Wild Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico is filled with wonder, wilderness, and a colorful history. It is one of my favorite places to visit over the holidays and has become a new tradition. The cool, crisp mountain air is delicious, with or without snow, and the sunsets are spectacular — the mountains become filled with a palette of brilliant colors, their layers and depth illuminated. There is much to do aside from enjoying the stunning sunsets, but let me first highly recommend finding a spot where you can sit and be still for this late day event.
Kyoto, Japan: Romantic and Beautiful
I’ve visited Japan three times over the past forty years, most recently in January, 2017. My wife and I chose to spend most of our time in Kyoto; it’s much smaller than Tokyo yet has more cultural sites, and is the home of my friend, Jay Klaphake, Organizer of TEDxKyoto.
Worlds Away: Iceland’s Mysterious Beauty
Tom and I have chosen to go to Iceland in the shoulder season, when the temperatures average from a low of 40° F (4° C) to a high of 50° F (10° C). We also want to avoid the summer tourists. Iceland is slightly smaller than the state of Kentucky with a population of less than 333,000, sparsely populated to say the least.
Iceland’s Winter Magic
When a dear friend casually mentions that she is planning a trip to Iceland with a mutual friend I immediately pounce. “Iceland? I’m going with you,” I announce, never even considering that she may not want me to join them. I have wanted to go to Iceland ever since catching a glimpse of the northern lights from a plane window while travelling to northern Europe with my father as a child.
Santa Fe: A Winter Adventure
After long, hot, humid Florida summers, and even seemingly warm winters, snow and cooler weather can provide the perfect respite. A delightful, easy place to find it during the holiday season is Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Israel … A True Enigma.
Truthfully, Israel was never on my “must go to” list before now. Possibly because it has been at perpetual war. This pinky- sized state is surrounded by massive countries that are constantly at war with their neighbors and who have, since the beginning of time, declared war on Israel at one time or another. The history is complex and deep.