I have found that Patience is a big time Vitrue, Vitrue meaning “good”. Considering the idea to travel hit me like a ton a bricks seven years ago. The idea lingered until January of 2005 when I started to save the big bucks. Finding the best resources will be a key to a successful adventure. [...]
Thanks for viewing the Archives
Choose a country of your choice from the Navigation bar.
Researching and deciding on the the backpack I will be using has been one of the most important aspects of gathering my gear. Considering that I will be “living” out of it when traveling I wanted to get the correct size and one that fits my body perfectly. Most backpacks are top loading internal frame [...]
Today I thought of sharing some ideas on ultra light gear. The best company I found regarding ultra light gear is Mont-bell.com. Very durable, well made, and very light gear with a price. The ultra light inner down jacket that I bought for $140.00 is well worth the cost. It weighs 13 oz only, and [...]
I received my new Camera today. I ordered it from Ritzcamera.com, free shipping and free sales tax. I went to the store to look at it first, but why pay sales tax. I would just rather wait and order online and have them ship it ground to me. Here are a couple of pictures of [...]
I have been exploring all the different options and features that are involved with my camera. If I would get into the hobby I would buy a much bigger camera with a tripod and all. Plus I would rather have a view finder. Some Canon’s still have the view finder, although most digital camera’s don’t [...]
Meet Kuttles my cat. He very much so lives up to his name. This is one cat that loves people food. He will eat anything, popcorn, pizza, even green pea’s, and loves dairy such as ice cream. Kind of a strange cat. I rarely give him people food, basically he eats dry cat food and [...]
Here are a couple of pictures of Natural Bridges, this place is on the very west side of Santa Cruz. Butterflies migrate here starting in September and by October there is a grove in the park which is the destination of their migration. They have it set up so a person can lay on the [...]
The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.- Henry David Thoreau I like this quote, Several people have asked if I am traveling “alone”. Many are surprised that I am traveling “all alone”. Based on nature, humans sometimes have the perception that [...]
Flock together as the saying goes. With my camera I have been using the feature that allows me to take a close up picture from a distance to capture a fast moving creature that can fly or run away in a quick hurry. When I lived in Ohio I got into Parrots. I did some [...]
I just couldn’t resist from not posting these new pictures. Like I was saying Kuttles lives up to his name. His favorite sleeping position is on his back and legs spread apart.Do you notice his saber tooth tiger quality ?Life is to good, although I have to admit if I had to choose what animal [...]
There are many concepts I have found by having the correct perception can aid a person’s longevity on their adventure. Having the opportunity to drive many tourist, travelers, and business people through an airport sedan service company for awhile proved to be a complete learning experience. The most comical observation was noticing how much stuff [...]
Lifestyle and a Travel Lifestyle is another subject I feel that needs to be addressed by the long term traveler. From past experience related with observation and listening to what others talk about, I have experienced that willing to change and accepting a certain lifestyle can prove to be valuable and beneficial by accepting the [...]
The coastal area of highway one between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay in California is a fifty mile stretch of beautiful coast land. It’s an area of serene peacefulness. Spending a night on the beach is a wonderful experience on the coast of California, the sound of the waves is one of the most [...]
California is truly a beautiful place. Most people, from my experience, draws their perception about California from southern California most notably L.A. The different regions of California are diverse in culture. L.A. has the strong influence of Hollywood and the energy that involves that lifestyle. The unique concept of California is for the most part [...]
As the saying goes at least, Santa Cruz is Weird. Living in Santa Cruz California since June 10th 1999 is certainly a place to be mentioned. Basically Santa Cruz is a big community with the small town flavor and mentality in certain circumstances. Here in Santa Cruz you can find just about anything and everything. [...]
Here is a movie I made as kind of a test. I guess it was easier to load on the blog then what I thought.I was taking some short video clips with my camera around town. Then added some pictures with a burn affect, added some transitions and that was about it. Through Google video [...]
Expectations can be a snare in many ways for any type of short or long term traveler. I, like most people fell into the expectation of fantasy in my younger days. Planning something to do or somewhere to go and in the mean time fantasize and build expectations, which you really don’t know what the [...]
The most popular preconceived idea I can think of was the concept of Y2K. This idea was based on the change of 1999 to 2000 regarding the time and date of computer systems. The concern was based on the idea that the computer would not communicate like they should regarding checks being printed on time [...]
It’s nice to be into June. The summer always goes by quickly and by the time we know it football season will be here. I am not really into football, although once the season starts by the time we know it the new year is here. Since time slows down during the holiday season once [...]
Hello everyone, so it’s been a whole week since my last post. I have been trying to get some good video shots of the pelican’s feeding along the shore. It is a great site to see, they fly over head, looking down for their prey, eying for the best catch. Then all of a sudden: [...]
Here is an all time classic video clip of some very difficult tap dancing just before color movies came out with Fred Astaire at his best. I started to dance late in my life at the age of 35. The few years that I did dance I found out I was given talent. Dancing is [...]
Here is a clip of the wonderful movie, Singing in the Rain, staring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds, singing and dancing to the song Good Morning. A classic wholesome movie of the 1940′s. Watching classics on DVD becomes a whole new experience, next to VHS. If I would have enough time, I would [...]
In a past post, I mentioned I was taking a few days off, and I was heading up to San Francisco. The situation came up that I was able to leave Monday night. I thought I would stay at the Montara Lighthouse Hostel, which is 25 miles south of San Francisco. From the pictures you [...]
The time I have spent out and about has proved to be a note worthy, eye opening, experience. By bringing my backpack fully loaded, staying in some hostels, dealing with the details of my gear, has forced me to do a reassessment. The Backpack itself is great. The detachable day pack will be an essential [...]
I thought of writing about a few subjects that I am faced with and have to deal with. The most important subject is that of lifestyle change. Gearing up to do what I am going to do, certainly will demand a change in lifestyle. I have been in the same life routine since 2004. Of [...]
I got some close ups shots of a couple of pelicans hanging around. This area is on west cliff drive in Santa Cruz. The weather has been wonderful lately and is warming up, although it really never gets all that hot in this area. A person really needs to wonder what it’s like having such [...]
Last night I was able to catch a few shots of the sunset. This first picture I was able to catch with a flock of pelicans flying through the sky. For a person that does not, or cannot, acknowledge an Almighty Divine Source; must have a hole in their head. All living, reflects the personality [...]
Here are some more beautiful pictures I took at the lighthouse hostel. I used the closeup feature on my camera to get these three pictures below. Truly flowers are of beauty. Beautiful different shapes, sizes, and color. Certainly flowers has the power to affect an atmosphere, affect a person’s mentality, charm your life partner, flowers [...]
The hostel at the Pigeon Point lighthouse is the very best hostel I have stayed at. Each hostel is different according to layout of the situation. At Pigeon Point, the hostel is a home setting, which has four homes on the property. Each home has one private room and two dorm rooms which sleeps six [...]
I thought of sharing about my travel out to Oahu back in January of 2006. Due to the fact that I lived in Honolulu, I kind of knew the ins and outs of the area. Within Waikiki there are many hostels to choose from, although there is only one Hostelling International Hostel in Waikiki. Hostelling [...]
This morning has started out with blue clear skies. The mornings I find to be wonderful; it is nice and quite. Getting up at six am and going for a walk is an enjoyable, awakening experience. An interesting concept: in the morning, everyone I walk by says “good morning”, although if I walk in the [...]
I thought of writing about the concepts of planning ahead, disappointment, and attachment, and how they relate to one another. Several people have asked me if I am excited to leave? I can understand, it is a common question when someone is leaving on a trip. Basically I really don’t to excited over anything. It [...]
I was able to catch a bee on this flower. If you click on the picture and enlarge it, you can see how clear his two tiny wings sit on his back with a glass look.Here are a couple of pictures I took up at Pigeon Point in the area of the cove. Very nice [...]
I have come across an excellent resource which I found out from another blogger living in Rome. Couchsurfing.com; Basically people from all around the world on this site offer travelers a couch. Of course each situation is different. The site is based on ratings of each person and a description of the area they have [...]
Ninety days left until I leave the country, although I am really leaving my home situation October twentieth. I am in the process of getting rid of everything. I have a strong prospect considering buying my truck just before I leave. I am feeling so good about not having anything in my life, except for [...]
My four day excursion was very nice and relaxing, in actuality it was four in a half days. I was able to leave Sunday afternoon. I drove down to Nipomo, which is just north of Santa Maria. I had planned only Wednesday and Thursday night with reservations, which was in Cambria and Monterey. Decided to [...]
Here are a few pictures of Santa Barbara. It is a truly beautiful area. Lot of tourism during the summer. Very much like Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz does have a nicer wharf though.The picture was taken from the wharf which gives great views of the city. One thing I was very surprised over was the [...]
When I was down in Cambria staying at the Bridge Street Inn, the owner reveled an incredible resource, which will be key, at longevity; living the life of a nomad. I have been wondering for awhile now, about working on farms, for an exchange of room and food. I know myself quite well, I will [...]
This is the beach at Cambria. During my four in a half day excursion, I stayed at four different hostels. The Bridge Street Inn Hostel in Cambria is the best of the best. Within the network of hostelling international, and half way between San Fransisco and Los Angeles, this hostel is the perfect stop during [...]
This is a picture of a van art I shot down in Santa Barbara. Everything is winding down fairly quickly for my departure into a lifestyle of a nomad. I have decided to leave my housing situation October 16th. I am going to visit Yosemite from the 16th through the 22nd. The HI-Midpines hostel is [...]
Here are a couple of more shots of the van art. I thought of writing about a few concepts of what people have said, based on perception, regarding my plan to travel for so long. Considering that everyone does have their own perception, using a listening ear, I have found it to be very interesting [...]
Two weeks to go and I have everything sold except my truck (I started to write this post 9/30/07). The lady that bought my bed for her daughter is interested in my truck. At the moment she is in need of transportation and is willing to wait until November ninth for the sale. Selling things [...]
