Explore Destinations
Vietnam: Pickleball’s Surprisingly Explosive Growth
American sport emerging as a big hit in Ho Chi Minh City January 31, 2024 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – “Chín đến tám.” I had no idea what my partner
Antarctica: Cruising to the White Continent
Journey through Drake Passage well worth a bumpy ride to reach world’s most remote and pristine continent The Arizona Republic — January 7, 2024 DRAKE PASSAGE, South Pacific Ocean —
Cruising: Subs and Helis Now on the Menu for Luxury Expedition Ships
Helicopter ride over ice sheet in eastern Greenland highlight of 12-day Arctic cruise USA Today/The Arizona Republic — October 3, 2023 SKJOLJUNGEN FJORD, Greenland — Zodiac rides, kayaks, paddleboards and
Greenland: A Flicker of Jewish Life in the Arctic
American Paul Cohen feels like a “rare orchid on the tundra” The Jerusalem Post/JTA — August 16, 2023 NARSAQ, Greenland — This picturesque village on the southwestern coast of Greenland
Saying ‘I Do’ Around the World
A look at winsome wedding couples in far-flung places May 28, 2023 It’s a simple formula. Go to beautiful places in front of beautiful backdrops and you’ll likely see beautifully
Dominican Republic: Tropical Zion in the Caribbean
Museum project could help tell the little-known story of Holocaust refugees who found a haven in Sosua The Jerusalem Post/JTA — April 30, 2023 SOSUA, Dominican Republic — Sitting inside
San Antonio: Remembering the Alamo
British rock star donates prized collection of artifacts to San Antonio museum The Arizona Republic — April 16, 2023 SAN ANTONIO – Davy Crockett would be proud. Remembering the Alamo,
Cruising to St. Barts
Chic Caribbean island an alluring playground for the rich and famous The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — March 26, 2023 GUSTAVIA, St. Barts – This chic and sophisticated French island in
Aruba: A Pulpit in Paradise
Rabbi comes out of retirement to lead synagogue on Caribbean island The Jerusalem Post — March 19, 2023 ORANJESTAD, Aruba – One of Alberto Zeilicovich’s first duties as a Conservative
Vietnam: Jewish Life Behind the Hammer and Sickle
Chabad House in Hoi An offers a peaceful retreat for Jewish travelers January 28, 2023 HOI AN, Vietnam – In a pastel orange building on bustling Cửa Đại Street in
Turks and Caicos: Serving up Pickleball by the Beach
Growing number of Caribbean resorts offering pickleball as an amenity The Arizona Republic — October 30, 2022 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos – Water slides, glass-bottom boats and swim-up pool bars
Expedition Cruising in Alaska
Bears, glaciers, Tlingit culture, highlights of small-ship cruise through Inside Passage The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — September 4, 2022 KUIU ISLAND, Alaska – Move over, Captain Kirk. Passengers on one
Sitka’s Mysterious Star of David
Residents of this Alaskan town pass around a story that starts in 1899 and has helped lead to a local culture of coexistence The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — August
Barging Through Burgundy in Central France
French region known for world-renowned wine, historic chateaus and Dijon mustard USA Today.com/The Arizona Republic — August 6, 2022 DIJON, France – “Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?”
Cruising to Nova Scotia’s ‘City of Sorrow’
Halifax prospers despite its connection with three horrific 20th-century transportation disasters USA Today — June 14, 2022 HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – The natural beauty of this Canadian province in the
Nashville: Music City Hits the Right Notes
Seven must-see music-themed attractions in Tennessee’s capital city The Arizona Republic — April 10, 2022 NASHVILLE – It’s hard to imagine a travel destination more deserving of its moniker than
Hawaii: Cruising to See Tūtū Pele’s Creation
After two-year pandemic-related absence, cruisers return to explore Kilauea volcano, waterfalls and historic temples The USA Today — February 7, 2022 HILO, Hawaii – While cruising in the Hawaiian Islands
Maui: Jewish Life in a Tropical Paradise
Beit Shalom meeting the needs of Jewish residents and tourists in Hawaii February 1, 2022 KIHEI, Maui – It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting for a Jewish house
Cruising the Galapagos
South American archipelago a wildlife wonderland The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — January 9, 2022 SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, Ecuador – “Work it. Work it.” A pair of blue-footed boobies perched on
The Only Jew in the Galapagos
Israeli Adi Aidinger welcomes Jewish travelers to her remote hotel in this wildlife wonderland January 1, 2022 PUERTO AYORA, Ecuador – When Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos Islands on
