Torrey Pines is a natural reserve in San Diego offering spectacular ocean views, gorgeous hiking trails, and a unique opportunity to enjoy coastal nature at its best well-preserved moon-like mountains next to a long stretch of beach and all sorts
Iwatayama Monkey Park Arashiyama : Kyoto
On my last day in Kyoto, feeling a bit of temple overload I was hoping to try something a bit different and the Arashimaya area was just the thing. One of the highlights in the area is a monkey park,
Robert Allerton Park : UIUC – Illinois
Moving to live in Urbana-Champaign I had very little expectations regarding things to see in the area. The reputation of the twin towns as being mostly corn fields is well-deserved, although my wonders around the world have taught me that
Les Faux de Verzy at Forêt Domaniale : Champagne – France
This year my travels had an unexpected treat. After wrapping up the PhD in Hong Kong, I planned to a make a stop for a couple of weeks in France on the way west to my new life in the
Redwood Regional Park : Oakland California
While visiting Berkeley earlier this year I was surprised to learn that one of my old friends from my good old times in Taiwan is living with her family at the Oakland area not too far away from campus. The
Po Toi Island : Hong Kong
After 5 years in Hong Kong I thought that I pretty much covered it all. Did most of the hiking trails, been to most of the local islands, did countless boat trips in all directions. What else could there possibly
Back on the Dragon’s Back : Hong Kong Island hike
Two years ago I discovered one of Hong Kong’s best hikes – The Dragon’s Back. An easy hike with some of the best views any person could hope for, and all within easy reach from the city down at the
Monkey Mountain : Hong Kong
On the way to see the gorgeous Yuen Yuen Institute and Western Monastery in Tseun Wan, we made a stop along the way to show our visitors a different side of Hong Kong – wild monkeys. Turns out, there’s quite
El Yunque National Rain Forest Day Trip: Puerto Rico
Looking for a lovely nature day-trip in Puerto Rico away from San Juan. Lots of wonderful options for you to choose from, but there’s one that really stands out – the El Yunque Rain Forest, the only rainforest under the
Lafayette Heritage Trail Park : Tallahassee
One sunny day in Tallahassee I was heading out to spend another day staring at the computer and contemplating the inner-workings of the universe in some random coffee shop when my mind alerted a need for a break and I