Only about 35 miles seperate Kihei (where we are staying) and Hana. However the two towns might as well be a world apart. We've been looking forward to the drive to Hana, the guide books all gush about how it's probably the most spectacular drive in America. So with our convertible and a packed picnic, we set out early for this almost mythical road. Even with such high expectations we were totally stunned by how many incredibly scenic and awe inspiring vistas there were on the drive. The road is very narrow and windy with too many blind turns and one [View Full Entry]

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We booked our trip to Maui on a firgid, snowy day in January. I needed something to look forward to and keep me sane through the rest of the inteminably long Chicago winter. The wait was well worth it. Jonh and I have only been here for 2 days and have decided we will definitely return. So far it is my favorite of the Hawaiian islands. Maui's vibe is middle point between cosmopolitan Oahu and provincial Kuai. In terms of stunning scenery and activities though, it is second to none (that's a tall order in this part of the world). We [View Full Entry]

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A few friends and I were looking for short get away as a reunion after years of geographical separation. Lured by cheap all inclusive deals we found ourselves at Eden H in Punta Cana. I've always had an aversion to all-inclusive resorts, after all to independent travelers they are tantamount to a self inflicted hostage crisis. But even I cannot resist the idea of a few days spent under the sun in a stunning beach, passing the time with no cares. Located on the eastern tip of the island of Hispaniola, Punta Cana is ground zero for the Dominican Republic's burgeoning [View Full Entry]

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Well here I am, Istanbul, last stop for my jaunt through Europe. A great place to end this trip, jampacked with history, colorful traditions, intoxicating sights and smells and a first-hand glimpse of Islam. Istanbul quite literally stradles Europe and Asia,with Bosphorus strait dividing the city. It's a huge city of 15 million but the sights are tightly packed in a manageable area. The Old town and most of the historical sights are in the western/ European part. I'm staying at the hotel Hanedan just behind the Blue mosque and (would you believe it) just [View Full Entry]

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A bustling home to 4 million, a reputation for being congested/ polluted and with over 7000 years of history, Athens was once a daunting city to explore for toursists. However with the tourism infrastructure vastly improved for the 2004 Olympics, it is just as easy to explore and just as convenient as most major European cities and still relatively inexpensive. Most guide books discourage staying in Athens for more than 1-2 days but I think lovers of big cities can stay longer. My stay consists of 3 days and spent mostly in the historical center. For convenience I have listed the [View Full Entry]

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Hello ladies and gents! I am in Greece. I arrive in Athens rather late Tuesday night because I missed my connecting flight in Brussels and had to wait 5 hours for the next flight. So far I've only spent one day in Athens and will tell you more about it on a later entry. For the past 2 days I've been in Napflion,only 80 miles from Athens but itseems a world away. Located in the Peloponnesian peninsula and spared from the recent fires, this small town is very popular with Greeks as a cheap and convenient alternative to the islands. While [View Full Entry]

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Arrived from Krakow on a night train last Saturday and though sinusitis was bothering me, I plunged right into sight seeing. My first impression of the city, formed while trying to locate my hostel, was that of faded grandeur. Budapest's heydays were in the late 19th century when it was one of the capitals of the the Austro-Hungarian empire. Walking down the wide boulevards amidst the imposing buildings, gave me the impression that this was once a very important and grand place. Since then though the city has gone through 2 world wars, Soviet invasion and almost 60 years of communist [View Full Entry]

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Today is my last day in Krakow and I set off for Hungary tonight. Yesterday went to the famous Wieliczka Salt mines just 5 miles outside the city. They have been mining salt here for altleast 800 years! As a result it reaches up to 900 feet deep and has 2000 chambers, our tour of 2 1/2 hours only covered 1% of the mine itself. They showed us the mining conditions (which seem to be downright cushy compared to coal mining nowadays), several statues carved from salt rock, a couple of underground lakes, and a fantastic chapel (as big as a [View Full Entry]

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Oswiecim and Brzezinka are the Polish names of the villages. When the Germans took over in WWII they told the locals to evacuate and from then on the villages became more famously know by their German names: Auschwitz-Birkenau. Site of the ghastliest of crimes, about 1,500,000 people (no one knows the exact number) were mudered here. It is imposible to describe what it's like to visit this place. I have no words to describe what it must have been like for the prisoners so I will borrow some: "Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned [View Full Entry]

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Dzien dobry Everyone! After a less than comfortable 8 hour night train from Prague I made it to Krakow very early today. Luckily I was able to check it at my pension the luxurious Trzykafki Guest House, the best accommodation in Krakow for under $30 dollars/night. It is a 15 minutes walk to the old town center and even though the mattress has seen better days and the linen a bit threadbare (relics of the communist era), I'm very satisfied with my choice in lodging. It is impeccably clean and has none of the peculiar aroma so common in hostels. I [View Full Entry]

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