragua - Mexico and Central America ~ By Erinn Magee - There are many people who say they want to drive through Mexico to Central America, but few people ever make the trip. If you've talked about doing it, but never have, then this is your chance to read about what you have been missing out on. Police, driving habits, hotel billing and road condtions are important things to know on this journey south. Jan/03 The answer is blowing in the wind: Revelations from a different kind of travel - Phillip Ghee is a self-described gypsy and sometimes Pharmacy Technician. What makes his stories uncommon are their humorous, sometimes mystical, and sometimes there aspect of self-discovery in the face of real or imagined conflict. Phillip writes, "We clearly choose our own paths, but if we are insightful enough to interpret the sign posts placed along those paths, we may find some interesting and perhaps some mystical manifestations along the way. At different points throughout my life, people have said to me, 'Look for the answer and you will find it.' I'd decided to make my next trip without a question." The
Sights, Sounds, And People Of Morelia, Mexico - How
To Enjoy Mexico ~ by David Wix - More on living in Morelia, Mexico.
Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacán and the city is
a jewel of Mexican colonial architecture. Find out about the markets and
the other sites you need to see when you visit the beautiful city of Morelia.
Oct./03
Toasting Tequila: Agaves, Agriculture and Tourism - Ron Mader is a well known writer, lecturer and eco-scientist. He has lived in Latin America for a number of years from whence he has published his excellent El Planeta Platica Journal plus his five-star Eco Travels in Latin America Website Ron is one of our heroes here at Escape Artist and it's a pleasure to be able to feature this article by him on one of our favorite subjects. Look for Ron in our next couple of issues. We'll be talking about some of his recent books. ~ more Total
Relaxation In Mexico ~ Xcalak
~ By Mindy Nichols - Xcalak is a small fishing village located on the Yucatan
Peninsula. The people who move to Xcalak normally don't leave. Many people
write me to tell me that its a place I have to visit and after reading
Mindy's article I can see why. Down by beach and out on the sea; if you
like that kind of lifestyle than Xcalak might be the end of the line for
you. July/03
Travel In The Yucatan ~ Exploring Mayan Ruins ~ by John Spampinato - There’s a variable roster of ancient sites which occupy an elevated echelon among those that showcase and define history’s classic aesthetic achievements - representations of the very apex of what human kind, architecturally speaking, is capable of: Tikal; Abu Simbel; Machu Picchu; Ankor Wat; Xian and a host of other mostly recognizable, if hard to spell addresses, each construed and constructed in long vanished, mostly esoteric eras. Dec./05 Working Around The Globe ~ Tips On How To Find Work Around The Globe ~ By Juergen Hans Klemann - Working and traveling the globe as a lawyer might be just the ticket for you if you're tired of your office, your friends, your boss. The above article gives you some ideas about how to find a job in places like Auckland, New Zealand or Colima, Mexico. If you're sick of practicing law and not doing anything else, then you might want to take your education on the road. May/03
Micronesia
~ Paradise
~ by Bob Arthur - If you want to be ahead of the crowd - find out where
Micronesia is. Between Hawaii and Guam, Micronesia is still one of the
few remaining paradises in the world. Because there are few visitors, the
island and lagoon are pristine. You won't believe the island or the healthy
reef until you see for yourself. June/04
Charmed,
I’m Sure! ~ In
Morocco ~ by Dawnelle Salant - Very good article on passing through
Morocco and seeing the towns, the people and the desert. Like the pictures
I see from Morocco, and the history of the place and the people it has
attracted over the years makes it a place to see. Would like to go and
soon. Nov./03
Moroccan Adventure - Moroccan Adventure - Morocco lies in the center of diversity. It is an African nation that incorporates it’s heritage with Islamic religion and Arabic culture, yet is European influenced and multi-lingual. It is one of the easiest destinations to get to from Europe. Aug./06
Kathmandu, Nepal - Expat Haven Or Paradise Lost? Part One -Photos & Essay by Robin Sparks Reporting on the Expat scene in Kathmandu - I've been to plenty of third world countries, but nothing prepared me for Kathmandu. Many of those who went in the 60's and 70's, stayed put in Kathmandu's mystical mountain-bowl setting. There was the legality of hashish (now illegal), the incredulously low cost of living (one can live on as little as $500 a month in a palatial home with servants), spiritual mysticism, a welcome attitude towards foreigners, and the quaint, innocent ambience of a country that was until the early 50s shut off from the rest of the world.
In
Wellington ~ Adventure
In New Zealand ~ By Varoon Anand - Varoon is an old friend though we
never see each other anymore. He is originally from India, spent loads
of time in Panama and is now off living in New Zealand where he has been
exploring and having what I imagine is a very good time. Anyway, check
out the above article; hope to have more articles from Varoon in the near
future. Aug/03
Memories Of Piha New Zealand ~ On The Wild West Coast Of New Zealand ~ by Stephanie Giordano - Before every winter's arrival I sense its presence. I feel the bitter chill in the air, and the familiar scent of snow. At first it’s a welcomed phenomenon. The idea of bundling up with plush blankets and hot cocoa sounds appealing. This feeling, however, is short lived for me. After a few snow storms, when I can't feel my nose and toes, and I'm so bitterly cold that by the time I get inside I'm sweating from moving so fast, I remember how much I miss summer. Actually, this year, I'll remember how much I miss Piha. Piha, on the wild west coast of New Zealand, will become my recurring destination as an escape from New York winters. Nov./05 New Zealand’s Coromandel ~ Note From Travels In New Zealand ~ Written And Photographed by David Lavoie - The Coromandel is New Zealand’s playground. A region of rugged forests, dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches, it is home to a myriad of activities for both New Zealanders and visitors alike, especially those who enjoy being physically active. Consider this; within a relatively small area you can go swimming, surfing, fishing, yachting, Jun/05 New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves ~ Explorations ~ by Kyle Hammons - In a country brimming with adventure, visitors to New Zealand are faced with choosing from a myriad of adrenaline-pumping activities. The country that invented bungee jumping is the same place that offers jet boating, zorbing and fly-by-wire. Though skydiving and river rafting provide thrilling rides, it was a trip to Waitomo Caves that will always linger in my memory. Dec./04 Thoughts
On South Africa And New Zealand ~ Hitchhiking
And Economics ~ By Juergen Hans Klemann - Very good article on passing
time around the globe. Jurgen has worked and traveled around the world
and in the above article he gives you some ideas about the places he has
lived in and what to look out for as well as a little history. For Jurgen
South Africa and New Zealand are the two most beautiful countries in the
world. Read his article and find out why. Aug/03
Working Around The Globe ~ Tips On How To Find Work Around The Globe ~ By Juergen Hans Klemann - Working and traveling the globe as a lawyer might be just the ticket for you if you're tired of your office, your friends, your boss. The above article gives you some ideas about how to find a job in places like Auckland, New Zealand or Colima, Mexico. If you're sick of practicing law and not doing anything else, then you might want to take your education on the road. May/03
Nicaragua ~ Central America’s Hidden Treasure ~ by Jason Fortin - Sandinistas. Communism. Civil War. Words that do not exactly go hand-in-hand with tourism. Unfortunately, these are all words that many still associate with Nicaragua, and the main reason tourism hasn’t flourished there. Times are changing, however, and now there is even speculation that Nicaragua will become the next Costa Rica. I have recently returned from a vacation in Nicaragua, and it’s my selfish hope that it never does become Costa Rica North. Although I have been to Costa Rica twice, and love it for its natural beauty, I dread running into so many Americans and Europeans (and paying gringo prices) while trying to explore a foreign land. Oct./05 Nicaragua ~ Exploring The Undiscovered ~ by Vinnie Apicella - “Nicaragua? Why Nicaragua?” The question’s been asked over and over by everyone I’ve come in contact with since I returned from vacationing and investigating investment opportunities at a new development called Rancho Santana in this economically down-trodden Central American country. A year earlier, I’d have asked myself the same question. Now, my response would read something like this: “Because I see a good opportunity there, and a country abundant with untapped natural resources and beautiful coastline that’s been compared to the likes of California in its infancy or more recently, an up and coming Costa Rica.” Jan/05 Nicaragua update: More tourists & greater moneymaking opportunities than ever before- "When I tell people that my favorite country in Central America is Nicaragua, they think I've got a screw