Category Archives: Travelogues

Cuba: The Environment

Posted on April 8, 2017 by Al

Cuba is a Caribbean island, sure, but on a much grander scale than, say Puerto Rico or Jamaica. It is, indeed, the greatest of the Antilles. To gain an idea of its breadth, were Cuba rotated clockwise a bit and … Continue reading →

Posted in Cuba, Travelogues | Comments Off on Cuba: The Environment

It’s All About The Cars

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Al

“Look! The new ’59’s!” September, 1958, 5th grade at Pleasant Ridge elementary school. I was seated at the far right of the classroom, right behind Kathy MacNeil and her long black wavy hair. The left side looked out over our asphalt … Continue reading →

Posted in Cuba, Travelogues | Comments Off on It’s All About The Cars

Cycling in Cuba: An Introduction

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Al

I’ve been off the grid the past three weeks, biking in Cuba. I plan to write a full set of reports on the trip on the blog, but will serve up the outline for the experience first. Intro: Cheryl and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cuba, Travelogues | 2 Comments

The Long and Winding Road

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Al

Chaim opened with his biggest smile. “I have the tickets for tomorrow. We go to airport [which is basically right next door to the German-themed teahouse/lodge where we’re staying in Jomsom] tomorrow by 6:30. Plane might be there before 7.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 1 Comment

Muktinath

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Al

After our 16.5 mile trek across the high wastelands of the eastern Mustangi plateau, to Tetang, we spent the night in a spacious room with adjoining hot shower, well-prepared for the next day’s 2.5 hour walk back down the Kali … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 2 Comments

The Longest Day

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Al

“I only find one horse, for Cheryl,” Chaim announced at breakfast. “Al, you are OK walking? Maybe we go 9, 10 hours today?” That was just fine with me. I was surprised by how vigorous I felt after ten days … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 3 Comments

Man Cave/Cave Man

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Al

  Leaving Yara, we face 26 miles of walking with 10,000 feet of elevation gain, with only one tea house lodge along the way. Trekkers supported by a full porter team, who are camping out each night, manage this in … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 1 Comment

Hole In The Wall Gang

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Al

Like cathedrals in Europe, the locals think we are fascinated by every one of their monasteries. The interiors are all the same, the decorations and layouts just a variation on a theme. But how many cathedrals are housed in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 1 Comment

It’s All Downhill From Here

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Al

A week above 3000 meters, four days of hard walking, two days of rest in Lo Manthang, and we felt ready to tackle the return trip to Jomsom. It looked more primitive than the route out – no “road” to … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | Comments Off on It’s All Downhill From Here

Lo Manthang: Sights and Sounds

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Al

Our room looks out over the stone path which runs along Lo Manthang’s eastern wall. With daylight comes the shuffling, clacking sound of older Mustangis, twisting prayer beads, heading towards the mani walls outside the monastery. Their prayers are hummed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Mustang, Travelogues | 1 Comment