The Shanghai Surprise; Shanghai Metro and the Drunken Shrimp

The Shanghai Surprise; Shanghai Metro and the Drunken Shrimp

Shanghai surprises. When you walk the city you know you are not in Kansas. My friend compares it to another planet. He says it’s Mars. It’s not, but it sure is different. Very different. Different architecture, different customs, different language.  But perhaps the biggest difference for me came when I sat down for dinner.  The […]

Sunset Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day

Sunset Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day

The sunset holds magic and memories. Many times I am fortunate enough to share that magic and memories with my Mom. And many of those occur when I visit the Florida Keys. My most recent trip to the Florida Keys, however, I learned that a member of the community had passed away.  My parents knowing […]

The Truth about Cinco de Mayo

The Truth about Cinco de Mayo

Viva Mexico!  Happy Independence Day Mexico! Right? Actually no. Independence Day celebrations start in Mexico on the 15th of September with the reenactment of the “El Grito.” The entire country prepares and watches as the cry for independence that began by Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo, is staged again at 11pm.   Then the celebration officially […]

Sunset Sunday – Salkehatchie, South Carolina

Sunset Sunday – Salkehatchie, South Carolina

This past April, I visited the lowlands of South Carolina for the first time. There I spent 3 days and 2 nights in the five counties known as the Salkehatchie region. I must admit I did enjoy myself. In a place where mobile phones rarely get reception you can really disconnect from the face paced […]

My first published poem

My first published poem

My motto – Stay Adventurous. Well, I must remain true to it. And no, it doesn’t always mean global galavanting. Stay Adventurous means taking a step outside your comfort zone. An adventurous step. So, since April is ‘National Poetry Month,’ I decided to publish a poem. Yes, I do dabble with poetry on occasion. Ok, […]

A Test with an Apple

A Test with an Apple

A test. We all receive them. My most recent came this past week. I returned from my travels to the confirmation I feared. My hard drive was corrupt; data unsalvageable. Yes, I back up occasionally, but my most recent drafts, chapters and some photographs would be lost. Not easy to swallow. Then I tried to […]

Sunset Sunday – Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Sunset Sunday – Tamarindo, Costa Rica

I began my RTW (round the world) adventure in Central America. The trip truly transformed me as a person and also as a traveler. I discovered Becoming, ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) during my days in Costa Rica and continue to hold that with me. As much as my favorite pacific place on the journey was […]

Sunset Sunday – Amsterdam

Sunset Sunday – Amsterdam

On a cold, cloud filled April afternoon in Amsterdam, the rain showers (even hail) soaked the streets and pestered the pedestrians. Although bikes still out numbered the compact cars most tourists and locals hop on foot from cafe to coffee shop in search of warmth, conversation and the favorable local fare. But with the day […]