Orient Express in Croatia

Perhaps I am in a bit of a hotel withdrawal after being home for over two weeks. Bought a new book today by Andrew Eames called the 8:55 to Baghdad. It covers London to Iraq on the trail of Agatha Christie. I had to skip directly to the chapter called City of Inner Demons. The reason was because it pertained to the city of Zagreb, Croatia where I recently visited.

The Hotel Esplanade is located near the train station in the city and was once a stop for those taking the Orient Express. It was in its day the premier land cruise across the continent. The hotel is back to its regal days as center of Zagreb happenings. The lobby bustles with all sorts of activity and diplomatic energy. The bar is still a place to meet the unusual. Croatia Article

Best Safari Luxury Lodge

Over dinner this weekend I was asked a question that I get frequently, what is your favorite hotel? While I do have many, that night an answer came immediately, Royal Malewane Luxury Safari Lodge. The lodge is located within the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The freestanding suites are a colonial style marvel and the bathroom elegant. Sitting in the claw foot tub next to the wall to ceiling windows is marvelous. The wood terrace with private spillway pool smack dab in the bush unbeatable, the food gourmet and wines superb. The hardest part of staying was leaving the place for the twice-daily Range Rover trips out to meet the big five, face to face! Wake me up I think I’m dreaming!

Article on GoNOMAD

Wildlife article

Trump Travel

Perhaps it is the horrendous hairstyle but when I first heard about the Donald’s new travel venture I was a wee bit put off. I kind of wondered what comes next, etiquette tips from Paris Hilton”? I wasn’t sure that I wanted to, “Travel Trump Style”. The site claims that by using the, “art of the travel deal,” you will get top lodgings at the lowest prices and features 60,000 properties. About half or 30,000 will offer a lowest price guarantee.

I checked it out and it wasn’t bad and is operated by Travelocity, partners are American Express and Sabre. Still I have some trouble getting travel advice from a guy who flies in a private jet. I only hope that every room comes with a blow dryer so I can get the Trump look!

Best Lodgings in Catskill Mt. NY for Skiing

I have been skiing in the Catskill Mt. for more years than I can remember. While the slopes have always been good, the lodgings in general have been sub par. Finally that has changed with the opening of the Kaatskill Mountain Club. The lodge offers condos and rooms with ski packages available. Spa, pool and restaurant round out the facilities. Ski in and out of nearby Hunter Mountain. I have been waiting a long time for the area to develop a ski town atmosphere.

Guide to Macau, Montana and Croatia

It occurred to me that not all that view these pages enter through GoNOMAD where I am the senior travel editor. Google, Budget Travel Online and World Hum account for a good number of visitors. (Keeping track of these things) I often use this blog to remind myself when finishing an article of special sights or events that happened on a particular trip. Blogging also is a good way to insure that I write everyday, something I think is very important to the writing process. With that in mind here are links to four recent completed articles just out. Compare them to the blog entries to see how the piece develops.

The Other Croatia

Miraculous Macau

Montana’s Spirited Southwest

Jordan’s Amman & Jerash

CHE the Man

Go anywhere in the world and you are sure to run into a bearded man with a beret. From Brazil to Hungry I’ve encountered him. Che Guevara’s picture is everywhere. My latest encounter was on the tee shirt of a pro democracy protester in Hong Kong. (picture below) I know the usual info about him but really not all that much.

I bought the book Che by Jon Lee Anderson to gather more knowledge about the man. Anderson covered Central America for Time Magazine and has written for the NY Times, Harper’s and the New Yorker among others. I want to be ready when we next come picture to face.

Google "Kent E St John"

Every once and awhile as a writer I Google myself, it is not as embarrassing as it sounds. It requires no touching and just a few keystrokes. I recently received e-mail from a Tourism Board that did it using just kent st John and not in quotes. I replied that if done this way, “Kent E St John “ the result were far different. By checking with Google it lets me know just what has been reprinted and where. Try googling yourself you may just be surprised!