loose." - A serious case of bad press - "Nicaragua remains one of the most misunderstood nations in the world. This country is not in the midst of a civil war...not a Communist state...and not a "miserable hell hole" as one acquaintance of mine recently suggested. I was just there, for the third time in as many years. My impression? This place is more lovely and, more importantly, shows more promise and offers greater opportunity than ever before. by Jennifer Stevens Road Trip: From North Carolina to Nicaragua -Mexico and Central America ~ By Erinn Magee - There are many people who say they want to drive through Mexico to Central America, but few people ever make the trip. If you've talked about doing it, but never have, then this is your chance to read about what you have been missing out on. Police, driving habits, hotel billing and road condtions are important things to know on this journey south. Jan/03 The Nicaragua Report ~ Living In Nicaragua - Real Estate In Nicaragua ~ Private Islands for $70,000 - the most interesting colonial architecture in Central America, beachfront real estate at bargain basement prices, investment opportunities, coffee plantations for sale... this is Nicaragua and we now have a new eBook on Nicaragua by Christopher Howard. Find out about a little known nation with a big bunch of opportunity and a low entry price tag. May/03 The Working Geezer's Guide To Nicaragua ~ In Ometepe ~ by Kevin Barker - I discovered as much after a week subbing at a friend’s real estate agency in Nicaragua, in the colonial city of Granada, a favored tourist hangout on the gigantic Lake Nicaragua and gateway to the country's finest beaches: My proprietor friend Gerry hung out his shingle on the main square there three years ago when he began to anticipate, correctly as it turned out, that the region was primed for a real estate boom. Aug./05
Dream
Job-Nightmare Trip Moving To Norway, Or Not… ~ A
Place To Rest ~ By Karen Southall Watts - Sometimes the move overseas
doesn't go as expected and things fall apart almost as soon as you arrive.
The above article gives you an idea of what such an experience can be like
and how to avoid having such a hard time when you arrive to your new home.
Karen gives you a number of very clear and concise steps you should take
in order to help you through the difficulty of adjusting to your new home
and what kinds of things you should remember before leaving. Some of the
things you need to be aware of are schools, visa cards, banking and what
the company you work for will offer you when sending you overseas to your
new job. July/03
Foaming
In The Fjords - In
Norway ~ by Andrew Hartnagel - Try as I might, my leg wouldn’t fit
in the sink. And try as I might, I couldn’t conceal my soapy self
in the enormous hall of a campground bathroom from the incoming family.
Among Norway’s many assets is not a generous shower usage policy.
I stood there, washcloth in hand, trying to rinse the soap from my body
after the shower timer had expired a wee bit early. Norway of course,
is not a place that you can run outside to an office wet and naked with
any margin of thermal safety. The other bathroom users were pressed into
the decision of watching a hairy naked man covered in bubbles trying to
wash himself in a small sink or helping him. They chose the latter.
July/04
A
Paradise On Water ~ Talking
With Expats In Bocas Del Toro ~ By Zvia Leibler-Danon - There has been
a lot of talk over the past few years about Bocas del Toro, located on
Panama's northeastern Caribbean coast. A number of expats are now fulfilling
their dream of living in a tropical paradise by buying property in Bocas.
Find out what it takes to make it in Bocas and what is daily life like
for expats who have made it their home. The water, the sun and the forest
are attracting people all the time. See if Bocas is a place you might want
to settle down in for a couple or years or a spot where you might want
to own some land. June/03
Altos Del Maria: Live
In A Garden In The Mountains Of Panama - The temperature
is 75 degrees, there is no humidity, I can see for hundreds of miles, out
over the oceans, both oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, there are flowers
and trees everywhere, two rivers, hiking trails, dozens of creeks, beautiful
houses, excellent neighbors, paved roads, electricity, telephone, internet
connections, Direct TV, pine trees, waterfalls, a heliport, and I'm 20
minutes by car from the beach and 20 minutes from a golf course. Feb./03
Bass Fishing In Panama - Bass Fishing In Panama - Yes, Bass Fishing In Panama. We have an article on the upcoming Super Bowl party in Panama. The party is giving by BetPanAm a Panama based sportsbook that is the brain child of a group of expatriates. The Super Bowl Party includes a bass fishing tournament, but this article is simply on bass fishing; written by one of the BetPanAm staff. Jan/04 Carnaval 2003 - Hanging In ~ By Matthew Atlee - Carnaval turned out fine this year. If you've done a number of Carnavals then you know that sometimes things can go wrong. This year we spent most of Carnaval in Panama at the house on Isla Grande. Later we went to the Pacific Coast and finally ended up in Panama City. And that old Carnaval hangover just won't go away. March/03 Cerro
Jefe ~
In An Old Cloud Forest ~ By Matthew Atlee - Up into Cerro Jefe: one
of the oldest forests in the Americas. A little history and a little on
what to see and do in Chagres National Park. You have to get up into the
forest and see what it's like and how old it feels to your eyes and other
senses. Come to Panama, rent a 4x4 and head back into the jungle and have
some fun. July/03
Coffee,
Flowers, Nature and More ~ In
The Mountains Of Chiriqui, Panama ~ by Zvia Leibler-Danon - The highlands
of Chiriqui have the cool weather of the mountains and the tropical greenery
of the jungle. And if you like flowers then this is the place to visit.
You will see flowers that you would normally buy at a shop in the U.S.
growing here in the wild. For relaxation and fresh cool air, the highlands
of Chiriqui can't be beat. Sept./03
Daytrips In Panama ~Looking At Real Estate And Passing Through Colon ~ By Matthew Atlee - If you drive around Panama you will see "For Sale" signs all over the place. There are some great old buildings for sale in the city and in the countryside there are lots of people selling land. Some of the land is located right on the beach and other lots are in the mountains. If you are thinking about moving to Panama, remember you have to have a little bit of the buccaneer spirit to do it. Colon is a place you might want to check out if you want to see something different; there is property in Colon City as well as Colon Province. See you there. April/03 Deep In Veraguas - Traveling Down Backroads In Panama ~ By Matthew Atlee - Traveling down the backroads of Panama is like going back in time. Panama may be one of the least known countries in the world and that anonymity has allowed Panama to guard its treasures well. Some of those treasures are located deep in the province of Veraguas. Waterfalls, lost highways and hot springs are some of the things you will find as you get lost in the depths of Veraguas. Jan/03 El
Cope, Cocle ~ And
Some Other Ideas ~ By Matthew Atlee - Went in search of a very remote
place in Cocle province, Panama where you can see both the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans on a clear day. I searched and searched and was never able
to find the beautiful spot that I had visited six years before, but in
the process of looking found some nice rivers and towns that I will visit
again in the near future. Aug/03
El
Valle ~ A
Cool Weekend Escape ~ By Zvia Leibler-Danon.-
The above article takes you to the Spa town of El Valle in Cocle Province,
Panama. El Valle has long been a favorite getaway for Panamanians and it
really is a place you should check out if you want to enjoy green hills,
nice inns, waterfalls and walks in the jungle. Do go. July/03
Fort San Lorenzo In Panama ~ Henry Morgan And Other Adventures ~ by Matthew Atlee - No one knows exactly when San Lorenzo Fort was built. Evidence shows that the fort was probably built in the 1570s. When you arrive to the fort from the city of Colon - it’s about a 40 minute ride, you cross through the Panama Canal to get to San Lorenzo - you immediately understand why the fort was built by the Spanish: it sits high up on cliffs that overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to Rio Chagres. In the centuries before the Panama Canal was built the Rio Charges was a very important river because it was the starting point from which pirates like Drake or Morgan would cross the Isthmus of Panama from the Atlantic to the Pacific. May/04 In
The Hills Above Panama City - Cerro
Azul ~ by Zvia Leibler-Danon - Whether you are living in Panama or
are just in the city for a business trip – you may feel the need for relief
from the hot muggy weather in your free time. If so, then do what
the natives do – head for the hills. To ensure that the break you
take offers a unique and relaxing experience, as well as cooler weather,
head for Cerro Azul. April/04
Living
And Investing In Panama ~ What
To Look Out For ~ By Matthew Atlee - If you are thinking about moving
overseas then Panama might be the right place for you. Panama is a great
place from which to do business with other countries in Latin America:
banking, services and recreation are all things that are highly developed
in Panama. You also have the dollar and a great international airport that
can take you anywhere you want to go in South America or North America.
