Hellhounds at the gates of heaven
The recent nightclub bombing that killed more than 180 tourists in Bali's Kuta Beach would be alarming no matter where it happened. But for those who have visited Bali, the attack may seem particularly horrific.
( jwooldridge@herald.com, 10/21/2002 07:27 AM PST)

Tourism disappears as violence visits paradise
With their honeymoon less than a week away, Brendan Bligh and Karen Daddona have only one thing to think about: where in the world to go.
( By Brad Foss, Associated Press, 10/21/2002 07:36 AM PST)

Australia's Mornington eclectic retreat
On a hot summer day 34 years ago, Australia's 22nd prime minister plunged into surf off the Mornington Peninsula. He was never seen again. As Australia mourned Harold Holt, a rash of conspiracy theories about what had happened to him began to surface.
( By Emma Tinkler, ASSOCIATED PRESS, 10/14/2002 09:13 AM PST)

World Cup kicks up tourism in South Korea
This year's soccer World Cup jacked up interest in South Korea, which evolved in just a few decades from a war-torn, impoverished land into a global economic power with a rich historical heritage.
( By Paul Shin, Associated Press, 09/30/2002 08:14 AM PST)

More Thai visitors opt for brutal workout
``Jab! Jab! Jab!'' shouts my trainer. I fire a series of lefts into his upraised boxing pad. ``Teh! -- kick!'' he urges, and I twist my hips and launch a roundhouse kick that slams my right shin into the pads.
( By Michael Kovrig, Associated Press, 09/23/2002 12:11 PM PST)

Vietnam vignettes
Discovering the story of this changing country - whether it's by trekking along the trails of highland tribes or dodging motorbikes in busy cities - is eye-opening, and ultimately rewarding.
( By PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ, STAR-TELEGRAM TRAVEL EDITOR, 08/19/2002 09:41 AM PST)

Thailand's swirl of activity keeps a tourist's head spinning
It is said that the Thai people are the friendliest on Earth. They need to be, because the country they occupy is so crowded. Few places are as feverish as Bangkok, the bustling city of 10 million souls and my pit stop before a family vacation to the island of Phuket.
( BY JOE WILLIAMS, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 08/12/2002 10:59 AM PST)