Vesuvius sits 5.5 miles east southeast of Naples and about 5 miles north west of Pompeii. The last time Vesuvius erupted was 1944. Today, 4 million…
Amalfi Coast
The majestic beauty of the Amalfi Coast has always been irresistible. Greek sailors admired the dramatic landscape, even imagining parts of the coastline as home…
Turkish Potpourri
Where did you get your Sheepskin? If you’re over 60, you may remember the expression “Getting a sheepskin”. This refers to getting a degree or…
Cappadocia
The drive from Antalya to Ürgüp, in Cappadocia, was the worst weather day of the tour, cold, wet and windy. I was glad we spent…
Ancient Cities
It’s April and the weather along the Southwestern coast of Turkey is unseasonably warm. The skies are clear, but there is a persistent haze, part…
Circumnavigation of the South Island
“Cheeky” Avians, Tahr pie and Mutton Bird It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere. After one of the best flights ever, I spent a few weeks…
Vienna
Overview Vienna is the largest city in Austria. It’s population of 2 million is almost back to the pre WWI levels. It’s a wealthy, well…
Scotland
Edinburgh Located at 56 degrees north latitude, is similar to Kodiak, Alaska distance from the equator. As it’s almost the summer solstice the sun sets…
Oslo
Oslo is a clean, very modern city with tremendous energy. It has the second highest GDP in Europe (Luxembourg is #1). Norway ranks as the…
Helsinki
If you’re lucky, one day you’ll find yourself in a place that feels like it was created specifically for you. The weather, the people, the…