You should visit Panama just to see what the country has to offer.
June/03
Looking At Property On Contadora Island ~ Exploring The History And Landscape Of An Island ~ By Matthew Atlee - The Villas at Contadora is a great place to buy an affordable second home. The island is peaceful and private: no hassles here. If you want a hideway in Latin America then this is the place for you. The villas are tucked into a hillside and surrounded by palm trees, bamboo and exotic plantings. The island has nice restaurants and the beaches are clean and private. You want to unwind, then you should visit the Villas At Contadora. April/03 Los
Santos ~ The
Heart Of Panamanian Carnival ~ by Matthew Atlee - Los Santos Province
is the center of Carnival in Panama. For most of the year the Province
is quiet and uneventful, but as Carnival time gets closer the people and
the atmosphere of Los Santos begin to slowly heat up and this was why I
wanted to visit Los Santos right before Carnival. The capital of Los Santos
is the small town of Las Tablas, a very traditional Spanish town with a
central plaza, the church and government buildings surrounding the small
square park where people talk and the hot breezes from the nearby countryside
blow through the large shade trees. Feb./04
On The Pacific Coast Of Panama - Traveling Through The Mountains And Beaches Of Panama ~ By Matthew Atlee - It's Summer in Panama and everyone is headed to the beach. Very soon Carnival will be here and people will let loose and enjoy the freedom that comes with Carnival. The Pacific Coast is the place to go for Carnival in Panama. If you are headed to Panama for Carnival go to Los Santos and visit the beaches at Pedasi or Venado. Better yet, drive to the interior of Los Santos and find a small village in which to enjoy the summer breezes and strings of Christmas tree lights that blow across the streets of Los Santos during Carnival nights. Anyway, enjoy. Feb./03 Panama's
100 Year Celebration ~ Frank
Robinson And San Felipe ~ by Matthew Atlee - The 100 year celebrations
of the founding of Panama were great fun. Went to the old town of Panama
and took some fun photos and then headed out to the U.S.-Panamanian baseball
game and after the game back to Panama City for the marching bands and
good times. If you are thinking about heading to Panama for your deep winter
vacation in January, February or March remember that Panama is celebrating
its centennial for at least a year after the actual date, November 3rd,
of the founding of Panama. It's like a good friend of mine in Panama; she
celebrates two birthdays each year. Nov./03
Panama
And Costa Rica - Thoughts
On Both ~ by Matthew Atlee - One of my favorite countries to visit
is Costa Rica. It has become a favorite destination for many people: an
average of 750,000 people a year visit Costa Rica. In 1994 tourism surpassed
coffee and bananas as the biggest industry in Costa Rica: one in ten people
work in the tourist industry. Of course, this has meant that the country
sometimes feels as though it is being trampled over by tourists, and the
ugly side of tourism – prostitution and child sex – are very evident in
Costa Rica. Despite all the heavy traffic in tourists, Costa Rica still
offers the traveler some of the most incredible scenery in Latin America.
April/04
Panama During the Rainy Season - Panama During the Rainy Season - After reading many articles on moving to Panama, one item kept coming up. Rain. Living in Tucson, Arizona, one is not used to daily rain. It seemed wise then to visit during the rainiest part of the year, figuring if we liked it then, we would love it during dry season. What we didn't count on was the cold. Apr./07
Readers
write: My experience in Panama: the
best taxi driver, worst hotel, and where I’d choose to live - Boquete
is indeed beautiful: well-forested, mountain streams, the white water of
the Chiriqui River perfect for rafting, warm days, cool nights, and mostly
friendly people. That said, what are the problems? The biggest, in
my opinion, is that unless you want to spend your time hiking through the
woods, there just isn't much to do here. Also, I think it would be difficult
to get along unless you spoke at least some Spanish.
Adventures In Peru ~ Peru's Manu Biosphere Reserve ~ by Kyle Hammons - Situated in the remote southwestern region of the Amazon Basin and said to have the highest biological diversity of any rainforest in the world is Peru’s Manu Biosphere Reserve. Manu covers a total of 4.5 million acres of pristine rainforest from the crystalline cloud-forest streams to the sluggish, chocolate-brown rivers of the dense lowland jungle. Manu’s environment has been unchanged for thousands of years, thus allowing more species of plants and animals to evolve here than in any other similar area of the world. Jun/05 Discovering The Inca Trail ~ Hiking The Andes ~ by Kyle Hammons - The sun was just starting to rise over the green carpet of rolling hills when my plane touched down. The flight from Lima had been nearly empty allowing me to scramble down the aisles in search of better views of the Cusco Andes. It was not until I reached baggage claim that the sensation of being a tourist truly overwhelmed me. Surveying the scene around me, there were enough guide services packed into the tiny airport to accommodate far more than the 500 people allowed each day on the Inca Trail. Thankfully, the traditional Peruvian band filled the room with enough noise to drown out the crowds of tour agents and cab drivers who shouted their deals through revolving doors and windows. Aug./05 Following the Inca Trails - Following the Inca Trails - As the magnificent peak of Padrayoc loomed to our right, and the Apurimac River roared below we felt the rush of adventure in our veins. It was this that kept us going for our bodies certainly weren’t equipped for the tough trail ahead of us! The idea for this trek had come four years earlier, when a Peruvian friend and I were out in a remote village and had met an old gnarled farmer on our trail. He had struck up a conversation with my friend in Quechua, the language of the Incas. By Ariana Svenson May/06 Peru ~ Notes From A Canadian Traveler ~ by Judy Goddard - I remember sitting up in the attic of our farmhouse as a child, looking through those bright yellow “ National Geographic” magazines, that someone had given us. For hours, I dreamt of those far away and strange places. Never, believing it could ever come true. So now that our children are on their own, I decided to pursue the dreams of childhood, of far away countries. Not just as a tourist, but as a person who could perhaps help improve someone’s else life, or just bring some joy for a few weeks to someone who needed it. April/05
An
Aussie View Of The Philippines ~ Getting
Hitched In The Philippines ~ by Graig Beasy - G'day! My name is Craig
Beasy and if you guessed I am Australian, you guessed right. I am 43 yrs
young, very happily married to a beautiful lassie from the ‘Land of Smiles’
and we have two pre-schoolers. My wife’s name is Brenda and she comes from
Cebu, an Island only 200 miles long and 40 miles across at its widest point.
