As summer approaches, my mind turns to barbecue. For me, the thought of great barbecue brings to mind a plate of beef or pork that’s been slow-cooked all day with a dry rub, then mounded on my plate with a spicy tomato-based sauce on the side. A few side dishes round out the meal, maybe corn on the cob, green beans, cole slaw, or a macaroni salad. Add some iced tea or a cold beer and I’m in barbecue heaven. But the history and evolution of barbecue is far more complicated and includes techniques like smoking, roasting, baking, braising, and grilling beef, pork, chicken, or lamb. Seasonings may be as simple as salt and pepper or a more complicated blend of herbs and spices to make a dry rub. Sauces further define the type of barbecue, with fans swearing my […]
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Visiting Tongariro National Park is relatively easy, with decent roads providing access, and while some visitors are attracted by the UNESCO designation alone, there is much more to hold the attention of visitors. Here are just a few reasons to visit Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in New Zealand, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for its mix of cultural and natural importance. The park, located on the North Island, is home to three active volcanos: Mt. Tongariro (for which the park was named, Mt. Ruapehu, and Mt. Ngauruhoe. Skiing and snow sports – Mt. Ruapehu is home to two ski areas, Whakapapa on the northern side and Turoa on the southwestern side. Whakapapa has 15 ski lifts and also offers accommodations. Turoa has 9 lifts with accommodation offered in nearby Ohakune. Skiing and […]
Read MoreForever Fiji
There is a mystique that surrounds the beautiful Fijian Islands. In Fiji you really are blessed with some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world, so in the end, it’s all about Lomani and Demeni, Fijian words meaning pampered, cherished and cared for. Although you have to travel many miles to travel to get there, the visitor will find a culture that couldn’t be more different than in the United States. There is something for everyone to explore with Fiji’s 333 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean like jewels. Deciding which island is the perfect one will probably be the hardest decision you will have to make, otherwise, you can sit back and relax. Tip: Try to visit at least three different islands to really get the Fijian experience. Let’s start with your arrival at the airport in Nadi. This […]
Read MoreAustralia’s Ahhhhh Factor
Even well-traveled and jaded adults will succumb to what I call Australia’s “Ahhhhh” factor – the unusual, cute, and often cuddly-looking animals that you’re sure to find on the picture postcards from the smallest of our continents. While there is much to see on holidays to Australia, seeing the animals always seem to be a part of the experience. What’s in store for animal loving travelers? Kangaroos – This hopping marsupial is the iconic animal of Australia, and will be found on the country’s coat or arms, on some currency, and in a variety of advertising. And although you won’t find them in the major cities, once you venture out into the countryside you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled to make sure you don’t run into one. Literally. Those yellow Kangaroo crossing road signs are a serious warning, not […]
Read MoreNew Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Sites
I became fascinated with UNESCO World Heritage sites a few years ago when I realized the incredible diversity in the type of places and things on the list. Whenever I’m researching a new location, one of the first things I look for are the sites that are on the UNESCO list. While it’s not the be-all nor end-all of places that I’ll eventually visit, it helps me learn a lot about my eventual destination and get a feel for where I’m going. The island nation of New Zealand has three sites on the UNESCO list, just part of the reason that New Zealand is popular with visitors from the U.K., United States, and Australia. New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Island – The five southernmost island groups (the Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island) are referred to as the New […]
Read MoreThe States of Australia
Australia. Land of kangaroos, sheep stations, koala, boomerang, crocodile, wombat, dingo, shrimp on the barbie, sexy accents, and Waltzing Matilda. Now that we have the stereotypes out of the way, what can you really expect when you decide on a vacation to the land down under. Let’s be real clear – Australia is a huge country. Popping from Sydney to Brisbane is over 1,000, and to Perth is over 4,000 miles. So unless you have months to spend in the country, you’ll need to pick an area of the country to visit. One of the first things to consider if you’re thinking about tours to Australia is geography, and that starts with a good map and an understanding of the states, major territories, and what’s to see and do in each of them. New South Wales – This is Australia’s […]
Read MoreDown Under in Sydney
Four days into Geography Awareness Week, and now it’s time to go down under, giving me an opportunity to write about where I’d like to go on the continent of Australia. I’m featuring a different dream location each day this week, one from each of our seven continents, so be sure to check out my posts on Antarctica, The Maldives, and Kruger National Park. While most of my dream trip locations have been fairly remote, and appealing to the side of me that loves solitude, my choice for Australia would be a bustling city, full of culture and fun —Sydney. Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, and is located on the southeast coast of the island. It’s the most populated city in Australia, and is the country’s center of finance, media, and tourism. I’d need to spend some […]
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