After a jam-packed week in Tokyo, I recently flew north to Sapporo to begin a journey exploring Japan from Tip to Toe. And what a voyage of discovery. I found picture-book castles and sacred temples, lush forests, simmering volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, ancient trade and pilgrimage routes and, of course, breathtaking gardens. I fell in love … [Read more...]
Falconry in the Dubai Desert
Flying with Falcons I am on falcon watch. It is sunrise in the Dubai desert and our breath is making small white puffs in the early chill. We have come to Al Maha on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to see falcons speed through their paces and learn more about the ancient sport of falconry. Falconry Is An Ancient Way of … [Read more...]
Oman Highlights from an Arabian Journey
Journey from Muscat to ancient ruins of Sumharam Oman highlights are hundreds of miles of golden shifting desert sands of Arabia's Empty Quarter which camel caravans traversed for millennia. There are also towering mountains, immense canyons rivaling the Grand Canyon, as well as rich date-palm oases. Ancient forts and storybook castles dot the … [Read more...]
Louvre Abu Dhabi Breaks Boundaries Bridges Civilizations
Louvre Abu Dhabi, an Emirates Highlight The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in November, is visually magnificent, and yes, I thought it awesome. The structure's immense dome is a lacework of grey stainless steel honeycomb patterns. It seems to float over white-walled flat roofed clusters of museum buildings, courtyards and reflecting … [Read more...]
Korea’s DMZ Through My Lens
Two weeks ago the eyes of the world were once again focused on Korea's DMZ. A young North Korean soldier made a daring dash for freedom across the 2.5 mile divide. He survived - barely. A Nation Divided The DMZ, Korea's Demilitarized Zone maybe the world's most hostile border, created during tense armistice negotiations in 1953. A mere … [Read more...]