Getting down to the nitty gritty in life. I find that smaller items are ending up in my backpack. It’s OK for now because I know that I will just decrease when need be. The biggest problem is packing books. I must limit the number of books; two should be the max, one travel book [...]
Today a person left me a note on my truck having an interest in buying it – I don’t have a for-sale sign on it. A young lady in need of a truck, I called the number and they were over within fifteen minutes and left me a deposit for the truck and will pay [...]
The day has arrived and everything I own is in my truck which isn’t much. I am off to a great start, at Pigeon Point I am in the dorm by myself, it’s wonderful for my first two nights. If anyone asks “what do I do”? Answer – I’m retired. I am now a traveling [...]
The Yosemite Bug is an amazing place to stay for $15.00 a night. It’s a whole resort. They have a serving kitchen-bar lounge room. There are many private rooms and also tent cabins. The private rooms range from $55 and on up and the tent cabins range from $35 and on up. Although the dorm [...]
Life is like a deck of cards, you never know what will be dealt, or is it like a box of chocolates? So far starting out has been better then expected here in the USA. The first two nights at Pigeon Point I was in the dorm myself. Out here at the Yosemite Bug, the [...]
I have been having a real good time in Minneapolis. Much of it has changed from the time I move in 1994. Lots of new buildings and such things, but of course there are a few things that haven’t changed. Minneapolis does have a lot to offer, theater, music, dance, within the area of the [...]
Here is a picture of Minneapolis, taken from Fort Snelling, south of the city on the Mississippi river. I am at Sierra Hot Springs and on my last leg of transition before I leave the country. Everything has been going great. I flew in from Minneapolis Monday night and drove to Sacramento and stayed for [...]
Sierra Hot Springs is my favorite place in California. They do have a small room of dorm beds in the main lodge or very nice private rooms, there are three shared bathrooms for the whole lodge. If a person can not get a room at the main lodge, the historic Globe Hotel is available in [...]
Just to let you all know, who ever might be in the area to visit the springs; starting this month they have a deal, if you stay one night you get the next free. Only Sunday through Thursday from now until April. They just started this deal this year. Very nice surprise, I got two [...]
Tonight I am in San Francisco. I took public transportation all the way from Santa Cruz which proved to be an interesting experience in itself. I know one thing I will be getting in very good shape with carrying my backpack around. Arriving on the BART into downtown San Francisco was a rush in itself. [...]
My departure out of the country as a traveling nomad has arrived. About a year in a half ago I decided on the destination where I was going to start. I took a long time contemplating and studying maps of where should I start and what would be a tentative route. I did decided I [...]
Only a couple of words can explain my arrival. A major head rush. I cannot think of any other words. Very long flight to Amsterdam, plus the layover. On the plane to Egypt, I sat by a woman who lived in Canada but was from Egypt. We had a great visit and she had some [...]
My visa has been extended for six months, I have to be out of the country by May 12th 2008, although they would have no problem extending it further if need be. They are happy that people visit. The process was not to bad. They didn’t ask any questions, just smiled and giggled at the [...]
I kind of missed the Egyptian Museum today. I caught a little bug from some food, it’s bound to happen. I slept in and went and got some good lentil soup and white rice and hit the pharmacy. They know just what to give you and it is very cheap. Most drugs cost $1.00. I [...]
Hello everyone, I am heading to Alexandria today and looking forward to getting away from sucking on exhaust flumes and smog. I don’t know how these people deal with it day in and day out. The exhaust is the worst of it all. In the morning it settles in the streets, during the day the [...]
These first three pictures are of the Citadel and distant shot of the Pyramids.These next three pictures are of Alex.Today was interesting, I hooked up with a few tourists for some touring. One guy was from New York visiting Egypt for a week and a couple from France and one couple from Belgium. I must [...]
A few pictures from the Roman Theater.The Roman theater.The dark stone in the back is the Roman baths. Today I went to two tourist sites. The Catacombs which they did not let any Cameras in the underground tomb, and the Roman theater. Both sites were interesting. The Catacombs in Alex were amazing. The way they [...]
Well I am out in Siwa, I decided to miss Marsa Matruh, long story. The people out here in Swia are wonderful, very friendly, and welcoming. I am planing on staying for awhile. The hotel I am at, which is located right in the market square, is only 30LE a night with my own bathroom, [...]
The time in Siwa is going very well. I am recovering from the shock of Cairo. All the mosquito bits are healing, my digestion is getting better and I am finding some good chill, quite time. Tonight I am going on an overnight safari into the great sand sea desert, only 160LE and that is [...]
What an amazing place. Total sand which starts at the edge of town. With the 4×4 we went sand dune driving and out this natural hot spring which sprouts out of the desert in the middle of nowhere. Wonderful, relaxing warm water. Of course everyone isn’t nude, although I did not forget my shorts. The [...]
Great news, I was just offered to rent a house for a week. It is out at Dakrur Mountain. Small little village with a couple of resort hotels in the area. The person brought me out on a motorbike to look at it. Three bedrooms, nice bathroom, full kitchen, roof top lounging area, inside sitting [...]
This is a picture of what the Fortress of the Shali looked like.Here is the ruins of the Shali, heavy rains damaged it in 1923. It really never rains here, although, when it does; the rain can cause major damage to the mud brick buildings. Siwa would not be the same without the mud houses. [...]
Thanks for all the comments by the way, I am glad many people are enjoying reading this blog. The guy from the hotel is driving me out to this hot spring where the overnight camp is. He will drop me off at 11am and pick me up at 4pm. It will be some nice quite [...]
I stopped in town for some food today. Renting this house has been just what I needed, I am getting very grounded and getting ready to head out which be on Monday. I will be back tracking to Alex for a couple of nights and then to Cairo for about seven or eight days. I [...]
Here are bunch of pictures of the two temples and of the area. If you are planning a trip out here to Egypt don’t miss Siwa it is a truly beautiful area. Even if you have only three days or so, it’s worth it. This is the ruins of the Temple of Amun. The donkey [...]
Today was a very nice sunny day in Alex. I learned a new word. “Bos Shouff” Meaning “only looking” It sounds like buzz off and if they don’t? then I say shouff, shouff pronounced shoe-ff, if you know what I mean. Today I went out to the Montazah Palace Gardens. It is the castle where [...]
These guys were visiting from Marsa Matruh, they are criminal defence lawyers. Crack me up that’s for sure. They had all sorts of questions regarding America. One big question was – what is more important, sex or your job. LOL, have to laugh at that one. The guys in the background run this cafe, I [...]
The above and below picture is of the library in Alex. This Library might be the largest in the world. A grand place I must say, not to be missed when visiting Alex. I have been having a real good time here. Everyone is friendly; really the prices for everything are less expensive compared to [...]
The best place to hang out in Siwa is the Tanta Waa Cafe and restaurant at the Cleopatra spring. I met lots of tourists here, Western and Egyptian. The owner, who is on the left is from Alex, who also owns a very nice garden farm. His helpers are also Egyptian. I can call him [...]
The Nile River. I must say this time was much more mellow. The train was a smooth ride from Alex. I took the tram to the eastern suburbs train station in Alex, which the inexpensive way to go. It might be slower, but this is the way I am traveling, I have the time to [...]
An update: I have a couch surfing gig happening. I am going to surf this guys couch who lives in the expensive, nicest, area of Cairo. Although, he is from England not Egyptian which makes it easier to communicate. If we get along, which I think we will, then I will stay in Cairo until [...]
This is the house I rented for one week for only 250.00 LE. So what did I learn from this. Renting this house helped myself accept the infrastructure of Egypt. Basically, everything is made from cement. The first day there was no water, the people I rented the flat from did bring me water for [...]
I moved to the Maadi area of Cairo. What a change I must say. This area is one of the richest areas of Cairo. Many foreigners, and high priced housing. Some apartments are rented out for $3000, that’s dollars, not pounds. Green trees, lawns, very nice landscaping for Cairo. There are American, Italian, Chinese type [...]
The Hash House Group. Hello everyone, I have been having an interesting time couchsurfing in Maadi. Peter and I went on a Hash House walk. They are the Hash House Harriers. They are a group that goes on walks and runs and they are all over the world. I could do some hashes while I [...]
This is a picture of the main square in Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is the big pinkish building. The picture was taken around 10AMThis picture was taken around 12:30PM. The smog has lifted slightly; a clearer picture of the Egyptian Museum. Today I am just hanging out in the neighborhood of Maadi. Checking out all [...]
Please take notice of the new poll I posted on the right side bar, just wondering, what is your interest in traveling to Egypt? Today I went to the Khan Al Khalili in the old Islamic area of Cairo with my female friend. Very interesting area. The Khan Al Khalili is a giant outdoor markets [...]
Here are some pictures of Cairo taken from the Citadel. The Citadel, the place I toured today, was the seat of power of Mohammad Aly. Vast incredible structure. The blue mosque in Istanbul is the largest, although it is said that the Mohammad Aly mosque is one of the oldest and it was built in [...]
Update: Couch-surfing has been wonderful, an ultimate comfort by staying with a very hospitable person. My ankle is fine, it could have been much worse. I have started to post pictures on shutterfly.com. Follow this link for more pictures, I will be posting pictures from time to time on shutterfly.com. I will be heading out [...]
Here are some pictures of the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur. The Red Pyramid is the oldest true pyramid, meaning a perfect type of Pyramid. The Step Pyramid is the oldest, which I will have some pictures posted soon. This area that I visited today gives the feeling of how vast the [...]
Greetings Fellow Earthlings, I am in the Bahariyya Oasis 350 KM from Cairo. It is nice to be away from Cairo and the smog. This oasis is very nice. The energy is different, although a long story on why that is. The hotel I am at is very nice, I cut a good deal with [...]
Hello everyone, I arrived in the Dakhla Oasis from Bahariyya this evening. I am in Mut, which I will stay at least a week and then go and stay in Al-Qasr for a while which is also in the area of the Dakhla Oasis. I had a very good week staying at the Desert Safari [...]