Cebu-City incidentally is the freight hub for the entire Archipelago. Our
gorgeous daughters are Adele Kristina 3 yrs, Isha-Belle 16mths, and yes
I am definitely in the minority gender-wise in our household. Aug/04
An Aussie View Of The Philippines Part 2 ~ Land Of The Beautiful ~ by Graig Beasy - G'day. Continuing on from last month, how on earth did I end up stranded in Cebu during my six weeks there; well let me begin with my departure from Tullamarine International Airport at Melbourne, Victoria. I was due to fly out at 11:45pm on Tuesday June 2nd 1998. I had arrived in Victoria’s State Capital a few days before and was staying with my sister Merryn in the eastern suburbs. A day later I received a call from Philippines Airlines informing me of a 2-hr departure delay, which I didn’t find to bothersome. Sept./04 Life In A Hammock ~ Living In The East Asian Tropics ~ By Bon Vivuer - Have you thought about moving to the Philippines? The above article tells the story of a man who did just that. Find out what it takes to make your way in the Philippines: from buying land, to finding a wife, to keeping yourself alive. And if you like the idea of trying to make it in the Philippines you might want to spend some time at Orchid Park. May/03 Sailing The Philippine Islands ~ The Pearl Of The Orient ~ by Junfil Olarte - In my profession in the aviation industry I have had several occasions to travel to foreign lands. By the year 2003, I was able to have an opportunity to work and live in Singapore; it is one of the cleanest countries in the world; and a model of economic stability and public policy. I have written a number of articles on living in Asia, most have appeared in monthly magazines or website newsletters. However, none of my previous travels and experiences come close to my time in the Philippines. Aug./05
Hidden Europe - Bieszczady, Poland - Hidden Europe - Bieszczady, Poland - Bieszczady, the name outside Poland means nothing, but in the land of Chopin, Pope John Paul and Lech Walesa the term is like a boiling cauldron.
Travels And Good Times In Portugal ~ First Time In Iberia ~ by Matthew Atlee - There is a new direct flight from Panama City to Madrid. The name of the airline is Air Madrid: the flights leaves every Monday and Friday; the flight takes 10 hours and 20 minutes: you fly up the Caribbean, over the Dominican Republic and then north past Florida, when you are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean you turn east and fly straight over Portugal and Spain. When the trip was planned I thought we were just going to Spain and then realized we were also going to visit Portugal, which I really wanted to see because I had heard that Lisbon was a great city. It was! Jan/05 Utila: Roatan's quiet neighbor is an escapist's paradise - Getting home by boat - Bargain-basement offerings - Travel: Portuguese notebook: Enjoy Lisbon on the cheap - heap -
Lions, Vampires, Bears, And Gypsys ~ Romania, Gem Of The Balkans ~ by Jocelyn Carnegie - Bucharest is a striking mélange of different cultural influences. Historically, the Romanians have looked north and west to their European and Slavic neighbors for their cultural, emotional, and religious succor, spending most of their leisure time keeping the Turks out of Europe. Oct./04 Romanian Serendipity ~The Biology Of Travel ~ By Lucas Moyer-Horner - Want to mix biology and travel then take a look at the following article; it talks about travel and how travel is a natural extension of our biological processes. This is one way to look at travel and you may never think the same way again about getting on a plane and exploring. May/03
Scotland
- Castles,
Monsters and Fairy Whispers ~ by Dawnelle Salant - I’m ashamed to say
that before I visited Scotland, it wasn’t high on my list of countries
to tour. I’m not sure why, but I think it had something to do with
what another traveler said to me. “You’re from Canada? Go to Scotland.
It’s just like Canada, you’ll love it.” I travel to see places that are
different from what I am used to, so I mentally crossed Scotland off my
list. When I finally found myself wandering around Britain’s northernmost
country, I was pleased to discover that Scotland has more to offer than
I expected. And honestly? It’s really not very much like Canada at all.
May/04
Spooked In Scotland - Supernatural Shenanigans In Black-Hearted Edinburgh ~ US$1 equals 0.57 British pounds ~ by Steenie Harvey - moonless night at the Mercat Cross on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile—and it’s Ghost Busters gone mad. Thirty people are following a black-cloaked witch down Advocate’s Close. From the screeches, something nasty is happening in the City Chambers porticoes...maybe it’s to do with the body-snatcher now racing down High Street. And here comes a vampire, chivvying his charges behind St. Giles High Kirk. There’ll soon be more screams if the trailing brown-cowled monk is a “jumper-oot.” March/04
The Singapore Taxi Driver - Fast, Easy And Efficient In Singapore ~ by Ieuan Dolby - Fast, easy and efficient could describe life in Singapore. You don’t stroll along the streets in a world of your own with time to spare and you definitely do not walk when a taxi is waiting nearby. Life in Singapore is geared towards the making of money and any spare moment given is put to that task. So if one should need to get to work or get to the office, go shopping or attend the cinema (because the children insist on it) then transport is essential. May/05
South Africa ~ The World’s New Destination ~ by Tony O'Kelly - As other countries around the globe make it more and more difficult to migrate to, South Africa has eased its restrictions. The intention of the South African Government is to attract skilled workers to the country. South Africa is short of 500,000 graduates in various fields including IT, Engineering, Business and many other technical fields. One of the strategies is for South Africa to become the call centre capital of the world. This requires skilled people and investment. Mar/05 The Desperate Faces Of Durban ~ South Africa's Tourist Mecca Unraveling ~ by Carol L. Bowman - After 14 days of schlepping through Southern Africa, we had crisscrossed South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Swaziland. After collecting 17 new stamps in our passports, my husband and I decided that touching our toes in the Indian Ocean might be the perfect ending. We selected the much publicized, vibrant, seaside city of Durban, South Africa for our “grand finale”. Durban is billed as having the most unique, African feel of any South African city, with a complex interweaving of Zulu, Indian and Dutch African culture. Dec./05 They
Say Cape Town Is Friendly ~ In
South Africa ~ by Ben Murphy - Before
travelling to South Africa, I sought the advice of one of my Australian
relatives, who frequently visits there on business. “You’re going to Cape
Town? That’s good. I went to Johannesburg and didn’t like it. Everyone
says that Cape Town is much more friendly, what they mean is that it’s
safe.” July/04
A Ramble in South East Asia - A Ramble in South East Asia - Continuing Ron Hannah's observational and perceptive ramble...."We were interested in the villages around Sapa and I wanted to see Dien Bien Phu where the French were defeated in 1954. We heard from returning travellers that it was below freezing up there, and that travel was difficult. The spectre of a very large Australian tourist at a streetside shop trying to buy a sweater that would fit him in this land of small people, was what finally scrubbed those plans, I think." Sept./06 A Ramble in South East Asia: Part 3 - A Ramble in South East Asia: Part 3 - Part 3:More than once on my I travels was painfully aware, and more than a little embarrassed, by my wealth and soft life compared to these people. I had been reduced to bankruptcy in Canada, yet I was still far better off and had many more opportunities than these labourers. They were cutting irregular chunks of red clay from the ground with their shovels and stacking them piece by piece, bucket by bucket, onto the circle. What they put inside to fire the clay was not clear. They noticed us and waved, making jokes that may or may not have been polite. Oct./06
A
Journey Into Undiscovered Andalucia ~ A
Stone Cottage And Beautiful Landscapes ~ By Mark Medley - Living in
the mountains of Spain just beyond the sea sounds like a wonderful experience.
Mark Medley reports from the mountains of Andalucia and lets us know that
there are some great old stone cottages in the abandon towns of Andalucia.