Travel Writing a Dream Job

I’ve felt it for a long time, blessed with a career that others would kill for. I also have said that, “you’ll never get rich doing it, but it sure makes for a rich life”. Travel writing and corresponding for some radio travel shows has certainly opened up the world for me in a big way. USA Today ran a piece called, “Travel jobs don’t get much better than these”. The article covered jobs such as Luxury Hotel Inspector, River Rafting Guide, Private Jet Tour Leader and my personal favorite, Travel Writer. The writer profiled was the popular Don George who has had a long and steady career. Currently one position Don has is Global Travel Editor for Lonely Planet.

The number of people who ask me how to begin a career in travel writing always surprises me. A few years ago the E Channel did a survey on best jobs and travel writer came in second after Rock Star. Don’s book Lonely Planet Guide to Travel Writing is one of the best ways I can think of to get the knowledge needed to make the move. To keep updated on the industry is Jen Leo’s Written Road blog. Another great place to check out is Travelers’ Tales. You get the picture, “every journey begins with the first link”.

Scooping the New York Times

Lest you think I have my own, “Deep Throat” at the NY Times I categorically deny it. I just happen to have this Sunday’s upcoming travel section on my desk this Friday but it was pure luck. I was walking back from the corner store this morning and there it was, lying right in my path. It is going to be a big issue: “Where to Go in 2006.”

One of the places written about is a place I have just returned from, Istria. It was in my own, “Where to Go in 2005 list”. Sure enough the white truffles I had are a key component. Open the envelope! This year’s “Come Back of the Year” is New Orleans. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s Sunday travel reading so I’ll clam up. Tomorrow, on Saturday, I hope to find Sunday’s sports pages lying about. If I do I will find a bookie and bet the farm on all the NFL games. Then I will hit all of the places on the Times list. It may be the only possible way.

Petra Cabbie

 
  http://www.gonomad.com/destinations/0604/northern_jordan_destination_guide.html

Frommer's Best Potties

There is nothing worse than the gurgling from the belly when you’re on the road. It can be counted on as hopefully an early warning system. There is nothing like your own WC at home but here is a way to find a suitable substitute. Arthur Frommer’s favorite public potties pamphlet covers 19 U.S. cities and can be indispensable for a road warrior. After all I’ve followed his advice on lodgings and restaurants for years, I hope to find some 4 star stalls.

Salvador Dali, Paris and the Hotel Meurice

I came across a gem of a hotel story in the Luxury supplement from the Sunday Times Travel Magazine today. It was about Salvador Dali and the Hotel Meurice in Paris. It seems Dali would rent a whole floor so he could ride his bike in the corridors. He also once asked for a herd of goats to be delivered, which he shot at with plastic bullets. On another occasion he paid the staff five franks apiece for every fly they caught and delivered.

I am some what less demanding, if the clean me now display sign is noticed I am happy as a clam. Clean sheets send me over the top and a welcome from the manager spins me into ecstasy. Of course a bottle of wine and some nuts keeps me coming back. Loews Hotels do for their frequent guest members and it has made me a fan for life!

New York City Hotel Sale

If you are looking to book a room at some fabulous hotels in NYC such as the St Regis, Mayflower or Stanhope you better have deep pockets. These standouts are going condo and at big prices. Joining the line up are others such as the Mark and Drake. The Drake will be demolished and in its place a mixed-use building will be put up. The rooms done in condo style at the Mark will bring in $850,000 a pop and with 176 of them that’s a lot revenue.

A Bit of Macau at Home

 
  Macau Article

Birthday Boy

 
Known Mike since we were about fifteen, hope we ski on his birthday for another 30 years. 

Skiing the Catskills

 
Skiing the Catskills for my buddy Mike Dillon's birthday 

NT Australia & Myriad

The Myriad magic is now working on the Northern Territory, Australia’s Outback and has been for a while. Good move NT stick with a winner! What is new is the addition of Caitlin Austin as the rep. True to Myriad form they sent a kit and great letter out to me. Love that they are responsive and on the ball, that is what makes me such a fan. Caitlin already has staked a place in my heart. As an editor it is so nice to work with people that love what they do!

