Let not woes of old enslave you anew.Nydia Ecury, Aruban-Dutch writer The quotation stands in stark contrast to its surroundings, inscribed on a wall in front of what was once a post meant to chain slaves for public whipping. Smiling docents are likewise a contradiction, escorting tourists through Willemstad’s Kura Hulanda Museum, a series of…
A welcome drink is a good way to greet me as I sit on the shaded patio at Landhuis Chobolobo in Willemstad, Curacao. The day is hot, especially so here a bit inland of the city’s waterfront, and an icy beverage is just the thing to relax from the long walk here. (Most will drive…
Editor’s note: with changing rules, I have not found time to make it to Cuba, although I intend to at some point. I am envious of Sam’s trip, hanging on each word he writes as I mentally plan mine. For more of Sam Spector’s adventures, click here to visit his index page. My wife, also…
There are all types of travelers. Some delight in the beauty of the natural world. Others seek out the best food. Still others enjoy cultural experiences. And then there are those who choose to visit sites that are, in a word, creepy. From supposedly haunted hotels to long-abandoned ruins to macabre spots like Los Angeles’…
With the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, a wave of Vietnamese came to the United States. First political and military allies, then refugees, nearly a million souls came to the US, and were settled in various communities. Slowly, as the late 1970s and early 80s picked up steam and many former refugees became a…
California is chalk full of amazing wine regions. One that has shot up the list of “best” in the state is Paso Robles. Paso, as it’s known, sits about three hours north of Los Angeles or south of the Bay Area, making it accessible for everyone. The town is quirky, with shops, art galleries, hot…
A bit over 18 months ago, I left Spain, cutting my trip three weeks short because a new disease was infecting a bit over 100 people a day in the country. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I wouldn’t leave the US (and barely California) for such a long period. Well, today,…
Chicago. The Windy City. One of my personal favorite cities in the country, if not the world. For a little over a year, my former life in the nonprofit world had me in Chicago for a week every month, and I never dreaded those trips. It is a beautiful city of largely wonderful people, and…
I believe in the Church of Baseball. I've tried all the major religions and most of the minor ones. And the only church that truly feeds the soul, day-in day-out, is the Church of Baseball.Bull Durham In the religion that is baseball, of which I am a fairly fanatical follower, its cathedrals are the stadiums…
With it looking ever less likely to be able to visit Australia in 2022 - or even longer - A and I decided to visit the land down under via another travel themed date night. Since we have gone back to doing some actual travel, we haven’t done as many of these. But they are…