Wake Up!
We all get hurt emotionally. Everyday we get hurt. Ostensibly, minor vicissitudes. My plans were cancelled due to rain. I didn’t get the ice cream flavor I wanted. I dropped my mobile device in the toilet. Then there are the types of emotional pains that have more gravitas, that come from our interpersonal relationships, romantic or otherwise. Someone spoke to me in a way I didn’t want to be spoken to. My girlfriend broke up…
Taking the Helm
I now know that opportunity – as it presents itself to me – doesn’t always appear as I might think it would, or as I would hope, given my respective aspirations. I don’t always notice it, even when it’s right in front of me. In fact, I could be intentionally looking for it, and still miss it. I also understand that opportunity doesn’t necessarily come when I need it, or when I most want it.…
Ramblings on Africa
I’ve spent more time in Africa – in excess of three years – traveling, volunteering, and working – than on any other continent on the globe, save my own (North America). In all the African countries I’ve visited, I always experienced a sense of connection with the land and its people. I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant sense of community and I’ve been extremely humbled by the genuine hospitality I’ve received during all my…
Tourism in Egypt and …
One can, these days, eat at a Pizza Hut in Giza, Egypt and look out from the restaurant’s windows towards the mighty Sphinx and Great Pyramids beyond. Though development has encroached as far as possible on these ancient Egyptian ruins (I’m grateful there’s actually a limit!) their significance as a cultural heritage site and their immense visual impact has not diminished one bit. They are still as impressive to me as they were when…
Impressions of Turkey
This part of the world is, and always has been, at the nexus of cultures, where east meets west. Bridging two continents – Europe and Asia – Turkey has many aspects of both; some more obvious than others. Our travels throughout this beautiful country provided us with many amazing examples of each culture’s characteristics. Often times, we discovered the exact middle, where east meets west. Take for example, facial hair in men. In Asia, men…
Impressions of Thailand
The people! Thailand is a country whose people are quite relaxed, easy-going, and humble. Compassion and tolerance – two very significant tenets of Buddhism – are prevalent and abundant in Thailand – make for easy and totally enjoyable traveling. The Land of Smiles is a superbly spot-on moniker. The food! Abundance indeed. Food is everywhere, in many forms; in the outdoor markets, on street carts, in supermarkets and shops, on the fruit trees and in…
Impressions of Nepal
We're so grateful for the hospitality of all of our Nepali friends, old and new! Wonderfully generous, humbly giving, and deeply gracious. Particular mentions of gratitude to AT and AK and their lovely families!!! And so, after four weeks traveling throughout the rugged country, here's what we're left with: -Throughout the last few months, we’ve been paying particular attention to conventions associated with driving in each of the countries to which we’ve traveled. In Nepal,…
Impressions of Australia
Before leaving Australia, we took a few moments to reflect on our time in this incredibly fascinating country. Here are some of our impressions and observations: Australia never ceased to amaze us. Just when we thought we’d got our head around any part of the place – its land, its history, its people, its culture, its flora and fauna, etc. – we were constantly amazed to find out some other dazzling fact or figure, tidbit…
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Metamorphosis
Impressions of Bali
After four weeks traveling around the Indonesian island of Bali, here are some of our impressions and observations: -As it is with many other popular international destinations, tourism can have both negative and positive impacts on the local culture and environment. The Balinese people have remained loyal to and diligent in their cultural expressions, and for the most part, have maintained a healthy balance in the face of heavy tourism. This is particularly evident in…
Metamorphosis
International travel is a passion for me; long-term international travel, even more so. I’m so enamored by it. In the past, my experiences as a solo traveler throughout Africa, South America, Central America, Asia, and Oceania have been memorable and powerful. Those were some of the best times of my life. I must’ve been a gypsy in another life (or a sailor). So when I first envisioned this journey for me and the boys, I…
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Impressions of Australia
