A Respite from Grief: A Week at Hilton Health

For decades, Ira and I had explored the world. Initially, we traveled as a young couple. While our children were growing up in Illinois and Colorado, we embarked on engaging in family adventures. As empty nesters, we focused on our bucket list filled with worldwide destinations and romantic cruises. Unlike most people who did not […]

A Muzungu Wanders in Uganda

“Uganda is truly the Pearl of Africa. The Kingdom is a fairy tale. The scenery is different, the climate is different, and most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere to be seen in the whole range of Africa.”– Winston Churchill, November 1907 When I saw her, she was looking at me. My […]

Expensive Vodka – Super Premium or Snake Oil?

I know people – friends, family, casual acquaintances – who have made a cult out of tasting, sipping, guzzling, and cooking with vodka. I never understood it. I mean after all – in most cases it’s just straight-grain alcohol diluted to proof – usually around 80 proof (40 percent alcohol). In fact, the U.S. Bureau […]

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri’s Must-Do Road Trip

From cliff-hanging castles to subterranean sculptures to water recreation, Missouri’s top lake destination has a timeless allure that defies the ages. On a map, the Lake of the Ozarks unfolds like a slender, azure-hued Chinese dragon with an undulating central body and four graceful arms propelling it across the heart of central Missouri. The construction […]

Savoring Singapore

Over the past 22 years, I have been to Singapore dozens of times. My first trip was in 2002 with my wife and life partner Regina, a Singaporean. Over the years, we spent many weeks visiting family and friends. In 2018, we decided to spend winter in Singapore. I have had the privilege of seeing […]

The Great Pirate Towns of the Americas

Ever since there have been boats, there have been pirates. What could be easier for criminals than robbing a ship on the high seas, far from prying eyes and any type of protection? Especially when the ships at sea could be carrying treasures of gold and silver. It’s no wonder that desperate men turned to […]

Chasing Birdies in Galveston

“Keep your eyes on the ball,” my dad’s voice whispers as I settle into my stance between the maroon markers and look down at the yellow ball. My dad introduced me to golf decades ago, and even though he is no longer with us, his coaching still guides me on the course. If I’m nervous […]

6 Reasons Why I Fell in Love with Galveston

Galveston is packed with history, heartbreak, and a lot of good food and fun. From beaches to shopping on The Strand to visiting a pyramid, you’re also bound to fall in love with the 32-mile sandbar that has weathered many storms. What you may not know is that the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history—the […]

Two for the Road in Texas!

Searching for the Weird and Wild in Texas Hill Country People are attracted to the Texas Hill Country for many reasons: beautiful scenery, amazing wine, the chance to enjoy a backcountry road trip, and more. But Terri and I had a different goal in mind: we were looking for Texas roadside weirdness…and the Hill Country […]