Author Archives: 34orion

  The Spa on the Costa Pacifica was called The Samsara Spa and their “hook” was that they specialized in eastern treatments. I had been curious about their Ayurvedic rituals.  Not because I thought that the east, especially India had … Continue reading →

  I held out my hand in introduction and said “My name is Paul.” She replied in perfect English “My name is Elaine.” I was not prepared for an English sounding name and embarrassed had to ask her to repeat … Continue reading →

She looks up at me as I pass by but before I can make eye contact with her I lose my situational awareness and almost bump into one of the waitresses who is carrying a tray fully loaded with drinks. … Continue reading →

The hot tropical sun, a long day of touring with people whom I could not communicate with, and the welcome air-conditioning on-board ship conspired against me so that when I flopped onto the bed in my stateroom I fell asleep … Continue reading →

    The  cabin’s steward had left on my bed a small piece of paper on which was printed my dinner assignment. It told me that I was at the first dinner which began at 6:30 PM and that my … Continue reading →

She looked as if she belonged in a Paul Gaugin painting. Long thick black hair, brown skin and curves where a woman should have curves. She moved with the grace of a lioness.  She smelled of the beach and she … Continue reading →

When my father died 8 years ago today, he left behind a legacy that could have been written by Horatio Alger. He had survived a brutal boyhood of poverty and prejudice in Vienna. Along with his family, he managed to … Continue reading →

I realize that this humor is born from nervousness. I have spent an inordinate amount of time in the past few years trying to understand The Crown, its journey, and my father’s role in its recovery. When I first decided … Continue reading →

It is March of 2015 and my wife and I are in Budapest. It is a cloudy, windy day and there is a distinct chill in the air. I am used to this weather as I have spent my whole … Continue reading →

  I was still in a fog of confusion when my mother emerged from the cell in which she was emptying my father’s lock box. When I saw her standing next to me I sputtered “Are you ready to go?” … Continue reading →