by Larry Taylor, Fullerton, CA

Before our trip to the Middle East two years ago, we mentioned our plans to our friends and most questioned why on Earth we would go there — terrorists, religious strife and all. In 2007, however, when we said we were going back to this area, flying to Dubai to embark on a cruise, the responses were different. After hearing “Dubai,” their reaction was one of envy. Most had heard about this amazing city and were anxious to see it themselves.

We...

by Roger Canfield, Contributing Editor

Before my late October ’07 trip to the Philippines, I was aware that the Philippines and America share certain historical commonalities, including Christianity, colonialism, war, independence and democracy. While, on my trip, I found friendly people and fine food, the country also has its share of poverty-stricken areas.

First impressions

At the Manila airport, we were warmly greeted with leis and a “Mabuhay,” a Philippine...

by Marilyn Lutzker, Sunnyside, NY

Vienna is an urban delight. It is a majestic and opulent city for lovers of art, architecture, music, coffee and pastry.

Everywhere I went in this outdoor museum, something enticed me to look more closely. The city’s Baroque past was everywhere. Men and women of stone and marble stared out from doorways of elaborately ornamented buildings while carved faces peered down from amongst the swirls and curves above their windows. The statues that...