The White Desert of Egypt is an ultra beautiful place to visit. Up until this time in my life I have seen several different types of natural landscapes, state parks, and such things. The beautiful tropics of Hawaii, next to the beautiful mountains of Yellowstone, The Tetons, The Grand Canyon, The Sequoias, and Yosemite. The [...]
The town of Mut is really a nice place. It’s the cleanest town I have visited. Hassle free for the tourist, due to the fact that not all that many people speak English, when they do you know they are involved in a hotel or some sort of tourist work, although they are not all [...]
Having the opportunity to run into many different types of travelers has been an experience in itself. There is a big difference between quality next to quantity regarding travel. The longest term traveler I have met was a German guy traveling for two to three years, I met him Baharyyia. I did meet an American [...]
Tomorrow I will be heading to Al Qasr which is only 35KM from Mut, is a little town that has kept its look from the Ottoman years. We will see how long I stay once I am there. The hotel is only 15LE a night. I might not be posting for awhile, if I come [...]
Today I just went today to check out Al Qasr and the rest house that is there to stay at. Super kick back and chill village, I will be there for a good week. I will not be able to post for awhile. Here are some pictures of the Black desert.There area (the above photo) [...]
Hello everyone I have been staying in Al Qasr this last week. A very nice small town with warm hospitality. Muhammad, the guy who runs the guest house and cafe is a wonderful, warm, honest-hearted guy, and he is a wonderful cook. He cut me a great deal on my two week stay. Each day [...]
Hello everyone, I am in Asyut tonight. I left Al Qasr today and traveled on mico-buses all the way to Asyut. The arrival was kind of intense because this town is kind of like a small Cairo just without the tourists and hassle. People are very nice and many people speak English due to the [...]
I have arrived in Luxor. I took a micro-bus (station wagon) from Aysut to Qena, then to Luxor. The ride was wonderful along the Nile River. Today I am moving hotels to a better one in town. The town has very intense energy, although people don’t hassle me due to the fact I speak some [...]
Here is a picture of the Luxor Temple I took during the evening. I toured this temple yesterday. I also hired a guide in the temple area and found out much more informaion I would have not of known. Notice the two statues of Ramses the II? There was also six standing. There is only [...]
The East Bank of Luxor is inflected with very non-relaxing energy. Basically for the tourist anything can be attained; drugs, sex, you name it and it exists. For the local population the tourism makes them sick, unless they are making their living off of the tourism. The energy of Cairo is much better then the [...]
I just added over 100 pictures to Shutterfly. They are mostly from Bawiti, The Black Desert, The White Desert and the old town of Mut. More is on the way. I am on the west bank today, it has been very difficult to relax staying on the East Bank, I am happy I moved.Yesterday I [...]
The beautiful River Nile at Karnak. With my mind’s eye I could just see Moses turning the Nile into blood. The west bank of Luxor has completly different energy compared to the East Bank, easy going for the most part, kind of the same as Al Qasr. The family I am staying with seems very [...]
Today, I visted the Temple of Seti I and the Ramesseum which is the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Merneptah, which was one of the son’s of Ramses II. Yesterday I visted the Temple of Medinat Habu, another temple for Amun. Hatshepsut, Thuthmosis III and Ramses III constructed buildings here at Habu. [...]
Great news! Last night we all watched the football game of the finals of the African cup. Egypt won 1-0, they are #1 in Africa for football. I could just see everyone up in Cairo. Cairo is most likely going nuts.The family and I are getting more relaxed toward each other. The ladies are very [...]
Today I went to see the Temple of Hatsheput. A grand site; a completely different style of design comparded to many of the temples I have viewed. Three shines, two on each side with the main shrine in the middle. Of course the main shine was for Amun. On the sides, one shrine to Hathor [...]
Noticing and observing the effect of tourism here in Luxor has been an eye opener to the motivations of the human heart, not that this is anything new in this world. The inner motivations of mankind are bad from the youth up. Moses wrote this 3500 years ago, this is still true today. The person [...]
The Valley of the Kings is certainly a wonder in itself. Being the big tourist site in Luxor there was bus loads of tourists. They did allow any pictures to be taken inside and I did not want to break the rules. They seemed very strict about everything.I did tour every tomb that was open, [...]
I toured the Temple of Hathor which is located in Qena, only 60KM from Luxor. This temple was dedicated to Hathor which is the same goddess as Ishtar and Aphrodite the goddess of love. The temple is virtually intact and a site to behold. Dark chambers, twisting stairways, underground crypts; this temple goes back to [...]
The River Nile.The morning view where we docked the first night. Absolutely relaxing, silence and stillness. The only words I can think of sailing on the Nile, just what I needed. The felucca trip was a major relaxing time. The first day we had great wind to the point that we just coasted at a [...]
The Temple of Horus is very much like the Temple of Hathor, and also, is one of the most completely preserved temples from the Ptolemaic times – after the time of Alexandria the Great. The temple was started around 237 BCE and completed almost 200 years later in 57 BCE. Same type of design as [...]
All of the pictures below are of from the Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to Sobek the Crocodile god.One thing that can be said is that Aswan is more mellow then Luxor. The town is not as much of a hassle, and demanding, as Luxor is. Aswan has a lot of Nubian culture, also. Everybody [...]
They don’t call this temple great for no reason. The Great Temple of Ramses the Second is the best of the best. The last temple on my tour of the temples of Egypt, although not even coming close to being the least. Carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile (now [...]
I have left Upper Egypt and have arrived into Lower Egypt – Cairo. How pleasant it is, I must say. Much more opened minded, educated, easy going people here in Cairo. Despite the smog and traffic, Cairo is a special place in its own way. Cairo is filled with a mix of people. Interesting enough [...]
The Temple of Philae is on Agilkia Island in Aswan. The temple was moved from the submerged island of Philae. The temple was set up just as it was when on the island of Philae. During my visit the temple was pack with tourists, this temple is difficult to visit without a crowd because a [...]
Here is the Temple of Hathor which is in Abu Simbel next to the Great Temple of Ramses II. This temple was also cut out of the small mountain which is the area. Remember what I mentioned about the two anointed ones and the Great Almighty Divine Creator – here is another fine example. The [...]
Today I went to visit the Pyramids for the last time. I was able to go into the second pyramid with the limestone cap. A great alternative if you don’t want to pay out the high cost for the great pyramid. Although the great Pyramid is worth going in. I decided to walk around the [...]
I arrived in Port Said yesterday, I must say, the town is very easy going, lazy, quite, and relaxed. I have noticed towns that are built on an ocean seem to have a special relaxed atmosphere. I will be staying for a good four or five days. The hotel I went with is only 22LE [...]
The Suez canal, a very important thoroughfare for the world trade, is one of the greatest feats of modern engineering. Construction started by Pharaoh Nekau II between 610-595 BCE, at least a first record of canal digging. Work really began in 1859 and the Suez canal was completed in 1869 with a celebration. Ownership remained [...]
I must say Port Said is a very nice place, a major contrast from Luxor. Everyone is friendly and honest, for the most part. Of Course, when writing regarding positive and negative qualities; it’s not to be taken as an absolute generality. The effect of an ocean is my theory; the Mediterranean Sea releases an [...]
I have arrived in Sinai. The bus ride was long, although Sinai is a lovely, beautiful place. I had to connect buses in Sharm El-Sheikh – I have no interest in going to Sharm, what a rip off of a place. I will be in Dahab for a least two weeks, which I will be [...]
The sea of Aqaba, an amazing calm sea, pleasant, serene. I went snorkeling today in the sea very close to the hotel. What an amazing place. The coral, and the amount of beautiful fish is indescribable. Major amounts of beautiful fish swimming an arms lengths away. There isn’t any comparison to Hawaii. What a pleasant [...]
I went snorkeling in a place called Blue Hole just a few miles from Dahab. A very spectacular under-sea world. The fish in this area are truly amazing with all sorts of different colors. I thought Hawaii was good, this place is great. Snorkeling is so peaceful and pleasant. The coral reefs are the best [...]
A quick update: I am feeling much better then I was last week. Due to the temperature change from cool Port Said and Ismaillia to extremely Hot Dahab, I found myself extremely dehydrated. I went to the pharmacy and got a re-hydration solution. Also, I have been having major digestion pain, I decided to start [...]
Quick note – I am totally recharged and ready to head out of Dahab. House-sitting/Couch-surfing has made all the difference. A person’s needs are always met in the moment – if direction is provided . It has been an interesting stay here in Dahab. I have observed different sides to this dive haven of a [...]
I have been basking in the area of Mount Sinai, which the town is called St Katherine and also El Milga which defines as – meeting place. This is a wonderful area, the energy is fantastic. I have throughly explored the whole area and climbed Mount Sinai – Moses Mountain is what people call it. [...]
This is the Mountain of St Katherine, the tallest mountain in Egypt. I just posted over 100 pictures on shutterfly. I decided to head back to Dahab for a few days before going to Nuweiba. I was able to take a close look at the Middle East Lonely Planet book from a fellow traveler for [...]
The Mountain of Moses – a place and a person most everyone one has heard of. A place that is debated among the so-called scholars of this world, rightly so, they do have a point. Nevertheless, through consciousness by using Kensiology muscle testing, Mount Sinai is where Moses got the Ten Commandments and the laws [...]
I will be heading to Nuweiba soon. It has been five months since my arrival to Egypt. Most people, including Egyptians look at me like I am nuts for traveling Egypt for so long, although, everyone does have a different perception of time. My perception is that it really hasn’t been all that long of [...]
Like I have said before, last but not the least; Nuweiba is very nice place with very few tourists, its great. This area use to be packed with Israeli tourists, although since the time of the intifada, the Israeli’s stopped coming to Nuweiba. Tarabin is the area with all the camps, but nowadays it’s like [...]
Soon I will be heading to Jordan, most likely in a few days. Nuweiba has been very nice, a good place to ponder the last five months of travel. I am ready to head out, I am not going to wait until May 1st. The heat is on, it will be a very warm summer, [...]
