Video: Travel Writer Versus 747 at Maho Bay
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Video: Travel Writer Versus 747 at Maho Bay
Enough said?
Reflective First Night During St. Maarten Sunset
It's been a while since I've done one of these cold-to-hot swings - last week I was in Quebec sleeping at the Ice Hotel, now I'm in St. Maarten and donning a shirt is the last thing on my mind. Every traveler no doubt has memories of when they were young, experiences that led him or her to the current point in time. I grew very fond of the active winter lifestyle that was on display in Quebec City, but it seems like last night's sunset was trying to remind me where I came from. The Caribbean was the first place that really infected me when I was a kid - I simply wanted the sun and the sand and the weather in my life every day. Not just one week during the summer - every day. When I was here in 2005, I discovered an amazing spot at the entrance to a cave where the water rises and falls about two feet in a matter of seconds. Back then I would sit and have a beer almost every day, watching the water and thinking about how good I felt. Of course, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Almost seven years have passed since my last visit to St. Maarten, yet there I was back in the same spot - drinking a beer, watching the water, thinking it all over. It was an absolutely gorgeous sky last night, perfect for a writer to sit and ponder. Here are a few photos. More coverage to come - I'm here the next two weeks.
My secret spot.
Quebec City Oozes Winter Village Vibe
The temperature may have been in the teens, but the cold air was no match for the warm winter vibe pouring out of Quebec City's European streets and the friendly smiles of the French Canadians. I've heard of cultures embracing the seasons, yet I don't believe I've seen a city go crazy for winter quite like Quebec. Between the largest outdoor winter carnival in the world, a cross-country ski trail downtown by the river, and small shops serving up hot chocolate, it became hard to imagine the place without a few inches of snow on the ground. I snowshoed, slept at the Ice Hotel, and watched grown men and women canoe through an ice-infested river (see photo). Factor in that French is the number one language in an otherwise English-speaking country, and a trip to Quebec City becomes far more than a trip to Canada. Photos:
Streets of Old Quebec.
Cancun and Maya Sunsets Stun, Inspire
Sorry I've been so distant in terms of a lack of words - time constraints have made photos essays the go-to thing to post lately. It's somewhat annoying: As a writer, it's hard to support the notion that a photo says more than I could with a thousand words, but these sure come close, and I refuse to rush my words if I simply don't have the time. It only took a half second to push the button on my camera and capture these moments, yet the feelings pour out of the images, as if I had spent half the day trying to express myself. I stare into that glowing orb and can't look away - something that's not possible in reality, even with the best of sunglasses shielding my eyes. Even though the moment is special, sometimes the true beauty doesn't come out until after the fact, when we have a chance to sit back and appreciate it. Man, if that ain't life...
Tucancun Sunset
Stairway to Heaven. Big Sur Guides and Hiking
My first encounter with Big Sur was during the holidays in 1985. We left San Francisco on New Years Eve with no particular plan on where we were going to stay. We'd figure it out... We ended up at the Big Sur River Inn and hung out with the locals by the fire, drinking beer and laughing our faces off. They were super friendly and, of course, many of them were growing Cannabis and living by the crashing surf in mobile homes like Jim from the "Rockford Files." It was cool. Big Sur is a magical place. Fast forward about twenty years and we're back staying at the Ventana Inn & Spa. Steve McQueen was one of my favorite actors. He founded the resort with his manager Hillard Elkins back in the day. He used to come up to the resort and stay with Academy Award winning actress Ali MacGraw to make up after one of their famous spats. This resort property is surrounded by some great wilderness and hiking trails. We set out on a hike one morning with Big Sur Hiking and Guides:
Big Sur Guides and Hiking
Relax. Rejuvinate.Refresh
Recommended Hikes
Big Sur Guides and Hiking
Garrapata State Park, Carmel • Westside Trail
The trail is well worn, but is not necessarily marked. Be sure to wear hiking shoes or boots and dress in layers. The wind can blow up to 20+ MPH. Be careful not to take any unnecessary risks by getting too close to the cliffs and crashing surf. It's dangerous.
Me and Steve Copeland
Summit Whale Watching
This is a great bench to sit on to watch the California Grey Whales migrating down to the protected waters of Baja, Mexico. They are on their way to give birth. Traveling south the whales move faster than when they're heading north. That's because the cows have given birth. The calves can't swim as fast or hold their breath longer for than five minutes.
Summit Ocean Views
The Native American Indians believe that birds of prey have mystical powers to heal and provide strength. Braves would venture out into the wilderness and through their journeys, they'd find feathers that they would bring back to their chief. The full regalia headdresses of the American Indians are made from these feathers. During my walk in the forest with Steve Copeland, I came across a rare Spotted Owl feather. These owls molt for a mere two week period every year. I lent this feather to a friend who had stage-four cancer and today he stands looking healthy as a horse. Thanks Steve--for the walk and the feather too.
Posts Linked to this Trip Include:
Cancun Barcelo Tucancun at a Glance
I had a slight issue yesterday at the Cancun Airport that cost me $67 and about three hours of my time, but overall it turned out to be another enriching travel experience and I arrived at the Barcelo Tucancun in the late afternoon. My purpose here is two-fold: I'm helping out some friends with a promotional video, and I'm also covering three different hotels: Two in Cancun and one in the Riviera Maya. The great thing about Cancun is that no matter where you stay, you're treated to the same fantastic view of the amazing colors of the Caribbean. Enjoy these photos, more to come:
Tucancun Master Suite
View from my hotel room at Tucancun
Romantic Dining Options at Tucancun
More Mexico: Cancun, Riviera Maya Up NextNext Wednesday (1/18), I will embark on another week-long Mexican journey, this time to the eastern part to check out three hotels in the Cancun/Riviera Maya : Maya Palace Deluxe, Costa Cancun, and Tucancun Beach. Here are a few photos to wet your whistle:
Costa Cancun
Monday in Manhattan: Overnight at Affinia
There's not a firm agenda yet, however I will be staying at and reviewing the Affinia Manhattan, which just underwent a $25 million renovation and is located across the street from Madison Square Garden. Affinia Manhattan hotel recently unveiled a $25 million renovation in the fall of 2011 designed by the internationally acclaimed Rockwell Group. The design reflects the hotel’s playground, New York City, and the casual, comfortable lifestyle of Affinia Manhattan’s guests. Full report to come! Moshulu: Upscale Dining on a 100 Year-Old Sailboat
Moshulu Resturant, Philadelphia
Last Friday, after a walk under the sunset and the pink sky at Penn's Landing, we gathered at the Moshulu bar to warm up. It's a really comfortable spot, complete with a grand piano and open floor for dancing (although the piano was not being played while we were there). The dining room provides nice views of either the water or the city, depending on which side you are seated (the port and starboard dining areas are mirror images of each other). It's definitely an upscale environment: White tableclothes, prompt/friendly service, and impressive menu items in both taste and diversity (entrees average about $30 each). We shared Kobe Beef Sliders for an appetizer after the waiter recommended them. For dinner, my friend had the scallops and I ordered the trout stuffed with braised short rib. All the food was delicious - the trout/rib combo truly unique. When I saw it on the menu, I couldn't help but be curious. After dinner we wandered the ship - too bad it's winter time. It seems like an incredible summer spot when the top deck opens up and you can dine outside, or have cocktails at the bar and take in views of the city and bridges. I apologize: I failed on the photo portion of this experience (the lighting inside was tough and most of mine did not come out well), but here are a few to give you an idea.
Check out the Moshulu's website for more photos:
Summer Dining on the Moshulu Deck |
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