10 extraordinary islands

in my 27 years on this planet (the 28th starts on march 21st), i have been blessed to live in some pretty amazing places. Grand Cayman Island, Karnataka, India, sunny Southern California...i've definitely been able to enjoy living in the best spots that the world has to offer. coupling in my travels to Costa Rica, Clearwater, Florida, Miami beach and more, and i have quite a bit to be thankful for.

today's post is on 10 islands that i have not yet had the pleasure of visiting, but that are definitely on the list.

10 Extraordinary Islands

please let me know your thoughts on the islands and on tropical travel in the comments below

- TM

the Hajj: a journey to Mecca

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all followers of Islam must complete once in their life. Every year Hajj takes place in the last month of the Muslim calendar, and lasts several days. Muslims from all over the world descend on Mecca, to the Ka'ba, to worship Allah. The Hajj is an amazing journey, transcending nationality, age and much more, and today's blog post is on the pilgrimage.


Below is a photographic essay from Time Magazine, as well as a letter from Hajj. Pretty amazing stuff.

http://www.time.com/time/asia/photoessays/mecca_hajj/1.html

http://www.time.com/time/asia/photoessays/mecca_hajj/letter_hajj.html

travel picture mondays #3

this week's travel picture is two shots done at one place, but it's a good one. Tampa, Florida, is one of America's best cities. Amazing weather coupled with no state income tax along with some of the best beaches in the world has the city firmly entrenched as one of my favorite places in the world. With world class museums (Salvador Dali has his own in the area), white sand beaches, raucous festivals (gasparilla is mardi gras in ybor city) and more, Tampa is Florida's hidden gem.

The photos below were taken at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This little nondescript building is home to dolphins, sea turtles and more, and allows patrons to visit with animals that are friendly and majestic. It is, in my opinion, a must visit destination for anyone heading to Tampa.