The overall travel tour of Egypt. I arrived in Cairo November 13th 2007. Departed Egypt for Jordan April 22nd 2008. Upon the arrival I stayed at the Richmond hotel for six nights. Due to the change in cultures, the smog, and the noise in the largest city in Africa – I took the train to [...]
Well the exit out of Egypt was a joke which I did expect. At the ticket office I met a Japanese women, an Australian guy, and a very comical, super cool guy from Los Angels, we all decided to hook up for the trip to Jordan. The American guy and I got a long great [...]
I decided to head to Petra, the reason being is because on the weekends many people come down to Aqaba because of the sea. When I did arrive the hotel did say that they were booked starting on Thursday night, plus the price goes up. All the other hotels were charging to much or were [...]
Day two was much more fascinating then the first day. I certainly recommend to take at least two days to visit Petra. This morning I headed for the High Place of Sacrifice, I again decided to take a donkey up. My lungs took a beating climbing Mount Sinai, I have never really had strong lungs [...]
I arrived in Karak today. I was in Dana for two nights. A wonderful little stone village from the 15th century, a beautiful area to visit. The hotel was very relaxed and I met some very nice people. I will be staying in Karak for three days and then off to Madaba for three or [...]
A Major Update: I have had some major developments happen lately. First I have a couch-surfing situation for a few nights when I get to Amman. In Karak I met two American women, one who has been living in Beirut since August. They rented a car for their holiday here in Jordan and were heading [...]
I have found Madaba to be a very interesting place. Certainly a town that is easy going and known for its superb, historically significant Byzantine era mosaics. I must say the mosaics are of beautiful artwork. Very stunning mosaics made from very small stone. I, of course, don’t support the images they produce that are [...]
I just added over a 250 pictures to Shutterfly. For some reason the slide show stopped working. I will try to fix the problem – for now visit this link to view pictures of Jordan. Yesterday I did a day trip around the Jordan valley, I hooked up with a French girl who is in [...]
Today I will be heading to Amman. I do have a couch-surfing situation set up for three nights. Surprising enough, the person won’t even be in the house, so I will have to house to myself. I am just going to take it easy and rest up from traveling so fast, it has been a [...]
I arrived yesterday in Amman by bus and gradually found the city center. Amman is certainly a city that has a major modern side, along with a conservative, poor side. Although, there is no comparison to Cairo. Amman is very clean without any smog. Couch-surfing really is a special provision. There are parts of Amman [...]
The Capital of Jordan with a population of about 2 million people, I have found it to be very diverse. With a city center on the poorer level and the same old type of infrastructure, along with the west side of Amman to be a complete contrast with designer clothing stores, all the fast food [...]
An Update: I am planning on heading north to Irbid tomorrow. For now it looks like Lebanon is out. It sure is strange how they start having problems right when the travel season is starting. If you take notice they always seem to have problems at the time when tourism is at its height. I [...]
The area of Amman that was first inhabited was of the Ammonites which was descendants of Lot and his Daughter. Rabbath-Ammon was the powerful capital of the Ammonites which was on one of the highest hills just up from the city center of Amman. During the Roman period Amman was called Philadelphia, and was also [...]
Irbid is the second largest town in Jordan and the most northern; it is a good place to base yourself to visit the northern sites such as Jerash. My plan is to take a bus to Jerash and to Aijun tomorrow. In Aijun there is an impressive castle, built by the Arabs, during the Crusader [...]
Jerash, the second most visited site in Jordan, is a momentous site of history. Jerash was a major settlement and city during the Roman period. This area of Jordan has been inhabited by humans for the last 6500 years because of its idea location, and a water supply all year long. After the conquest of [...]
Umm Qais rests in the northwest corner of Jordan, a area with spectacular views of The Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The site of Umm Qais is the site of a Roman City and an Ottoman-era village. It’s said, that in this area is where Jesus healed the two men that were lepers [...]
I arrived in Aqaba Jordan April 21st 2008 by boat from Egypt. I stayed in Aqaba for two nights at the Jordan Flower Hotel for 10JD a night. From Aqaba I took a bus to Wadi Musa (Petra) and stayed at the Orient Gate Hotel for 10JD a night, which I don’t recommend this hotel, [...]
The title revels where I am! I must say, from all the talk there was about how difficult getting a visa at the border was supposed to be for an American; one lesson to learn in life is that the moment is what matters and nothing else – Idol talk is worthless. Getting a visa [...]
Several developments have happened lately. First, I have moved into my peaceful, quite, comfortable room with a kitchen, hot water, and a washing machine. Here in Damascus it is very easy to find a room in a flat. I was offered a room in the old city from a guy who invited me into his [...]
For the last few days, I have just been hanging out around the neighborhood, not doing all that much. The person I met (Yansen) who plays music in the picture in the prior post is Kurdish. The other day I gave him a call and went to his house. He and his brother invited a [...]
Greetings everyone, I am still in Damascus, I’ve been having a good time. Damascus is a very social, relaxed city. I met a woman from New Zealand; she is here in Damascus learning Arabic for three weeks. I hooked her up to rent a room in the flat where I am staying. There are five [...]
Borsa, a small town, is located about 100km south of Damascus. Indeed, the Roman theater is one of the best-preserved theaters I have visited, and possibly the best in existence. An Arab fortress encompasses the theater with a Mott serving as a defense. The Old Roman Town was constructed of black basalt rock. It is [...]
Here’s a few pictures of the Mosque I mentioned before that dates back to the eighth century. The atmosphere of a Mosque is kind of relaxing. There isn’t any Idolatry within the building, except for a few Mosques, which has a shrine of a tomb, regarding someone from Islamic history. I will be heading out [...]
I just uploaded many pictures on shutterfly. My stay in Tartus has been very interesting. I noticed that there is some strange energy here. It feels very controlled. Finding someone to get into a meaningful conversation has proved to be impossible, compared to Egypt. Indeed, people do not seem happy, there are no smiles on [...]
All of the pictures posted are of items from the National Museum in Damascus. Today, I arrived in Lattakia by bus, only an hour’s ride from Tartus. The bus system is quite decent here in Syria. I will be taking the train to Aleppo, most likely on Friday or Saturday, because it is recommended in [...]
The Castle of Salah ad-Din, bears unique witness to the building of defense systems during the Byzantine, Crusader, and Mamluk eras. Surrounded my two deep wadis and the eastern road which use to be a moat; The Salah ad-Din Castle was an ideal fortress that moved T.E. Lawrence to write, ‘It was I think the [...]
The Castle of Marqab is the third crusader castle on the circuit of the Syrian coast. Strategically positioned to control the coast during the crusader and Mamluk era, the castle was in view for communication purposes with Salah ad-Din. According to T.E. Lawrence – Marqab combined ‘all the best of the Latin fortifications of the [...]
I arrived in Aleppo Friday evening by train. At the train station, I met a few guys that were attending the university in Lattakia, I ended up sitting with them, and we had some good conversations. The subject of politics was short, although, there are many subjects that we conversed about in depth. Lattakia is [...]
Today I am leaving Aleppo for Deir Er-Zur, I decided not to stop in Raqqa, – the sites in that area are very difficult travel to. From Deir Er-Zur I am hopping to visit Dura Europos and maybe Mari, both sites are close to the border of Iraq. The French people I have been couch-surfing [...]
Taking an excursion to the most eastern area of Syria has been very absorbing. Without a question, the Euphrates River is essential to this area of the Syrian Desert. Upon arrival into to town, the road ended up in a fog, although, the substance was not fog it was sand dust. The visibility was about [...]
The Temple of Bel is the largest temple area I have viewed since Karnak, although there is no comparison, Karnak in Egypt outweighs all other temples due to its immense size. The name of Bel is another name for Baal, just a shorten version. The name Bel was used among the gods of Babylon, and [...]
Here are some pictures that I took when visiting the Arab Castle in Palmyra. I went to visit the castle with a couple from Iceland. A taxi ride was necessary up to the castle – we split the cost. We arrived at the correct time, because an hour later, a small sandstorm began and the [...]
Quick Note: Today I am heading to Tripoli for one night. I will be in Beirut on Saturday. I have a few more posts that will be loaded regarding some places of Syria. Blogger offers an option that allows the user to schedule posts that load automatically. I find the option very convenient.The Norias of [...]
Taking the excursion out to an area where the road goes nowhere is always a worthwhile occasion. Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire, in the mid sixth century, erected Qasr ibn Wardan. The fortress was a combination of a church, a palace, and a military base. Hence, from the appearance a person would never think [...]
Shutterfly has been updated with the remaining Pictures from Syria. I traveled Syria for one complete month. I entered Syria from the Border of Jordan May 19th; receiving a visa at the land border that took two hours, only. I took a service taxi from Irbid in Jordan to the border; from the border, I [...]
I arrived into Beirut on Friday by bus from Syria. The ride from the border is spectacular; the Lebanon Mountains are a beautiful site. Beirut is indeed intense, the pension/hotel I stayed for two days was nice, although the staff was of nasty energy, and they are very grouchy people with much bitterness and anger [...]
All the pictures posted are of a Dead city and Apamea in Syria. House-sitting in Beirut I think will be interesting. Lately I have been very tired; I am definitely catching up on some rest. I will not be doing much for the next week or two. In Addition, I am doing some self-care bodywork. [...]
When viewing the below pictures of Idolatry keep this story in mind – Genesis Chapter 31:30-35. And now you have gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods? Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your [...]
Hello everyone, I am still in Beirut and everything is calm and mellow, except for the energy of a big city. I have gotten a lot of rest, hanging out with the cat, editing my other blog, putting up with the heat, and just finished Jimmy Carters book about Palestine. After touring Israel and the [...]
I just had a few things arrive through the mail and your looking at one of the items, which is my business card. Having these cards will just make life easier, without having to explain my story repeatedly that incites jealousy within the majority of other travelers. I can just hand out my card that [...]
