Street

Nature, History, and Storybook Villages Fill New York’s Hudson River Valley

America, History, North America, Travel

Ever since the pilgrims’ arrival in 1620 America has dreamed of expanding westward. A Promised Land existed beyond the Appalachians, across the fertile Ohio Valley and on the other side of the Great Plains. America’s Manifest Destiny was to turn a continent into a country. But America’s first frontier was the Hudson Valley. The Hudson River may run north to south, but in concert with the 19th-century Erie Canal, it became the highway to the West, providing a detour past the natural obstacles that hampered expansion. During its turbulent history, the Hudson River Valley has experienced war, inspired great works of art, witnessed treachery and powered the growth of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Some say the Mississippi River is more famous, but you’ll find no more history-rich river (and few more worth visiting) than the Hudson. Read More

Evan Robinson

Looking forward to an EV vacation this summer? Think again. Efficient electrical transport is a long way off.

America, Europe, North America, Travel

Washington politicians love to talk about the 2021 federal infrastructure plan that includes $7.5 billion to install 500,000 fast-charging EV stations in urban and rural areas. By 2030, the ability to drive an EV coast-to-coast should improve dramatically. But the National Park Service admits that at present there are only 140 EV charging stations in/near the 424 national parks. One decade ago, only a dozen EV chargers were available in national parks nationwide. But change is coming. Where chargers will be located, what powers them, who builds them and what drivers do while their cars are juicing up could shift the fate of companies, cities and Read More

Galapagos-Mosquera-Islet-Credit_John_Chardine

Is a Galapagos cruise for you?

Central & South America, Travel

We’re standing in the equatorial sun on Fernandina Island’s Punta Espinosa, staring at a mostly inert pile of marine iguanas. Occasionally, one shifts position atop another or excretes a hearty burst of concentrated salt from its nasal gland.

Our guide tells us all about their algae-eating habits. He’s been studying animal behavior and leading groups in the Galapagos for twenty years. “When they are not diving under the water, as a way to keep a balance in their diet, you might see iguanas feeding on sea lion poop or other iguana poop,” he confides. “Sea lion poop is a very important part of the iguana diet. Since sea lions eat a lot of fish, it’s a very good source of calcium carbonate.”

For lizard lovers like me, going on a cruise in the Galapagos is a dream trip. Those expecting the Love Boat may be in for a disappointment, however. Instead of intimate interludes at the bar with exotic strangers, prepare for lectures on sea lion poop. Truthfully, this famous bucket list trip is not for everybody. Read More

tourisme-sete

Boats, beaches and music festivals make the Gallic city of Sète a great vacation destination. Here you don’t need to dress up

Culture, Europe, Travel

The Mediterranean seaside playground of the Cote d/Azur  has long been known for its exclusive nightclubs, pricey restaurants and tanned and toned beach bodies. But 190 miles west there is another Mediterranean coastal paradise – Sète. The city often is compared to Venice because of its canals, which are lined with houses, shops and restaurants serving fresh tuna and oysters. Beyond the canals and central business district are dreamy lagoons and 12 km of protected beaches

Rabbit Logo

American Retailers Hope Chinese Celebrating Year of the Rabbit Will Keep Their Cash Registers Ringing

America, Asia, Business, California, Travel

By Jian Huang Shopping is as important to the Chinese as baseball is to Americans. Especially during the Chinese New Year season that starts at the end of January, people from all walks of life congregate together at shopping malls for the cultural ritual of getting good bargains. For the affluent and designer-obsessed, a plane…

Gun Frining

Visits by Britain and France foreshadow the approaching anniversary of a Midnight Ride that Changed the World on Both Sides of the Atlantic

America, Europe, History, Travel

Last week, two old friends stopped by for a visit. French President Emmanuel Macron dropped into Washington, where he was greeted by a fife and drum corps garbed in colonial uniforms with tri-cornered hats. Some 430 miles to the north, the Prince and Princess of Wales (aka William and Kate) were in Boston discussing climate change with the descendants of colonialists who fought the American Revolution. It was only the third time that British royalty has visited the city. Unmentioned amid the pomp of the two diplomatic visits was the name Paul Revere. His midnight ride in 1775  initiated the armed struggle against the British and inspired a second revolution 14 years later in France. Yet Revere is not regarded as one of America’s founding fathers. His image has never appeared on U.S. currency and his story seldom is mentioned in European texts.