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Glistening Peace

The trail begins at the ridge road and descends, gradually at first, into the tropical rainforest. The curry-like fragrance of the spice trees and the twittering songs of the tropical birds surround you, as does the overarching canopy of the trees. Still feeling like you’ve entered another world, the wooded path climbs steeply upward again until it comes out on the canyon rim. What a dizzying drop-off! What a spectacular view! Far below is the green-treed bottom and far across are striated red cliffs. The gulf between is wide and deep — vast enough for helicopters to glide free, along with the tropicbird with its long feathered tail. Once hikers have reached this red clay ridge, they tend to traverse it gingerly, wary of the railing-free edge.

The Pinnacle of Mountain Trekking

The hiking gets progressively more challenging as the days go by and we venture further and higher into the Himalayas. The air gets thinner and the terrain becomes steeper. Our lungs strain to get enough oxygen to our bodies. By the end of some days, my calves feel like lead and my knees are like jelly. Many times a day I briefly wonder why I am putting myself through this physical ordeal. Then I look up and take time to appreciate the panorama, or smile to a local child who offers a friendly greeting of “Namaste,” and all my pains are forgotten.

Chasing Cathars in Southwest France

The visitor’s reward for a steep climb on foot along a twisting rock-strewn path is a stunning 360-degree view across the Corbières range, with countless hectares of vineyards carpeting the slopes. One can almost feel ghosts of the Cathars who fled the brutal crusaders to seek asylum here from the sympathetic lords of Termes, owners of Chateau d’Aguilar since the 11th century. After the crusade ended in 1255, Aguilar became an important redoubt on the Franco-Aragon frontier until the 1659 Treaty of the Pyrenees settled the border between the two countries.

Luxury Christmas, Key West Style

The weather on Christmas day was warm with the slightest drizzle of rain but no one cared. There were families with young children, couples, grandparents, and more. Everyone was enjoying the tropical weather and the amazing food, unlimited champagne, and incredible entertainment. It was a perfect way to relax on Christmas. I can imagine Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney celebrating Christmas day the same way.

Bob Hope: Still Entertaining the Troops in San Diego

For a span of 50 years, Bob Hope entertained the men and women of the Armed Forces in every war and conflict since World War II. From war-ravaged Europe to the cold wasteland of Korea and from the steamy jungles of Vietnam to the desert heat of the Middle East, Bob Hope tirelessly brought humor and comfort to countless homesick servicemen desperate for a brief respite from the misery of war. Dressed in military fatigues and displaying his unique, irreverent humor, he became one with his audience, bonding with them in a personal way. He became the witty guy in the next foxhole, commiserating with them about their officers, the weather, the enemy, and the politics that got them there. And he made them laugh.

Beyond Paprika: Discover the Cuisine of Hungary in the Budapest Central Market Hall

The most popular stalls near the entrance can be crowded, but there’s still room for you. Keep walking, because the selection is just as good toward the back of the hall. Vendors are efficient but polite, and some will even offer you a sample. The many varieties of Hungarian traditional sausages are easy to taste. Try the spicy Grey Cattle sausage, the rich Mangalica “hairy pig” pork sausage, or the mellow and smoky Hungarian winter sausage made without paprika.

A Borneo Trek and Kayak Adventure: Rainforest, Orangutans, Mountain Village Longhouses, and Kayaking on the Sarawak River

If you enjoy native cultures, and nature and wildlife experiences, few islands can rival Borneo’s deep treasure trove of offerings. In Sarawak you can watch furry red Orangutans up close and personal, walk along an entire longhouse village raised high up on stilts, and kayak down a gentle river past enormous rock formations and some of the most rugged jungle terrain imaginable, all on the same day.

Climbing Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala

Climbing an active volcano isn’t something you get to do every day and there are very few places in the world where it’s even possible. One volcano where it’s possible and even reasonably manageable is Pacaya in Guatemala. Pacaya’s 90-minute strenuous walk up to the volcano cone can be eased by taking a ‘taxi,’ which is a horse, or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The Sea to Sky Gondola

Only half the distance from Vancouver as the Whistler/Blackcomb peak-to-peak gondola, the new Sea to Sky Gondola, just minutes south of Squamish, British Columbia, makes a nice day trip for those of us who don’t want to spend the entire day traveling. Less than an hour’s drive from just about anywhere in Vancouver, this new facility offers easy hiking trails and sweeping views of not only the Squamish Inlet, but also Diamond Head and Sky Pilot mountain ranges. The drive up the Sea to Sky Highway is always scenic on a sunny day, and a very pleasant day trip can be accomplished in five or six hours.