I boarded the fabulous Ghan Railway there a few years back, would love to spend some time in Darwin and meet some of the Larrakia people. At the very least have a few stubbies and watch some of the world’s best sunsets. Thanks for the letter Caitlin and welcome to NYC.

Family Affair

Here is a contest that is just to weird to believe, win a date with Johnny Whitaker from the ancient show Family Affair. He played the part of Jody. Found this one while researching a product called Airborne. Airborne is an immune – boosting tablet formulated to keep germs away while speeding above the earth by jet. It was developed by a 2nd grade school teacher Victoria Knight- McDowell and is made from a blend of herbs. According to a blurb on its site Kevin Costner keeps some on his plane and movie sets.

The last dream date from the contest was Barry “Greg Brady” Williams from the Brady Bunch. Ms. Teresa Martin, a pre school teacher and mother of three won that one. I cannot make this stuff up, check the photos on the site, and if you win bring plenty of Airborne, you just may need it!

New York is filled with Pleasure

NYC has plenty of places to sin legally. Want to do it, easy to find. IN New York lists 103 places to raise you temperature. Here are some of the best:

Down a few shochus at Shimizu Sushi, made from rice, sweet potatoes and barley. They are 25% alcohol and pack a punch.

At the Museum of Sex there is an exhibit called Men Without Suits tracing the history of male nudity.

Lobster fra diavolo at Grotto Azzurra will raise your body temp.

Soak away in a Watsu Flow pool while a bathing suit clad therapist gives you a shiatsu massage.

Now go and find your own pleasures in the Big Apple!

GoNOMAD Setting Up

 
 

Next Please!

 
 

See Jordan

The picture below is of one of the world’s best marketing managers for one of my favorite places, Jordan. Gisele Abrahao has a smile and wit that would make any country proud to have her represent them. I got to see her today at the Expo in NYC. It brought back memories of one of the best trips I have ever taken. The magic of Petra and wonder of Amman, with a great group and one of Jordan’s treasures. That being Gisele herself. She is the one under the sign in the picture. Makes you want to fly out to Jordan in the morning! Jordan article

Jordan's Treasure

 
 

Where is the Naked Cowgirl

After setting up our booth at the Adventure Expo in NYC Max and I walked around the city and had a great lunch. I had one more NYC attraction to show Max on our walk back to the Marriott, the Naked Cowboy. On a traffic island in the middle of Times Square struts a muscle bound, longhaired, white booted cowboy. Frequently tourists from around the world pose with the jockey wearing poser. Everyday no matter what the weather the cowboy shakes his guitar as well as his hips.

The cowboy is featured in several guidebooks and articles and has an official website. He sells tee shirts, pictures and god knows what else. I bet the IRS would love to know just how many dollars get plunked through the hole of his guitar. I for one am waiting for a naked cowgirl to balance out the traffic island.

Sands in Macau

 
  Macau Article

Day Streaming

Did a radio spot with Arthur and Barney today about Macau. Around the World with Arthur and Barney is now live on KZSB 1290 AM on Thursday mornings at 10;05 AM California time. The show can now be heard online with streaming at 8PM Thursday night and 10 AM on Saturdays. To hear it go to www.aroundtheworldradio.com and click listen. That will take you to News – Press radio and there you are. The show also is broadcast on ten stations in California and thirty in Australia.

It has been a while since my last visit and doing it live gave me a kick. The guys are as funny and entertaining as ever. They really know how to put you at ease and ask the right questions. Better yet I now get to hear the show on a regular basis. I have a lot of fun doing radio, to ugly for TV.

Hot Bodies

Read through the NYC Official City Guide while waiting for Max to get ready for dinner at Ruby Foos here in NYC last night. It seems we have timed our visit to NYC while Bodies the Exhibition is in town.

Here is the pitch: “ Real human bodies, preserved through an innovative process and then respectfully presented. Experience the human body like never before.”
Further research on the site gave me more info, 22 whole bodies as well as 260 organs and partial specimens. What a bargain at $24.50, think I’ll apply the money to my kind of entertainment, dinner.

