I have watched a lot of movies where Americans visit in a foreign country, run into serious trouble, and inevitably go to the American Embassy for help. Usually these are in war or action movies where people fear for their lives, but even so, such movies have I think, instilled in my imagination an unrealistic picture of what an embassy, and particularly the American Embassy can and can’t do. A recent (actually on going) experience in a foreign country, lets call it Bangladesh Pleasantville, made me realize how truly naive I am about how helpful the embassy would or could be for its citizens (well in my case I am a permanent resident with an American family). Continue reading
Travel
116 posts
Darby is a beautiful western town located in southwestern Montana on the Continental Divide near the Montana/Idaho border. Founded in 1888, Darby began as a mining and trapping town, but current industries are logging, agriculture, and cattle ranching. With a population around 720, Darby is the antithesis of bustle. Continue reading
Last week, Smithsonian.com released their list of “The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014.” My personal favorite, Bandon, Oregon, did not make the list. On one hand, I am thankful that floods of tourist won’t clog the streets, on the other hand, I feel the need to set the record straight. Continue reading
There are two countries that are always going to be linked in the Southeast Asia region due to their similarities, and the key choices that turned one into an economic powerhouse. Brunei and Singapore are the two smallest and wealthiest Southeast Asian nations, and have a currency interchange agreement. Sixty years ago, both set out to diversify their economies and become leaders in the region. The result is a real-world model lesson for developing nations. Continue reading
There is Florida, home of Orlando, Gainesville and Panama City. Then there are the Florida Keys, which exist in another state entirely. I’ve taken trips to the area several times and have been really lucky to find some amazing things to do and see in the Keys. Continue reading
Continuing the journey through Cuba in photographs. Continue reading
More gorgeous pictures from Cuba. Continue reading
A showcase of photos from Cuba. Continue reading
Maybe you were broke. Maybe the hotel mis-advertised itself. Maybe it was a snowstorm in the middle of nowhere and there was nowhere else to stay.
Where was it? How did you end up in it?
Once we stayed at a well-known resort in Muskoka, aka Toronto’s Vacation Wonderland. The room had flooded and no one on the staff had noticed. Step inside room. Squelch. Not a good start to a vacation. Continue reading