Cruising Through Wine Country on Portugal’s Douro River
After a 20-month COVID hiatus, cruises resume in tranquil northern Portugal The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — September 19, 2021 ENTRE-OS-RIOS, Portugal – Beneath terraces of vineyards and olive trees in
Turks and Caicos: The Hasidic Horseman
Rabbi spreads Chanukah cheer on horseback to Caribbean cruisers October 4, 2022 PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos – A horseback-riding, kippah-wearing, menorah-toting, bearded Hasidic rabbi galloping around a tropical beach seems
Biking Bad: Pedaling Past Breaking Bad Filming Sites in Albuquerque
Jesse’s home, Walt’s car wash and Tuco’s hideout among many locations for fans of iconic TV show to visit in New Mexico The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — July 11, 2021
Elvis Presley was Jewish? A Trip to Graceland Erases Lingering Doubts
A grave marker locked away for decades confirms the King’s Jewish roots The Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) — June 24, 2021 MEMPHIS – The large crate sat unopened in a
Cruising America’s Heartland on the Ohio & Mississippi Rivers
American Queen Steamboat Company resumes sailings after COVID concerns recede The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — June 11, 2021 PADUCAH, Ky. – After being tethered for the better part of a
Biking Greater Zion: 4 Trails to Check Out
Red-rock canyons, ghost towns and artsy, new-age villages fun to explore on two-wheelers in southwestern Utah The Arizona Republic — May 9, 2021 IVINS, Utah – Don’t be fooled by
Hawaii: Surf, Sand and Spam
Hawaii’s residents devour the much-maligned meat March 17, 2022 HONOLULU – There’s an old proverb: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Spam for sale at a Safeway in Honolulu
Costa Rica: A Jewish-Friendly Pandemic Getaway
“Izu’s Place” meets the needs of Jewish travelers looking for surf, sand and Kosher food January 22, 2021 JACO, Costa Rica – It’s hard to find a safer and more
Durango, Colorado: 4 Don’t-Miss Things to See and Do
Southwestern Colorado town offers plenty of wide-open spaces to enjoy area’s attractions USA Today.com/The Arizona Republic — October 18, 2020 DURANGO, Colorado – If ever there was a tourist destination
Highway 1: A Cool COVID Summer Getaway
California road trip offers welcome respite from quarantine monotony and Arizona heat The Arizona Republic — August 30, 2020 CAMBRIA, California – Otter and Boone had the right idea. A
‘McSpaghetti’? Unique Items Served at the Golden Arches Around the World
Overseas McDonald’s can offer interesting cultural insights The Arizona Republic — February 23, 2020 LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – “Would you like fries with your spaghetti?” “McSpaghetti” is on the
Skopje, North Macedonia: Statue City
‘Capital of Kitsch’ offers visitors unique and plentiful sculptures The Arizona Republic — May 5, 2019 SKOPJE, North Macedonia – If a city’s beauty can be gauged by the number,
Ushuaia, Argentina: Journey to the End of the World
Remote Argentine city offers spectacular scenery at tip of South America The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — January 12, 2020 USHUAIA, Argentina – If the Flat Earth Society was looking for
Buenos Aires’ Kosher McDonald’s
Hold the cheese, hold the sauce, at unique McDonald’s in Argentine shopping mall December 26, 2019 BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – There are nearly 40,000 McDonald’s restaurants around the world that
Oregon’s Dazzling Neon Sign Museum
Electrifying exhibits illuminate history of neon advertising The Arizona Republic — November 24, 2019 THE DALLES, Oregon – David Benko is to neon signs what Jeff Bezos is to online
Cruising the Columbia River Gorge
Scenery and history highlights of trip to Pacific Northwest The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — November 10, 2019 STEVENSON, Washington – Meriwether Lewis and William Clark weren’t exactly sure where they
Monaco: Playground of the Rich and Famous
Visit to tiny country highlight of Mediterranean Sea cruise The Arizona Republic/USA Today.com — September 22, 2019 MONTE CARLO, Monaco – No wonder James Bond loved hanging out here so
Cruising the Mediterranean Back into Jewish History
Three must-see Jewish sites on a Mediterranean Sea voyage Aish.com — September 15, 2019 MEDITERRANEAN SEA — A luxury cruise on the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea features all
Norway’s Spectacular Sognefjord
Cruising the longest navigable fjord in the world The Arizona Republic — August 18, 2019 SKJOLDEN, Norway – There is a reason the Sognefjord – the longest navigable fjord in
