Updated June 2021 The King of The Masai Mara It was he, Scarface the lion (Scar), curled up like a housecat in the grass, his thick dew-covered mane sparkling in the sun. His brothers Hunter, Sikio, and Morani were nearby; they also slept. The Four Musketeers, known for their prowess and savagery, instead looked precious where […]
03
Mar
Mar
It’s mid-morning, and I’m crossing the long, raised boardwalk leading to the island, my excitement building with each plank left behind. I’ve come to Duba Explorers Camp in Botswana, part of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio, one of the best camps in the Okavango Delta, and one of my first stops on an eight-day safari. […]
02
Mar
Mar
I love Manhattan, but when I need a break from the concrete canyons I head to the Bronx and the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG). One of the country’s most beautiful historic landmarks, the garden is filled with lush flora, intriguing exhibits, and exciting family-friendly programs and activities. The botanical garden in NYC’s Bronx is […]
01
Mar
Mar
I was about to embark on the second half of my Holland America Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Adventure—the “sea” portion of my journey––and I all I could do was gape at the 10-deck Westerdam rising above the Seward pier. In the cruise industry, the Westerdam is considered a mid-sized vessel and carries a maximum […]
08
Feb
Feb
The idea of swimming with whale sharks made me nervous. I wanted to, a lot, but I couldn’t forget my bizarre reaction to a spinner dolphin in Costa Rica a few years ago. I was afraid I’d humiliate myself again. At the time, I’d been completely and utterly irrational. I was in the water near […]
28
Jan
Jan
The Big 5 in Kenya has drawn animal and photography lovers for decades. I’ve been to the country four times on safari and loved every minute of it, but on my most recent trip, I explored facets of the country’s culture and wildlife I’d never experienced before. Over 5 days, I spent time in Nairobi, […]
06
Jan
Jan
You’ve been dreaming about going to Kenya wildlife safari. Good choice. There’s no better time to go. Kenya Airways now has a direct flight from New York to Nairobi, which means the usual 22-hour journey, including a layover, is now a 14-hour direct flight. Trust me, even though it’s still a long-haul it’s so much better than going […]
11
Dec
Dec
Except for the gentle lapping of water against the hull, all is quiet and I am as content as I could ever hope to be. I’ve spent the afternoon dining on lobster with new friends, on a deserted beach no less, and now we’re being treated to a beautiful sunset. Susan Land, another guest — […]
19
Nov
Nov
When traveling to long-distance dream destinations, the time you spend getting there is often a nightmare. Anything that cuts down on transit time is worth its weight in gold. I’m not one to write about specific flights or airlines per se, but as a self-confessed safari addict, Kenya Airways’ (KQ) direct flight from New York’s […]
19
Sep
Sep
First, let me file this under advice I never would have thought about before until I experienced it. While visiting friends in Berkeley a few years ago I found my way to a nearby waterfront adjacent to the Albany Bulb, an old landfill that has become a park of sorts. It was an early Saturday morning […]