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.
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Club Red
I 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.
Same Same But Different
Ankor Wat: The Star of the (Cambodia) Show
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
Side Trip to Sukhothai
Petra — Jordan’s Drama Queen
Petra is amazing! Imagine a smaller Grand Canyon with incredible buildings, tombs and caves that were carved into the cliffs 2300 years ago.
C-Amman-a My House
Paphos Digs
I am in the Cypriot seaside resort town of Paphos, a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its archaeological treasures. I am sharing an apartment near the water with a part time tenant who sneaks in from the veranda. She responds to “kitty” even though in Greek she is “γaτάκι” –pronounced “ghataki.”