Abu Dhabi is wealthy; it’s really wealthy. They have oil reserves for generations to come. The capital and largest of the United Arab Emirates is diversifying with incredible tourist facilities and attractions. Abu Dhabi is often assumed to be like Dubai but in fact it’s quite different in the way it’s going after tourism dollars. […]
A Day in Bahrain
November 1, 2016 by 5 Comments
Bahrain is a small Gulf nation that most people know nothing about. Its only two real claims to fame are that Michael Jackson once lived there and there’s a Formula 1 Grand Prix held there each April. Otherwise, it’s the little brother to every other new Gulf nation more or less. Don’t get me wrong, […]
5 Awesome Things to do in Muscat, Oman
October 30, 2016 by 15 Comments
The Sultanate of Oman is a fantastic country to visit. My third trip to Oman has been absolutely wonderful. Aside from doing a 4×4 safari to Jebel Harim in the Musandam Peninsula, I revisited Muscat. It’s a city I wasn’t very fond of the first time I was there. I basically did a complete 180; […]
5 Awesome Things to do in Dubai
October 25, 2016 by 21 Comments
I love Dubai. A lot of people rip on it but I love it. I accept Dubai for what it is and I embrace what it has to offer. It’s over the top for sure: it’s like Las Vegas without casinos. It’s not without controversy from questionable labor practices. It’s mind-blowing, frenetic and at the […]
Auckland, New Zealand is a Really Pleasant City
February 4, 2016 by 14 Comments
Auckland, New Zealand is a really pleasant city. There’s nothing spectacular about Auckland. It’s not the worlds most beautiful city. It’s not the most exciting city on Earth. There’s nothing that screams out at you that you can’t miss. But Auckland, New Zealand is a really pleasant city to be in because it’s just that…pleasant. […]
Why You Should Visit Tauranga, New Zealand
February 2, 2016 by 12 Comments
I have been to New Zealand numerous times and actually spent a few months in 2003. However, until my recent cruise with Azamara Club Cruises I had never heard of Tauranga. Apparently, Tauranga is the 4th most populous “city” in New Zealand as many people have fled Auckland because of the sky-high real estate prices […]
Hobbiton is one of the Coolest Things in New Zealand
February 1, 2016 by 12 Comments
I have never seen any of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies. I have never seen any of ‘The Hobbit’ movies. I have never read any of the books either. I don’t like science fiction or fantasy. That said, I went to the Hobbiton movie set as a special day and night time tour excursion […]
Picton, New Zealand and the Surrounding Area is Worth a Look
January 29, 2016 by 4 Comments
Picton, New Zealand is a cute little town. That’s really the best way to describe it. Of course, Picton is also a very important port town that connects the South Island to Wellington and the North island of New Zealand. Picton itself is also the gateway to both the Marlborough wine region and the beautiful […]
A Daytrip to Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
January 28, 2016 by 8 Comments
Cape Kidnappers is a place that sounds made up. In fact, in actually looks like a place that’s made up as well! However, I can assure you it is a real place and it is a beautiful place even when the weather doesn’t cooperate with you! As an excursion from the Azamara Quest, I did […]
