mike247worldwide

Been to Singapore a couple times. Spent a few nights there in transit, so more than airport stops. Singapore is much as you may have heard. VERY clean and safe. I stayed both times in the Orchard Road area. But, I saw cigarette butts on the ground. AND they are MAD for chewing gum! They can possess and chew gum, but no one can buy or sell it there. Consequently, when Singaporeans come to other parts of the world they load up.

But, after not too long a time “S’pore” starts to get a little boring. The shopping is good, but it’s usually high end and you can do that anywhere.

The best part of S’pore is Chiangi Airport and Singapore Airlines (On Demand video of @70 movies, plus beaucoup music).

Visited here last fall. Landed in The Turkish Republic of Cyprus (aka Northern Cyprus). It’s only recognized by three entities, Turkey, themselves and ME. I was only there because I flew from Istanbul. Had to take a taxi to the UN Buffer Zone for the walk to the officially recognized (Greek) Cyprus. But, I was there and got my passprt stamped. It counts.

Limossol is a beautiful coastal city in the south. You’ve never tasted such olives! I didn’t get the chance to visit Paphos, but hope to in future.

A sun-drenched country only 100 kilometers from Beirut.

Fantastic!

Took a cab there from Amman, Jordan. Just wanted to see it. Stopped at Mt. Nebo along the way, which was nice. Didn’t spend alot of time at the sea, but did smear the mud all over my face (supposed to be helpful to the skin) and to taste the water.

It tasted like I ate three bags of potato chips all at once. No wonder nothing can live in it.

Went with my son. Loved it! Spent a few days at Tiskita Jungle Lodge on the Pacific side, stayed overnight near Vulcan Arenal and visited Vulcan Poas, and visited Monte Verde Cloud Forest.

Beautiful country. Very big into sustainable eco-tourism. Years ago they decided to do away with a military since in Central and South America most country’s militaries are used to suppress their own people.

Easy place for Americans. San Jose isn’t much of a place. Just a jumping off point.

I love those post-Soviet eastern Euro countries. Azerbaijan (Baku) is a country on the Caspian Sea. They have alot of economic potential due to the Caspian Sea oil pipeline.

Close to Iran, but TOTALLY secular. In fact, in fron of the Iranian Bank AND a Mosque is a statue of a woman throwing down her veil! It’s a country with a young population. Very friendly. Unique.

Going back in the spring.

The people. Puertoriquennos are among the friendliest people in the world. Good luck with your spanish. They speak Spanglish. The food is not especially noteworthy. Mofongo is the big native dish.

Fabulous beaches, El Yunque rainforest (the only tropical rainforest in the US NAtional Park system), El Morro Castle in old San Juan, Ponce, the Cordillero, Old San Juan, the Wyndham El San Juan on a Saturday night. Excellent!!

Picture is from the Oval Bar at the Wyndham El San Juan. The best place for friends, music and dance on the island. Period!
(The ‘stash is no more.)

Went to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in 2003. Had a great time. Pakistan is possibly the most anti-American country in the world. But, I was only treated with kindness and welcome. The history is incredible. The food is awesome, if hot. The people are very friendly.

The Mango shakes are the best in the world.

The picture is of me and a Pakistani Ranger Guard at a Mosque in Lahore.

Spent a few days in Istanbul last year (2005). It was right at the start of Ramadan. What a wonderful time! Music and aromas and LOTS of people filled the evening streets. Visited the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet), Haggia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

I highly recommend.

Oman is great. Very clean. Very accepting of others. A Muslim country, but quite secular. Arguably the first country in the world to officially recognize the United States back in the late 1700s. I saw a copy of the declaration in the US Embassy in Muscat.

Musrah Souq was once a somewhat chaotic, fascinating place, about a 20 minute ride from Muscat. In the past couple years it has been cleaned up, sanitized. The soul has gone out of it. There are a few very interesting shops left, but it ain’t what it used to be. But then, neither am I.

I believe you must make at least the four day hike of the Inca Trail to “earn” Machu Picchu.

The picture is the first view of Machu Picchu from Intipunku, the Sun Gate. Only the Sun that morning was liquid.