The Jews of North Macedonia
Skopje’s Jewish community survives despite near annihilation during the Holocaust June 20, 2019 SKOPJE, North Macedonia – Like many countries in Eastern Europe, North Macedonia offers visitors wanting a glimpse
Myanmar: Cruising Back in Time on the Irrawaddy River
Trip on Scenic Aura offers glimpse into Kipling’s 19th-century Burma The Arizona Republic — April 7, 2019 MANDALAY, Myanmar – Rudyard Kipling brought worldwide attention to Myanmar – then part
Vicksburg Coke Museum: You Can’t Beat the Feeling
A thirst-quenching look at the soft drink’s surprising history at a Mississippi museum February 15, 2019 VICKSBURG, Miss. — This placid town of 50,000 people on the east bank of
The Mississippi: Rollin’ on the River
Cruising the Mississippi on the paddlewheel-propelled American Duchess The Arizona Republic — January 13, 2019 THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER – Big wheel keep on turning. The American Queen Steamboat Company’s
New Orleans: Bagels on the Bayou
‘The Big Easy’ is home to a unique and surprisingly vibrant Jewish community Aish.com — January 6, 2019 NEW ORLEANS — A “po-boy shrimp” sandwich, chicken jambalaya, and red beans
San Luis Obispo: SLO and Easy
San Luis Obispo County offers a slow-paced, but action-packed vacation destination The Arizona Republic — November 25, 2018 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, California – The locals in this central California
Skopje & Tempe: Groundbreaking Sister-City Relationship Endures
New ASU course explores historic partnership between two cities The Arizona Republic — January 22, 2020 SKOPJE, North Macedonia – Ever since the city of Tempe made groundbreaking history nearly
Cruising to Cuba
Antique cars a highlight of trip to formerly off-limits Caribbean island The Arizona Republic — September 16, 2018 HAVANA, Cuba – The first thing you notice is the cars. Vintage
France: Seine River Cruise Explores Battlefields of Two World Wars
Site of savage World War I battle in Somme moving part of cruise through Normandy The Arizona Republic — August 19, 2018 VILLERS-BRETONNEUX, France – For such a stunningly beautiful
Tupelo: Biking Through the King’s History
Elvis Presley’s Mississippi hometown now offers Elvis-themed bike tours The Arizona Republic — July 15, 2018 TUPELO, Miss. – “Lord almighty, I feel my temperature rising.” A street mural of
Lubbock: Much More than Memories of Buddy Holly
West Texas city offers visitors underrated wine industry, rich ranching history and vibrant arts scene The Arizona Republic — June 17, 2018 LUBBOCK, Texas – Like its favorite son, rock
Shanghai: ‘Noah’s Ark’ for Jews
Exploring the city’s inspiring Jewish history during a brief visit Aish.com/Arizona Jewish Life Magazine — April 2018 SHANGHAI — China’s largest city of 23 million people features one of the
Pickleball Hits the High Seas
Holland America leading the way in adding the sport to cruise ships USA Today.com/The Arizona Republic — April 1, 2018 SOUTH CHINA SEA – Pickleball, one of the fastest growing
Phuket: Kosher Pad-Thai?
New Chabad facility in Thai beach town opens its doors to throngs of Jewish travelers Aish.com — February 2018 PHUKET, Thailand — It was a Thursday night last August when
The Magical Mekong
River cruise offers unique glimpse into Vietnamese, Cambodian cultures The Arizona Republic — February 18, 2018 PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – “Can you please pass the tarantula?” Deep-fried tarantula is a
Berkeley: Exploring ‘The Graduate’s’ History
Fifty-year anniversary of groundbreaking movie presents sightseeing opportunities for the film’s fanatics The Arizona Republic — October 22, 2017 BERKELEY, Calif. – Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson. December marks the
Russia: Cruising the Volga River
Despite political tensions, cruising gaining steam on Europe’s longest river The Arizona Republic — August 13, 2017 MOSCOW, Russia – A political pariah? Perhaps. Scenery on the Volga River between
Diplomacy Needed in Indonesia — Not Military Might
Fulbright program important way to counterbalance extremism The Arizona Republic — August 1, 2017 DENPASAR, Indonesia – The world’s most-populous nation with a Muslim majority doesn’t typically garner much attention
Moscow: Putin-Supported Museum Chronicles Jews’ Russian History
Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center a $50 million high-tech showcase of Jewish life in Russia through the centuries Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — July 28, 2017 MOSCOW, Russia —
Taipei: Four Must-See Sites
Taiwan’s capital city emerging as a popular Asian vacation spot The Arizona Republic — April 30, 2017 TAIPEI, Taiwan – As visitors enter the world’s second-fastest elevator to take them
