Yogyakarta feels loved. It’s on the island of Java, about 400 miles east of Jakarta and full of spirited art, great food, music, and Javanese traditions. People are friendly and there is a strong sense of community. The roads and alleys are gritty, but full of lively murals. Walking through them, you hear birds singing, chickens squawking, and the call to prayer. And motor cycles.
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I arrived last week on Corfu, the largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Many Americans know it as the setting for books and movies about the Durrells. Some — and you know who you are– know it as a great place for skinny-dipping on the western beaches, circa 1973. The Greeks call the island “Kerkira” after the nymph who spent her honeymoon here with Poseidon. Poseidon’s decision to name the island after his bride isn’t so romantic, however, considering Poseidon kidnapped Kerkira, but pfft, Greek gods.
Continue readingI still can’t download photos from my camera, arg. But investigating the problem with Chromebook experts helped me learn a little more about Vietnam. Turns out there is nothing wrong with my laptop. The photos won’t download because I am using an online application that the Vietnam government considers social media and those kinds of sites are blocked here.
This is my second trip to Vietnam and both visits evoked many memories of my teenage years at anti-war marches in Los Angeles and that time of passion and change that influenced me so profoundly.
Between the 10th and 12th centuries, the kings of the Khmer Empire built some very spectacular stuff in this part of Cambodia, which was originally called “Angkor.” Iconic Angkor Wat is the most dramatic jewel in the crown but Angkor is a 150 square mile park full of temples, each one a world treasure.
Magnificent Angkor Wat, originally built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu in the 12th century, it became a Buddhist temple in the 15th century
I am in Sukhothai, about half way between Chiang Mai and Bangkok after another lovely train ride. But first….
Petra is amazing! Imagine a smaller Grand Canyon with incredible buildings, tombs and caves that were carved into the cliffs 2300 years ago.
First, I apologize for the title, which is actually relevant to my posting — because I am in Amman — and refers to one of my Mom’s favorite Rosemary Clooney songs. And then I was empowered when I remembered Gabe’s geographically inspired phrase, “yer babuena.”
Camino Milagro 