The Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma, is the most sacred to Buddhists.

On this my third visit to Burma, the Shwedagon Pagoda (temple) in Rangoon is just as amazing to me as it was on my first visit some 17 years ago.

Thousands worship at Shwedagon every day.

It is Burma's most sacred Buddhist site and thousands of devotees visit every day including hundreds of monks, both male and female and of all ages.

The west gate to the temple is guarded by mythical beings.

Situated on a hilltop outside of city center, the Shwedagon Paya is visible from almost anywhere in Rangoon. The tall stupa is painted gold and covered in gold leaf as are many other structures on the large site.

Night and lights put a whole new perspective on Shwedagon.
At night, lights draw attention to this magnificent structure.

Kouang Si falls are a popular excursion from Luang Prabang.

It's always fun when ones expectations are exceeded and that's what happened when we visited Kuang Si Falls outside of Luang Prabang, Laos.

The slate green gray waters of Kouang Si falls are unique to this part of the world.

The falls are extensive with many pools and cascades. Some are designated as areas where one can swim, but there's always some yahoo who goes independent and swims in areas the park is trying to preserve.

Oh and did I mention the crowds. Tons and tons of people, but despite the hoards of tourists, the falls are worth a visit.

The falls form pools in some areas and cascade over rocks in others.

These golden Buddhas adorn the premises of one of Luang Prabang's many temple grounds.

What always amazes me when I visit a Buddhist country such as Laos, is the passion people have for their religion. The people are Buddhist first and nationals second. Coming from a county where money usually comes first and religion somewhere down the list, it is fascinating and impressive.

Phenomenal gold relief work on the outside of this temple depict Laos history.

To honor Buddha, the people of Luang Prabang have built temples where they worship. Many have gold relief artwork and gold leaf guilted statues.

This tall standing Buddha is another replication of the master.

Other temples such as the ones near Luang Prabang's most religious site, Wat Xieng Thong, have intricate mosaics.

Glass mosaics decorate this small temple.

Intricate artistry of inset glass is unique to this temple.

After the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and the dirty dusty streets of Vientiane, Luang Prabang nestled in central Laos, is a welcome respite. However, the downside is that it ha been discovered and in short order will be overrun by tourists from all parts of the world.

Luang Prabang is a walking town. But need be you can hire a "tuk tuk" to take you around town for a dollar or less or pedal a bike.

What does one do in Luang Prabang? Relax, walk around the local markets and eat. Of course, there are excursions too, but I will save that for later. Right now I'm content doing basically nothing other than visiting a few of the wonderful Buddhist temples.

Local women make a variety of handicrafts for purchase in numerous street markets.

Oh did I mention the beautiful sunsets over the Mekong River?

The best part of the day is sunset with the mighty Mekong River in the background.

A mythical creature guards the grounds near Wat Phra Kaew.

I haven't been to Thailand for several years and I'm happy to report that the temples here in Bangkok are more splendid than I remember. In the 90 degree, 90 percent humidity heat I can only tolerate being out “templing” for about three hours.

I'm starting with a visit to Wat Pho and its amazing reclining Buddha.

Mammoth in size, the reclining Buddha stretches about 140 feet from head to toes.
This reclining Buddha is the largest in the world.
After Wat Po, I'm off to the Grand Palace along with Wat Phra Kaew which house the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Po, home of the amazing reclining Buddha, is also host to dozens of gilded stupas and temples.

To make things easier, I'm taking a riverboat taxi down Bangkok's main artery, the Chao Phraya River.
Grand Palace complex grounds are a short walk from the shores of the Chao Phraya River river and easily accessible via river taxi.

While river taxis are incredibly crowded, they beat the headache and cost of trying to go by taxi to anywhere in Bangkok anytime of the day.

Chao Phraya river is the main artery through Bangkok shown here from my hotel window.

After thirty hours elapsed time (twenty in the air) flying to SEA to catch a flight to Taipei, flying back over Alaska, three hours on the ground in Taipei then three hours to Bangkok, two hours in customs and an hour-long traffic clogged drive to my room, I made it!

Pad Thai in Thailand was way too irresistible! Plus the guy has been making it on this street corner for years.

Then I did something I tell everyone not to do. I ate street food! My trusty travel guide (book) said it was okay and it looked sooooooooooo good. I gobbled down my favorite chicken satay with a side of Pad Thai, in Thailand no less. It was delicious.