Beautiful and Mystical Bali
Traditional dance reflects Indonesian island’s unique and devout culture The Arizona Republic — February 26, 2017 JIMBARAN BAY, Bali – Ask a local here about the island’s population (about 4
A Sticky Situation in San Luis Obispo
California’s quirky Bubblegum Alley December 2, 2018 SAN LUIS OBISPO, California – Walk down the wrong alley on Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo and you could find yourself
72 Hours in Boise
Idaho’s capital city offers visitors much more than potatoes The Arizona Republic — October 23, 2016 BOISE, Idaho – Idahoans take their spuds seriously. Lunch at the famous Boise Fry
India’s Jews: Curry and Kreplach
Contributions of country’s Jewish community far outweigh its size Arizona Jewish Life Magazine — September, 2016 MUMBAI, India — Numbering only about 5,000 in a country of more than 1.2
Germany’s Disneyland for Music Geeks
At Siegfried’s museum in Rüdesheim: “Your ears will be all eyes” The Arizona Republic — August 14, 2016 RÜDESHEIM, Germany – The quirky and unique Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet isn’t
The Romantic Rhine
40-mile Rhine gorge highlight of rainy river cruise on Scenic Opal The Arizona Republic — July 17, 2016 MIDDLE RHINE VALLEY, Germany – Even under perpetually gloomy skies and unseasonably
Dubai: View from the Top of the World
The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, exemplifies Dubai’s over-the-top opulence The Arizona Republic — April 26, 2015 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Dubai loves breaking records. The fountain show in
Mississippi: Tracing Elvis Presley’s Little-Known Jewish Roots
I’m all shook up in Tupelo! Aish.com/Arizona Jewish Life Magazine — July 2018 TUPELO, Miss. — Inside a museum next to the modest two-room house where Elvis Presley was born
Cyprus: The Eerie Beaches of Famagusta
Odd remnant of 1974 war off-limits to tourists I could have been arrested for taking the picture above. We had been warned by our Greek-Cypriot guide to stay away from
Myanmar: Southeast Asia’s Undiscovered Treasure
Emerging democracy beginning to open for tourists The Arizona Republic — May 22, 2016 YANGON, Myanmar – Democracy is slowly coming to this little-known country in Southeast Asia of more
India: Bribing my Way to a Bargain
Under-the-table cash reduces foreign surcharge at Elephanta Island As someone who’s been to a lot of places, I’m used to paying a foreign “surcharge” at various sites and attractions. But
Spitsbergen: Alluring Adventure near the North Pole
Arctic cruise offers pristine scenery, glimpses of glaciers and polar bears The Arizona Republic — August 23, 2015 LONGYEARBYEN, Spitsbergen – If you come to this remote Arctic outpost, where there
Chiang Mai: Thai-Living Test Drive
Northern Thai city popular retirement spot for American expats The Arizona Republic — February 7, 2016 CHIANG MAI, Thailand – This popular tourist destination and hub of northern Thailand in
Greece: Thessaloniki’s Rich Jewish History
Greek museum showcases Jewish heritage in city formerly known as the “Madre de Israel” Oregon Jewish Life Magazine — September, 2015 THESSALONIKI, Greece — When thinking of the historical hubs
Myanmar’s Miraculous Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
The historic and beautifully maintained shul in Yangon survives thanks to one family Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — May 13, 2016 YANGON, Myanmar — At first glance, there is
Muay Thai: Muy Violento!
Kickboxing offers unique glimpse into Thai culture March 18, 2016 CHIANG MAI, Thailand — The public address announcer was speaking in a heavy accent over a garbled sound system and
Thailand: The Mysterious Monks of Wat Phra Singh
Are they live, or is it Memorex? The Arizona Republic — March 6, 2016 CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The elderly Buddhist monk was a tough guy to please. I observed
Boise’s Surprising Synagogue
Idaho’s capital home to the oldest temple west of the Mississippi Jewish News Service/Jewish Week of New York — December 2017 BOISE, Idaho — Sometimes you’ll find the most splendid
Vietnam: Cue the Water Buffalo, Stage Right
Putting on a show for the tourists in Nha Trang At first glance, it’s an idyllic scene — farmers in rural Vietnam tending to their rice fields with primitive tools
Preserving Jewish Life in Taiwan
Taipei’s Jewish Center meets the needs of locals and foreigners alike Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — May 5, 2017 TAIPEI, Taiwan — When you’re the only full-time rabbi in
Winter on the Danube River
Off-season cruise offers few crowds, lower fares and festive Christmas markets The Arizona Republic — January 18, 2015 WACHAU VALLEY, Austria – With instructions as simple as those uttered by