Internet service is available in these remote regions and most other services
are nearby, but you still have the old rural life of Spain going on around
you. More likely than not you will have to refurbish your cottage and there
are plenty of people who can help you do this. And as anyone who has visited
Spain knows the people the parties and everything else that has to do with
Spain is great fun. June/03
Actualities: $18 a night lodging in Alicante…the world’s best dancing girls… waiting for the Bay A round-up of the top 10 golf courses in Spain - Alicante,
Spain And How To Explore It In One Day ~ A
Foot Walk Around Alicante ~ by Robert Carlton
- After just coming back from a short business trip to London, my wife
and I were sitting together with friends in our garden in the Alicante
suburb of San Juan on a warm summer evening. Whilst sitting together
I mentioned a request from Escapeartist for an Alicante article which I
received some days before. You should write about “Alicante and how to
explore it in one day” – my wife said, because traditional Costa Blanca
tourists really won’t have much interest in the city – but more in the
beaches, villages and bars around the area. June/04
Alpine living in Spain - Farmhouses from $60,000 - Travelers Bulletin Board - The last affordable market in Europe: Adriatic hideaways from $70,000 - Plus an article on What investors in Nicaragua aren't telling you - Andalucia, Spain: coastal cottages from $15,000 - A Special Issue of International Living on Spain Ape Attacks, Bull Fights And Cities That Never Sleep ~ In Spain ~ by Dawnelle Salant - I was particularly eager to visit Barcelona as it is part of Catalonia. Being a Canadian, I’m fascinated by other countries that also have two “separate” regions, complete with their own languages, and I wasn’t disappointed. Barcelona definitely has a different feel than the rest of Spain. It’s not just hearing Catalan spoken, there’s something a bit more sophisticated about the city. It’s rich with history, culture and art all its own. Sept./04 Islands Chunnel…no more tolls in Mexico - $18 a night…stylish lodging in Alicante. Weary of public transport after a day stuck in Madrid’s airport, I splurged on a taxi and went straight to El Barrio, Alicante’s old town. Like all Alicante locals I met in this off-season, my driver spoke nothing but Spanish. It was good to have to make myself understood. I requested the Pension Las Monges, which I’d heard was like a boutique hotel with eight lovely and individual rooms. With much confusion but more good will, the driver took me right to the place, almost, because it’s within the old pedestrian zone beneath Alicante’s shabbily magnificent Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which roosts over the seaside town. The driver gave me directions I could almost understand: through the arch, right one block, past the plaza. And there it was. Ken Layne, Alicante, Spain (more) Barcelona: trendy shops, chichi buildings, and one of Europe's lowest costs of living - Barcelona is like Paris or Rome, only smaller and a fraction of the price. It's the choicest city in Spain. All the trendy European & American designers have shops here. It's also safe, cheap and easy to get around. And it has some excellent, if bizarre-architecture. by Michael Palmer Forum Cuba Libre - Forum Cuba Libre - Our contacts and our research led us to Spain, specifically the Andalucian coastal towns and the islands of Menorca and Mallorca. This is a beautiful part of the world, of course, with sun and sand, harbor towns and mountain villages. You can enjoy the best of the ancient and the modern-tumble-down, centuries-old farmhouses and world-class golf courses... generations-old markets and first-rate infrastructure. France
And Spain By Train: Like Drinking Café Olé ~ Like
Drinking Café Olé ~ By Maxine Schur - Great article about
traveling through the Costa Brava on Spain's northeastern border near France.
This is an area that became popular with artists in the 1920s because of
its great climate, people and food. If you want to know a little about
the towns that dot this area then the above article has some great resources
for exploring Costa Brava. June/03
Hassle-free building on the Costa Brava - how one couple created a dream home for S24.500 - How To Walk In Spain ~ Trekking Through The Beauty Of Spain ~ by Richard Robinson - Spain was never the softest of options for walkers - even if you could plan your way around the heat of high summer there were always the dodgy maps to catch you out. Those tantalising mountains, rising mistily beyond the beach or viewed from some castle rampart remained mysterious and inaccessible, vaguely daubed on playschool maps that ripped apart when opened. Things have improved in recent years, though, and the British expatriate community that can take some credit for blazing the trails, organising groups and writing walker’s guide books. Spain these days is more walker-friendly and the repertoire of rambles, the incredible variety of landscapes, grows ever more accessible. Nov./04 On The Camino de Santiago ~ The Way Of St. James ~ by Richard Frederick - There may come a point in some people's lives when they decide that they must go on a pilgrimage. Pilgrimages come in different sorts. Some may be less weighty; they can lead to Graceland or to Jim Morrison's grave in Paris. Others may be personally important, perhaps the return of an emigrant to his birthplace after many years of separation from his homeland. Others can lead to the settlement of a new country. The dictionary says that a pilgrimage is a journey undertaken with a specific objective. Nov./05 Practicalities and Idiosyncrasies of Life in Madrid - When you come to live in Madrid - the burden of cultural adjustment will be upon YOU and there will be significant changes to which you will have to adjust. Spain is a western country with attitudes, habits, and a standard of living that is broadly speaking, the same as in Britain and the US. This doesn't mean that you won't need time to get used to the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of your new surroundings, though. Spain ~ Revival Of Arab Baths ~ by Richard Robinson - In the shadow of the fabulous Alhambra palace, El Bañuelo survives as an empty shell, the last Arab bath in Granada. The rich carving and tiling, the hot running water have long gone, but shafts of sunlight fire through star-shaped openings in the vaulted roof, creating a shadow-play among the silent pillars, the arches and the bare stone walls. In Moorish times in Al-Andalus (the name given to the Moorish dominions in Spain) there was a bath on every street, gurgling with steaming water, crowded with the devout going about their ablutions. The city of Córdoba alone could boast 600 public baths in its 11th-century heyday. Oct./04 Temple
De La Sagrada Familia - In
Barcelona ~ by Shirleyann Costigan - I came to Barcelona to see Gaudi's
masterpiece, the Temple de la Sagrada Família. However, when I discovered
that six of my travel group wanted to see Parc Guëll I decided to
visit the Parc with them before going my separate way. At the Tourist Office
located in the Plaça de Catalunya it is possible to purchase a bus
pass that offers two different sightseeing routes around the city, both
on the same pass. Passengers can get off at any stop and catch the next
red or blue bus that comes by every 20 minutes or so, but because the stop-and-go
ride to the Parc would take 45 minutes, we opted to take the Metro directly
to Parc Guëll station. That was a mistake. Dec./03
The Bull Fiddle's Azimuth ~ the Guggenheim, Abe Lincoln, and Paxti - Bilbao, Spain - Gonzo Travelogues presents the stage for a John Torrente on-the-road memoir, this time from Bilbao, Spain, and the heart of the Basque country. The virile monstrosity of the Guggenheim Museum, a vociferous giant named Patxia, a pop test on America's 16th President, and defense of an independent Basque state come together in this tale from the far side. August/02. The
Call Of Girona - A
Lost Treasure Found ~ by S.A. Costigan - The ancient and beautiful
city of Girona, Spain, located about 60 miles north of Barcelona, is a
desirable destination on any travel itinerary. It’s loveliness stands quite
apart from its deep history as the major Catalonian town on the Costa Brava.
July/04
The
Expat’s Guide to Living in Spain - A report on moving to Spain. The
nation that produced the twentieth centuries best artists; including Picasso
and Miro. The backdrop for the novel
The Sun Also Rises by
Ernest Hemingway, the novel about expats that changed our perspective of
the world. Spain is among the quintessential expat destinations. With fine
real estate, excellent food, profound culture, and some of Europe's best
islands and beaches, Spain is an extremely worthy consideration as an expat
destination. This report by Arin Vahanian, eighty pages in length, provides
the details that we need when considering Spain as a destination.
