I suspect that for nearly everyone reading this, these two town names are completely unfamiliar. I’d certainly never heard of them before planning this trip to West Texas. Both sit just outside Big Bend National Park, small outposts on the edge of a vast landscape. But let’s start at the beginning. We left Fort Davis after what can only be … Read More
Alpine and Fort Davis, Texas and the McDonald Observatory
The Museum of the Big Bend is small, unlike its subject. It was a great orientation, offering a clear, engaging introduction to the region’s geology and human history, from prehistoric times to today. For such an isolated area the interactions among native Americans, the Spanish, and Americans has been very active. For those of us who are a wee bit … Read More
Marathon, Texas
Before leaving Marfa this morning, we stopped at the courthouse. Several people had told us the interior was a step back in time, and they were right. The original wood has been lovingly restored, and the architecture harkens back to an earlier West. Standing in the courtroom, I found myself thinking of Inherit the Wind with Spencer Tracy. I could … Read More
Marfa, Texas
We began with breakfast at the Sentinel, part restaurant /coffee shop, bookstore, gallery, and informal town square. Within two minutes we were in conversation with a couple from Dallas. It is the kind of place that invites connection, whether you planned it or not. Crossing the street, we wandered into a few shops. In one gallery I fell in love … Read More
El Paso to Marfa Texas
My friend Liz was flying into El Paso to join me for a West Texas road trip. I had a few free hours to fill before her arrival. Naturally, I went hunting for murals. My search took me through neighborhoods I might never have seen otherwise, and even then I only scratched the surface. With a three-hour drive ahead, I … Read More
Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle
Yesterday I went to the New York Botanical Garden with my friend Terri to see this year’s Orchid Show. While their shows are always worth visiting, this one is extraordinary. The 2026 exhibition, “The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle,” captures the energy, humor, and visual rhythm of New York. Orchids cascade from a subway station and a bus … Read More
Penang to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Last night around 10:30 pm the first explosion cracked the air, so close to my hotel that I instinctively sat upright in bed. Then another. And another. Fireworks ricocheted between buildings for more than an hour, assuring I wouldn’t sleep. I assume they were in honor of Chinese New Year, though I never confirmed it. I began my final day … Read More
George Town, Penang, Malaysia – Day 2
The heat today was relentless. I drank water constantly and still could not seem to consume enough. Within minutes my clothes were damp. I sweat profusely, occasionally feeling light-headed, and ducked into air-conditioned shops just to steady myself. Even my phone protested. At one point it overheated and switched to dark mode to cool down, something I’ve never witnessed before. … Read More
Kuala Kangsar and George Town, Penang, Malaysia
We left Ipoh early, hoping to beat the worst of the midday heat. For the first half-hour, we drove through wooded hills that could have been in New York State. That was replaced by palm plantations and rubber trees. We were heading to Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia’s royal town. Kuala Kangsar is home to the Sultan of Perak, a constitutional monarch … Read More
Ipoh, Malaysia – Day 2
By ten in the morning I gave up pretending it wasn’t hot. Not pleasantly tropical. Not “oh this is lovely and balmy.” This was the kind of heat that wraps around you and given half a chance, will strangle you. It turned walking into a strategic activity. Shade became my best friend. All the while, I kept reminding myself that … Read More