I just got word that my friend of 20 years has died.  I'll miss you ( Read more... )

After cruising the Yangzi, it was time for the big city again. Upon arrival in Shanghai, it was off to a hostel for some sleep (and laundry). The next few days were spent wandering a little bit on the Bund (the riverfront tourist/business strip), walking some of the shopping areas, and visiting the Museum (which was a great museum). But after ( Read more... )

Ok, so I admit, I am not very good at keeping up with regular postings. Anyway, I am now in the Philippines (yesterday was my first full day here), so I have a lot of catching up to do... So today I will at least start with one update ( Read more... )

My second day in Beijing began with a fairly early start. I met the swedish girls in the courtyard and we walked about 30 minutes to the Temple of Heavan. This temple is pretty large and has a whole lot more greenery than I was expecting. Much of the temple has been renovated in the recent past so it is all immaculate and sparkling and is very ( Read more... )

I left Bangkok on time for my flight to Beijing on Egypt Air not knowing what to expect from them. I was not sure if this was going to be a scary flight ala Air India or not. I got to the airport and checking was a breeze - almost no line, but the flight was delayed 2 hours. So, I kill time by eating, reading and just bumming around. I head to ( Read more... )

After leaving Bali, I arrived in Thailand so I could organize visas for China (and Russia). My plan was to spend about 3 weeks in China, then get to Russia for 2 weeks before it got too cold. I went to Charlie Connection, the travel agent I normally use in Bangkok (they are totally great - they have even saved me when I made a major goof with an ( Read more... )

After leaving Flores, I arrived in Bali where I checked in to the New Arena hotel in Kuta Beach. This place is pretty new with a very nice pool and is a good value, costing about $15/night. After chilling out for a day and getting my laundry done, I arranged for a bus and ferry ticket to take me to Nusa Lembongan for my first diving in Bali. I ( Read more... )

After diving from Labuhan Bajo, I set off across Flores because I wanted to see a little bit more of the island, in particular Kelimutu (a volcano which is the islands #1 tourist attraction). After inquiring about flights to Ende (a 2 hour ride from Moni, the small village which is the starting off point for Kelimutu), it appeared that there were ( Read more... )

After the trip to Flores and arriving in La Bamba Joe, I found myself a place to sleep. Most of the folks on the boat ended up in the same place, a dive call Mutiara. The lonely planet had made it sound ok, but it was pretty well run down, with only Mandi and "shower" (really a shower head in each room all connected to one shared pipe, which when ( Read more... )

After spending the morning at Moyo, we motored for a couple hours to Satonda Island where we took a brief walk inland where we got to see the Salt Water lake. The lake island is basically the top of a volcano whose crater is now filled with salt water. It is said that if you make a wish and hang a rock by a string from a tree by the lake, that ( Read more... )