Chicken satay cooked over an open fire, my favorite! With peanut sauce to die for...

The following day I felt a little nauseated, but then who wouldn't after my long trip. I made myself a fried egg for breakfast as my rented room had a kitchen. So far so good. It wasn't until after a restaurant lunch and four hours later that everything came rumbling up. I was sicker than a dog.

The following day I spent in bed, but was happy to be alive. Upon reviewing my gastronomic choices, I'm now convinced I jumped to the wrong conclusion. It wasn't the street food.

It was the incredible edible egg, but not this one! It's the only food that my healthy friends didn't eat.

A refreshing glass of fresh squeezed tangerine juice. Who can resist? Not I.

My top spot! Rajasthan in Northern India.

“Where are your favorite places to travel?” I am often asked. Below are places I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Rajasthan, Northern India: India is one of my favorite countries and I have visited several times. Rajasthan remains my favorite venue for the following reasons. The people are fantastic. The culture is varied and interesting. It is like no other place in the world, very, very different. The major problem is getting there. It is really, really far from the States.

If you like archaeological sites, don't miss Tikal. My all time favorite.

Tikal archaeological ruins in Guatemala are truly magical. Buried in the jungle, the large site remains off of the beaten path and fairly hard to get to, but once you are there you are encased in a gone by era. There are three good hotels on the grounds near the entrance and it’s a must to stay longer than a day. I stayed five including travel to and from Guatemala City by air. (Don't bother visiting the dirty, crime-ridden capital.)

Central Mexico is my favorite place in the country. Its people are wonderful and steeped in the true Mexican culture.

Departing from Guadalajara via bus, I visited the cities of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, and Monterrey. Central Mexico is one of my favorite travel destinations. The people are wonderful, the culture is vivid and it’s the Mexico you don’t see at seacoast resorts and border cities. It’s the real Mexico.

Yangshou in southern China situated on the beautiful Li River is another "don't miss".

Yangshou, Southern China, is a picture postcard city where you can float the Li River passing by limestone pinicles adorning the shoreline. It’s the China of ones dreams with delightful people and tons to see and do. Fly out of Hong Kong and you can add extra adventure to your trip. Can’t wait to go back.

I could go on, but will save it for future blogs…Happy New Year and happy planning, Gloria

Christmas

It's 9pm Christmas Eve. and we are awaiting our only family member to join us to celebrate this holiday. No matter what Christmas means to you, it's a time of year to think about what is really important in life. A special time of thanksgiving. I find there are always things that are sad, but that on this holiday to remind myself there are more to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my family, for my friends, for my readers and for many, many other things too numerous to mention.

Merry Christmas to one and all...Gloria

Don’t know if you saw the front-page ADN article on Dec. 10th regarding the “debut” of the new body scanners at Ted Stevens Intl. Airport. I did. And I was really disappointed that the reporter didn’t ask about the hazard of radiation exposure from the machines to travelers and workers.

The Alaska machines are the newest technology that use “millimeter waves” which emit non-ionizing radiation or terahertz waves. The only concern expressed in the article seemed to be privacy issues and since the new scanners “do not create a detailed picture of passengers” the reporter seemed content.

Anyone who flies a lot or a little should be aware of the potential danger both types of machines. The older technology found in the majority of machines in U.S. airports, use x-rays that emit ”backscatter radiation". The newer technology used in Alaska and a few other places uses millimeter waves, but the machines also emit radiation. The use of X-ray machines is one reason that the European Union discontinued the use of scanners using this technology on Nov. 14.

The jury is out on the long-term consequences of human exposure to both types of radiation. What is known is that backscatter radiation is deposited on the skin and that millimeter waves also know as terahertz waves can damage DNA.

One of my readers expressed this concern:
“The issue is also non-regulation, no average dose and no oversight. Who is calibrating these machines? These are highly dangerous medical devices. Hospitals calibrate them carefully. It turns out that no one is supervising them at airports, so we don't really know how big a dose we are getting. Furthermore, the personnel running them are not professionally trained medical technicians.”

I agree with my reader when she sums up the potentinal danger to travelers and TSA workers exposure to these machines: “I find it outrageous and infuriating. We don't know the effects, and of course, it will be difficult in the years to come to blame these machines as the cause of cancer, as the effects take years to manifest.”

I for one will continue to “opt out” and take a different mode of transportation when I can.