The humidity here in Beirut has lowered in the last few days. On a semi-overcast day, I decided to go walking along the seaside and take a few pictures.Reflecting over the last eight months has been meditative process. Related to the traveling subject – The Pyramids of Egypt is the most influential, outstanding site. The [...]
These pictures are from Egypt, although edited, and some of my favorites. I will be heading south for a day trip this weekend, and will have some new pictures and posts of Tyre and maybe Sidon. Reflecting on the last seven months of travel: the best food was when I stayed with the Egyptian family [...]
On Saturday, I took an excursion down south to Sidon and Tyre. Common belief dictates that the south of Lebanon is unsafe. The Shia presence, and the prior border conflicts with Israel has contributed to the perception of the media that flows over to the public. I found that this perception is untrue; southern Lebanon [...]
Last Saturday, along with visiting Sidon I also visited Tyre. Tyre suffered during the civil war and war with Israel; there is a strong UN presence and a large Palestinian camp in the area. The history of Tyre dates from the third millennium BCE. Originally, Tyre was an island city that stood firm, and averse [...]
An update: I will be heading to Turkey soon, most likely this Friday. I will be taking a bus to Aleppo for one night and then take a bus to Antakya. From Antakya, I will head to Diyarbakir a Kurdish town. From there, I will be head to the most eastern towns by Mount Ararat. [...]
The personal friendship with the beautiful woman from the coffee shop is the highlight of staying in Beirut. Young, but mature, a deep person of common sense with a good heart—a women that enjoys deep conversations. She is a person who can see within myself, although much deeper than the average women. A connection of [...]
A quick note: I have uploaded about 60 pictures of Lebanon to Shutterfly. Shutterfly changed their interface, it is very nice. I am getting ready to head out for Turkey on Sunday or Monday. Since I will be in the region of the Mediterranean I may visit Beirut again, because the woman that I have [...]
I have left Lebanon, I needed to wait for a visa again at the border of Syria, a painless three hour wait, there were many other Americans there waiting, too. From the border I took a micro-bus to Damascus because it was so late I decided to stay, I am renting a room in a [...]
This is a model of the old city in Damascus that I wanted to post. You can view straight street that goes straight through the area, and the green spot is where the Mosque is located. The Citadel is in the upper left hand corner with the covered market place. Today I arrived in Antakya [...]
The pictures are of Antakya. I arrived in Gaziantep (Antep) today from Antakya, a three-hour bus ride. The route was very beautiful driving along the mountain landscape. Driving into town the temperature was 31 degrees Celsius, although much dryer than Antakya. The amount of people that can speak some English is less than a handful. [...]
The history of Anatolia dates back to the Hittite Empire before the start of the Iron Age of 1200 BCE, the seas people conquered the Hittites after 1200 BCE. The Hittites was a tribe and the son of Canaan, thus Canaanites. Gaziantep is a province that was continuously inhabited starting from the Palaeolithic age. The [...]
Tuesday, I arrived in Sanliurfa (Urfa) by bus, a mere two-hour ride. Today I just arrived in Mardin. When I was at Palmyra, in Syria, a woman gave me a card to a guesthouse here in Urfa. I called upon my arrival, and the person picked me up from the bus station. The guesthouse is [...]
Mardin is situated on the slope of a high hill where the eye can gaze into the distance of the Mesopotamian plains. The populace of Mardin began under the rule of the Hurri-Matani Hittites and experienced the directive of all the major kingdoms of history. Today, the dominating castle serves as a military base.Many buildings [...]
I rolled into Diyarbakir on Friday from Mardin. The hotel in Dirarbakir is the nicest hotel I have stayed at so far in Turkey for 20 YTL a night, the room is comfortable with air-conditioning; I have gone without AC since I left Beirut. I will be departing for Tatvan tomorrow. Diyarbakir is a pleasant, [...]
The first three pictures are of Tatvan, the next four are of a small town in this area called Bitlis. I arrived by bus to Tatvan that sits on the west side of Van Lake, the largest Lake in Turkey. This area is considerably cooler residing at a higher elevation. I survived the extreme heat [...]
Quick update: Traveling South East Turkey has been hassle free with very few tourists. The Middle East Lonely Plant guide is slightly worthless, although I am doing fine without a detailed travel guide. From Van I will be heading north, Van is the last town of the Kurdish area of Turkey. After visiting Van I [...]
The town of Van is the most Eastern town in Turkey situated on the eastern shore of Van Lake. The explosion of Nemrut volcano led the formation of Van Lake. Nemrut volcano in this area is not the same as Nemrut Mountain. Van was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa. It is situated in a [...]
I arrived in Dogubayazit yesterday from Van, I took a minibus and met some nice people from Iran on the bus. Dogubayazit is sitting at the foot of Mount Ararat. A beautiful mountain as you can see from the pictures standing at 5,165 meters. Turkeys highest mountain that is a dormant volcano; the last eruption [...]
The Pasa Palace stands on the mountainside 6 Kilometers from Dogubayazit. It is a magical setting; the castle perched on a small plateau that overlooks the valley.The palace has its roots dating back to 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasa that found its completion in 1784 by a Kurdish chieftain named Ishak. The architecture is splendid [...]
I am heading to Kars today. I decided to stay three days at this hotel here in Dogubayazit. I washed all my clothes in the hotel room, I use the trash can for a wash bin. The bathroom in this hotel has regular western style toilets, less strain on the legs compared the the squat [...]
Kars is situated in NorthEastern Anatolia near the border of Armenia. Throughout the years Kars has its influence from Russian, Kurdish, Turkish, and Azeri. Kars has a more modern feel than the south, women are walking in the streets expressing themselves without a head covering. The young couples will hold hands.Kars once provided a stronghold [...]
All the pictures posted are of Ani. While visiting Dogubayazit, I ran into a Christian Group of the Seventh-day Adventist branch of Christendom that is researching the Noah’s Ark reality. I met them while I was getting dinner and I joined them at their table. First, they reacted with amazement concerning my travels; the first [...]
I arrived in Yusufeli from Kars on Wednesday. The ride through the Georgian Mountain valley is spectacular. The road follow the Oltu River through gorges and valleys. I took a bunch of pictures from the bus traveling on the road, some of the pictures are tainted from the dirty bus window, although I really wanted [...]
The first three pictures are of Yusufeil.Today, I arrived in Trabzon. I decided to skip heading to Barhil because of the lack of transportation up the hill from Yusufeil. I took a Domlus (minibus) to Artvin and transfered onto a Pullman bus to Rize and stayed one night.The drive was spectacular—as we got closer to [...]
The Sumela Monastery is called the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Built upon a sheer rock wall, high above a river valley, the setting is outstanding and absolutely beautiful.I went to a hotel that is in the guide book to find transportation to the Monastery that is 45 kilometers away from Trabzon. There was a [...]
Trabzon is a complete contrast from the towns that I have visited since I left Antep in Southeastern Turkey. What a complete head rush. There is an immense amount of beautiful women on the streets. Indeed, Trabzon is an area with the most attractive women in Turkey so far, and since I left Beirut.Trabzon is [...]
The Ana Sofya Museum is the top tourist site in Trabzon. Originally titles Hagia Sophia or church of the divine wisdom, the building was built between 1238 and 1263. Like many other religious building there was once an temple and then a church built upon the foundation and converted into a mosque once the Ottomans [...]
Giresun is not a town any tourists stop at, although it is a nice modern town with the old charming atmosphere. Giresun produces Hazelnuts and Cherries, the area is known to have the best orchards in Turkey.The subject I find interesting is that among the legend of Jason and the Argonauts searching for the Golden [...]
Here is a couple pictures of Giresun taken from the bus on the departure to Unye. I will have some pictures of Unye posted soon. Today, I am heading inland to Amaysa, a few people have mentioned that it is worth visiting.I really liked the energy of Giresun.
Unye is a very delightful, relaxing town that sits on the coast of the Black Sea. This area of Unye claims the fame to hazelnut orchards as in Giresun.Uyne and Giresun are the nicest towns between Trabzon and Samsun. Arriving into the towns in the morning allows me all day to explore the town. Even [...]
I have updated Shutterfly with over 200 pictures of Turkey. The above picture is of Sinop. I arrived in Sinop yesterday from Amasya; I connected through Samsum. Sinop dates back to the seventh century BCE, the peninsula provides an ideal harbor and trading post for the Black Sea. The peninsula narrows and then widens with [...]
A little change in the plan occurred, heading out of Sinop there was no bus heading to Amsara, only one bus a week makes the route. The best place to go was Kastamonu. Also, the three days after Ramadan is a holiday for everyone, and Amsara is a resort area for the Turkish—the hotels increase [...]
I departed Sinop for Kastamonu on a Dolmus that traveled through the rainy, foggy mountains. The three days after Ramadan is a holiday and the Dolmus was over packed. A Dolmus seats about twenty people that includes the front seats—including the children, I counted 35 people riding in the Dolmus. The children always sit on [...]
Hattusa is the location and ruins of the Capital city of the Hittite Kingdom dating back to 1400 BCE, although the first settlement began around 1900 BCE. In 1200 BCE, the Hittite kingdom was reduced because the arrival of the Iron Age. The people of the Aegean Sea called the Phrygians inhabited the land. Hattusa [...]
I arrived in Kayseri, a town about 70 kilometers from the main towns of Cappadoica, I transferred buses in Kirikkale. The only bus heading this way that was not full was heading to Kayseri which is OK. Kayseri has an impressive walled citadel that was originally built from the Emperor Justinian around the sixth century, [...]
I arrived in Urgup yesterday from Kayseri, only a 60 kilometer trip. Urgup is a wonderful small relaxing town in Cappadocia. The hotel I am staying is like staying at grandmas house, the older lady is a delight, and my room is cozy with wooded knotted walls, a down blanket, with a private bathroom. In [...]