Real Estate, Contacts, Employment, Legal Considerations, Citizenship, all
laid out in a comprehensive easy to read format. An Expat’s Guide
to Living in Spain will save you money, answer your questions, and prepare
you to live in Spain. An
Expat’s Guide to Living in Spain - Aug/03
Mustique: The Caribbean's Best Kept Secret ~ A Private Hideaway In The Caribbean ~ by Heather Prince - Gazing out the twin propeller plane window the jagged emerald island seemed to float in the tri-colored turquoise Caribbean waters. This is the first site of the illustrious private island of Mustique: The upper crust’s best kept secret. Tommy Hilfiger, Mick Jagger , Princess Margaret and Viscount David Linley, just to name a few, all have enjoyed the splendor of the small 1,400 acre island located in the Caribbean Grenadines. Luckily for me, this was the location of my best friend’s wedding, so I became one of the few who have been able to sneek-a-peek into the secret life of the rich and famous. Jan/05
Adventures
In Surinam ~ Into
The Jungle ~ by John Spampinato - Suriname - I suppose the irresistible
lure enticing me there was the chance, an off chance at that, to be dropped
off by a small plane in the middle of its tangled jungles and left to my
own devices. Or maybe it was the country’s almost total obscurity. One
ticketing agent - supposedly a South American ‘specialist’ - wanted to
know where exactly Suriname was. I promised to send her a map and continued
making calls. Aug/04
More Adventures In Surinam ~ Explorations ~ by John Spampinato - I had little success fishing the first several days, but there was plenty of food, and just about the first time I thought someone to share my rum with might be nice I had a surprise encounter with Garifuna bushmen - long removed progeny of nineteenth century slaves who, seeing the Guiana’s striking similarities to the jungles of their Congo origins, escaped their captors by simply vanishing into the wilderness where to this day many thrive unhindered, a feral society. Coming up over the ‘tall trees’ trail I swore I heard human laughter. Suddenly four sparsely dressed fellows appeared and froze in their tracks, as did I. Smiling, I motioned them to the lean-to where I made various unintelligible offerings and possibly inappropriate inquiries. Sept./04
Following My Heart To Heidiland - Inside The Landscape Of A Famous Movie ~ By Maxine Shur - The movieHeidi is burned into the imagination of many people. The story of an orphaned girl who through circumstance ends up living with her unhappy grandfather is played out in the mountains and flowers and green valleys of the Swiss Alps. And that landscape to many people is the trigger that sets off the emotions that the movie transmitted to them as a child. Never saw the movie, but the landscape must have made the emotions especially beautiful. Feb./03 Retire In A Wealthy Nation ~ Switzerland ~ By Bonnie Burns - It's important that you have persistence when you want to move to another country - especially one in Europe. The above article tells you all about how to punch your way through the red tape and into the mountainous beauty of Switzerland. Having stamina is definitely part of the process of relocating to your new home. July/03
A
Fresh Trek On The Roof Of Taiwan ~ Adventure
In Taiwan ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Great photos in this article about
Taiwan. Antonio speaks Chinese, he's from Tennessee and has traveled around
Asia for some time. Antonio takes us into the deep outback of Taiwan and
gives us an idea of Taiwan beyond the cloudy, industrially polluted cities.
You'll be surprised. Nov./03
A
Bit Of Bangkok ~ Arriving
In Thailand ~ by Doug Rice - Short little article on what it's like
to land in Bangkok and visit the city for a short time. Doug has traveled
throughout the region and has visited Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Be sure
to read his article about Vietnam in the last issue and look out for his
future articles in Escape From America. Nov./03
A Cut Above ~ Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Thailand ~ by T.E. Banker - Until recently I was jaded about open markets in Thailand. There was no shortage of markets and entertainment here, and they have long been an important part of the Thailand’s tourism, especially Bangkok: Pratunam, Sukhumvit from Nana to Asoke, Silom from Rama IV to Soi Nongsee, Soi Cowboy, Patpong’s Night Market and Jatujak’s Weekend Market. But they had all started looking like vulgar variations of the same thing. Nov./04 Caves
And Crossbows ~ Spelunking
And Archery With The Hill Tribes ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Litee Akha,
the champion marksman of Northern Thailand, set the butt of the large crossbow
against his flat belly. With both hands, he expertly pulled the powerful
string into place. There was an audible "click" as the trigger popped into
the ready position. He removed the short bamboo arrow from his mouth, rubbed
it with natural bees wax, and set it in the groove, atop the ancient weapon.
Holding the bow in a straight line, away from his body, he took careful
aim, and pulled the trigger. Aug/04
Eco
Travel In Your Own Backyard ~ Exploring
The Garden ~ By Bernie Tetrault - Some great photos in the above article.
Bernie takes you through his backyard in Thailand and introduces you to
some of the beautiful animals and butterflies that inhabit his garden.
It's interesting what you can see in nature if you just take a little time
and look around you: the photos and the writing in this article will help
relax you and may send you off in search of what lies in your garden. June/03
Elephant Polo ~ The Biggest Sport in the World ~ Player Recruitment Announcement - Tickle and the Ivories - Tickle and the Ivories Elephant Polo Team was founded to raise money for recognized environmental charities in Asia and to eventually win one of the tournaments. And they're having a terrific amount of fun trying to achieve these aims! The team has an Australian flavour to it but welcomes women and men from all nationalities. In fact they have a few spots available for some of the forthcoming tournaments. You don't have to have any equine polo experience, so if you're interested in playing, supporting, seeing the videos, helping raise money for elephant-oriented charities, attending the tournaments and watching, or just hanging out with the team, then contact them. July/02. Highlights
Of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai And Phuket - From
Day One With My Digital Camera ~ by Dorothy Aksamit - I have a history
of falling on trips and decided it was time to lighten the camera load
and go digital. As the date approached in April 2004, I was more
confused than ever and decided to let it go until I got back. The
night before I left my daughter came over and insisted I take her tiny
Cannon Elf, 3.2 pix, 3X zoom. She spent five minutes showing me the
basics; I tucked it into my shoulder bag and thought how great it would
be to travel so light. But I didn't trust myself enough to leave
the Cannon EOS Elan at home.
