Laurie Vander Velde’s 15-day Adriatic cruise delivered stunning destinations, exceptional service, and effortless logistics—but left her reflecting on what was missing. In this thoughtful essay, she explores the difference between sightseeing and meaningful travel, and why her next journey may focus less on checking off destinations and more on authentic connections.
Travel writer Carolyn Handler Miller ventures beyond Cairo’s polished museums in search of something real—and finds it in the winding, unfiltered streets of Islamic Cairo. What begins as curiosity becomes a humbling encounter with the limits of tourism, where authenticity resists easy access and the unfamiliar lingers long after the journey ends.
On a rain-soaked Burmese night, a lover confesses a story that chills the air: once accused of murder in a Khartoum hotel after a brutal crime next door. What follows is a tense flight across borders, where justice feels uncertain and survival depends on instinct. Elena Seroshtan recounts a haunting travel tale of danger, memory, and secrets shared in the dark.
As a child, Carolyn Handler Miller dreamed of desert caravans and daring explorers. Decades later, she travels to Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom cautiously opens to visitors, exploring Jeddah and the sandstone wonders of Al Ula. What she encounters is more layered than legend—an intimate meeting with history, contradiction, hospitality, and the quiet awe of the desert at dusk.
A day trip from Medellín, Colombia, becomes an immersive cultural journey as Karen Gershowitz explores Guatapé with a local driver who brings the region’s history and landscape to life. From the rebuilt town of Peñol to Guatapé’s vibrant streets, decorative zócalos, and iconic rock formation, the visit reveals a joyful community where color, art, and daily life intertwine.
In the depths of the northern “Big Dark,” Eric Lucas makes the gentle case for doing nothing—and finding peace there. As rain lashes the windows and ambition goes dormant, a gray winter day becomes a kind of true nirvana: no striving, no guilt, just rest, reflection, and the quiet wisdom of letting the season be what it is.
Crossing into Northern Ireland, Karen Gershowitz expected tension—but found warmth instead. In Belfast’s murals, Peace Walls, and conversations with locals, she discovered a place both scarred and healing, divided and welcoming. Her journey reveals how history still hums beneath everyday life—and how resilience shapes what visitors find today.
In his moving new post, Eric Lucas recalls a reunion that revealed a shared life-changing milestone. Decades later, memories of friendship, courage, and loss linger—reminding us that some journeys can only be traveled once.
After a restorative spa retreat in Ixtapan de la Sal, Karen Gershowitz ventures beyond the walls to discover Toluca’s breathtaking Cosmovitral Jardín Botánico—an art-and-nature marvel of stained glass and gardens—and Metepec’s vibrant traditions, street food, and festival spirit. Beauty, flavor, and memory prove the best souvenirs, found not on maps but in exploration.
B.J. Stolbov reflects on how three simple phrases—"Not my problem," "I don’t know," and "I have no opinion"—help him cut through the noise of daily life. With warmth and honesty, he shares how these words keep him grounded, free from unnecessary stress, and focused on what really matters. His personal story might just inspire you to embrace a simpler, more peaceful approach to life.
A skeptic’s journey becomes a calling, as Elyn Aviva recounts her unexpected experience channeling ancient voices—Plotinus, Hypatia, and The Collective. What began as a startling encounter in a Girona café evolved into a yearlong spiritual dialogue, culminating in a memoir of healing, wisdom, and radical inner change.
Laurie Gilberg Vander Velde’s journey to sell her Santa Fe home took an unexpected turn when her friend Judie suggested sending a wish to another dimension—just as they had done 14 years ago at Cahokia Mounds to sell their St. Louis house. Through creative wish-making, from a Santa Fe river to a return visit to Cahokia, Laurie’s journey proves that faith, change, and a touch of magic can bring surprising results.
In Waiting for Godot, Estragon and Vladimir’s squabbles capture life’s absurdity and, as Eric Lucas reflects in this essay, the vital role of human connection. Lucas draws on Beckett’s tumultuous life and his own encounters with the play to reveal its message: amid a chaotic, uncertain world, our shared bonds—however imperfect—affirm our existence and sustain us.
In this essay, Elyn Aviva shares an extraordinary personal experience after returning to live in Girona, Spain. While enjoying coffee with her husband, Gary, she unexpectedly began channeling the 3rd-century philosopher Plotinus. Aviva explores deep spiritual questions through continued meditative encounters and reflects on the unexpected journey of traveling to unseen realms.
On an ordinary thrift store visit for sweats, Irene Sardanis' life took a drastic turn. A fall resulted in a broken hip and a challenging recovery journey. The journey to recovery was tough, but her husband's unwavering support made all the difference. Humbled and more grateful, she embraces her new self, learning to navigate life with patience and resilience. Discover her inspiring story of transformation.
Join Carolyn Handler Miller on an adventure through Cambodia's vibrant culture, where ancient traditions meet modern-day wonder. Amid the grandeur of Angkor Wat, an unexpected invitation leads to a mesmerizing Apsara dancing performance. But it's not just about the graceful movements—it's about the magic of a humble red yarn and the blessings it carries.
Embark on an unexpected journey with Carolyn Handler Miller through Vietnam and Cambodia, where an accidental injury confines her to a wheelchair. From VIP treatment at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to forming bonds in the 'wheelchair women's club,' this is a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and unexpected discoveries amid unforeseen challenges.
Drawing parallels to personal family history, writer Eric Lucas reflects on the distinction between "the law" and "justice." With a blend of wit and gravity, he challenges the notion that legality always aligns with morality, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of art theft and historical injustices.
Embark on an extraordinary odyssey with Dr. Allen Steven Lycka as he defies the odds, conquering the Minnie Mine trail, not as an athlete, but as a survivor of misdiagnosed ALS. Tackling the uphill battle with a weakened body and unwavering determination, he weaves a narrative of resilience, unexpected kindness, and the triumphant spirit that prevails against life's most formidable challenges.
Digging into deep connections between people and their stuff, Carolyn Handler Miller compares John Steinbeck's Western Flyer to her Subaru Impreza. Reflecting on shared journeys, breakdowns, and revivals, the article culminates in the poignant homecoming of the Western Flyer to Monterey, CA.