I decided to walk around town and thought of just walking up the hill to the Northeast side of town where the high class hotels are located. I continued walking (up hill) to the back end of the town and look what I found. There is a trail that goes around the large hill (more [...]
The town of Cavusin is one of the oldest inhabited areas of Cappadocia, a slow relaxed town, a delight to spend a night. However most people stay in Goreme and take a day trip to Cavusin and the surrounding valleys. Goreme is only 2 kilometers down the road. Many tour buses come and go here [...]
Being based in Cavusin is ideal for trekking around the different valleys of Cappadoica. Today I hiked around the Rose, Red, and the Kizilcukur Valleys. There were very few tourists, I did not run into any in the first two hours.These valleys are spectacular and diverse in color. I found some spots that created echos—my [...]
Yesterday I went trekking from my base in Cauvsin to an open air museum, although I was above on the mountain of the area while all the tourists from the tourist buses were down below, from that area I hiked to another open air museum that there were very few tourists. This area was wonderful—I [...]
The village of Ortahisar is well worth the visit that resides only six kilometers from Urgup and three kilometers from Goreme. The high stone citadel dominates the non-touristic village.Ortahnisar is indeed a worthy option as an alternative base for Cappadocia, although conservative, but relaxed without the tourist syndrome. Ortahnisar is a quite farming village where [...]
Well, you’re looking at it—the love valley of Cappadocia, the land of giant erected penises. I am not to sure if the reader can discern a little Divine direction in the natural sculpture work of these giant erected penises, but I do. This can be kind of strange for some, I mean really, Mother Nature [...]
The panorama view from Uchisar is outstanding. The hotel I am staying at is icing on the cake that will end my independent tour of Cappadocia. I decided to splurge because of the incredible view and the room is the cave style room.Mount Ercyies in the background and the castle at Ortahisar can be viewed. [...]
The pictures are of the sunrise and Mount Erciyes from the view of the hotel I was staying at in Uchisar. I arrived in the town of Tarsus on Tuesday, which is the birth place of the Apostle Paul. This area is near the Mediterranean Sea and considerably warmer than Cappadocia. I arrived around 6 [...]
I have four posts loaded for the next four days. This new scheduling feature on blogger I find to be wonderful. I really like Silifke, I could stay here longer, but I must move on, I guess I have a deadline having to be in Athens by mid November. I will be heading to Konya [...]
Visiting Cappadocia, a couple of the underground cities should be added to your tour. The Hittites began the process of underground dwelling and defenses around 1800 BCE. There are 200 underground cities in the area of Cappadocia and 9 are open to the public—many or these underground cities connect through tunnels.The two underground cities I [...]
Taking a day trip from Silifke I decided to visit Heaven and Hell. How many of you knew that heaven and hell resided right here in Turkey? The sign shows the way, take your pick, choose wisely. Amazingly enough, heaven and hell is only 100 meters from one another. I’m surprised, I would of thought [...]
Near the caves of heaven and hell, there resides an amazing cave called the cave of Asthma.The legend tells the story—people believed that the cave can cure Asthma. I find it interesting what people will believe.The descent is 20 meters down into the cave. The cave itself is about 200 meters long. A beautiful wonderland [...]
The Maiden’s Castle is a stunning view from the coast. The beautiful blue water makes this castle as if it’s floating on the sea.The above picture is the Mainland Korykos Castle on the shore, a causeway connected the two castles. The above picture is taken from the Korkos Castle with the sun facing its right-side.This [...]
Konya is the place that Rumi produced the mystic branch of Islam, although many Moslems of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have never heard of Rumi. However Rumi’s tomb in Konya receives 1.5 million visitors a year, mostly Turkish Moslems and Western tourists. Rumi and his writings are popular in the West. Rumi attained enlightenment [...]
Quick Update: I took the bus from Konya through Antalya and I stayed in Olympos for two nights, this time of the year the area is slow, although I would never visit Olympos during high season. Yesterday I arrived in Kas, this area of Turkey from Antalya to Fethiye (the coast of Lycia) is truly [...]
The ascetic is one who sees the hereafter, while the worldling sees only the stable. But the chosen ones of God, who have knowledge, see neither the hereafter nor the stable. Their eyes are fixed on the first principle, the source of all things. When the chosen one sows wheat they know the wheat will [...]
Quick Update: For some reason blogger has been block in the last two towns that I have visited, which are the two most popular tourist towns in Turkey. I have traveled all over Turkey with no problem, very strange. You-tube is block in the whole country. Blogs from blogger are block in Syria, although I [...]
Kas is a beautiful area that is situated on the Mediterranean, and was once an area where the country sent political dissidents. Historically, Antiphellos is the Lycian town that was located here and only the theater remains. Though, the theater provides good views of harbor and the town of Kas.In the summer this place is [...]
Afrodisias is an archaeological site that many tourists have not heard of and is less crowded than Pumukkale. A city that dates back with continue settlements 5000 BCE—this isolated area, around the time of the 6th century, produced the temple of Aphrodite the love goddess, which correlates with Mut of Egypt, and Ishtar of Babylon….the [...]
Just wanted to send a quick update where I have visited and where I am at in my time table. I left Kas after a three night stay and transferred through Fethiye to Pumukkale, I decided not to stay in Fethiye, although it is an area that is popular with tourists. In Pumukkale I spent [...]
Pumukkale is well known for its brightly white calcium formations that are call the Travertine pools. Pumukkale means “Cotton Castle”, which is proper, the white hill viewed from a distance is unique. Tourism ruined the pools from the 1980’s and 90’s and now the Travertine pools are empty, many people are disappointed visiting the site. [...]
During my stay in Selcuk, Gram the English guy, and I took a day trip to Didyma where the Temple of Apollo once existed. The ruins are spectacular within this singular Temple of Apollo where the oracle, similar to Delphi in Greece, once existed. Alexander the Great stopped here at the Temple of Apollo to [...]
I arrived to Bozcaada two nights ago, one of the two inhabited islands belonging to Turkey. It is a pleasant, relaxed island. The tourism season is over, although a few pensions are open. This time of year Bozcaada is very lazy and quite, I can feel that my body needs rest, which I did take [...]
I just added over 300 pictures to shutterfly. Along with visiting Didyma and the Temple of Apollo, Gram and I stopped at Miletus, once a major Roman city. A grand city is was that served as a harbor, the seashore is much further away today. During the time of the first century the great theater [...]
Someone said: “I have neglected that true purpose.”Rumi replied: When this thought enters a person’s mind and they criticize themself, saying, “What am I about, why do I do those things?” When this happens it is sure proof that God loves them, and cares for them. “Love continues so long as reprimands continue,” said the [...]
I have had some situations develop lately. I have contacted the organic farm by phone in Israel for the month of December. We have confirmed the situation and I will have my own space with wireless Internet. They have had other Americans on their farm in the past, too. The farm is about twenty minutes [...]
Heading out of Selcuk, I contemplated to visit Pergamum, conveniently, Gram was heading that way and we invited a couple from California that lived in Oman for the last 13 months. After visiting the site, Gram dropped us off at the bus station and I caught a bus to Behramkale. I can say, Gram, who [...]
Assos is an area where the sole Temple of Athena stood which was built in the Doric style. The top of the hill of the town provides excellent views of the coastline of Turkey. Along the hill there are good solid remains of the city walls. The theater is built at the bottom of the [...]
Heading out of Behramkale, I thought that visiting an island would be relaxing, and since there are only two islands of Turkey, I should visit one of the two. Bozcaada is one of the two islands that are of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. The boat trip is only 3 YTL, which is a big [...]
I am sure most of you know the story of Troy. Because of the historian Homer and his poetic writing, the war between King Priam and the Achaeans is a story that has existed down to our era. Situated on the shores of the Dardanelles (in that era), strategically, Troy grasped control of the trade [...]
I have arrived in Istanbul, at last. The landscape of Istanbul among the water is very delightful, everything I expected, even so, I am not a big fan of large cities, I do prefer the smaller towns. There is some hassle with people selling their goods, although it is much calmer than Egypt. Nobody bothers [...]
The big dog—Zeus, the Archaeology Museum is the best of the Museums, except for in Egypt. Today is my one year anniversary from when I departed California, I have admit, time flies—it doesn’t seem like a year. Even so, I am very satisfied upon my progression of traveling. Although, I have only visited five countries—rich [...]
I left Lebanon August 24 2008, I stayed in Syria for five nights transferring through to Turkey. From Aleppo I entered Turkey on August 29 2008. I hired a taxi in Aleppo for 500 SP to travel to Antakya; there was a 500 SP departure fee out of Syria. In Turkey I paid $20.00 for [...]
I have uploaded the rest of the pictures of Turkey to Shutterfly, about 250 pictures. I arrived in Athens via Thessalonica. I took the thirteen-hour sleeper train from Istanbul to Thessalonica. The cabins are cramped, but comfortable, and it was the first sleeper train I have experienced. I shared the double cabin with a guy [...]
Today I am in Tel Aviv, I flew in on Monday night. Getting through the airport was OK, I was questioned, but allowed to enter, I will write more about the process soon. I have been couch-surfing with a wonderful Israeli woman, she is a super cool person. Tel Aviv is a nice city—very opened [...]
Flying out of Athens on Cypress airlines, I had a layover in Larnica on the island of Cypress. First, I was a little bummed out because I could have taken Olympic Airlines direct to Tel Aviv, although the stop over in Cypress was time well spent. Larnica is a beach town on the island of [...]
Today I am in Mitzpe Ramon, known for the dramatic Maktesh Ramon Crater. Situated on the edge of the crater, Mitzpe Ramon is a quiet, lazy town. In Be’er Sheva, I couch-surfed for two nights, Saturday is the Sabbath, and everything is closed in Be’er Sheva. I am couch-surfing in Mitzpe Ramon for two nights, [...]
God has set a seal their ears and eyes and hearts. Their eyes see thins that are the opposite of what they are; they hear wisdom as gibberish and raving. Their hearts have been transformed into a home of self-love and vanity. A winter’s tangle of dark shapes and pride has possessed them. Their hearts [...]
