Something that surprised me when I mentioned to people that I was going to North Korea (or had already been when I returned) were the number of people that told me it was not possible to do so. Now, I could understand this if it were phrased as a question – something along the lines … Continue reading
A horse grazing on the edge of a Kyrgyz village where we stopped for lunch along the border with Tajikistan… Continue reading
The small size of Shebaa Farms – only a mile or so wide and several miles long – belies its significance. The next war between Israel and Hezbollah could very well start here… In 1926, when France created Lebanon, they drew the border with Syria in such a manner that it severed a number of … Continue reading
Made famous by the Bret Harte story, Outcasts of Poker Flat, which actually has nothing to do with the real town, the name “Poker Flat” will likely at least have name recognition for many people. And to expand on the previous sentence, although the Poker Flat in the story bears no resemblance to the real … Continue reading
Everyone can find something on their grocery list at the Mahane Yehuda Market and with bargain prices as a kicker, all manner of Jerusalem’s residents converge here. This makes it a fun site to visit – both for people watching and the products on display. The entrances are somewhat narrow and are watched carefully as … Continue reading
I have spoken before about the absolute collapse in visitors to the Sinai Peninsula following the turmoil of the Arab Spring and the emergence of Islamic militant groups in the area. During the visit of The Velvet Rocket staff to explore this increase in activity on the part of Islamic militants, we were given to … Continue reading
El Nevado de Toluca is an extinct volcano that created Mexico’s fourth highest peak. It also happens to be the central component of Mexico’s Nevado de Toluca National Park. The park, established in 1936, is well worth a visit and is even doable as a day trip from Mexico City. The drive out to Nevado … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 