Tag: travel

  • 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…

  • Colorful beaded lanterns hang outside a lantern shop in Hoi An, Vietnam.

    Light Wisdom Inspired by a Sea of Vietnamese Lanterns

    By night, the Vietnamese city of Hoi An is transformed into a dazzling paradise with brilliant silk lanterns, paper luminaries, and warm candlelight. With the sky cloaked in darkness, we strolled by the Thu Bon River and watched as the colorful luminaries danced on the water. Vendors of all ages sold them along the water’s edge to…

  • Photo du Jour: A Novice Monk in Luang Prabang, Laos

    In the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, it’s common for boys and young men to temporarily commit to monkhood, even if they do not remain in service for the rest of their lives. This custom brings a merit to both the novice monks and their families. As the elder monks do, the boys shave their heads…

  • Vivacious Venice: The Third Time’s a Charm

    It is often said that the third time’s a charm… Though I don’t believe that even the most hapless travel endeavor could ever be classified as a failure — since the opportunity to learn about oneself or the world is too great — my third visit to Venice was nevertheless the most enchanting. My first…

  • Photo du Jour: Peep Hole Overlooking Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Dubrovnik, Croatia is seen through an ancient wall’s peep hole. The walled city is often referred to as “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and it’s no wonder why, given the city’s commanding views and strategic location. The city’s economy was once based on maritime trade.

  • A vintage car sits parked at a vintage gas station on historic Route 66, in Arizona.

    Getting Our Kicks on Route 66: Highlights from a Cross-Continent Road Trip

    As someone who fancies all things vintage, I’d long wanted to drive Route 66, the so-called “Main Street of America.” So when Shawn and I criss-crossed North America (from Saint Louis to Québec City, then on to Nevada, via Santa Fe, and the Grand Canyon), we declared it essential to hop on what remained of this legendary…