Author Archives: RJ

About RJ

Ray Johnson is the Executive Director of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. He writes about food and wine, his travels and the business of wine. He makes his home in Sonoma County, California.

Cosme

The Mexican inspired cuisine is extraordinary, not only to eat but also to take in visually. I joined one of our alumni for lunch and was inspired by the complexity and presentation of the tasty array of small plates that … Continue reading

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Etosha Aoba Lodge

Onguma Game Reserve, located on the east side of Etosha’s fence line, offers a number of accommodation options. We chose to stay in one of the bush suites at Etosha Aoba Lodge, one of the eleven thatched-roof bungalows, where the … Continue reading

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Bush Walks at Onguma Nature Reserve

Walking in the wilds of Africa is indeed a treat and one that we pursue whenever available, after first experiencing the opportunity in Kruger. In planning this trip to Etosha, Linda found that the team at Onguma makes these bush … Continue reading

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Halali Rest Camp

A great pool provided a break from the late-afternoon heat spikes. The double rooms were streets ahead of those at Okaukuejo and Dennis took us on a superb 5:30 a.m. drive to see the animals. We hit the jackpot with … Continue reading

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Okaukuejo Waterhole

The animals who visited on the first night of our stay included three black rhino, three giraffes, two jackals and an assortment of avian friends. The waterhole is floodlit after dark to improve the visibility. In this seemingly improbable scene, … Continue reading

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Hilton Windhoek

This hotel is a great place to recharge after a long flight into Namibia. En route to see the big animals at Etosha National Park, we spent a night to catch up on our sleep before the distant drive north. … Continue reading

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Molokini Snorkeling Aboard the Calypso

The snorkeling is enjoyable for its experience of almost exclusively small fish along the edge of the rock.  The personal learning for me:  find a great area of coral and stop, just float and watch the activity unfold.  Previously I … Continue reading

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Iao Valley State Monument

The landscape is stunning and lush in this verdant valley, a beautiful park to visit that is easily accessible from Kahalui.  As such, it is overrun with visitors so it is prudent to visit early in the day.  The hike … Continue reading

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Fork & Salad Maui

Compelling salads are dressed and tossed to order – nothing pre-made and boxed.  Added protein options include seared ahi tuna.  Kombucha and homemade lemonade make for refreshing non-alcoholic libations.  This was the first visit and I would definitely return in … Continue reading

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Hawaiian Moons Natural Foods

The freshly made to order breakfast bowls and smoothies are a delicious take-away meal for breakfast at the beach, in this case, just across the street at Kamaola One.  We’ve been on two occasions this year and on both trips … Continue reading

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