The first three pictures are of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. I have seen a lot of cisterns and this is the most spectacular one built, dating back to the sixth century.Quick update: I am back in Tel Aviv from the Negev desert and will be arriving on the organic farm tomorrow. I am looking [...]
I arrived on the organic farm last Friday; I find the situation to be beneficial, despite the hard work. I do have my own room with a bathroom and a kitchenette, satellite TV and free wireless Internet is included. In addition, food is included and the family has expressed if I need anything to just [...]
I am into my second week of living on the organic farm, and everything is working out as planned. We have been busy with the strawberries—the strawberries are the moneymaker. Every morning we pick and bag lettuce and then weed, clean, and transplant the strawberry beds. This situation is ideal—good food, nice family, although busy, [...]
The fourth week of organic farming is completing; I will be staying until January 4 on the farm, which a couple from Canada will be arriving on the fourth. The family suggested to head north, and stay at their sister’s house that lives on a Kibbutz near the border of Lebanon. I will most likely [...]
I am sure you have heard from the news about the fighting in the Gaza Strip. I thought of writing about a few facts about the Gaza dilemma. An important aspect to understand is that Gaza is a welfare state supported by the West that includes the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Israel; [...]
To continue with a few facts from observing the war in Gaza, one subject to note: the outside international countries, citizens, unions, and other organizations are appalling, and ghastly, according to how they loose the prime context within the subject. There are a few subjects the media, and the third parities avoid mentioning. First, the [...]
While the bombing in Gaza continues into the second week, the Muslim world is outraged and the IDF resolves to achieve there objective of ridding the dilemma of Hamas. Updated 2/15/2009, as you can see Israel did not topple Hamas. Israel does not have a solution to the problem that they created by cutting off [...]
Today I am staying just outside of Nahariya in Northern Israel. The border of Lebanon is just over the hill. Nahariya experienced rocket attacks during the war in 2006. Today it was reported in the news that Hezbollah will refrain from attacking with rockets against Israel. The Lebanese government said they do not want the [...]
Last night three rockets were fired into Israel from Lebanon. I slept through all the excitement. One hit Nahariya and two in the field somewhere. Today there are planes and helicopters flying everywhere in the sky. Everything is fine, the way I see it, is if a there is a direct hit on the house [...]
A couple of twisters appeared on the coast yesterday prior to the thunderstorm we experienced. A tornado twister can create havoc, although most stay off shore in the sea.Today has been slightly calm. There might have been a rocket that landed near the Kibbutz late morning. The Kibbutz set off its air-raid siren followed by [...]
A few days ago I visited Akko (Arce). A colorful history surrounds Akko dating from the nineteenth BCE. Situated as an important port, Alexander the Great established a mint here in 333 BCE. The Egyptian Ptolemites took control of Akko after the death of Alexander. In 200 BCE, the Ptolemites lost Akko to the Syrian [...]
Today the sister of the family of the organic farm is driving me to her brothers house. I will have the place to myself and should be able to stay for a week, although I am going to ask if I can stay two weeks. I responded to an ad for a room with an [...]
I started a new photo site. It was a toss up between Picasa or Flickr; both sites are integrated with Mac, although Flickr and Facebook are appended to the new iPhoto 09. I decided with Flickr, and you can reach my Flickr site from the side bar, you can also subscribe to the RSS feed. [...]
I’ve been slowly contemplating different hosting sites, blogging sites, photo sites—It’s a toss up choosing what direction to pursue. Slowly, I have been studying WordPress.org, although there are several features that Blogger offers that WordPress does not, I will be sticking with blogger, but I might change the template. If I were into podcasting, and [...]
Today I arrived in Jerusalem by bus and found the flat, which is walking distance from the central bus station. The flat is basic, but clean and livable, although slightly cold. Jerusalem itself is quite cold in the winter, even though, there’s no comparison to the Upper Midwest of America at this time of year. [...]
On Friday, I went walking through the old city of Jerusalem. I found myself at the western wall and took the above picture. In addition to Islam and Orthodox/Catholic Christianity, the men in Judaism are favored over the women. The men own the largest area of the wall. Although, the wall itself is small compared [...]
The knowledge of the story of Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus is worldwide, the manger, wise men, Joseph and Mary trekking down to Bethlehem from Nazareth. The Church of Nativity found its beginning early in Christendom’s era—it’s the oldest continuously operating church. In 326, the era of corruption for the followers of Jesus, the [...]
I posted information about the First and Second temple eras of Jerusalem and of the City of David on ClearlyPersonal.com, in addition to adding many pictures. Staying in Israel for a length of time it is clearly noticeable that Western interests are manipulating the situation of the Palestinians. After the partition in 1948, nobody really [...]
A couple of days ago I wondered around East Jerusalem. Between the Damascus Gate and the Herod Gate remains a rock quarry that dates from the times of King Solomon. During the era of the first temple, this rock quarry provided stone for many building which they used throughout the ages. Today, the entrance is [...]
I posted an article concerning the travel industry and writers on Clearlypesonal.com. Interesting enough, just today a popular travel blogger decided to surface his honesty despite what other travel writers or bloggers might think. Nomadic Matt revealed there is no secrets to long term travel. It’s true, there are no tricks to the trade. Using [...]
Masada, situated high above the Dead Sea, the rock flat plateau is where King Herod built an impressive palace. Masada proved to be the last bastion for the Jewish Zealots against Rome in 73/74 CE. In the end the Jewish Zealots killed each other with the last committing suicide.The story of Masada was recorded from [...]
I visited Jericho today that is considered Palestine. How is the region considered Palestine? Entering Jericho you have to drive through an Israeli checkpoint, half a kilometer we pass a checkpoint of the Palestinian police/authority, they gave us a piece of candy as a welcome gesture. Entering Jericho you view the Palestinian flag, their cars [...]
The last few days I have been driving around the North and the Golan. I met a young person at the hostel in Haifa and invited him to see Megiddo and Beit-She’an; two places that are difficult to visit independently like most of the sites here in Israel. We discussed and agreed that Israel is [...]
I decided to head back to Haifa today, I will visit Caesarea tomorrow with the car. Today I drove the Golan, and on the way back to Haifa, I drove through Cana, and Nazareth, two predominately Arabs towns. In the Bible, Cana is the town that Jesus turned the water into wine; Cana is just [...]
When exposing the truth of a government, religion, or a cultural entity, it is crucial to not generalize and combined the common people within the context. Generalizing the common people, racism is at the doorstep; people are a product of their upbringing, most are subjected to automatic behaviors and do not know any better because [...]
Today I am back in Athens, Greece. I spent one year and three months in the Middle East, which includes Egypt and Turkey. I am happy to have left Israel; the common Israeli person is nice, although there is a powerful, strange dark-side within the country. Combining the paranoia, and Ideology, with the wicked intention [...]
I just posted over 300 pictures of Israel to Shutterfly. I have a few more important articles concerning about Israel I will be posting.
Throughout the three months of visiting Israel, I have continually searched for the truth of what happened from the partition of Palestine in November 1947 to the time the Jews proclaimed their independent state in May of 1948, which the Arab states attacked. The younger generation is clueless within their opinionated colorization of the situation. [...]
All the sites in Athens are free on Sundays during the winter. Yesterday, I met two girls on the street from Slovakia; we walked around, had tea, and then had lunch. All the girls I have met from Slovakia have been friendly without a strong defense shield. You may be wondering how did this take [...]
I received an anonymous comment and here is my response. Here is a fine example when a person attempts to justify the subject by changing the context. Keep in mind the context of the article is the Jews entering Palestine through the door of war. Anonymous has left a new comment on your post “The [...]
A while back I joined FaceBook for the reason to stay in touch with close friend. Meeting so many different people on the road and receiving their e-mail is great, although after a one or two e-mails I find it difficult to stay in touch and remember where I met the person.I will be making [...]
Today I am still in Athens. It is incredible how situations take place. The result will depend upon the person’s reaction to the circumstances of the situation.Traveling with the perception that time is timeless creates a non-reaction to diversions. Traveling alone allows me to take wrong turns, walking around extra street blocks, and wait undue [...]
Back in December, the riots in Athens started because a police officer killed a juvenile. However, this incident tipped off the cover of the cooker that accumulated over time because of the fascist tactics of the police. Today, everything is calm, although the tension and bitterness of the public toward the police are easily noticeable. [...]
Today I decided to stay in Iraklion to visit Knossos, and few other sites. once I go West I will not travel back to Iraklion because I can catch the ferry from Hania back to Athens. The pictures posted correlate with the first three pictures post on my Photostream at Flickr. I took the boat [...]
On Sunday after a rainy and cold morning the clouds subsided and the Sun shined down on Iraklion. The water at the hostel became hot, and I showered and shaved. The notion about life is….if you’re cold, and in need of a shower—the weather is wet and hampering the hot water (in many places the [...]
A person cannot help to appreciate a little colorized humor. The weather report arrived on the TV while I was at the coffee shop and we all got a great laugh.The Greeks have a great sense of humor that blends with my personal sense of humor, each culture is different. I have to admit, the [...]
I am back in Athens from visiting Crete, and will be heading to the Organic farm in Northwest Peloponnese; if everything is amiable at the farm, I will stay for the month of March. I could have stayed much longer on Crete, although I don’t think I will be back in April, the overnight travel [...]
This is a long post consisting of the last four days and the consecutive events up to today at the organic farm. This portion was written March 3 I arrived on the farm on Wednesday afternoon; I did take the train, which is longer than the bus, although, the coastal ride is spectacular. The Northern [...]
The dysfunction of this family is deep into the abyss. Every little issue becomes a dramatic situation. They don’t even have the proper tools. The compost area is like a landfill with material that wont break down. The owner doesn’t even have a pair a work gloves for the helper, although I said I would [...]
I am heading down to the cottage to get the work done—it has stopped raining; thankfully, because I have been prepared to leave this organic weed situation. Before I even arrived, I e-mail her saying I cannot weed all day. Here at the main-house, weeding is what she wants accomplished, although she knows I am [...]
