Far Horizons

January 2012 issue | Appears on page 61

Georgia on my mind
By Randy Keck
The 12th-century Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi, Georgia, is filled with amazing
An introduction to Georgia, which separates Russia from Turkey (1 of 2)
November 2011 issue | Appears on page 62

Alentejo
By Randy Keck
L’AND Vineyards complex is a viticulture mecca.

by Randy Keck (Second of two parts on Portugal)

The focus of my June 2011 journey to Portugal was four inspiring days in the central portion of the country’s largest region, the Alentejo. It was my good fortune to be hosted by the new L’AND Vineyards, only a 45-minute drive east of Lisbon.

L’AND’s setting provides views of the distant, hilltop, 13th-century castle ruins of nearby Montemor-o-novo village and proved to be an idyllic base from which to...

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October 2011 issue | Appears on page 62

Lisbon
By Randy Keck
A look at Lisbon plus a half day in Sintra (1 of 2 on Portugal)
August 2011 issue | Appears on page 63

Under the microscope: Discussing your addiction to international travel with those who just don’t get it
By Randy Keck

Many ITN readers who are addicted to international travel find themselves, periodically, in discussions with relatives, friends and acquaintances who express not being able to understand the lure, attraction, charm, etc., of international travel, particularly to very adventurous, challenging destinations.

How should the international travel addict respond?

One thing is certain. It makes no sense to ever try to force your love of international travel down someone else’s...

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July 2011 issue | Appears on page 62

Kenya and Tanzania: Serengeti to Arusha
By Randy Keck

by Randy Keck (Third of three parts, go to part one or part two)

The final portion of my February-March 2011 exploration of Kenya and Tanzania began with a drive from Ngorongoro Crater to Olduvai Gorge, where Mary and Louis Leakey painstakingly excavated the remains of some of the first humans to ever walk the Earth in an upright position. Many of their fascinating finds are on display at a small museum overlooking the gorge.

We continued on to the Serengeti, Tanzania’s...

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June 2011 issue | Appears on page 65

Kenya and Tanzania: Amboseli to Ngorongoro
By Randy Keck

by Randy Keck (Second of three parts, go to part one or part three)

My tour of Kenya and Tanzania in late February 2011 continued with my flying from the Masai Mara back to Nairobi, where I had lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, known far and wide for its meat-on-a-spit selections which are hand carved at tables by roving waiters.

Reunited with my guide Nickolas, we departed on the rather uneventful four-hour drive to Amboseli National Park, noted for its vast herds of...

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May 2011 issue | Appears on page 61

Kenya and Tanzania: Nairobi to Masai Mara
By Randy Keck

by Randy Keck (First of three parts, go to part two or part three)

After experiencing many enjoyable visits to Southern Africa over the years, in late February 2011 I finally had the opportunity to visit the East African wildlife safari stalwarts Kenya and Tanzania. My solo journey was partially hosted by longtime ITN advertiser Sita World Tours and, with a few additions and minor modifications, was similar to their “Kenya and Tanzania Highlights” tour.

The focus...

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March 2011 issue | Appears on page 68

Peja, Kosovo, plus Albania
By Randy Keck
Peja streets have room for all.

by Randy Keck (Part 2 of 2)

Continuing through Kosovo in October 2011 as guests of the American Tourism Society, our group of three journalists traveled from Pristina to Peja via the enthralling Rugova Gorge, one of the country’s most scenic attractions.

We stopped at Hani Restaurant for lunch and meetings with local tourism officials and were able to savor the beautiful display of fall colors lining both sides of the gorge. We enjoyed a meal featuring trout and other...

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