There are often surprising powers which propel us toward special directions in our life. It is like an unknown force gives us a nudge. The Island of Bali is such a serendipitous destination. In 1995 after over a year of brutal treatments for cancer (multiple surgeries, an experimental stemcell transfer…
After our superb AHI “Essence of Southeast Asia” tour ended in Siem Reap, Cambodia Marla, daughter Lisa and husband Ray, and I flew to Bali for the last leg of our trip. We’ve stayed at many Bali hotels over the years and wanted something new this time. We chose…
Many years ago Marla and I visited an amazing village while touring in East Bali. The village is called Tenganan. The villagers are known as the “Bali Aga people” and are the original aboriginal inhabitants of Bali. They were living in Bali long before the ancestors…
Traveling to Bali can be a little challenging for first time visitors. Questions arise such as “where should we stay and what should we add to our itinerary?” I first have to ask, “what is your travel style?” Do you want to lay by the pool…
Bali is often called the “Island of the Gods” and is on many wish lists for travel. Getting off the plane at the Ngurah Rai airport can be a little disconcerting as the adjacent areas are so commercialized and chaotic with traffic. Don’t be upset as…
A year out of college, some friends were into digging for antique bottles in California’s Mother Lode region. I always enjoyed exploring and historical sleuthing, so I plunged in as well. My little world of esoteric collecting and fascination with glassware began robustly. The photo above shows Marla…
The memory of faces is what I always bring home from travels far and near. The image above is a precious memory of a Balinese dancer. Years ago, we rented a large villa for the entire family in Canggu, Bali with a staff of 18 including 3 chefs, a full…
The one thing which always stays with me from our travels are the faces on the journey. They are the passageways into the heart and soul of a person, village, town, country, or an event. I have assembled photos of Faces which fascinate and intrigue me. Come along on this…
COVID times have disrupted almost every aspect of our lives. Even though we are seeing encouraging signs as more people are vaccinated and places of business are opening up…the world we knew has changed. I am optimistic for a return to what I love, seeing my family and…
I read a recent Gallup poll article on the continuing secularization trend in the U.S. For the first time in 83 years membership in houses of worship (church, synagogue or mosque) have fallen below 50%. Polls have shown most Americans believe in God but a large number of people…