Note: I contacted the reporter who wrote the story, however, as of today, he has not responded to my e-mail.

Every year I make up a travelers' gift list from scratch and find that I have thought of the same things from the year before. They are items that generally I leave in my suitcase for the next trip.

This year I'm adding online links to other blogs and sites with items not listed here. Happy shopping.

1. Tripod for point and shoot camera, for the person with a short arm trying to take a self portrait or for use when taking a timer shot.
2. A headlamp. This may sound more like a camper’s delight, but they are so handy when you travel, especially if you are traveling off the beaten path and are walking at night. You also can use a headlamp to read in bed or on the plane when the overhead light is way too dim or misdirected.
3. Mini flashlight to use in the middle of the night in your room so you don’t stumble or think the closet is the bathroom. (Don’t laugh, I’ve done that.)
4. Leg money pouch, to deter wise crooks. I met a couple in Peru that had to take off all their clothes when they were robbed, but what are the chances if you’re in a crowd.
5. Travel Alarm Clock. I think a girl or guy for that matter can never have too many travel clocks. When I’m not on the road, I set one for the time in Denver where my daughter lives and one for Nebraska where my mother and brother live. Make sure it has a face that lights in the dark.
6. Small folding travel bag. I always carry a small collapsible bag to put items in when I shop or to put items from my carryon into for easier access on the plane. That way I don’t leave my glasses case in the seat pocket nor do I have to lug down my carryon from the overhead rack to get my book or something else I need. I pack the small bag in the gate area and put my purse in it too.
7. TSA combination locks for your luggage. Like alarm clocks a traveler can never have too many. Use them to lock your checked luggage and also your carryon luggage. That way if the security dudes lose, cut or destroy the lock on your checked bag, you have an extra and don’t have to pay inflated airport prices. I always have at least two extra locks along. I also put them on my backpack and camera case too. Better to be paranoid than plundered is my motto.
8. A neck pillow. I love my beanie neck pillow. No matter what kind of airline seat I’m in, my head never feels comfortable . Plus my beanie neck pillow doubles as a bed pillow if I don’t like the one provided by my hotel.
9. A plug adapter. I take a travel hairdryer ($10 at Wal-Mart) and flat iron on trips. (Make sure they are dual voltage. Adapters don't adjust voltage, I leaned the hard way.) These multi-plug adapters can be used anywhere in the world to adapt their American style plug prongs to the local type used.
10. Travel Blankee. Since many airlines no longer provide pillows or blankets, you can pack your own. An alternative for the ladies is to wear a shawl. It works great as a cover and looks trendy slung over your shoulder when you're out and about.

Check out these site for other ideas:
7 Best Holiday Gifts for Travelers
10 Best Travel Gifts Under $30
Off beat big ticket ideas from Forbes

Would love to hear your ideas too. Post a comment below or e-mail me.

Some things never cease to amaze me like the size of Alec Balwin’s ego, not to mention his ignorant behavior.

Baldwin was kicked off an American Airline's flight for refusing to turn off his cell phone and trash mouthing the crew.

Boeing Corporation has reported that cell phones and other electronic devices can interfere with navigational equipment, but this jerk either doesn’t believe it or thinks he’s God. Maybe both.

Kudos for you, American Airlines for kicking butt for the rest of us that fly.

Beautiful, but...

It looked so good on the Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO 222047) website, but reality was different.

The beautiful home, Casa de Suenos Magicos, pictured above is not exactly the rental you get. Only the first floor. There is no mention that the owner lives upstairs, which wasn't all that bad, but we thought we were renting the whole house. First wrong impression.

Also not mentioned was that the casita, which is actually the third bedroom, is a separate dwelling located at street level below the pool and is not air-conditioned. Trucks begin rumbling down the well-traveled road at 7am and the drone of the swimming pool filter and pump sharing a common wall make it impossible to enjoy a daytime nap.

The owner calls both the house and casita “brand new”, but they are remodeled from old structures.

“Just 50 steps” from the beach” turns out to be more like 200 down a steep cobblestone hill and litter strew road. “ “Beachside Casa”, as listed in the VRBO headline makes one think that the property is beachside not up the hill with virtually no view of the beach unless you go up on the rooftop terrace above the owner's residence.

Viewed from the far end of the pool, this open-air restaurant is on the other side of the "six-foot privacy wall".

