Destination tidbits
Belize: Cave where the kids used to play
We were up in the mountains of the Pine Ridge area of Belize. After driving for miles along a very bumpy dirt road, we reached an abandoned little town. The small houses were still standing, but clearly uninhabited for quite a long time... Read article...
Tumacacori - Ruins and dancing
Last weekend, I was at a little place in southern Arizona called Tumacacori - the site of a Spanish mission, founded by Jesuit missionaries back in 1691. Over the centuries, this place has seen the O'Odham and the Jesuits, the Franciscans and the Apaches, the Spanish, the Mexicans, and the Americans... Read article...
Rome Italy - Chariot racing at Circus Maximus
What if you could travel back in time to witness Roman chariot racing at the Circus Maximus in ancient Rome? Gangs were seen rioting through the streets in celebration of their favorite charioteer's victory. Fights broke out between the fans of victors and losers. Sound like modern day fans? ... Read article...
What to do in Las Vegas - Springs Preserve
Next time you're in Las Vegas, Nevada, and want to escape the sound of slot machines for a couple of hours, I highly recommend the Springs Preserve. You'll find the natural and human history of the area - right in the middle of Las Vegas... Read article...
White water rafting through the economy
Shock waves are circulating. For many, it's a day of profound uncertainty. Doubt. Fear... Our economy is certainly on a wild ride right now. It reminds me of the white water rafting trip we took last week, out on the Rio Grande. I'll tell you now - whitewater rafting seemed a whole lot safer! ... Read article...
Dreaming of Santa Fe spring rolls
People in Santa Fe take their food seriously, and with good reason! It's a distinctive regional cuisine, and you'll find variations from traditional to avant garde. The city has more than its share of excellent restaurants, and you don't always need to spend a lot to get some great food here. A couple of pointers... Read article...
Pompeii, Italy: The Mystery of the Scottish Ale
After a hot, sunny morning exploring the amazing ruins of Pompeii, Italy, I decided to stop at their snack bar for lunch. An icy cold beer sounded like just the ticket, but I was mystified to find that the only beer they had was a Scottish strong ale. Since when do Italians drink Scottish ale? ... Read article...
Rome, Italy: Shady side of the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of the most famous locations in Rome. On this hot, sunny day in July, people were dangling their feet in the fountain, and umbrellas were popular items for the street vendors. Visitors always want to sit on the famous Spanish Steps, but today... Read article...
All good fortune is a gift
"All good fortune is a gift of the gods, and you don't win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold." ~ Anita Brookner . . . Here in the land of ancient gods, this quote rings true! I'm in Rome now, and one thing is certain... Read article...
Ancient Irish motels?
We walked a portion of the Dingle Way, around the end of Ireland's spectacular Dingle peninsula, with its rugged coastline views. It was a glorious day, and we walked through many rock-walled fields, scattering sheep as we went. As you walk, it's easy to see why both the rocks and the sheep make sense... Read article...
