I love Mandalay. I hate my hotel room. I wander and explore. I discover the Unity Hotel. At the reception desk, Thida is so lovely and gracious. With a kind smile she says, “We will be happy to welcome you.” I checked in the next day
After breakfast, before my climb of Mandalay Hill, I invite Thida for coffee. She smiles. She declines
January 28, 2005
The day-long boat ride down the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to Bagan...smooth, picturesque, uneventful.
Except for one stop along the way at Pakokku. Local women selling large, bright, hand woven cotton cloth. As the boat began to back away from the dock, the women became more agitated and started tossing their beautiful weavings to the passengers at the railing of the boat.
Aventura, Florida
October 1, 2004
Dear Family and Friends,
I am off again on a new adventure. On Sunday, October 10, I am leaving Miami for an extended trip to The Balkans and The Adriatic. I will return home on December 1.
Albania. Italy. Croatia. Slovenia. Since I expect to visit many new places, I have been especially "planful." Some of my friends and neighbors are concerned about my safety and my adventurous attitude. These concerns are sincere and I do respect everyone's thoughts on these matters. I have done some research and I am feeling confident that I will be OK. Maybe the "facilities" in Albania will be a little old fashioned. But, hey, a small price to pay to visit exotic lands. Now I will tell you a secret about your friend Jan.
Day Two
Chivay – Colca Canyon – Arequipa
Peru
November 25. 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
The visit to Colca Canyon was the highlight of the long ride through the desert and the mountains.
After a light breakfast at a comfortable inn – hot, hot water, clean room, and cheerful staff – our group hit the road.
(Did I mention that in a few spots the road was actually paved?)
The route through the mountains is basically UP. Up and around, and up some more, and up and up through these stark gray rugged mountains. Until, finally, we are at the rim of Colca Canyon.
July 20, 2002
Istanbul, Turkey
Dear Family and Friends,
Turkey. What a wonderful country! Beautiful rivers and mountains and valleys. Excellent sites.
Istanbul. What a wonderful city! Elegant mosques and palaces. Hospitable and enthusiastic people.
In Istanbul, the most pleasurable moment of the day was to stop for a while, take a coffee and just watch and listen.
Bangkok
Thailand
July 29, 2002
Dear Family and Friends,
I am not feeling particularly clever or articulate at the moment. I am sad. I am leaving Southeast Asia after almost six weeks.
Cambodia - a wonderful adventure: ancient temples, unusual scenery, smiling faces and delicious food in a country struggling to regain its footing after years of war and torment.
Laos - it never stopped raining. I got so depressed I left early. I did meet several warm, helpful and soft-spoken people. I bought a beautiful golden silk shawl that I plan to drape over my piano. What I did see in Vientiane and Luang Prabang was inspiring scenery and architecture.