Even more upsetting is the fact that the house and casita are right next door to an outdoor restaurant where the workers blast music while they are preparing or cleaning during the day and the dinner crowd can be raucous during the evening, one evening until midnight. Yes the owner did build a “six foot wall that protects your privacy”, but your privacy is from the restaurant employees and diners.

Lying by omission or exaggerating the truth is plain old lying and renters who pay cash (nearly $3,000) in advance have little if any recourse when they realize they have been duped. A shrug of the shoulders is little consolation.

Unfortunately, the VRBO website allows owners to only show positive comments if they wish. That's why this rental has 15, five star reviews. Plus there is no way of knowing who really wrote them.

As I told the owner, the lower part of his home that he rents is wonderful along with the pool, but the hot, bug ridden noisy casita is terrible. Making people think that the property is on the beach and only 50 steps away is wrong. Omitting the fact that the property is right next door to a busy restaurant is at best irresponsible.

Unwanted casita guest.

If you are looking for a VRBO beware. Any owner (or dishonest scammer) can advertise anything, true or not.

This experience has taught me, that if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

If you’ve been reading my blogs, you know that I don’t approve of X-ray body scanners. When I fly, I chose to ”opt out” if chosen to go through one. I’ve been groped, humiliated, bullied and made to stand still without moving for twenty minutes until the TSA finds a female to pat me down, but I still continue to “opt out”.

The reason I ”opt out” is because I’m suspect of the safety of the scanners. And now the European Commission has banned their usage stating in a press release:

"In order not to risk jeopardising citizens' health and safety, only security scanners which do not use X-ray technology are added to the list of authorised methods for passenger screening at EU airports."

Read this article before you walk through another body scanner.

Past blogs:
Are body scanners safe for children?

TSA held accountable for body scanner radiation

The beach at Sayulita caters to foreign tourists.

Read the hype and you think that you are going to some quaint villages when you go to San Pancho and Sayulita, Mexico about 25 north of the chaotic tourist Meca of Puerto Vallarta. While the literature makes them seem ideal, reality doesn't match the hype.

"You want massage?" Look no further.

The influx of Americans, both U.S. and Canadians, have turned these once quaint villages into their newly acquired territories, replete with locals catering to their every need. “You want massage?” “You want mushrooms?” “You want hamburger or smoothies?” It's all at your fingertips.

Modern homes built by rich foreigners litter the hillsides of Sayulita's once quaint village.

“You want local culture?” “You want laid-back local villages?” “You want to know you are somewhere outside of America or Canada?” Look elsewhere.

ATM machines allow foreigners to get cash, that is if the machines are working which they weren't.

Sorry, but San Pancho and Sayulita with their large resident population of foreigners and trained locals catering to their every need is just not my cup of tea. You won't see me going back.

A local restaurant tries to attract the American crowd.

Amazing how our American holiday is now celebrated in so many countries, like here in Mexico in San Pancho 25 or so miles north of Puerto Vallarta.

Fire roasted turkeys cook all day long.

Then again there has been an American invasion with thousands of US citizens and Canadians living here year round. So I guess it's really not that unusual.

I'm sure the turkey is wonderful, but when in Mexico, I prefer to enjoy fresh Mahi Mahi and a margarita. I'll wait until I'm home to enjoy my turkey dinner.

Our vacation rental house outside of San Pancho, north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

It seems like a distant memory, running through the airport parking lot at -20 windchill factor to retrieve my purse that I inadvertently left in the car. Tears of frustration froze on my cheeks as I was dressed for my impending departure for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a mere 110 degrees warmer.

However arriving at our VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) about 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta in the sleepy village of San Pancho make it worth while. Above is the view I woke up to the following morning.

Suffice it to say, the 90 degree temperatures are worth it. Our rental house is amazing. If you'd like to know where I'm staying, e-mail me.

Buenas Noches!

Until then buenas noches, I'm off to finish my margarita.

I am truly enamored with Santa Fe. One reason may be that it is such a contract to my homestate. Its Pueblo buildings, long history with the Spanish and Native Americans along with its modern day flair, make it a wonderful city to visit.

The forever changing movement of the sun creates shadows on the surface of adobe buildings creating delicious eye candy.

Of course, in the New Mexico tradition, churches abound.

From the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

to the modest.

Sculptures abound as well.

Outside of Santuario de Guadalupe is the demure Saint Bernadette of Lordes.

This bronze sculpture of Estella Loretto outside of the Basilica commemorates the first North American Indian saint.

