Flower and vegetable farm in Healdsberg, CA.

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New Orleans is one of those places where you can find just about anything - from elegant & chic to down right funky - it's all there for the eyes to see. One of the things we love best about traveling is finding the little "hidden gems" of a long lost custom and shedding light on it with our videos. In our "big box container store" culture we've forgotten that somewhere out there, there are human beings making the products that we so ferociously consume on a daily basis . We've lost this connection and appreciation for the "craft" and for the human heart behind it. Here in New Orleans we discovered such a place - the Cigar Factory located in the French Quarter. Stepping into this place is like stepping back in time into a custom that is not our own. Here, they hand roll each cigar in both the Dominican & Cuban traditions, the way it has been done for centuries. In so doing, they preserve a heritage, a legacy, and way of life that is so cherished by those who seek beyond the fray to find the origins of all things good. Visit the Cigar Factory New Orleans at 415 Decatur St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 or online at: CigarFactoryNewOrleans.com

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Fritz Rauh has lived an inspired life. He has been inspired by war, nature, color and by his wife Alix. He is a prominent California painter who came to California from post WWII Germany after spending 6 years as a prisoner of war in a Russian prison camp. Fritz met Alix in an Art school in Braunschweig, Germany. They relocated to California in 1954. He had his First Solo Exhibit at the San Francisco De Young Museum in 1956. This is a story of an artist that, through adversity and great suffering, never abandoned his love of art. An Artist in a tradition inexorably tied to history and yet still alive with the spirit of love and passion for artistic creation.

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There aren't many tourists on the railway in Rangoon. It is just our kind of place. We like to see what the life of the people is really like, sans manicured tourist sites and shops. We had some time and a few hankerchiefs for the perspiration of hot steamy day in Rangoon and took a ride on the local train. The route runs in a circle, was build by the British in the days of their Empire and sees a real slice of Burmese life. There are vendors selling snacks, smokes and the ever-present betel nut chew. We rode from the main central station to Insien (pronounced - "insane") at a speed not much faster than we could walk and were serenaded by a blind musician singing traditional songs. The men wear sarongs as do the women. People were friendly but not outgoing to us obvious foreigners. Our "approved" guide was a bit uneasy with us opting for public transit but accommodated our wish in good spirit. Take a ride on the Rangoon railways.

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Join FatBellyTraveler.com as it makes a visit to the snake charmers, gets up close & personal with a few cobras, and successfully evades the onslaught of trinket sellers by using every excuse-in-the-book, which inadvertently "keeps them coming at ya." Persistence is the name of the game here and no one seems to give "up" or "in" easily. No doubt that one's view of love, life and architecture, will ever be the same after a visit to the Taj Mahal, but outside the gates of the Taj one's view will be indelibly changed as well. The Taj Mahal, in Agra, India was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is such a monument of love and passion that many would agree with the romantic quote below. "The picture of Taj Mahal does not adequately convey the legend, the poetry and the romance that shroud what Rabindranath Tagore calls "a teardrop on the cheek of time". Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. It is best described by the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." It is a celebration of woman built in marble and that's the way to appreciate it." ----Neeraj Peswani All in a days journey, where potential adventure lurks at every corner with FatBellyTraveler.com.

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Most tourists only get to Bangkok or maybe one of the beach resorts when they visit Thailand. But there is much more to this fascinating country, about the size of France, than what is commonly known. The major city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is rich with cultural treasures and natural wonders. Temples in the forest have a peaceful atmosphere, the night market throbs with life and a Tuk Tuk ride is always a thrill. The custom of releasing birds, liberating them is often practiced in the grounds of Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is considered very good Karma to be liberating creatures from their confinement. It is a metaphor of what we need to do to our own spirits. The contradiction is that the birds are raised specifically for the purpose of selling their release. One wonders about the Karma of the captors - but there are worse ways to make a living.

