And More Moscow, August 2019

"I Come From Everywhere" - Havana, October 9, 2013

"I come from everywhere And I am going toward everywhere; Among the arts, I am art In the mountains, I am a mountain." - Jose Marti (1853-1895) : the most revered figure in Cuban history. A friend once asked me if I intended to go to every country an American shouldn't. More specifically, he asked if I knew what the Axis of Evil was. This was, of course, on the heels of my Iran trip and when I was considering trips to Cuba, Myanmar, and some Middle East destinations. I conceded that I am interested in places where I "shouldn't" go. So where should we not go? Who determines that? I respect rules, I play by them, I understand that laws are the key to a civilized society. But I also realize that some rules are bunk. Especially rules that tell me where I shouldn't go. So I went to Iran and then I went to Cuba. The day began in Miami and ended in Havana. At check in, there were many Cuban-Americans flying ba

"Purple Poncho Picchu" Peru; February 9, 2017

It is Machu Picchu day. How does one get to Machu Picchu? It has certainly evolved since Hiram Bingham's day, thank god. In my case it involved a bus, a train, another bus, a hike, and another bus...and lots of rain. Or, as the guide chose to call it "holy water." I would end up in a plastic purple poncho (say that three times fast), feeling very blessed indeed. The train from Ollantaytambo was quite elegant, with comfy seats and big windows everywhere. Coffee and tea are served, along with a snack. The views are lovely, with river and mountains racing by. Aguas Calientes or "Machu Picchu town" welcomes the train travelers with a light sprinkling "holy water." Bags are quickly dropped at the hotel, and then it is time to take the bus up the hill to the site itself. Half of the bus is pre-ponchoed, which makes for a slightly damp, hot house effect with a lot of plastic rustling. Others are winging it, hoping for the best in their fleece or jeans.

Jill Will Go...

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