Embarking on a voyage from Bali to Japan through the South China Seas is akin to flipping through a vibrant scrapbook of history, culture, and hilariously improbable transportation methods. Our first stops, Coron and Manila in the Philippines, offered stark contrasts, like comparing a serene, eco-conscious yoga retreat to the bustling chaos of a New […]
Category: Culture
As the endless tapestry of the blue horizon unfolds before us, signaling the start of our three-day nautical jaunt to Coron, Philippines, my mind can’t help but wander back to the enchanting whirlwind that was Bali. With its myriad temples, artisanal villages, and the allure of exocitc new ports to call on aboard the Silversea’s […]
In the tapestry of dreams woven by my youth, far-off lands beckon with a mystique that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Bali, an island etched in the collective consciousness as a destination for the elite—the jet setters and the yachting crowd—promised a glimpse into a life of unparalleled success and achievement. For me, […]
The time has come to move on from Doha, and with our luggage in tow, we head to the airport prepared from the lessons learned at our prior check-in. All the bags were adjusted without overages, and I was ready for the additional luggage charge. For the extra suitcase, the ticket agent was kind and […]
Qatar, a nation often shrouded in mystery due to its lesser frequency of visitors compared to European tourist hotspots, stands as a beacon of transformation and intrigue in the Middle East. This essay delves into the substantial changes I observed upon my return, offering insights into Qatar’s historical context, its meteoric rise to economic prominence, […]
After seven long years, the moment to return to Doha had finally arrived. My last memories were of a city under construction, the landscape dominated by the ambitious rise of infrastructure and skyscrapers that promised to redefine its skyline. Doha, a city where I had dedicated years to the noble cause of medical research and […]
As promised, after my daughter’s remarkable academic journey and her acceptance into Tulane Medical School, we embarked on a voyage to commemorate her achievements and savor the moments before the demanding years of medical education began. Our journey spans continents and cultures, promising to be a tapestry of exploration, celebration, and reflection. We begin on […]
By Michael L Weiss As I write this article, my heart is heavy with the weight of history and the echoes of a night in Nazi Germany that forever changed the course of humanity. The date was November 9-10, 1938; it became known as Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. It was what many considered an […]
The images of the brutal terror attack from Israel are beyond belief. Civilians were ripped from cars; women raped and beaten brutally marched through the streets of Gaza to jeering crowds; children and youth murdered in mass at a concert has no place in our world. Please make no mistake: this is not the action […]
Author: Michael L Weiss Today we all stared into the face of Evil and were reminded it still exists, waiting for the right moment to raise its head. The study of the Jewish people is one of great jubilation and despair, accounting for less than 1% of the global human population Jews have contributed so […]