Sometimes Writing Is Easy…and Fun
Last night I had a lot of fun writing my article about Huntington Beach–Surf City USA. That surprised me, because as any of the many writers who read this blog know, writing is not usually fun. It’s a chore, it’s a pain, and it’s something we keep saying we’ll get […]
Want a Slightly Wet, New Mazda? Tough Luck
A few months ago I read a fascinating article in Wired about the Cougar Ace, a freighter that was disabled and sank two years ago with nearly 5000 new Mazda automobiles inside. The story focused on the team of rugged salvagers who managed to refloat the vessel and save it. […]
An Awful Bite of Lamprey, or Gamey Brown Bear
We were excited the other day when we got an email from a producer of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods”. He asked us about Ethiopian cuisine, since they were doing research for an upcoming show. Since we had just published a wonderful article by Matthew Keady about a bike trip […]
The Bumpy Bikepath Is Finally Getting Fixed
I read today some fantastic news for those of us who enjoy riding our bikes on bike paths. Someone is finally doing something about the ridiculously bumpy Northampton to Amherst Norwottuck Rail Trail. Today’s Gazette had the story by Nick Grabbe. Originally, the path was built using recycled glass….sounds like […]
A Shepherd Turns a Spit in Supramonte
Today we got a chance to see the breadth of this huge island, the sweeping interior that is barely covered with civilization even though man has walked these hills and valleys for more than 6,000 years. Actually it was probably longer, since that only takes into account as far back […]
Here’s a Place to Stay That Won’t Break the Bank
This is the Hotel Arathena, a jewel in the Costa Smerelda town of San Pantaleo. While many of the fancy hotels that line the beaches go for $500 or $700 per night, this gorgeous place is just $70-140 euros per night including breakfast and dinner. It’s light and airy, and […]
Roman’s Yacht at Costa Smerelda
Ugh…you know that sinking feeling when you wake up later than you meant to? We are staying in a four star hotel on the fancy schmancy Costa Smerelda…where Roman Abramovich’s yacht (one of them anyway, a mere 300 feet) bobs in the harbor. Yet we don’t get a wake-up call […]
Meeting the Patriarch at Argiolas Winery
Antonio Argriolas is the patriarch of one of Sardinia’s largest winemakers, of the same name. We met this 101-year-old sprite during our visit to the winery. Since 1937 he’s lead the company and now is the retired chairman. He said he drinks a glass of his wine every day, and […]