Santa Fe is a photographer's city. Around every corner lies a photo.A traditional ladder displays tempting souvenirs.
Even a simple wall entices shutterbugs.

On the weekends, local Native artists display their goods outside of the Palace of the Governors on the city plaza.

Artists at the Palace of the Governors.

Looking for a place to stay, check out the Inn and Spa at Loretto.

Smack downtown just off the Plaza, this is my choice of where to stay in Santa Fe.

For more information on the subject of these photos, check out the following links.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Bernadette
Estella Loretto
Santuario de Guadalupe
Palace of the Governors

I am truly enamored with Santa Fe. One reason may be that it is such a contract to my homestate. Its Pueblo buildings, long history with the Spanish and Native Americans along with its modern day flair, make it a wonderful city to visit.

The forever changing movement of the sun creates shadows on the surface of adobe buildings creating delicious eye candy.

Of course, in the New Mexico tradition, churches abound.

From the grand Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.

to the modest.

Sculptures abound as well.

Outside of Santuario de Guadalupe is the demure Saint Bernadette of Lordes.

This bronze sculpture of Estella Loretto outside of the Basilica commemorates the first North American Indian saint.

Santa Fe is a photographer's city. Around every corner lies a photo.A traditional ladder displays tempting souvenirs.
Even a simple wall entices shutterbugs.

On the weekends, local Native artists display their goods outside of the Palace of the Governors on the city plaza.

Artists at the Palace of the Governors.

Looking for a place to stay, check out the Inn and Spa at Loretto.

Smack downtown just off the Plaza, this is my choice of where to stay in Santa Fe.

For more information on the subject of these photos, check out the following links.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Bernadette
Estella Loretto
Santuario de Guadalupe
Palace of the Governors

There are several turnouts along the "high road" providing sweeping views of the dessert landscape.

I am headed to Santa Fe for the rest of my New Mexico visit. Last time I followed Highway 68, but this time I am taking the ”high road” as they call it, guaranteed to be more scenic with lots of vistas and cultural sites along the way.

Indeed it is. Following Highway 518 out of Taos to Highway 75, my first stop is the Picuris Pueblo. Unfortunately the Pueblo is closed to visitors. When visiting Pueblos, it is best to phone ahead to see if they are open.

San Jose de Garcia Catholic Church in Las Trampas on Highway 76 was contructed in 1760.

My next stop on highway 76 is a beautiful old mission church, San Jose de Garcia Catholic Church constructed in 1760 in Las Trampas. I and my husband are the only ones viewing this magnificent adobe structure. I can't enter the church as it is locked, but it is well worth contemplating from the outside.

Santuario de Chimayo mission church was constructed over the holy dirt found on the site.

My favorite stop is ”El Santuario de Chimayo” and the Santo Nino Chapel. The church is open and and I marvel at the beautiful, rustic interior taking a small handful of the holy dirt that is claimed to have healed hundreds.

The gate Santuario de Chimayo is made of traditional adobe.
My heart is heavy when I visit the Santo Nino (Children's) Chapel and see dozens of tiny shoes representing souls of loved ones that have departed earlier and their photographs on the wall.

Nearby Santo Nino Chapel is a short walk.

I highly recommend taking the ”high road” to Santa Fe. The high dessert scenery is spectacular on a sunny day and the spiritual stops along are truly moving.

This canyon carved by the Rio Grande is 650 deep.

Ten miles outside of Taos, New Mexico on highway 64, lies the Rio Grande Gorge, 650 feet below the dessert plains. While driving to the Gorge, I was really questioning if we were driving in the right direction.

We passed community after community on the hill-less, flat land that parallels the highway. It seemed impossible that a deep canyon lie ahead. It wasn't until we were upon it that the canyon revealed itself. I was glad I wasn't on a galloping horse across the wilderness, that in retrospect must have claimed at least a few lives.

This award winning bridge allows vehicles to cross the canyon via Highway 64.

The Rio Grande Gorge and the bride that crosses it is a must see and a site to behold. Walking across the bridge on the narrow walk way is not for the faint of heart, especially when an 18 wheeler rambles across shaking the bridge and its occupants. Maybe that is why an engineering crew was working on the bridge supports during our visit shutting down one lane. Best not to think about that when you are peering 650 feet down.

A shadow of the bridge and water below is only visible mid-day when the sun is directly overhead.