Istanbul is the only city on the planet that straddles two continents. Most of this sprawling megalopolis of 15 million souls is situated in Asia. But there's also a chunk of it across the Bosphorous Strait, in Europe. That chunk is where most of the historical points of interest are located, and it's where we … Continue reading Istanbul Birthday Weekend
Our flight from Morocco into Barcelona was quite unprecedented. Not just because we'd never been there before. And not just because along the way we had the unprecedented sensation of flying over Gibraltar. But because our landing itself was unlike any we'd experienced before. Leaving Morocco, flying over the Rock of Gibraltar Our aircraft was … Continue reading Bouncing into Barcelona
After teaching a few days at British Language Academy in Berrechid, Morocco, we were picked up, along with fellow volunteer Jason, and driven to Casablanca, where our van collected two more volunteers – these brand new, freshly arrived in town. From there we had a drive of about another 45 minutes to El Jadida, site … Continue reading Escape to El Jadida
On Monday at about noon, we touched down in Madrid after flying across the ocean from Bogota. It was our first time in Europe in 6 years, and the first time that either of us ever had been to Spain. The first order of business, of course, was to acquire a few euros for pocket … Continue reading Making Memories in Madrid
Having feasted our eyes (and our capacity for awe) on the Mayan ruins, we were ready to cross the road and feast at least a couple of other senses at Choco-Story, an outdoor (sort of) museum dedicated to the history of chocolate and the culture of the local region that has produced it for millennia. … Continue reading Mayan Ruins and Chocolate (Part 2)
Tue. Nov. 30, 2021 Early this morning, we welcomed a couple of new arrivals to Barrio Vivo hostel: two young men from Seattle who work in robotics and computer-related fields -- one is a PhD candidate. These are only the third and fourth fellow Americans we've met here since checking in here. Then we went … Continue reading Anthropology Museum and Theatre Games
You can still smell the scent of machinery and steel and oil. You can still see many of the tools and machines left in place, as if awaiting for the laborers to return from a long break. And you can almost feel the presence of the workers themselves, many of whom are long dead. You … Continue reading Sloss Vibes
Aug. 26, 2006: Five Hundred Buddhas and a Hundred Caves This morning at breakfast we had nashi, or Japanese pears, which actually had the taste and texture of a pear masquerading as a jicama. We'd had something similar in the States, although never this good. Once again we all piled into the van and headed out for a field trip. … Continue reading D, K and Z in Japan, Day 12
world travel with a theatrical flair 