Fairbanks: Alaska’s Frozen Chosen
Fairbanks’ Jewish community welcomes visitors to the northernmost synagogue in the world Arizona Jewish Life Magazine — December, 2014 FAIRBANKS, Alaska — They proudly call themselves “the frozen chosen.” A
Yukon-Alaska Adventure
Pre and post-cruise land tours deliver breathtaking sights and fun The Arizona Republic — August 24, 2014 DENALI NATIONAL PARK, Alaska – The Nenana River was in a nasty mood
Hadassah Magazine’s The Jewish Traveler: Bangkok
In this city of nine million, the contributions of the relatively small Jewish community far outweigh its size. Hadassah Magazine – February/March, 2014 There are few cities in the world
Hadassah Magazine’s The Jewish Traveler: Hong Kong
World-renowned for its dense maze of skyscrapers, Jews have added a unique twist to the island’s architecture, making for themselves a ‘vertical shtetl.’ Hadassah Magazine – October/November, 2011 Despite concerns
Hadassah Magazine’s The Jewish Traveler: Belgrade
Tourists to Serbia’s White City will encounter vibrant nightlife, a reemergent cultural scene and the unmistakable sense of walking through modern history. Hadassah magazine – April/May, 2010 Scattered throughout downtown
Hadassah Magazine’s The Jewish Traveler: Lviv
The soul of erstwhile Jewish Galicia can yet be conjured up with a trip to one of the region’s principal—and still resplendent—capitals of culture. Hadassah Magazine – April, 2008 It’s
Hadassah Magazine’s The Jewish Traveler: Riga
A tumultuous past maybe, but the Jews are now on solid ground and Latvia’s repentant capital is one of Europe’s cleanest, safest and most inexpensive destinations. Hadassah magazine – October,
Cruising Iceland’s Scenic Tongue-Twisting Ports
North Atlantic country highlight of Holland America’s “Voyage of the Vikings” The Arizona Republic — August 25, 2013 AKUREYRI, Iceland – “If you don’t learn the correct pronunciations for each port,
Japan: A Country Crazy About Baseball
Fervent fans support a sport rich in history The Arizona Republic — May 29, 2012 TOKYO – With an upper-deck ticket tucked away in my back pocket, I arrived 4
Tunisia: Sightseeing Through Barbed Wire
My cover as a ‘Romanian’ nearly blown in this north-African country on the U.S. State Department’s travel warning list The Arizona Republic — June 2, 2013 TUNIS, Tunisia — I’ve
Malta: Catching the Midnight Express
A daring escape from a harrowing Turkish prison VALLETTA, Malta — When I was a young man, I had three career ambitions: Professional baseball player, professional tennis player, and international
St. Lucia’s Twin Pitons are a Caribbean Marvel
Island boasts stunning scenery, ‘drive-in volcano’ The Arizona Republic — February 5, 2012 SOUFRIERE, St. Lucia — “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the majestic Pitons.” Our group of
Greenland: Full of Stunning Scenery, Surprises
Hurtigruten Fram explores west coast of world’s largest island The Arizona Republic — August 14, 2011 UUMMANNAQ, Greenland — At the foot of a stunning heart-shaped mountain in a remote
Cruising Through France on a Luxury Barge
Eight-passenger Princess offers a luxurious and slow-paced way to experience provincial France The Arizona Republic — September 16, 2012 LOIRE VALLEY, France — Never before has traveling so slowly brought
Swaziland or Bust!
It’s not easy to get to this small African kingdom The Arizona Republic – March 4, 2009 LOMAHASHA, Swaziland — I had just returned to the Silversea Silver Wind after
24 hours in Little Rock
Visit to Clinton Library, Arkansas State Capitol worth the trip April 22, 2013 LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Why would an Arizonan hop on a plane and fly more than 1,100
Ecuador: Will the Real Equator Please Stand Up?
Mitad Del Mundo; Quito, Ecuador Below is one of the most famous tourist attractions in South America. It’s a globe-topped monument called Mitad del Mundo – “middle of the Earth”
Ecuador: Judaism near the ‘Middle of the World’
Affluent Jewish community prospers in Quito The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — April 5, 2013 QUITO, Ecuador – In a northern Quito suburb called Carcelén, just a 15-minute drive
Mexican Food, Moldovan Style
Good salsa, spicy food hard to find in Eastern Europe The Arizona Republic – February 21, 2006 CHISINAU, Moldova – It was my first Saturday night in Moldova and already
Peru: The Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Baby on Floating Island; Lake Titicaca, Peru My favorite travel photos aren’t of landscapes, ancient ruins, monuments or architecture. They’re of people. That’s why I love this picture I took
Srpska: The Republic of What?
