What a buncha animals!
Everyone knows I am an animal lover. And by now you know what that means: a visit to the zoo.
I can see your brain!
"You have to check out the Indiana Medical History Museum," I was told. "What's that?" was my question. I wasn't told much more before arriving in Indianapolis so I went in with an open mind... and I actually saw some of those -- literally. They have brains in jars all over the place.
Sunset in the desert garden
Our arrival at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was close to sunset. I was told that was the ideal time to visit because there's a light show at night where the desert and plants are lit up and magically dance to music. That is, the lights dance, not the actual plants. Not being familiar with a desert I ignorantly thought a cactus is a cactus. Not so! I got a chance to learn about the plants from all over.
Heeeeeere's Johnny!
Howdy, folks, let me tell you about my recent trip to Nashville, Tenn.
Swim the bay all the way
I'm learning there is a lot to see and do at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Set sail for an iconic adventure
A trip to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. While most tourists long to drive or even walk across it, I decided to go underneath with our friends at Adventure Cat Sailing Charters on Pier 39.
A tower of vehicles? Really? Yup!
The irony struck me immediately. A guy named Lane having a motor museum in Nashville. And that's the case for Jeff Lane who started this local exhibition, called Lane Motor Museum.
Swimming with dolphins... in the ocean (WILD VIDEO!)
There's a whole lot of controversy about swimming with dolphins that have been captured and are owned by people.
Wait, sorry, I'm feeding a ferocious WHAT that can kill me?
On the way to Zoosiana in Broussard, La., near Lafayette, I was told we'd be spending a few hours with the owner of the zoo. Owner of a zoo? A private citizen can own a zoo? That can't be right. But, oh, it is! George Oldenburg is the owner and director of Zoosiana and if there's one person I've ever met who loves animals, it's George.
Will we see any cowboy animals?
As an animal lover I couldn't wait to check out Houston Zoo. As a matter of fact, during conversation with other locals who asked me what I was doing while in town, each of them agreed that the zoo is a great place to check out.
Getting paddled in Nashville
Nashville isn't just about the honky-tonks and hot chicken, you know. Beneath the buzz of Broadway, a different kind of rhythm flows – the gentle current of the Cumberland River. I recently traded my boots for a paddle and my cowboy hat for a life vest to experience Music City from a whole new perspective: in a kayak!
Can we wrestle these gators??
It was a bit of a drive from Lafayette to McGee's Swamp Tours but it is sure worth it! The Atchafalaya Swamp is definitely your chance to get up close with alligators... but not too close. Well, you get pretty close.
Boozin' and cruisin' at PV Pride: Part 3
CRUISIN' WITH DIANA
Now that's talent!... at PV Pride: Part 2
After the Pride parade a few thousand people -- 3,000, according to organizers -- gathered to watch performances, enjoy food and drinks and dance the night away.
Sun's out, buns out for PV Pride: Part 1
June kicks off Pride month for many countries around the world. Regionally, different cities and towns have chosen various weeks and weekends throughout the year. In short, it should be Pride all the time!
Getting high all over Phoenix
"Tanner, I need you awake at 4:30 a.m. and out of the hotel shortly after." Yup, that's what everyone wants to hear on DAY 1 of their trip to Phoenix. Unfortunately, that's the reality of this assignment. (I guess there are bigger problems an employee could have.) "You're going on a hot air balloon ride to watch the sun rise over the desert." Deal!
I learned so much exploring Uranus
At first I thought Adventure Science Center in Nashville would be for kids. Maybe it is to a certain extent but adults can have a fun time, too. Turn me loose in anything I can light up or make loud and I'm all in.
Blindfolded and harnessed
Montreal is usually known for its food. At least, that was my take when researching the Canadian city. The French thing, as a Californian, scared me a little bit because I thought I would feel like I would be lost in a foreign country. I guess, in a sense, I was.
Nice shell boobies, sir; They real?
A penis shoe. Yes, that's what I discovered in Quebec City... in a museum, no less. (Keep scrolling for the dude with shell titties.)
Get your bounce on
Quebec City: historic charm, cobblestone streets, European flair, picturesque strolls, delicious poutine, incredible architecture -- and a great place to bounce your ass off!
You'll die when you see this... which is fitting
I have to admit, I was rather intrigued when I heard Houston was home to the National Museum of Funeral History. And naturally I wondered if the place would be some morbid hole in the wall. Turns out it's a pretty fancy place. There are artifacts from decades gone by including a gallery of presidential funerals, showbiz tributes, 9/11 items and so many vehicles the place could pass as a car dealership.
Getting blown in Houston
On the surface, indoor skydiving might seem scary. I'll admit, it is a little intimidating. But when I arrived at iFly Houston and saw little kids -- and even a birthday grandma -- heading into the wind tunnel, it made me think that I would have no problem taking flight and taking a successful dive.
He shoots, he scores! (Plus, FIRE!!!)
My recent trip to Montreal offered an incredible opportunity to dive deep into the city's vibrant sports culture, specifically attending a highly anticipated soccer match between CF Montréal and their fierce rivals, Toronto FC. It was an experience that truly encompassed the spectrum of live sporting events, from family activities to an incredibly intense, almost unbelievable, fan spectacle.
Biggest Barbie collection ever!
During a recent trip to Montreal, amidst the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene, I stumbled upon a truly unique and utterly fascinating attraction: the Barbie Expo.