May04 In
Siam With Passion II ~ Relocating
To Thailand ~ By Tomy Gunn - Tomy Gunn moved to Thailand two years
ago and has been living in the "Land Of Smiles" and learning what life
is like for an expat in Thailand. Find out how "Western Influences" have
changed the lifestyles of the Thai people and Expats. Learn about what
makes Thailand so attractive to so many people and what an everyday routine
is like for an expat in an Asian country that is very open to the outside
world. July/03
Robin Sparks Looks At The Expat Scene In Bangkok - The Expat Scene In Bangkok - One woman says that although she came here for her job, she has grown to love Bangkok. "This weekend I ate in the best restaurants, partied in some excellent clubs, took a new dress design to my tailor who will work from my sketches, ate durian, and cruised the klongs in a water taxi on Sunday with friends. We found a temple and offered up our wishes on wax tablets. Where else can you get all that?" July/02 The Life Of The Lifers ~ One Day In Chiang Mai ~ by Antonio Graceffo - I woke up in my two-dollar-a-night hotel room and peeled the stinking sheets off of my body. Even in the hundred-degree heat and sauna-like humidity I couldn’t sleep unless I was under covers. It had been that way since childhood. A psychologist once said this represented my need for security. The way I see it, if I had needed security I would have stayed in the five dollar a night place. Shows you what psychologists know. I wrapped a towel around myself, and went into the hallway for a cold shower. Jul/05 The Magic Of Phuket, Thailand ~ Finding Thailand ~ by Susan Hart - When I first arrived in Thailand, I did not expect to fall in love. In fact, just the opposite was true. Driving into Bangkok for a three-day stopover on the way to Phuket Island, my first impression was one of shabby buildings, unsophisticated advertising billboards, and suffocating smog. In the superficial glance I was able to give it, (and through the lens of my Western cultural viewpoint), Bangkok looked like a tawdry imitation of what I had left behind. Nov./05 The Writing Women Of Bangkok - A Women's Writing Club In Bangkok ~ By Robin Sparks - Robin Sparks is back in Asia and has been spending the last few weeks getting to know a group of women writers based in Bangkok. She talks with the women and finds out how each made their way to Bangkok and what are the motivations behind their writings. Robin has also been interviewing Vietnam Vets in Thailand for her next article which will appear in our next issue. March/03 Then He Put His Foot On My Stomach ~ Thai Boxing - And losing weight don't always go together, I discovered. Ten months into my round the world trip, about to head south from Bangkok, I looked in the mirror to notice I was somewhat more out of shape than I had planned. Exact details are perhaps unnecessary - a chin fractionally more podgy than I remembered, a stomach... The end result is that I postponed my exit from Bangkok, and later that day enrolled in a Thai Boxing class. Sept./04 Tracing
A New River - Doi
Saket, Thailand ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Ask any of today's great adventure
writers: Tim Cahill, Paul Theroux, or Robert Young Pelton, and they all
agree on one point. "It's been done." Basically everything on this planet
which can be done has been. And even more extreme is that with package
tour operators making the most remote corners of the globe accessible to
everyday people, even formidable obstacles, like climbing The Himalayas
are options for the average tourist (more accurately, the average tourist
with $60,000, the price of a guided ascent up Everest). July/04
Up-Country Adventures In Isaan ~ The Thailand Most Tourists Never Discover ~ by Steenie Harvey - The young Isaan driver and his brother aren’t Thailand’s most adept guides. Although it’s only 50 miles from their home in Udon Thani, they take a wrong turn on the road to Phu Phrabat’s geological wonderland. But there’s no rush—Phu Phrabat’s cave paintings and bizarre rock formations have been around since prehistoric times. Jun/05
Ancient
Ruins Of The Turkish Northern Aegean Sea ~ Traveling
Through Ruins ~ By Jason Jones - Man do I want to go to Turkey and
see the ancient ruins. Troy, Assos and Ephesus are all places I've read
about but have never had the opportunity to visit. The above article just
wets the appetite enough to make you want to jump on a plane and fly to
Turkey in order absorb the atmosphere of the ancient world, the world of
Homer. Hope to make it to Turkey and soon. Aug/03
Ankara's Fertile Ground - Ankara's Fertile Ground - A doubly pregnant Appalachian artist blooms in a land of fecundity and fortune-telling, where popcorn is magical and village midwives are more accurate than sonograms. Sept./06 Exploring
Turkey ~ Uncovering
The Past ~ by Nicolas Remy - Traveling through the ruins of Turkey
sounds like something I would like to do one summer. The ruins of Turkey
go back to the beginnings of recorded history. If you want to get an idea
of what it would be like and what you would see as you passed through the
Turkish countryside, then read the above article. Sept./03
Istanbul -History Comes to Life ~ by Dawnelle Salant - There is only one city in the world that spans two continents. The true merging of east and west, ?stanbul stretches across both Europe and Asia. The continents are separated only by a thin strip of water, the Bosphorus. To stand at the edge of one continent and look at the other provides a thrill even greater than straddling the Prime Meridian and being in two different hemispheres. March/04 On the Road: From Turkey to Bulgaria ~Dark Passage - Jay Winfrey lives and works in North Carolina. He has an unnatural addiction to other cultures and people. Sometimes it puts him in grave danger. He continues to try and escape the country; via cargo ship, hitchhiking or any other semi-viable method of relocation. Recently, Jay made the east-to-west trek to Bulgaria. He encountered a dark passage filled with scotch, timeless border crossings, prostitutes, remnants of communism, and Sofia's Salvation. Jay writes, " I became intimately familiar with the Bulgarian way of life: the dirt on the ground and the unattainable hope of Mt. Vitosha towering above, a focal point that nobody seemed to look to anymore. Old habits are like favorite clothes, and communism sinks its teeth in far too deep." The
Turkish Island Of Bozcaada ~A
Turkish Island In The Mediterranean ~ By Jason Jones - Jason is an
old friend who has lived in Panama, China and now lives in Kiev with his
wife. He has traveled around Russia and the neighboring countries and has
picked up a lot of great information about what to do and where to go:
one such place is the Turkish Island of Bozcaada. The Island of Bozcaada
is one of the places that Jason likes to go to in order to get away from
Kiev. The island is located in the Agean Sea and offers plenty to the traveler
who wants quiet, nice beaches and a laid back atmosphere. July/03
Traveling To Constantinople ~ A Greek Tourist’s Impressions Visiting Istanbul ~ by Marialena Lioulia - t was Wednesday December the 15th, 2004, when my friend Yiota called me up in the office. “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” she asked, me and my mind just thought about another social engagement for the Season. “Nothing much” I replied, since my boyfriend had just left to spend the Holidays with his family in the States, I was telling myself that no matter what, I would go with the flow and confront the usual Holiday blues with a sense of positivism… “Well, how about us going to Constantinople”, Yiota said, with hesitation coloring her voice. “Constantinople ??? When are we going, dear?”, I said, with a sense of excitement in my voice now. “Well, from December the 28th till January the 2nd…” “OK, let’s do it! I have a Holiday leave during those exact same days, so it’s a deal!!!” Feb./05 Travels In Turkey - A Visual Feast ~ by James J. Hickman - I always find it interesting how people form opinions on matters they have no experience with. Having traveled to some of the more off-beat places in the world (Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia, etc.), I’m constantly subjected to ‘expert’ analysis from the world’s most opinionated armchair travelers. Conventional wisdom on Turkey, it seemed, was no different. I was on a mission for my company: to seek sound, safe international investment opportunities in an overlooked country. Mar/05 Turkey ~ The Day of the Attacks-Good Sign for the Future - Leanne Currie-McGhee was in Turkey with her husband the day of the terrorist attacks on the WTC and Washington. She writes, "I learned the true meaning of 'Turkish hospitality' during the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack on the United States. My husband Keith and I discovered how kind and compassionate the Turkish people are when we visited the city of Konya, located in the central Anatolia region. Konya is a devoutly Muslim city." Over the past year, Leanne and her husband have been traveling the not so beaten paths of South Asia, Africa, Australia, and SW Asia. Their travels have shown them a compassionate world exists where people of all beliefs choose the path of peace. Turkish Time ~ A Tale From Turkey ~ by Simon And Kate - Beckoning mysteriously, almost mystically, neighboring Turkey remained an enigma to us. We had been in all countries bordering Bulgaria - that’s where we live, but Turkey? Not! You see, it is big, unknown, the language is difficult and after all it is Asia and all the ideas associated with this. Conclusion: we just had to go there! Jul/05
What
To Expect When Buying Real Estate In Kiev ~ The
City Of Kiev ~ By Jason Jones - Kiev was the original capital of Russia
but after the Mongol invasions of the 13th century the power of the city
declined and the city was eventually controlled by the Golden Horde in
Mongolia. Today the city is the capital of Ukraine and has been restored
to some of its former glory. If you are interested in buying real estate
or a home there is a wide selection to chose from and the above article
will give you some ideas about what you should look out for when buying
property in Kiev. You should also remember that there are some beautiful
towns that sit on the edge of the Black Sea in the Crimea: these are but
a short trip from Kiev and might be a nice spot to buy a summer home to
compliment your home in Kiev. July/03
In The Mists Of Avalon ~ Glastonbury, England ~ by Katharina Bishop - From 2001 to 2003 I lived in a small rural village in Somerset, England. You are probably picturing me strolling around meandering cobbled alleyways and pruning the roses in my cottage garden now. Bored to death, most likely. But you’d be wrong. Because the tiny historic market town (population: 8800) that I called home was not your average rural English idyll. Not by a long shot. Legend tells us that when King Uther died, England was left without a king. How to find one? A cunning plan was devised. Oct./05 .
