Driving Vacation

The sun getting brighter and brighter! Hanauma Bay Volcanic eruption is always violent and its destructive forces must not ever be underestimated. However, what comes after the devastation is another story. And at Hanauma Bay which was formed by a series of volcanic activities, ocean life is thriving. Over 400 colorful and shapely species inhibit the bay. The expansive coral formations that provide food and protection from the ocean waves can easily be seen through the clear emerald water. Everyone comes here to snorkel and swim with many schools for colorful fishes and green sea turtles, and to look for starfish and other small creatures on the ocean floors. Snorkeling here reminded me of The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau Documentary. We unloaded our snorkeling gears, picnic basket, and enjoyed the sunshine! img=http://images.travbuddy.com/1658640_13682... read more

Many people romanticize a vacation destination after seeing Rick Steves' Europe on PBS. I, on the other hand, dreamed about driving in Hawaii since I watched Jack Lord playing Lieutenant Steve McGarrett in the original Hawaii Five-O in the 70's. Back then, Steve was driving stately black Mercury Marquis and Mercury Park Lane. This dream was forgotten for a while as I got busy with elementary school, high school, college, first job, and so on. Fast forward to the 21st century, the remake of Hawaii Five-O brought my dream back from the medial temporal lobe of my brain. The Wakiki Beach After checking into Hilton Wakiki Beach Hotel in the morning, we didn't waste time to get started with our paradise living. Given Savannah climate with the average temperature in mid-eighty degrees Fahrenheit, W... read more

After a fascinating tour, it wasn't long before I programmed the Navigation from my car and routed me from lngolstadt to Regensburg via the Altmuehtal Nature Park. For this segment I avoided the Autobahn since I was interested in seeing the winter beauty of the countryside and enjoying my driving vacation. I went through Kosching, Bettbrunn, Almanstein and Kelheim and ended up in Regensburg, my destination for that day. It was not the quickest route, but it gave me the chance to enjoy the view and tested my skill drive in winter. After several hours of driving, I arrived at the ornate and historic Maximilian Hotel which opened in 1891. After an excellent four-course dinner at the hotel, I retired for the night, eagerly looking forward to the next day's drive. The next morning I plotted ... read more

As my train leaves the station, I can't help reflecting on my driving vacation. After days driving in Andalusian, I feel refreshed and satisfied. It was a great way to finish my one month stay in Spain providing the frosting to my fulfilling time in Madrid and Barcelona. I met many kind and fun loving travelers and residents, drivers and non-drivers, during my last 30 days. Memories I will treasure greatly, friends I will keep in touch. I have not learned much in life, but I know one think about myself. When I drive through exciting, exhi... read more

Marbella has the remains of the old Muslim walls, Marbella's casco antiguo. The old town has a maze of picturesque winding streets and charming little plazas, with plenty of outdoor bars where you can sampletypical Andalusian cuisine. At the center of this intricate pattern of alleyways is Plaza de los Naranjos, with the 3 to 4 century old town hall and fountain. Getting lost in this maze is the best way to experience this historic town. Marbella also has the modern and opulent section c... read more

Versailles While it has been very fun to drive in crowded urban setting, we are curious on how this car will play in open roads. We pick Versailles as our next destination. Located about 20 km southwest of Paris, this affluent suburb was a prosperous country village in the 11 th century. Its location, on the way from Paris to Deux and Normandy, brought thriving commerce to the village. Arriving in town, we go directly to The Chateau de Versailles, the principal residence of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. Thousands of masons, gilders, painters, tapestry weavers, architects, sculptors, decorators, and landscapers throughout centuries poured their passions in making this place one of a kind in the world. Eiffel Tower A visit to Paris will not be complete without climbing the most iconic metal structure in Paris. ... read more