I keep track of the college campuses that I visit much in the same way that I keep track of states and countries I visit.  I’ve found that visiting a campus is a little snippet of real life, a trip off the beaten tourist path to people live, work, and play.  In addition to some great campus architecture, there’s a host of businesses and activity that go into into supporting what is, in essence, a mini-city.
Earlier this summer, I had a chance to visit Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  It’s officially located in University Park, a part of the greater …read more

On one of my first visits to San Francisco, I crossed the Golden Gate bridge to explore the Marin side of the Bay.  I stopped off for what I thought would be a short while to explore Sausalito, and had such a great time there, that I never went any further.
Due to its prime location at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge, much of Sausalito’s history has been playing a supporting role to nearby San Francisco.  The area has been a fishing village, transit hub, and a center for bootlegging during Prohibition, and during World War II was a …read more

I’m a fan of visiting college campuses when I’m traveling.  They are usually great to wander around, you can often find a budget-priced meal, many have free internet access available (wi-fi or at the library), and the bookstore can make a great place to pick up a souvenir or two.  Some have extensive areas open to the
public, while others don’t, though, but if you genuinely show an interest in seeing the campus, there’s always someone willing to help you out or show you around.
On a recent visit to San Jose, California, I took a quick walk through the campus of …read more

When people visit Seattle and ask me for recommendations about what to see, the Pacific Science Center is always on my list.  In addition to its location on the grounds of the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the graceful arches and fountains, make it an architecturally pleasant and appealing place to visit.  Everyone seems to enjoy the Science Center.
During the World’s Fair, this was home to the US Science Pavilion.  Today it is an independent, not for profit science museum, with eight buildings housing hundreds of science exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a large Laser Dome …read more

I’m traveling in Europe for a bit, and spent an enjoyable few days at Lake Maggiore.  While I’ll have more in depth posts after I return home and have a chance to marshal my thoughts, I’ll be posting a few photos and quick thoughts from the road.
Lake Maggiore isn’t the largest of the Italian Lakes, but it is the longest, stretching about 40 miles from Sesto Calende at the Italian end to Magadino at the Swiss end.  The east side of the lake is in the Lombardy region and the west in Piedmonte.  The lake area is considered pre-Alp, and …read more

My past trips to Miami and have been of the in and out type.  I’m here, spend an afternoon, sleep, and I’m gone again.  Now I find myself here for an extend period of time, and get to take a little sample of everything that the city has to offer.
There’s sun!  And coming from Seattle, there’s a lot to like about the sun!
I spent much of today out on the water of Key Biscayne, enjoying a little sun and getting into a little different state of mind.
I spent time aboard one of the boats from Island Queen Cruises, enjoying a …read more

Guadalajara is probably my favorite city in Mexico, with its unique combination of a cosmopolitan city and a historic center.  It is the capital city of Jalisco, and is the second largest city in the country (Mexico City is the largest).  It’s considered the equivalent of our Silicon Valley, with a strong electronics and high tech industries.
Contrast that very modern business core with one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in the city – the Guadalajara Cathedral, a minor basilica that is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guadalajara.  Located in the downtown Centro Histórico (Avenue16 de …read more

Today I join with some of my fellow travel bloggers in Photo Friday, a day to celebrate the photographic side of traveling.
Whether our photos are professional quality, or merely serve as a memory of a wonderful adventure, photos have become an increasingly important part of travel.  And in the era of so many digital options, from cameras to online storage to editing software and more, there’s no reason for it to be a complicated process. (I’ve been trying out some new products so look for some reviews coming up soon!)
My photo today is a wonderful memory of a trip …read more

The Coliseum in Rome is the largest remaining monument of Imperial Rome, and is the top landmark in a city full of landmarks.
Built between AD 72-80, the Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and was the center of the city of Rome.  It was the first and the largest (it covers about six acres) permanent amphitheater built in the Roman Empire.
The exterior of the building consisted of four floors – three tiers of arches and an attic. On top of the attic were a series of brackets and sockets that allowed a shade to be pulled over the …read more

If you’ve got substantial connection time at Salt Lake City International, you can spend time just hanging out, or take advantage of your ground time and get in a little sightseeing and cultural expedition.

Between the hours of 9 am – 6:30 pm, a complimentary van service makes scheduled trips between the airport and Temple Square.  The service delivers you to one of the two visitor centers where complimentary tours are offered.  You can take a quick guided tour of this 10 acre area at the center of the city, then return to the airport for your outbound flight.
Regardless of religious …read more