The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is quiet first thing in the morning, though that will soon change as the cruise ship passengers arrive for their tours. The cafe is equally quiet when Ngati Kawa Taituha, Chairman of the Waitangi Marae, comes in to join me. Together, Maori New Zealander and Jewish American, we sit down to…
The journey from Auckland to Paihia at the famous Bay of Islands in the Northland of New Zealand takes about four hours by bus, and is a destination in itself, as Highway 1 winds up the beautiful coast and drops into lovely valleys. But once there, Bay of Islands truly offers activities for everyone, no…
To visit Auckland and not get on a ferry would be a shame, and a crime. The city is built around the waters of Hauraki Gulf, and its many islands and peninsulas beckon. For those seeking a short boat ride and to avoid either the crowds of Waiheke Island or the strenuous hiking of Rangitoto,…
Auckland reminds me a lot of Seattle, which is probably not a lot of help to those of you who have never been to Seattle. It is built around the water, with an iconic skyline up a slight hill, and ferries running to various islands and peninsulas. Seafood is abundant, and cute shopping districts, museums,…
As the twenty-first century moves forward, cities have - more than ever - become the centers of society. In 2014, the United Nations found that, for the first time in human history, more people lived in cities than not. In the United States, it is even more stark: cities are home to more than 65%…
While in the San Francisco Bay Area a couple of weeks ago, I was graciously offered a press pass to the Travel and Adventure Show being held there. I figured: hey, I love travel (duh!) and it would be great to see what current trends are. So I hopped on board. Here is what I…
Historic, cultured, with an in-your-face personality, Philadelphia is one of the gems of the East Coast. For deeper thinkers, it offers some of the best museums and sites to challenge some of our notions of the world, and of ourselves. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip! Note: thank you to Visit Philly…
When it comes to American history, few cities carry the importance that Philadelphia does. When it comes to preserving that history, only Boston can match what Philadelphia offers to history buffs like me. An exploration of historic Philadelphia is a journey through the annals of America's founding. Let me get this out of the way…
As many of you may have noticed, art museums are a love of mine when I travel. I tend to breeze through quickly - it's rare that I find a piece I want to stop and look at for long - but I really enjoy the experience. Philadelphia art museums are truly world-class, and a…
Cell Block 1 is in ruins now, as is the rest of the prison. Walking down the nearly empty corridor past the carcasses of cells meant to keep their occupants in complete isolation to contemplate their penitence is an eery experience. Some doors are open, allowing a view of crumbling walls and rusted bed frames…