Little-known Bosnian region acts like a country The Arizona Republic — October 11, 2009 BANJA LUKA, Bosnia and Herzegovina — At first, I thought our bus driver had made a
Chiang Mai’s Jewish Neighborhood
Israeli visitors flock to this city in northern Thailand The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — January 11, 2013 CHIANG MAI, Thailand – As I walked past the Shangri-La Hotel on Chang
Charming Granada Luring Visitors to Nicaragua
After years of political strife, tourism industry springing to life The Arizona Republic – May 10, 2009 GRANADA, Nicaragua – A country known more for Sandinistas, Cold War politics, natural
Kosovo: Balkan Nation Delights in All Things American
World’s newest country more than hospitable to U.S. visitors The Arizona Republic – August 31, 2008 PRISTINA, Kosovo – It took me all of five minutes after arriving in Pristina,
Thailand’s Haunting Hall of Opium
Museum gives fascinating overview of world’s most notorious drug The Arizona Republic — January 20, 2013 CHIANG SAEN, Thailand – I’m not much of a shopper, but this was one
From Sunshine to Moldova
Prof teaches journalism in icy clime The Arizona Republic — January 31, 2006 CHISINAU, Moldova – It’s 7,000 miles and nine time zones between Phoenix and Chisinau, Moldova. It actually
Barbados: A Secret in the Caribbean
Caribbean island home to historically significant Jewish sites The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – January 6, 2012 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – It may be one of the best-kept secrets in
San Marino: Visiting One of the World’s Smallest Countries
Get your passport stamped in tiny nation in central Italy The Arizona Republic – June 16, 2006 CITTA DI SAN MARINO, San Marino –Clad in bright green and red uniforms,
Tokyo: Judaism with a Japanese twist
Jewish response to tragedy in Japan demonstrates tikkun olam The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – June 8, 2012 TOKYO- It was the afternoon of Friday, March 11, 2011, and
The Republic of Transnistria: I’m back in the U.S.S.R!
It’s real easy to get away from it all in a bizarre nation that doesn’t exist The Arizona Republic – April 6, 2006 TIRASPOL, Transnistria – Greetings from the self-declared
El Salvador: Few Tourists But a Lot to See
Central American country not for inexperienced travelers International Travel News — January, 2011 SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador- It was my third day in San Salvador and I had yet to
South Africa: Jewish Cape Town
Cultural sites underline contribution of influential community The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – February 20, 2009 CAPE TOWN, South Africa – With the dramatic flat-topped Table Mountain and Twelve
Ho Chi Minh City: Museum Tells a Vitriolic Story of Vietnam War
Government dogmatic, but the people are welcoming to Americans The Arizona Republic – February 12, 2011 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam –As the old saying goes, “History is written by
Northern Ireland: Belfast Suburb Moving Beyond ‘The Troubles’
Newtownabbey and Gilbert enjoying 10-year Sister City relationship The Arizona Republic – June 6, 2008 NEWTOWNABBEY, Northern Ireland –They may be sister cities but Gilbert, Arizona and this Belfast suburb
Africa: Cruise Industry Prepares for Potential Pirate Attacks
New task force created to make Indian Ocean waters safer The Arizona Republic – February 22, 2009 INDIAN OCEAN OFF THE COAST OF EAST AFRICA — “If they come, we
Culture Buds in Moldova Spring
Mărțișor marks the rebirth of life after hard winter The Arizona Republic – March 16, 2006 CHISINAU, Moldova – Spring officially arrived on March 1 with the beginning of a
Homemade Challah in Ho Chi Minh City
Chabad meeting the needs of Jews in Vietnam The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – January 14, 2011 HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam – Carefully following the directions I printed
Cruising: Teaching High-Tech on the High Seas
Digital Workshop a huge hit with Holland America’s older clientele The Arizona Republic — June 13, 2010 NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN — It’s my first day at sea aboard the Holland
Latvian Hockey Madness
Baltic nation loves its national hockey team The Baltic Times – May 16, 2002 As a patriotic American sports fan, I still get goose bumps when I see an old
Malta: A Mitzvah in the Mediterranean
Chabad opens new chapter on island popular with Israeli and European tourists The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix — June 28, 2013 BUGIBBA, Malta – I didn’t realize it at
Egypt: Even King Tut Gets Frisked
Pyramids, scenery and Biblical sites make security hassles tolerable East Valley Tribune – April 28, 2002 The line to enter Cairo’s famous Egyptian Antiquities Museum is moving slowly and I
Moldova: 15 Cents for the Bus Ride of My Life
Moldovan mass transit no place for claustrophobics The Arizona Republic – May 11, 2006 CHISINAU, Moldova – I had just delivered a guest lecture at a university located on the
New Zealand: Steamy Rotorua Beckons with Culture
East Valley Tribune – April 18, 1999 ROTORUA, New Zealand – Rotorua smells. Visitors to this New Zealand city located in the heart of the country’s North Island are greeted
Black Sea: Cruising the Unusual
Offbeat itinerary to Ukraine, Romania offers fascinating stops East Valley Tribune – July 15, 2001 “Excuse me,” a shopkeeper said I passed his stall in the bazaar in Kusadasi, Turkey.