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In every great city throughout the world there is usually at least one place (a shop, service or experience) that stands out above the rest. It is most often a place that is soulful and unique amongst a backdrop of the predictable. A place that transports you to another time and place. A place that offers the type of experience that will charm you into pondering why everyone doesn't still do business in this way. Hove' Parfumeur in New Orleans, Louisiana is just such a place. Established in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King after the depression, turning a much loved hobby and passion into a business, she created fragrances reminiscent of Southern life and luxury. Fragrances such as Magnolia, Vetiver, Spanish Moss, and the renowned favorite Tea Olive (also known as Sweet Olive) these highly seductive blends will toy with your modern day values as they beckon you to a slower, more feminine way of life. From the moment you walk down the charming French Quarter street, passed by horse drawn buggies as you enter the one-of-a-kind shop, it is an unforgettable step back in time. The cherry wood cabinets, the glass bottles filled with golden and amber liquids, the vintage graphics, the Fourth Generation service and of course the intoxicating aromas themselves. It is a place that will seep into your skin, your memory, your soul. A romantic place that will ease your frenzied spirit and enchant everyone around you each time you dab a drop of Old World perfume on the nape of your neck. Visit Hove' Parfumeur in person or online. Allow yourself to be enchanted! Hove' Parfumeur 824 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 504-525-7827

Tags: New Orleans perfume Adventure Cityscape Cruise Culture Destination Events Landmark Museum Nature Travel Log

Laos is an unlikely desitination for most American travelers. But the intrepid Fat Belly Traveler is always interested in someplace new and especially if it is off the beaten path! While on a longer trip in South East Asia we had planned sometime in the old royal capitol, Laung Prabang. This picturesque city situated where two rivers come together is not to be missed. We will feature the monks at dawn there in another segment. We traveled by minivan and passed through a village, stopping at the local school and getting an idea of the rural poverty of the Laotian uplands. Hard scrabble agriculture, bamboo crafts and some woodwork are the only income earners. The pastorial simplicity of life and the natural beauty of a waterfall over limestone cliff bring a breath of the sublime to our outing.

Tags: Laos Norther Laung Prabang Adventure Cityscape Cruise Culture Destination Events Landmark Museum Nature

If you love being in nature and feeling as if you're standing on the edge of the earth, or if you like toying with the idea that you are the only "human" on this earth and want to go somewhere that this feels like a reality, than Point Reyes National Seashore is the place for you. Point Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000 acre park preserve located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, CA. It juts out 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean and is host to over 45% of North American avian species and nearly 18% of California's plant species. It provides breathtaking and sweeping views of the California coastline in all it's "undeveloped" glory, and provides sanctuary to twenty-three threatened and endangered species. Pt. Reyes is infamous for whale watching as the California Gray Whale makes it's annual migration from Alaska down to Baja California, Mexico, where they breed and bare their calfs, and back again. Watch this video closely and you will see a whale or two. We had a "lucky" day and spotted 8 whales at the time we were there in early April. Other frequently spotted marine life include harbor seals, sea lions and elephant seals whom have chosen Pt. Reyes National Seashore as their own breeding grounds. Enjoy a day communing with nature or take in an ecological field seminar, and take in the beauty, sights and sounds of this magical natural wonderland.

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The number of canals in Amsterdam has led the city to be know as the "Venice of the North." A canal tour is fun and relaxing and gives you a feel of the Old World culture. There are many ways to enjoy the waterways of Amsterdam from a ferry ride that stops at major tourist attractions to renting your own "houseboat apartment." Either way you go, boating around Amsterdam is a wonderful and romantic way to see the city. Amsterdam was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel. It is now the largest city in the country and has one of the largest historic city centers in Europe. During the 17th century canals ("grachten") were dug around the old city and still define Amsterdam's layout and appearance today. Many mansions, houses and warehouse were built along these canals as Amsterdam was the most important European Port City during the historic period know as the "Golden Age." Amsterdam is known for so many things that all of them stand out. From the flowers to the street art, famous museums to the "red-light district," canals to the "coffee shops", it's a city that is always sure to please.

