Tag Archives: independence

Training for a Walking or Hiking Tour

Posted on 10/02/2015 by patwa

YOU KNOW that walking regularly can mitigate or even prevent a host of conditions ranging from obesity to heart disease. But do you know how to walkto get the most out of your exercise sessions? Here are some pointers. * Aim … Continue reading →

Posted in Outdoors Life, Walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Thumbs Up = What?

Posted on 01/11/2014 by patwa

Hey Bud, what are you thinking? Do you know what thumbs up means in Iraq or Sardinia, Thailand or Turkmenistan? Do you know this guy? I don’t. If you’re smart, you won’t travel with him! Thumbs up could be offensive in many cultures. … Continue reading →

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Mexico City: Frida and Diego’s Houses

Posted on 01/09/2014 by patwa

Frida and Diego’s Houses in Mexico City Casa Azul is a strangely moving museum — I really felt Frida’s presence, her spirit aura, ghost or something spectral.  Her white cotton embroidered dress with slight sweat stains around the neck hung on a … Continue reading →

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Nellie Bly’s Round the World Journey — 125th Anniversary

Posted on 18/07/2014 by patwa

In an earlier post, I wrote about Nellie Bly, the pioneering American journalist who broke all records for Victorian era around-the-world travel with her 72-day global trek by land and sea. Now, the Royal Geographic Society has registered an expedition … Continue reading →

Posted in Geography, History, Travel | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Motivation to Dream (and Act) as a Travel Writer

Posted on 01/04/2014 by patwa

Personal desire is the best motivator for exploring and writing about a place.  After all, if you want to be there — if you’re truly interested and engaged — you’ve a better chance of communicating  your experiences.  Care about the places … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Geography, History, Motivation, Philosophy, Planning, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Race Around the World in 1889: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland

Posted on 20/03/2014 by patwa

Here’s a book about adventure travel that I thoroughly enjoyed  — terrific read, thrilling trip, adventurous women — what more could one want!  Eighty Days takes its title from Jules Verne‘s serialized novel Around the World in Eighty Days, published in book … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Geography, History, Hot Climates, Travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Washington DC Walks

Posted on 02/02/2014 by patwa

The best long distance walking path in the Washington DC area  is the C&O Canal National Park. Except for a short stretch through lower Georgetown where the water is often low and litter occasionally piles up, the C&O Canal on the Maryland … Continue reading →

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Panama Canal :: Do It Yourself

Posted on 18/01/2014 by patwa

Viewing the Panama Canal from a cruise ship might not be the best vista.   Canal bound cruise ships are so large and the decks so far above the water line that you can’t see the interesting activity below in … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget Travel, Geography, History, Hot Climates, Nature, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Travel :: The First Day

Posted on 03/01/2014 by patwa

Travelers complain they feel tired on the first few days of a trip, even in nearby time zones.  That’s normal — the rush to depart brings extra chores and an effort at work to get everything done.   Add the … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Basic Tips for Travelers

Posted on 01/08/2013 by patwa

Tips for Better Travel Register for frequent user programs — airlines, trains, hotels, resorts and car rental companies. Keep a list of the account numbers with you. Check memberships — know the discounts you are entitled to through professional associations or … Continue reading →

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