Hotel Adagio is classical in design, with a new-world, modern feel. It is located in the heart of Union Square, where shopping, dining, and entertainment are just a few steps away. Just the name Adagio, not to mention the breathtaking views of San Francisco, seems enticing enough to lure in guests. As I entered the Caruso Penthouse Suite, I felt at home with the mood established by its warm colors, comfortable sofas, and fireplace. I couldn't help but kick off my shoes and relax in these surroundings. The bedroom was equally welco...

Ever since I was a kid, I guess I had a strange fascination with The Rock. I've been to San Francisco on many occasions, but I never really had the chance to do what I wanted to do. Between visiting the relatives and eating at the local Fisherman's Wharf, nobody else really wanted to go to Alcatraz like I did. But this time, I decided to make it a point to go. And I’m sure glad that I did.

There were different tour times to choose from, but of course I chose the evening ferry ride to the island. The crisp air from the bay put a little a chill in my bones, adding to the effect of what would prove to be an exciting and eerie experience at one of the most notorious prisons in history...

It’s amazing what a new baseball stadium can do. Since the opening of PETCO Park in 2004, the 130 blocks that make up Downtown San Diego’s East Village has reawakened. Restaurateurs, barkeeps, and artists have moved in, transforming the once derelict warehouse district into a hip, urban neighborhood.

One such restaurateur is San Diego’s own Arsalun Tafazoli. After visits to China and Japan during college, he returned to San Diego wanting something different from the city’s bar culture. He wanted to set up a restaurant/bar that people could go to when craving quality libations, good food, and good conversation without the burden of dress codes and reservations...

Arriving at the San Jose Airport is like arriving at any other travel destination. Well, except for the frequent heavy cloud cover and the sudden onset turbulence, but other than that, normal. Yea right.

As soon as the plane lands in Costa Rica, green surrounds you. Green is to Costa Rica like clear blue waters are to the Caribbean or to Hawaii. Ecotourism is the theme and the way of life that is celebrated all over the country stemming from the blue Caribbean to the Continental divide in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde and down to the surfers riding waves on Playa Hermosa in the Pacific Ocean. Here my journey begins at the top. Buried in mist and tropical plants, hiking through the forest here is a fantastic experience that is overwhelming and refreshing all at once.

Bermuda is a beautiful and rich island that possesses a charming, old-fashioned, yet calm and exotic, aura. In having visited this beautiful land twice—once for a wedding and a second time for pleasure—I would like to share my positive experience with you.

Officially, the Bermuda Islands (or the Somers Isles) are a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off of the East Coast of the United States, with a population of approximately 67,837, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous remaining British overseas territory, settled by England a century before the Acts of Union created the Kingdom of Great Britain. Bermuda's first capital, St George's, was settled in 1612 and stands as the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the Americas.

I merged onto the 5 South out of Orange County, heading towards beautiful San Diego, I looked in the rearview mirror at my reflection, smiling from ear to ear. This trip starts out like any other, on any freeway, until you look west and see the amazing ocean view. You can’t help but smile and get a little giddy, because this is a sign of what’s to come.  Just the mere thought of beautiful beaches, great Mexican food, and the incredible nightlife gave me goose bumps.

As I checked into my hotel in the Gaslamp District, I could feel the excitement in the air.  The weather in San Diego is as warm as Grandma’s apple pie.  It also reminds me of why I chose to live in California.

I started the day by taking a walk around the area in order to check out the scenery.  The people were obviously enjoying their afternoon in the sun, and everyone was absolutely fantastic.  Since it was early,

Everyone has a vision of a far-off place—a place that is everything they could ask for. For some, it may be room service in a high-rise apartment, or bottle service at some bourgy lounge surrounded by glamorous sexy women; for others, an unlimited credit card for shopping at a moment’s notice. For me? Not so much. Don’t get me wrong—I’d love to have any one of those things! Shoot…who wouldn’t?!

But as far as I’m concerned, when I think of travel, I think of places far away, where the culture is different. Where the places are exciting and new, and a far cry from the usual weekend at the dive bar around the corner or the movie theatre for some nachos and free refills on buttered popcorn. My getaway is Taiwan. At halfway around the world, it’s not just 180 degrees in distance around the globe, but also in terms of culture and social norms. It’s a great place for experiencing a world outside of the one I’ve become accustomed to, and one that I’ll never forget.

As I boarded American Airlines flight 709 LAX to Brazil, I could feel the excitement, the anticipation, and the butterflies of knowing that I was headed to one of the most amazing places in the world.  After a long year of work and no time off, I was determined to just think about life and the future.  During my flight, I made the fateful decision not to make any plans upon my arrival.  I would soon come to the realization that this would be the best decision EVER!  No other place is better to gather your thoughts than “the happiest place on earth.”  Rio is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous people. 

After landing, I jumped in a cab and headed straight to Copacabana Beach.  It took about five seconds for me to learn why so many people fall in love with Brazil.  A harmonious union, of people living and thriving as one. 

Brazil is recognized as having some of the most amazing tourist attractions in the world.  I went to Corcovado, Cristo Redentor or as many refer to it as