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One of the things we love best about "road tripping" through America is the diverse culture that you find as you pass from region to region. And then of course there are the sub-cultures within each region for example, New Orleans is very different than Alabama, yet they are both very much "the South." One of our favorite things to do is to seek out the unique characteristics (foods, past-times, behaviors, language, etc.) that each area specializes in because it's the vast diversity of our Country that makes it so unusual. Most known specialties were born of local custom turned mainstream, but also these legacy's originated as a way of life and for many, it still is. This week we find FatBellyTraveler.com in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, in Franklin, just above the Georgia border. As you drive along these mountain roads a rather common site is the "roadside produce stands." Visiting the roadside stands is such a treat because each one offers a unique personality along with locally grown fresh produce and other food items specific to this region. One of the things this particular area is known for is Boiled Peanuts. They are hot, briny and soft- shelled and once you get a hankering for them, there is nothing else that can do the trick. These weren't in season this time around but if you're traveling through this area in Spring, Summer or Fall, be sure to give them a try! Other local items that make this area special are the many varied Jams & Jelly's made by the Amish community up near the Virginia border, along with cheeses, brined hams and smoked meats. We visited Tallent's produce (which has been around for 35 years!) located at 836 E. Main St., Franklin, NC. They can also be reached at: 828-369-2112. Barbara Tallent say's: "Come on down to Franklin, North Carolina" and when you do, be sure to stop at Tallent's.

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If you are lucky, you will someday find yourself sailing in the Aegean Sea from Greek Island to Greek Island. Join us for a bit of the afternoon sail into the port on Serifos. We had fair wind and the waves had yet to come up. Good sailing and lots of fun. We had chartered boats with skippers from Kalimaki Marina near Athens. Both of the boats are in the 40' range and can sleep 8 with a galley and two heads. Artists know that the light in the Greek Islands has a quality like no other. The blue is blue and the white is white and the color of sunset is a riot of orange and red. Good Sailing!

Tags: travel Adventure Cityscape Cruise Culture Destination Events Landmark Museum Serifos Greece Sailing

Five hundred years ago Xochimilco was the agricultural hub of Tenochtitlán, a metropolis of 235,000 inhabitants. Today, due to the drainage of most of the surrounding lakes, the canals of Xochimilco are all that's left. Xochimilco is in the heart of Mexico City and for Mexican's and tourist alike, Xochimilco is known as the home of the Floating Gardens. It is a series of water ways where colorfully decorated boats (trajineras) weave in and out of the crowded canals filled with happy passengers who are out for the equivalent of a Sunday drive or picnic. Along the journey the passengers are entertained with mariachi bands and solo artist serenading lovers for hire, and plied with vendors of all types. From grilled corn to hot tortillas and beer, local souvenirs and even flowers, one can have a wonderful afternoon without ever leaving their boat. The most fun for us was interacting with other "floaters." It felt as if we were personal guest at everyone else's party.

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In 1641 Shisendo was built by Josen Ishikawa. The house and garden are many people's favorite place in Kyoto. It is not of the scale of Heian Shrine or Kyomisudera, it is of a smaller, more human scale. Ishikawa has left a legacy that has far outlived him. His study of the Classical Chinese poets of his era and his devotion to the teaching of Buddha with the wisdom of Confucius are evident in the simplicity and symbolism in the garden. The main room, open to the light of day on two sides is the quintessential meditation site. Hidden at the edge of a forest in Northeastern Kyoto this special garden is one to never forget. Ishikawa was granted this land by the Shogun as a retirement gift when his military career was ended by his over zealous attack again the Toyama clan in Osaka. Though he prevailed, he had broken ranks and attacked before the order. Consequently he could no longer serve Shogun Iyeyasu Tokugawa as complete obedience was required. Tokugawa must have never-the-less appreciated Ishikawa's willingness to battle on his behalf and granted him this land.

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In the valley to the west of the drainage of Mt. Everest sits the Chiwong Monastery. This is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu Festival. The Buddhist monks dress in costumes and dance ritual dances invoking Guru Rimpoche and the times he brought the teaching of Buddha to Tibet in the 7th century. Guru Rimpoche goes by a number of name, Padmasanbaba, Dorje Trollo and others. Shot on location in the Solu Khumbu District of Nepal, the annual "long life" festival takes three days to complete. The festival atmosphere adds to the dances, the blessings culminating in the final fire purification built over a sand mandala. The Sherpas in the area take a break from farming and see something akin to a "passion play" from Europe. The dances convey concepts without writing for much of the population cannot read. Not to mention the fact that their is little entertainment high in the Himalaya. Special thanks to the Venerable Tushlig Rimpoche and the monks and nuns of both Chiwong and Tupten Choling Gompas.