Puerto Vallarta: A Mexican Minyan
Chicago retirees single-handedly build a Jewish community The Jewish News of Greater Phoenix – January 2, 2009 PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – When Mel and Barbara Bornstein started looking more than
‘Hai Moldova!’ National Soccer Team Reflects Countrymen
The Arizona Republic – April 6, 2007 CHISINAU, Moldova –On a cold and rainy Saturday night, I arrived at Zimbru Stadium more than an hour before the start of a
Moorea: Oui, Oui
French Polynesian island offers spectacular scenery East Valley Tribune — February 25, 2001 Chances are, you’ve experienced the natural beauty of Moorea without even knowing it. Moorea’s famed Mount Mouaroa
Bermuda: The Legendary Johnny Barnes
The Legendary Johnny Barnes; Hamilton, Bermuda Meet the legendary Johnny Barnes of Bermuda. Legend is often an overused superlative, but not in this case. Just about everyone living on this
Thailand: Exquisite Akha Headdress
Akha village; Chiang Mai, Thailand This striking woman and her shy son are members of the Akha hill tribe in northern Thailand. The Akha people live in small villages at
Gibraltar: The Barbary Apes
Upper Rock Nature Reserve; Gibraltar This animal probably doesn’t realize it, but he and his friends comprise one of the most famous tourist attractions in the British overseas territory of
Nicaragua: Folklore Parade in Granada
Folklore Parade; Granada, Nicaragua Some of the most enriching travel experiences happen due to serendipity. A few years ago I visited the historic colonial town of Granada, Nicaragua. My visit
Vatican City: Swiss Guards Stand Out in Colorful Costumes
Swiss Guards; Vatican City From head to toe, these are some funky-looking outfits. The guys wearing them resemble a couple of unemployed actors who just got a gig working at
Thailand TV: Fair and Balanced? Or Asian Porn?
You never know what will pop up on hotel TV in Thailand CHIANG MAI, Thailand — Mr. Kem, the proprietor of the Vanilla Place Guesthouse in Chiang Mai, led me
South Korea: Guarding Seoul’s Royal Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace; Seoul, South Korea This menacing-looking fellow is dressed in traditional Korean garb from the Joseon Dynasty, which dates back to the 14th century. He’s guarding the main gate
Prague: Paying Homage to the King
Elvis impersonators; Prague, Czech Republic Some photos don’t require an explanation. This one does. Here we were, strolling through one of Europe’s most beautiful town squares — Starom?stské nám?stí —
Belarus: Taking a Trip Back in Time
Diena (Latvia’s largest newspaper) – Jan. 2, 2003 MINSK, Belarus –As our tour van passes endless tracts of dilapidated, look-alike apartment buildings on the bumpy, pot-holed streets of Minsk, we ask
Tokyo: Mass Transit, Mass Confusion
Mass Transit; Tokyo, Japan I’ve never climbed Mt. Everest, hiked the Inca Trail, or even bungee-jumped. But after a great deal of trial and error, I have conquered (barely) one
Latvia: ‘You’re in the Wrong Classroom!’
Fulbright Scholar Program offers opportunity to teach overseas Public Relations Tactics Magazine – August 2003 It was the first day of the semester at the University of Latvia and I
Baltic Sea: Cruising to Scandinavia and Russia
A Hassle-Free and Luxurious Way to See Several Fascinating Countries July/August 2001 — Highroads Magazine We were a week into our 10-day Baltic cruise, and the cruise director was urging
Juneau: Alaska’s Cool Capital
Popular stop on Inside Passage cruise offers glaciers, wildlife and stunning scenery East Valley Tribune – October 10, 1999 JUNEAU, Alaska – While we gape at a pair of bald
Peru: Llama on the Loose at Machu Picchu
Llama on the Loose; Machu Picchu, Peru This diminutive creature lives in one of the most magnificent homes on earth. He (or she – I’m not really sure) is a
Greenland: Adorable Children on Nature Walk
Children on nature walk; Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland Question: What do you get when you cross a Scandinavian with an Inuit? Answer: A Greenlander. And in the case of these three little
Moldova: Driving Through ‘Wine Town’
Milestii Mici has world’s largest wine cellar The Arizona Republic – June 9, 2006 MILESTII MICI, Moldova – This is my kind of town. There are 34 miles of streets,
Latvia: Look What the Stork Brought!