Get Perceptive

I’d like to share a new online travel magazine with you called Perceptive Travel that has just started. The editor spearheading the effort is the affable Tim Leffel author of The World’s Cheapest Destinations among other works of note.

The mission of the site is based on a Tom Miller quote, “The finest travel writing is what goes on when nobody is looking”. I really enjoyed reading this first issue especially the pieces by Rolf Potts and Jen Leo. The site will also have reviews of books and world music. Sign up for the newsletter and check out the guidelines.

Slipping Away

The layout for the Adventure Expo was in the NY Post yesterday and it looks great. I was proud to see the GoNOMAD logo in as a supporter of the event. While I noticed several of my old favorites such as the Croatian Tourism Board and Rainforest Alliance, I am looking forward to some new booths like Bulgarian Wine and the Tunisian Tourism Office. So many to see that it will be tough to hang out at our own booth.

The offerings of seminars will also be a temptation for me. Several I want to attend are Experience Wild Alaska, Volunteer Vacations, Madagascar and Frommer’s Travel Tips. The grand man of travel himself will lecture. “How you gonna keep me down on the booth after I’ve seen Paree”.

Adventure at its Best

Every year at this time I get geared up for the Travel Adventure Show in NYC. This will be our third year as participants at the Javits Center and all are welcome to stop by booth #1149 to put names to faces. I really love being involved with GN and this show. Thousands of people come through to check up on the adventure side of travel. I often run into people from all sides of the business and reconnect. Tourism boards, tour companies, National Geographic Traveler, all gather like the Burning Man Festival in the cause of promoting participatory travel, the kind that I love best!

Better yet is the chance to gather with the GN family that grows every year and a chance to hold up in the Marriott Marquis and look down on Times Square from above. After hard days the chance to sit over dinner and laugh and compare notes. It is a chance to work with Cindy whom I adore and watch my wife Lil get involved. Last year new member was sales master, Joe O’Rourke. This year the GN official photographer Paul Shoul is coming. Stop by and visit, we’ll leave a light on!

What is Next Big Guy

I get a kick out of hearing about the new GoNOMAD café that Max has been putting together. The guy’s got energy in abundance and loves to talk with people. I can see him now getting into deep conversations with the lucky ones who stop by. Best about it for me is hearing one of his ideas a year back then seeing it happen. I guess that is one of the reasons I like meeting up with him at shows, I get the poop way in advance and in its infancy. I am not even sure he knows how it comes. In any event it’s great to see someone follow his or her dreams. I’ll have a latte put it on my tab please.

New Office Space

 
 

Discovery in Maine

Not all of Maine’s quaint villages are on craggy fingers pointed out in the Atlantic. This fact was hammered home when I stopped in to see my sister in law who moved to Hallowell, Maine recently. The town is situated on the Kennebec River and is just cool. The brick and granite buildings date from the 19th century and are filled with crafts and antiques shops. The used bookstore even runs on an honor system. It is a perfect place for Heidi as she designs and crafts wearable art. As most artists do she works another job. Hers is as a chef at Slates Restaurant, a great place visually with great food, one of four other femmes cooking artists.

Slates has been in business for twenty-four years and I hope it still is for a hundred more. Everything is made from scratch and with care. On the door I noticed a Travelocity’s Local Secrets, Big Find decal. It was new to me so I checked it out. The site was filled with secret places with special charm throughout the US and Canada. Two great discoveries in one place, try them both out!

Mr. Baedeker

“Kings and governments may err, but never Mr. Baedeker,” said AP Herbert in 1929. I found that quote and much more info on the guidebooks called Baedeker online at rarebookreview. Baedeker guides were legendary in their authenticity and information and it is said that they where so reliable that during the WW I they provided valuable information for spies.

If so I wonder about the copy I just bought published in 1914 on Southern France? Where did the faded blue ribbon I found folded inside come from? I am looking forward into traveling through Southern France by reading it soon. Better yet, to dream about taking it along next time I visit the area!