Longhouse people-Ibans

This Asian adventure was brutal in terms of time on airplanes, in airports and getting ourselves to the destinations we wanted. We endure the pain for the joy that comes from discovering ourselves and the planet.
We traveled by long boat across the Batang Ai Reservoir to the Ali Longhouse eco-resort and the next day took a longboat down the Engkari River to a real Iban longhouse, an entire village under one roof.
The Iban people were once head hunters but not since being converted to Christianity. This was a memorable day!

2000 Miles through Turkey

"If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul." -Alphonse de Lamartine 

After spending four fabulous days in New York City we were off to Turkey for 14 days. Turkey has attracted so many visitors over the centuries and we decided to come and discover their legacy for ourselves. We travelled over 2000 miles through this incredible country and were delighted to find the landscapes varied and stunning. We explored ancient ruins and bucolic villages that dotted the rural areas. Taking in this scenery could not have been more pleasant. We checked out mosques, palaces, ruins, and museums along the way as well as the mountain ranges (Turkish Alps) and beaches. The people were warm, friendly and simply wonderful. We ate way too much, satisfying our epicurean indulgence from street snacks to gourmet restaurants with panoramic terraces. We met interesting people from around the world and loved every minute in the country that spans two continents. 

We have been privileged to visit many different countries (45) and Turkey is rated close to the top for our vacation dollars. 

Our silk road: Istanbul, Cannakale, Izmir, Antalya, Cappadocia,  Ankara and return to Istanbul.

Worlds Most Dangerous Market-Thailand

 World's Most Dangerous Mkt

We just returned from a trip of several countries and islands in Asia. This market is truly amazing. 

ELG was almost crushed getting these PICS. That is what a good jornalist does-risk his life for pictures to send on email!  A guy was killed here just last week, it happens all the time.
Maeklong Railway Market, located in Samut Songkhram, Thailand. There are tropical fruits and vegetables such as lychee, durian, and mango in big brightly colored piles, variety of dried spices, pastes and herbs, freshly caught seafood and other local foods. The crowd weave their way around in between vendors, picking up whatever they need for the day. The market is sheltered by low-hanging awnings/umbrella.
Then a Piercing siren sounds and in a flash - total chaos! The shoppers scramble to get out of the way and the stallholders whip away their produce. One moment you see the locals shopping for their vegetables and the next moment the vendors will scoop up their baskets and boxes and anything that lies over the track and try to escape. The market comes to a standstill as all the vendors hold on to the poles supporting their awnings to make way for the train to pass. It is such a tight squeeze that the train travelling at about 25 mph barely makes it through.

Tahoe, Pyramid

I just returned from a fabulous trip home to northern Nevada. Highlights included:

-"Old Friends" get-together (like Bookends) reunion at Brickies Tavern in Reno

-Tahoe Rim Trail Guide Conference in Tahoe City where I was a guest speaker

-Camping, exploring and photographing at Pyramid Lake 

-Watching the endangered Cui-uis spawn

-Visiting the BLM Wild Horse and Burro staging facility between Reno and Pyramid Lake.

Greek Isles Mykonos, Santorini, Crete