Nesting storks; Latvia We’ve all heard the legend about storks — that they bring babies. In fact, I think that’s what I was told when my younger brother was born. I was
Cruising: Yes, Size Does Matter
Smaller size equals more relaxation, wider choice of itineraries East Valley Tribune — February 25, 2001 FRENCH POLYNESIA — Whoever said that size doesn’t matter hasn’t been on a cruise
Slovenia: An Unusual ATM
Fresh milk for sale; Ljubljana, Slovenia Got milk? In Slovenia they do, and it’s dispensed in a most unusual manner. While on a walking tour of downtown Ljubljana, the picturesque
Madagascar: Face Painting an Important Ritual
Madagascar Face Painting; Nosy Be, Madagascar I met these two young ladies on Nosy Be, an island located off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Needless to say, I was intrigued
Jordan: Bedouin Children in the Wadi Rum Desert
Wadi Rum Desert; Jordan These kids have a huge backyard. There’s no swimming pool or trees to climb, but plenty of room in which to play. And it’s pretty hard
Greenland: Hunky Huskies
Greenland Huskies; Itilleq, Greenland I admit it – I’m not a dog-lover. But I found these Greenland Huskies to be among the most alluring animals I’ve ever seen. This
Vietnam: Smiles Aplenty
Smiling street vendors; Vietnam I’ve never met a people as quick with a smile as the Vietnamese. For a country that’s endured so much turmoil and tragedy in the past
Cruising Around Africa on Silversea: No Fighting Over Deckchairs
High-end cruise line attracts passengers who want a small-ship experience CruseCrazies.com — Sept. 28, 2012 THE INDIAN OCEAN OFF THE COAST OF AFRICA — Decisions, decisions … I started feeling
Israel: Cooling off in the Mediterranean
Jaffa, Israel This isn’t the type of bathing attire that you’ll typically see at an American beach or swimming pool. But it’s quite popular in the Middle East. This is the ancient
Paris: Love Locks on the Seine
Love Locks; Paris, France Matt and Tiera have a thing for each other. So do Helio and Monica, and for that matter, Runar and Lena. I learned this while crossing
Riga: Latvian City Earning Moniker ‘Paris of the Baltics’
Tourism growing in 800-year-old city East Valley Tribune – Feb. 24, 2002 RIGA, Latvia – It’s a warm, sunny weekend morning in Riga, Latvia, and I climb aboard one of
Mozambique: No Shopping Carts Needed
Central Market; Maputo, Mozambique If you go to the Central Market in Maputo, Mozambique, you’ll find lots of fresh fish and colorful fruits and vegetables – some of which you won’t
Macau: Beautiful Bridal Couple
Bridal Couple Posing for Pictures; Macau Kahlil Gibran, a Lebanese-born American poet, once said: “The Earth is like a beautiful bride who needs no man-made jewels to heighten her loveliness.”
Cambodia: These Little Piggies Went to Market
Pigs Going to Market; Cambodia Whether they like it or not, these little piggies are going to market. Part of the fun of travelling is seeing things that you would
Belfast: Remnants of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland
War Murals; Belfast, Northern Ireland This is actually the back of someone’s home. In Northern Ireland, there are about 2,000 of these murals painted on houses. They vividly depict the
Moldova: Fish for Sale!
Outdoor Market; Chisinau, Moldova Supermarkets are largely an American and Western European phenomenon. In much of the world, a majority of locals shop for their groceries in huge outdoor markets,
Nicaragua: Ready for a Quick Escape
Masaya Volcano; Nicaragua This is a wondrous destination for tourists to visit. But it’s the kind of place in which you definitely don’t want to overstay your welcome. As the
Big Mac Attack in Bangkok
Overseas McDonald’s reflect local culture; Bangkok, Thailand One common misperception of McDonald’s is that it’s exactly the same – regardless of where you go. True, a Big Mac is a
Moldova: Newlyweds Bundle Up for Wedding Pics
Moldovan newlyweds; Chisinau, Moldova Smile and say … jeeeeez, it’s cold! Every part of the world has its own unique customs. In Eastern Europe, it’s traditional for newlyweds to have
Moon Over San Diego
San Diego skyline at dusk There’s an old Chinese proverb: “When a finger points to the moon, an imbecile looks at the finger.” I would have felt like an imbecile
Quito’s New International Airport
Replaces one of Latin America’s most perilous airports The Arizona Republic — April 7, 2013 QUITO, Ecuador — One of Latin America’s most dangerous airports has seen its final landing. In