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It was historic to say the least to see the Queen Mary 2 pass under the Golden Gate Bridge. One mammoth invention of the Industrial era commingling with another. I couldn't help but wonder if the soul in each even marveled at each other. The Queen Mary 2 is known as the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built. She is in all her Glory: 1132' long and 113' longer than the original Queen Mary; 147' longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall; equals the length of 41 double decker london buses end to end; her Whistle can be heard for up to ten miles; she carries a guest capacity of 3056 passengers with a crew of 1253; and she cost a whopping $800 million to build. The Queen Mary 2 was visiting the Golden Gate as part of her Maiden World Cruise which set sail from Fort Lauderdale. The 81 day cruise stops at the worlds most dazzling destinations including Paris, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cairo and San Francisco, and storied lands like the South Pacific, Cape Horn, Southeast Asia and India.

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Music and soul from the Cresent City. New Orleans, Louisiana is known for it's World class musical events. It is after all the "Birthplace of Jazz," and on just about any given day or night of the week you can stop into the most unsuspecting place, a joint here, a tavern there, and be enchanted, moved and grooved by the most talented of musicians. What I love about the music in New Orleans is that it is utterly unpretentious: It's cheap, it's plentiful and it comes directly form the soul - it is raw emotion in motion. Everybody who is "anybody" plays down there, and everybody who is nobody (all of us) gets "down" with it. The French Quarter Festival, featured in this video, is but one of New Orleans' well known events. It is however lesser known than the Jazz Festival and therefore draws a smaller, more local crowd. The musicians in the French Quarter Fest are all well known local musician's (one of the criteria) and boy do they know how to get a crowd up on their feet! The beauty of the French Quarter Fest is that you can actually roam the Quarter, and down by the river, listening to Big Band, Swing, Latin Jazz, Zydeco, Soul, Gospel and more while noshing on favorite foods from some of our Country's most notorious restaurants (Emeril's, K-Paul's, Arnaud's.....) You can break off from the crowd, breathe, spread out, come and go, and go at slower pace than the much touted and also wonderful Jazz Fest which takes place in the Fair Grounds and has a "one time entrance only policy." So, get ready to get out of your chair and up on your feet and join FatBellyTraveler for a tour of French Quarter Fest 07'. And then pick up the phone and book your reservations for French Quarter Fest 08'! Special Thanks to: French Quarter Festival All Stars with Connie Jones Leif Pedersen's Big Band Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers Marva White & the BMW's

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Hanoi is alive and well. Ride with us through the streets of Hanoi on a pedicab and get a taste of the sights and sounds that make this such a charming city. From the bustle of crowded streets, shop keepers peddling their wares, traditional Vietnamese music, and even a water puppet show, you will get a feel of the deep tradition and light-heartedness that makes this culture tick. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is located on the right bank of the Red River. The word "Ha" means river, and the word "Noi" means within, hence Hanoi actually means "river within" the city. Modern day Hanoi has belonged to many countries and has fought long and hard for their independence. Hanoi was occupied by France in 1873 and in 1887 it became the Capital of French Indochina. Hanoi was occupied by Japan in WWII between 1940-1945. Between 1946 & 1947 the Vietnamese fought for their independence from France and managed to claim North Vietnam (Hanoi) but Saigon remained French Territory. The Vietnam War and United States involvement in it, began questionably somewhere between 1954 & 1959 and lasted until the troops withdrew in 1972. The Vietnam war was officially over on April 30th 1975 and finally, on July 2nd, 1976 both North and South Vietnam were reunited and Hanoi became the capital of all of Vietnam. There are still many reminders and remains of this war torn region but, the spirit of the people are welcoming, jovial and gracious.

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I can think of no better place to drink Mescal than in Mexico where it is made. The warm dusty or tropical climate (depending on where you are) is perfect for enjoying this age old spirit......and for letting the "spirit in you" out for a little romping around. Mescal is the predecessor to tequila and has roots in the indigenous Zapotec culture whose ancestors originate thousands of years ago. Mescal is made from the Agave plant of which there are many varieties and Tequila is made primarily from the Blue Agave. The Oaxacan Central Valley is the principal producer and trader of Mescal. Join us in Oaxaca for a visit to a very unique mescal distillery where thing are still done the "old fashion way." Sonoma County wine tasting rooms have nothing on this

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