Hook Turns and Stops in Melbourne

March 19, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

“What the heck is that driver doing?” I stared in amazement at a car parked – literally – in the intersection as other vehicles whizzed by. I was astonished that I seemed to be the only concerned onlooker. When the light turned red, that car, as well as the two waiting patiently behind it, made a 90 degree turn across all lanes of traffic. No horns blared. The drivers who now had the green light did not move until the intersection was clear.

I had just witnessed Melbourne, Australia’s famous –-... [Read more]

This Guy Should Win the Best Job on Earth Contest

February 24, 2009 · Leave a Comment 

Even though he is only 42-years-old, I have known him for 100 years — at least that’s how long it has felt. I can attest to the 75 lb. weight loss and the excessive ukulele playing. The family is a gem and ready to head for Queensland with nothing more than a giant suitcase of ukuleles. Okay, so I made that part up.

More importantly, I can guarantee his desire to keep losing weight and will continue that damn ukulele playing during the rain or shine, and will probably sweep the entire island with a... [Read more]

Sydney: Inner Harbor on Foot

July 9, 2008 · 2 Comments 

The sun is fighting through the clouds and soon clearing the sky from any suspicious rain that may ruin the day. I pack a light picnic along with my swimmers and head out to the harbour. Nothing was going to stop me from having the perfect day.

It is mid-morning and Wharf 3 is already crowded with day tripper taking advantage of the warm weather of a Sydney autumn. Families with children, teenagers with their beach towels are all heading over to Manly and I am no different, however the beach is not my destination... [Read more]

Getting Aussie at Young and Jackson

January 30, 2008 · 5 Comments 

“How do you get down from a kangaroo? You don’t get down from a kangaroo; you get down from a goose,” Kevin smiled nervously in front of his silent audience and futilely tapped the microphone in front of him. Yep, it was on, but the crowd wasn’t amused. By the end of the night Team USA finished the weekly joke Contest right where we started: last. Though Australian and American... [Read more]

A New Year’s Travel Resolution

December 31, 2007 · Leave a Comment 

All good travel starts with an idea. And what’s a more comfortable way to gather those ideas than armchair traveling with In The Know Traveler?

To get your adventures started, let In The Know Traveler and a list put together by the United Nations help. While the UN is an organization that you don’t usually associate with travel recommendations, each year they rank their 175 member countries on living standards such as real income, health, and education. Why not set your travel sights on places where the... [Read more]