Author Archives: SAVING FOR CUBA
A journey from hero to high-flyer
On my first trip to India I was a hero. And I say that in the most sarcastic, self-deprecating way possible. There were rickety two-day bus rides where toilet stops meant an open field, I booked near free accommodation with
A journey from hero to high-flyer
On my first trip to India I was a hero. And I say that in the most sarcastic, self-deprecating way possible. There were rickety two-day bus rides where toilet stops meant an open field, I booked near free accommodation with
Kerala’s backwaters at Fragrant Nature Retreat
Competing with the tree-houses of Thekkady, the tea plantations of Munnar and the coastal vibes of Varkala, Kollam is no golden star on the tourist map. But for those seeking a romantic nest and the quintessential backwater experience of Kerala, parking
Kerala’s backwaters at Fragrant Nature Retreat
Competing with the tree-houses of Thekkady, the tea plantations of Munnar and the coastal vibes of Varkala, Kollam is no golden star on the tourist map. But for those seeking a romantic nest and the quintessential backwater experience of Kerala, parking
Sarinbuana: An eco lodge on “the coconut shell rock”
Just outside the retreat’s restaurant, a woman from Slovenia is sprawled out on her back on a mosey bench, staring at the stars. Without shifting her whimsical gaze, she pronounces her declaration of love: “I dreamt about being here for
Sarinbuana: An eco lodge on “the coconut shell rock”
Just outside the retreat’s restaurant, a woman from Slovenia is sprawled out on her back on a mosey bench, staring at the stars. Without shifting her whimsical gaze, she pronounces her declaration of love: “I dreamt about being here for
West Bali National Park and the Menjangan Eco Retreat
Ever since the fable of Bambi and the legend of Christmas, the deer has been a creature of great adoration. With heavily lashed eyelids that blink softly over brown doe-eyes, a timid nature shown in every unstable step, and an
West Bali National Park and the Menjangan Eco Retreat
Ever since the fable of Bambi and the legend of Christmas, the deer has been a creature of great adoration. With heavily lashed eyelids that blink softly over brown doe-eyes, a timid nature shown in every unstable step, and an
The 2014 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival: BALI, INDONESIA
When I first checked out the program guide for the 2014 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, I felt a little confused. Book launches and poetry slams: great, just as I had expected. Panel discussions about environmental artists, expats in Bali
The 2014 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival: BALI, INDONESIA
When I first checked out the program guide for the 2014 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, I felt a little confused. Book launches and poetry slams: great, just as I had expected. Panel discussions about environmental artists, expats in Bali
Redefining opulence – a 24k gold facial in Bali.
Nothing says opulence quite like the unnecessary use of gold. A gold showerhead flooding streams of San Pellegrino from a gold water tank, 22-inch gold rims on shiny gold Rolls Royce, a bowl of faux gold fruit sitting on a
Redefining opulence – a 24k gold facial in Bali.
Nothing says opulence quite like the unnecessary use of gold. A gold showerhead flooding streams of San Pellegrino from a gold water tank, 22-inch gold rims on shiny gold Rolls Royce, a bowl of faux gold fruit sitting on a
Not wunderkind. Just wandering kind.
The birth of inBali.org. Earlier this year, I was convinced that a rum soaked fling with Havana would be the end of my wandering ways. I was mentally preparing to put my passport in my treasure box. Tucking it away with the ballet
Not wunderkind. Just wandering kind.
The birth of inBali.org. Earlier this year, I was convinced that a rum soaked fling with Havana would be the end of my wandering ways. I was mentally preparing to put my passport in my treasure box. Tucking it away with the ballet
This little pocket.
I didn’t take any footage on the night we swam in volcanic hot springs by candlelight. Or the night we taught the Macarena at Fábrica de Arte Cubano. But I took just enough to keep me remembering how magical this
This little pocket.
I didn’t take any footage on the night we swam in volcanic hot springs by candlelight. Or the night we taught the Macarena at Fábrica de Arte Cubano. But I took just enough to keep me remembering how magical this
Enjoying Life’s Natural Mystic: Zimbali Retreat, Jamaica.
“Look!” laughs the taxi driver, pointing at a car driving at full speed with its bonnet open, the driver hanging out the window trying to catch a glimpse of the road ahead. “Only in Jamaica, man. We’re fearless here!” We
Enjoying Life’s Natural Mystic: Zimbali Retreat, Jamaica.
“Look!” laughs the taxi driver, pointing at a car driving at full speed with its bonnet open, the driver hanging out the window trying to catch a glimpse of the road ahead. “Only in Jamaica, man. We’re fearless here!” We
Nicaragua & the Fitness Retreat Phenomenon.
Fitness Retreats are a fascinating concept. A little holiday yoga is always nice and endless hours kicking it in the ocean are great. But running shoes and parallel squats? As far as I’m concerned, these can be left for the
Nicaragua & the Fitness Retreat Phenomenon.
Fitness Retreats are a fascinating concept. A little holiday yoga is always nice and endless hours kicking it in the ocean are great. But running shoes and parallel squats? As far as I’m concerned, these can be left for the
Running With Aramaic Words.
Samantha is an Aramaic word meaning “listener”. I have read the evolution of this meaning in all its variations – on fridge magnets, on birthday cards, on tacky posters in tobacco shops. They are all positive, and they all please
Running With Aramaic Words.
Samantha is an Aramaic word meaning “listener”. I have read the evolution of this meaning in all its variations – on fridge magnets, on birthday cards, on tacky posters in tobacco shops. They are all positive, and they all please
Lost Memories, Love Letters and Lavender Fields.
Lavender Fields. A friend of mine once found a swarm of maggots inside her half devoured calamari sandwich while holidaying in Croatia. Whenever she tells me the story I imagine the moments before the devastation. She is sitting there in
Lost Memories, Love Letters and Lavender Fields.
Lavender Fields. A friend of mine once found a swarm of maggots inside her half devoured calamari sandwich while holidaying in Croatia. Whenever she tells me the story I imagine the moments before the devastation. She is sitting there in
Isla Pastor. This might be for you.
Take a minute to think about your dream island. Beyond the limits of reality and reason using only your wildest imagination. Maybe it’s covered in gourmet hot dog stands and million dollar cars. Perhaps it boasts a white marble castle
Isla Pastor. This might be for you.
Take a minute to think about your dream island. Beyond the limits of reality and reason using only your wildest imagination. Maybe it’s covered in gourmet hot dog stands and million dollar cars. Perhaps it boasts a white marble castle