DUBAI:
You Never Imagined A City Like This ~ Having
Fun In Dubai ~ By Scott Sutton - A lot of people think that living
in the Middle East means having to live in great austerity, but this is
not true in the city of Dubai. The nightlife, the desert and the international
outlook of the people make it an attractive place to spend time in. And
the architecture looks interesting as well. June/03
An
American In Vietnam ~ US$1
equals 16,170.0 Vietnamese dong ~ by Peter Kauffner - In Vietnam, an
entire family can ride on a motorcycle at the same time, daddy driving
with mommy sitting behind him carrying junior, who is somehow able to sleep
soundly despite the roar and honking of rush-hour traffic. No one wears
a helmet, and few are without the scars of accidents. Feb/04
Letters From The Blue Water The Log Of The Yacht Barraveigh - Letters From The Blue Water The Log Of The Yacht Barraveigh - In April in a special Escape From America issue, we introduced you to Colin, Bob, and Ryan - three Americans who dropped everything to sail halfway around the world. In case you missed that issue, we introduce them to you once again, and then move on in order to catch up to the boat. This will be just about as live as you can get thanks to Colin who brought his laptop along. Every few days or so, Colin wades ashore, laptop held high above his head. From the nearest internet cafe he sends us his most recent dispatches from the blue waters. Jun/06 Letters From The Blue Water ~ Three guys, a 41-foot sailboat, - Letters From The Blue Water ~ Three guys, a 41-foot sailboat, and enough gear and equipment to wrap half way around the world...which is exactly what we hope to do. Sailing south from California...along Central America to Costa Rica ...then west across the South Pacific...Australia...Asia...India. Why? To learn and experience the world first hand, and challenge ourselves against the vast unkown. To escape the daily routines that blur one week into the next. To shirk steady secure careers now, in favor of amazing memories that last forever. - By Colin Reedy - With an introduction by Roger Gallo Mar/06 Torn Between Two Lovers - Thoughts On San Francisco And Bali ~ By Robin Sparks - Robin Sparks writes about some of her experiences in Bali and what it felt like to return to the US after the bombings in Indonesia. She talks about some of the changes that have taken place in the U.S. since she left and what life might be like in Bali and San Francisco. She talks with some expats about what someone should expect when they relocate overseas: how will the conflicting demands of wanting things from home cross with the new enviroment of living overseas. Feb./03 Traveling The Americas - From Connecticut To Usuhaia ~ by Charles Ragsdale - Last year, during a seven month period the author drove nearly 25,000 miles in a 1988 Toyota 4Runner from Connecticut all the way to the southernmost city in the world – Usuhaia, Argentina, passing through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery on some of the world’s worst maintained and most dangerous roads. He ended his 12-country odyssey in Paraguay, where he sold his car and flew home to the USA, forever changed by his life on the road during what was a truly remarkable undertaking. While a full recounting of his journey would require many volumes, the author has agreed to provide us with glimpses of his travels and insight into what he experienced. Jan/04
Orinoco River ~ In The South Of Venezuela ~ by John Spampinato - It’s sarcastically referred to as a ‘milk run’, a throwback to the days when dairy products were delivered door to door, requiring the milkman to make uncountable stops. Only in our case it was on a somewhat grander scale, starting in LA with stopovers in Mexico - where the plane got a flat tire; Guatemala - where our first landing attempt was aborted a disconcerting fifty feet shy of touching down, and on to Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and at long last, Venezuela, by which time we had pretty much joined the ranks of the living dead and had probably logged more take offs and landings than the Blue Angels. Feb./05 Paradise For Pennies ~Vacation To Isla Margarita ~ by Jean E. Middleswarth - It’s all true! Those folks who’ve found their mecca on Isla Margarita, and have shared their thoughts with you, tell it like it is! Gentle tropical breezes, the azure blue Caribbean, exquisite views, fun of all types, friendly and welcoming people. And, with the current exchange rate, all for pennies a day! After a most memorable vacation, this is definitely my Paradise for vacations to come! I figured it out. My week in Isla Margarita cost me less than a week at Myrtle Beach, SC! How did I do it? Oct./05
An
American In Vietnam ~ US$1
equals 16,170.0 Vietnamese dong ~ by Peter Kauffner - In Vietnam, an
entire family can ride on a motorcycle at the same time, daddy driving
with mommy sitting behind him carrying junior, who is somehow able to sleep
soundly despite the roar and honking of rush-hour traffic. No one wears
a helmet, and few are without the scars of accidents. Feb/04
Shopping in the Mountains of Vietnam ~ Not Your Average Shopping Tour- Vietnam - Alexis Silver details a trekking route in the mountains of Vietnam where local villagers sell their traditional crafts. It offers savvy advice on how to bargain with respect and humor and describes the vibrant children that travelers to the area will encounter. Alexis writes, "Never before had I haggled with such tenacity, negotiated such tough terms and been simultaneously charmed, manipulated and endeared by a business opponent, and it was all with a 10 year old Vietnamese girl." August/02. Running Through Battlefields ~ On Being The Son Of A Vet In Vietnam ~ by Peter O'Dowd - On the outdoor veranda of our hotel, a 9 year-old Vietnamese girl wanted desperately to unload her supply of Tiger Balm into our hands. She was playful and cute, calling us diarrhea and then laughing girlishly into her balled up fists. The slang she had picked up on the balconies of these hotels added flare to her sales routine, but in the last week we had seen a hundred other charming children trying to pawn their commodities. On this hot summer evening near the Gulf of Tonkin, our beers provided all the entertainment we needed. Feb./05 Travel To Vietnam ~Looking Out For SARS ~ by Sheila D'Souza - It’s 9AM, and we have just left Nha Trang after stopping at every bus stop/tourist cafe that exists in town. In between stops, we have also re-fuelled, broken down and crossed a bridge that was still under construction. After over an hour of circling and zigzagging, I had became fearful that I would never reach Saigon by 7PM. But fortunately, it seems that we are now well under way. My attention is currently focused on the fact that the bus driver is seated across from me; he started taking the air-conditioning unit apart while we were re-fuelling, and another man nonchalantly replaced him. Sept./04 Travel
Through Vietnam - A
Return Trip To Vietnam ~ by Doug Rice - Doug first traveled to Vietnam
as a U.S. soldier, he has returned as a traveller. He tells us about the
country and what a traveller should look out for if he is wanting to spend
some time in a country with a hard past. Oct./03
The Island Of Tortola ~ Art As A Way Of Life ~ by Claudia Belleau - There are several ways to arrive in Tortola, B.V.I., and any way you choose allows you to breathe the fragrant frangipani blossoms, to uncoil the muscle of your mind in the tropical breeze. You might take a ferry chugging into Road Harbor from another island, her somber striped stack and loud blasts vying for attention with the aqua-shuttered flamingo pink houses and red tin roofs beckoning from Road Town. You might be arriving on your own vessel, or one chartered from one of the many Caribbean companies found here. Dec./05
Travel
To Zambia ~ In
The African Bush ~ by Dhara Baiden - There are some experiences in
life that you cradle in a special place in your heart. Not for risk
of forgetting them, but quite the opposite, in wanting new perspectives
to be carried within you with hopes of always appreciating what you have
done and seen. Aug/04
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