The medieval village of Brugge, Belgium, is a major tourist destination in Europe. But it only feels that way between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the Market Square is bustling with day visitors, via bus from Brussels and off the cruise ships in Zeebrugge. Still others breezing through on a […]
Laureen Haydock-Lund
Laureen Lund is a Silverdale native who has spent the past 25 years living in Gig Harbor. Retired from a career in marketing, media and public relations, Laureen and her husband, Arne, are on a multiyear world tour that will take them to all corners of the globe in search of adventure in their fabulous 50s. Laureen is a freelance writer and manager of the popular blog:
Posted inPeople & Places
Bali Lost and Found: In Search of What Was
The name Bali conjures images of lush, green jungles; turquoise blue waters; deserted, white-sand beaches and ancient temples. Bali is synonymous with bright, colorful flowers; vanilla- and lemongrass-scented teas; and beautiful, handmade art of teak, silver and woven fabric. Bali is beautiful — an island of kind and happy people with welcoming smiles and sincere […]
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Shining Sri Lanka
The name means “shining” or “glittering island.” Sri Lanka. When you step off the plane in Sri Lanka, you’ll know you are on a tropical island. The air is perfumed with the scent of tropical flowers and pungent spices like turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom. The sun kisses your face and you can feel the moist […]
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18 Reasons Namibia should be on Your Travel List in 2018
Namibia. Where, you say? You’re not alone. Few American tourists have heard of it, let alone ventured here. But this vast and undiscovered country in southwest Africa is the new safari destination for Africa, as well as so very much more. The scenery is beautiful and remote, the geology diverse and fascinating, and the wildlife […]
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Europe at Half the Price — Discover Bulgaria Before the Secret Gets Out
Are you dreaming of a European vacation with history and culture? Longing to explore ancient ruins, historic cathedrals and green mountains, and bathe in the azure blue seas? Looking for a holiday with spectacular wine and delicious cuisine? Most people pine for this kind of travel experience, but often the costs make it unattainable. So […]
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Accessing the Abel Tasman, New Zealand
New Zealand — a wonderland of jaw-dropping scenery from Milford Sound in the far south to the most northern Bay Islands. Many of its best and indescribably beautiful vistas with some of the most dramatic panoramas can only be found off the beaten track. And unfortunately, many tourists visiting New Zealand see its beauty through […]
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Enchanted in Hoi An
Many things make Vietnam magical. You feel the magic as the sun rises from the South China Sea and when the sun sets over the green rice paddies. You feel it from the genuine, kind and curious people. You taste it in the phenomenal cuisine. But there is one place in Vietnam that is more […]
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Hello, Thailand!
“Sawadee ka.” That’s hello in Thai. Sawadee ka — said with hands in prayer position (known as wai) and a tiny bow with your head. Hello from Thailand — a land of beauty and mystery. A place where royalty and religion are entwined deep in a culture of ritual and superstition. Many Americans know very […]
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Westward Ho on the Mother Road
Route 66. The Mother Road. The Will Rogers Highway. The Main Street of America. No matter how you refer to it, one of the original highways in the United States is both iconic and unrecognizable at the same time. And driving it from Chicago to Los Angeles is an adventure still today. “If you ever […]