Category: Travelogues
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A Toast to Munich’s Oktoberfest
“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit. Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit.” A traditional German beer drinking song wishing good health and cheer to companions. I was first exposed to Germany’s Oktoberfest culture when I was eight years old. During a whirlwind trip to Munich, my parents’ German friends whisked us away to what seemed like every famous city landmark.…
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A Sky Aglow: Up with the Great Reno Balloon Races Dawn Patrol
Like paper lanterns rising to the heavens in the Far East, the radiant balloons twinkled in unison during the Dawn Patrol that was to precede the Great Reno Balloon Races. Only seven balloons – those which were qualified to fly in the dark – participated. The flying conditions at night can be dangerous since atmospheric…
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A Stroll Through Balinese Markets
Balinese markets are a feast for the eyes. In Ubud’s bazaar and food and produce markets, there are stacks of colorful rattan offering boxes, wooden masks with intimidating gazes, small cases comprised of beads in swirling patterns, delicate batik silk scarves, walls of oil-adorned canvases, and overflowing mounds of tropical fruits. The markets are a shopper’s…
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San Francisco’s Most Blubbery & Boisterous Residents: The Sea Lions of Pier 39
They occupy prime San Francisco real estate overlooking Alcatraz and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. But the lackadaisical California sea lions of Pier 39 don’t seem to be entranced by the sweeping vistas in their neighborhood. Instead, the boisterous mammals pass their days by barking, pushing their neighbors off the dock (to maximize lounging…
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Capturing the Colour from East to West
“The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us from the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it. This mystic quality of color should likewise find expression in a work of art.” Hans Hoffman Two lovely and talented photographers nominated me to submit entries into the Capture the Colour…
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The “Laughing” Wild Horse in Nevada
I grew up in a part of the United States that’s very different from the high desert of Nevada. As a result, it’s been a joy to get to know the flora and the fauna unique to the rugged American West. From geckos, coyotes, and snakes, to sagebrush, tumbleweed and saffron-colored rabbit brush, I’ve emitted many…
