Spontaneous Conversations with Friendly Jafa’s in Auckland
from the followsummer archive: January 2004. New Zealand was our first stop on our around the world trip. We start our morning in a sun-drenched café with coffee and muffins in the Mt. Eden neighbourhood of Auckland. John’s...
On the Train to St. Petersburg: Sharing Some Difficult Memories
It is a relatively calm and stress-free morning as we head to St. Petersburg. The weather still seemingly against us – a cool, wet, north wind is blowing as we head to the station for our train ride into Russia. Kouvola is as I...
To Drive or Fly in Australia?
Australia is a magical country. It is a country of diverse nature, huge historical heritage, a country that has something in store for everyone. Considering all of the above mentioned and much more, it is clear that Australia in...
Cool and Wet Safari Adventures in Jim Corbett National Park
Last evening was spent looking at the stars over a beer on one of the hotel’s patios. It was lovely and cool, just like an early Canadian summer evening – not too warm and not too cold. A soothing breeze cooled whatever heat...
At the Modhera Sun Temple in Ahmedabad
After our 1st day touring around Ahmedabad, we have absolutely no regrets about being here. We visit 3 spectacular sites (and sights) today and see parts of India that very few tourists ever get to – as our guide said, we saw...
Alsace: Take it In
A bright mix of German, French and Swiss cultures, the troubled past of Alsace History, located on the banks of the Upper Rhine and neighboring Germany and Switzerland, has been heavily influenced by historical decisions,...
Sunday in Russia: A Romantic Seurat Painting
Sunday in Russia is like a romantic Seurat painting: everyone is out in the parks and by the canals and the rivers, enjoying the warm sunny weather on their one day liberated from work. Families eating ice cream, and couples, the...
PHOTO: Solitary Blossom Inside an Ancient Sicily Chapel
I am always attracted to Churches and Chapels where ever we travel. I think I have set foot in every Church, Cathedral and Chapel in Europe! I particularly love images that involve pews and this image of a lonely yellow flower,...
Travel Tips to Make Your Taipei Trip Easier
Traveling to Taiwan means immersing yourself in a completely different culture than the one you’re used to. You’re most likely already bound to stand out due to your appearance, but the one thing you don’t want to do is stand out...
The Churches of Venezia
We have decided to go into Venezia in the early afternoon, exploring some of the churches of Venice we didn't get a chance to see and then linger over an early dinner there tonight.