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NAMASTE

RON JAMES oy, wonder, fear, confusion, anger, disgust, amusement, and
publisher/executive editor curiosity – all are among the emotions travelers experience at
one time or another. By definition, travel forces us out of rou-
tines and comfort zones. Strange cultures, customs, languages,
foods, and situations contribute to our unease – and excite-
ment. That’s why travel is an adventure, challenging the mind,
exercising the body, and stimulating the soul. We feel vividly
Jalive and part of something much larger and complex.
This issue features stories that illustrate that range of emotions. From
death on the Ganges River to the joy of renewal in Utah, the stories in
this issue are entertaining and thought provoking.

WDT takes great pride in
our wonderful writers and
gives them the rare oppor-
tunity these days to write
Ron James is the "wine, food and travel guy." He
is a nationally award-winning print and online in-depth length stores rich
journalist, designer., television producer and radio with information, detail
personality. The native Californian's nationally and personality. Our many
syndicated wine and food columns have ap- thousands of our readers
peared in newspapers and magazines around
the world. He is passionate about great wine and have come to expect this
food and enthusiastically enjoys them every day! kind of travel journalism
and if you’re reading this,
you probably do too.
MARY JAMES We’ve grown again with
publisher/editor this issue, publishing more than 90 pages of solid editorial content.
We’ve grown because WDT is fortunate enough to attract some of
the very best travel and food writers in the industry. In this issue, the
talented writers who have contributed since our inaugural issue last
year are joined by some veteran talent making their WDT debut. Among
them are two Brits, Mark Moxon and Amy Laughinghouse, evocative
writers who can make you laugh out loud or move you with reporting
on travels with a darker side.
Another veteran writer, Lynn Barnett, offers her first perspective on
family vacations in paradise in Costa Rica where the trick is to find
something for everyone. And television celebrity Kathi Diamant offers
a fascinating look into the world of themed vacations with her experi-
ences at a literary festival in the wonderful Mexican town of San Miguel
Mary Hellman James is an award-winning San de Allende.
Diego journalist and editor. After a 29-year-
career with the San Diego Union-Tribune. She New in this issue you’ll find a fascinating story on the history of Rancho
currently is a freelance garden writer and a Santa Fe by historian-journalist Diane Welch. And Susan McBeth offers
columnist for San Diego Home-Garden/Lifestyles us the beginning of a unique series on literary books you should read
magazine. Mary and her husband, Ron James, that will make your travels even more special.
travel extensively. Upcoming this year is a
visit to the Holy Land, Istanbul, Morocco and a Stories in this issue showcase extreme contrasts in destinations, with
transatlantic cruise from Rome to Florida. special reports on exotic India and kick-backed Rancho Santa Fe,
California. As you read through this issue we hope you’ll experience the
wide range of emotions the authors felt as they traveled and perhaps
feel as if you’ve been on a great adventure - even if it’s from the comfort
of your favorite chair.

We wish you safe and memorable travels.
Ron and Mary James

Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014 5