The pictures are of the bay of Patra, a beautiful area of Greece.A change in events, I left the cottage situation. The primary reason is that the irresponsible, miserable owner would not provide me with safety goggles to shred the olive branches. Contemplating that she did not want to buy work gloves until I said [...]
In Ancient times, the Olympics were the most prominent and distinguished sporting event in the world. Countries and states would shortly terminate their conflicts, disagreements, and battle against each other in the sporting arena. The games lasted one thousand years until Theodosius the First abolished the games in 394 CE. The first official Olympic games [...]
I took a day trip to Pylos from Kalamata yesterday. Pylos processes an immense natural harbor. Pylos is a picturesque town that resides with an absorbing history. From Pylos I took a bus up to Nestor’s Palace and then hitchhiked to the museum at the small town of Hora.Nestor is a mythical hero who fought [...]
On Friday I trekked up the small town of Mavormati and Ancient Messini. The Taygetos Mountains divide Sparta and Messinian Mani, and Messinia. The route from Kalamata to Sparta requires climbing to the Langada Pass and change buses. Because of this mountain division, the domination of Sparta upon Messinia deteriorated around 370 BCE, after 350 [...]
On Monday, I traveled from Kardamili to Areopoli, which is south on the Mani Coast of Peloponnese. Areopoli is named after Ares, the God of War, who correlates with Auman of Egypt, Bel of Sumer, and Baal of the Canaanites. Areopoli is a site of the Greek War of Independence as in Kardamili. Today, Areopoli [...]
Mystras resides six kilometers from Sparta. Mystras is a former city that is built upon a high hill, consisting of a lower city, an upper city, and the castle at the top of the plateau. In 1249 CE, the fortress found its foundation; the Franks built the fortress. The Byzantines defeated the Franks and made [...]
The city and region of Sparta is most popular from its history. Today, Sparta is nothing to speak of considering the energy of oddity that it possesses. Even so, most people will find themselves in Sparta to visit Mystras.The engulfment of Sparta’s history relates to the military and the infamous hoplite. The most popular battle [...]
The pictures are of a panorama view from the hotel, although not in order. If you are reading from the RSS feed or e-mail, you might want to visit my Flickr page for supplemental pictures.I arrived in Nafplio last Friday from Sparta. Nafplio is situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast Peloponnese. Most of [...]
Athens at night.I decided to stay in Athens one more day. I have been overly tired and my digestion is slightly off balance. Also, my muscles from walking up the many stairs in Nafplio and Mystras are sore. So, I will take a day of rest on this rainy, gloomy day in Athens and tomorrow [...]
The pictures on the post are of Meteora in Greece.I arrived in Sofia yesterday by train, the trip was about six hours, but very comfortable. Couch-surfing is excellent, again. Last night we went to dinner with a few of his friends, and I got a good view of the town of Sofia. Certainly, the first [...]
I am having some excellent respite time house/pet sitting. Here in Bulgaria many aspects are noticeable from the former Soviet era. There are still many old Soviet cars on the streets, along with old buildings, and statues still stand. Bulgaria having an influence from the Russians and Ottomans comprises of an interesting mix with excellent [...]
Currently, the house-sitting is working out excellent. The puppy dog and I have cultivated a friendly relationship; I find interesting the psychology depths of the puppy dog The doggie is getting a workout each day that provides doggie naps throughout the day. My cooking talent has changed for the better. A combination of the wood [...]
Meet Robbie the puppy doggie. Beautiful if you ask me. He is sitting tall and contemplating why the cats in the neighborhood refuse to play with him. The couple of the house will be back around the 27/28th, so I will be here for a few more days, which is OK, I did allow a [...]
The one eyed cat that I feed is a mother of two cute little kittens in the above picture. A subject I have meant to write about is in regards to the alternative health care industry, referring to massage, and any type of modality that works with the body, including energy work; however, I am [...]
Some major developments have taken place here in Bulgaria, I will be nesting for a least a year, possibly longer. Boris and his mother offered me to live at his fathers house that has been vacant for the last five years in a town 50 kilometers east of Plovdiv. We are going to see the [...]
Yesterday, a friend of Boris’ drove us out to view the house which is 175 kilometers from Sofia. We first stopped in Plovdiv to meet Boris’ lawyer friend. I will be heading to Plovdiv tomorrow by train to complete the paper work for the company. Then I will open a bank account with an Italian [...]
I arrived at the house to care for the parrot and the dog. We coulden’t find the password for the wireless Interent for my computer, but I can the home owners computer for the Internet. I should be posting soon.
One week of house sitting completed with the Orange Wing Parrot and the large Bulgaria sheep dog. Another week an a half of house sitting and then I decided to visit Romania for a few days, then head back to Sofia and get another three month visa. The first time a non-EU resident applies for [...]
I bought a car from the couple I house sat for in May. We took care of the paper work on Friday, all I need to do is get it registered within two weeks. The car is a French made Peugeot that runs diesel getting excellent gas mileage, a great running car. Plus I will [...]
I just arrived in Hisar, Boris’ family town, his brother lives here, and the flat is where they grew up. Yesterday I drove up to the northern border to get a new three month visa, and then stayed one more night at the house sitting place. Today drove to Hisar across the highest mountain pass [...]
The last two days I have been working on the house in Belya Reka. Yesterday, Boris had the day off and we moved everything out of the winter house. The winter room with an attached shower room will be my main dwelling area. I will also have a nice outdoor patio area; I will be [...]
The last two days have been very productive. Boris’s mom came out the village, we had to figure out the water and she paid the tax for the next couple of years on the house, I am holding on to the receipts. One thing in Bulgaria, concerning the car, the company, and whatever else, the [...]
A quick outing today. Zhivko and I went to inquire about the car registration, I guess I need a Bulgarian ID before changing it into my name. So on Monday we will head to Plovdiv, and the lawyer will have ready the paper work for the company and the paper work for the ID. It [...]
Here are some pictures of the house. The winter dwelling place with the running water and shower room is the white building with the window, which is detached from the summer house. The last week I have been slowly working out at the house within the summer heat. Jivko will head out with me on [...]
I bought this 3D map of Bulgaria.Staying here in Bulgaria there are many aspects I prefer than in my home country. The easy going, relaxed atmosphere is related with non-enforced laws. Jivko asked me if he could drink some beer in the car while driving to the house— I asked it is legal? He said [...]
The last few days we accomplished much out at the house. We hired a friend that works with plaster. He plastered, smoothed, and painted the walls of the winter house. We also got the poles for the shade awning into the ground. Getting the walls complete was a lot of help and very affordable, it [...]
I should be posting soon, I am on one of the final phases at the house.
I have been working hard accomplishing the task of getting ready for the winter out at the house. This last week I accomplished the pluming in the shower room, the project was kind of difficult; however, the shower completed and I completed the pluming myself without being able to speak the language. The neighbor hooked [...]
From the picture you can observe the awning finished, it turned out OK, this next spring I will reinforce it, however until November it should be a solid structure against the wind. The awning measures somewhat large, at 5.5 by 4 meters. In addition, today it rained and the water drained off of the awning [...]
Saturday, Sonya’s dad installed the tile in the shower room and entryway; a major help, plus they are selling me a wood stove at a great price. In addition, they are helping me get DSL into the house, possibly through the grandparent’s house across the street since they have a phone. Sonya’s family is very [...]
Mitsy’s favorite outside sleeping spot.After a couple of weeks from being finished with the winter nest except for some small tasks, I cannot help from writing about my realistic view of Bulgaria. I did advert to before that Bulgaria is an easy going country. Indeed, there are laws and rules, but there is no comparison [...]
I have inquired about the DSL on several occasions, and it looks as though it is a lost cause. The only company in the country “BTC” (American owned) that provides DSL seems to be changing their system, so even my neighbor that has an installed phone cannot receive a new service currently. I have investigated [...]
I have been reading a variety of travel blogs since I departed America almost two years ago. There is information about a majority of locations that travelers blog about. However, there are few bloggers, compared to the norm, who will write about the cultural aspects of the country. Within the characteristics of a country, positive [...]
I crossed over the border to Turkey on Wednesday and arrived in Istanbul. I stayed two nights at a very loud hostel and took the 12 hour bus to Cappadocia. The border crossing was comical. The customs decided to check all the bags of the buses, we were held up at the border for two [...]
Many readers might remember when I was in Urgup last year I posted a review on the Ailanpa Cafe & Wine House. I am back here enjoying grandmas home cooked traditional turkish cuisine.
Yesterday I arrived in Konya enjoying some excellent cuisine. I met a nice guy from Belgian that travels a month at a time to different locations. He traveled Iran and loved it, and interesting enough, visited Somalia aside from other locations. Taking the tram into town from the bus station, I met a very beautiful [...]
I am back at the winter nest in Bulgaria. After ten days, it is much colder and I did fire-up the wood burning stove. I can say that this stove will be extremely efficient, and burning coal is the ultimate; coal burns hotter and much slower than wood. My cat is extremely jubilant concerning my [...]
Leaving for a time to a country that expresses a different character, belief system, energy, and mind-set, and then returning to Bulgaria is providing an introspective outlook. The atmosphere of the winter’s nest is private and mostly quite. It would make all the difference if the house were one kilometer out of the village. However, [...]
Since I returned from my short excursion from Turkey, I have been easing into a positive daily routine. I am determined to maintain a positive daily routine; bad habits are easy to acquire and once a habit becomes a rut, changing can be challenging among the similar geographic location. However, this is not the case [...]
The other day the children from the school presented a performance of the culture of Bulgaria. Here are a few pictures. The cultural aspects of Bulgaria goes back to folklore. The style of dress and music is always the predominant feature. The family I am good friends with, their youngest daughter of the family preformed [...]
Here is the wood burning stove, I have plenty of buckets that prevents from going out in the cold and fetching more wood or coal. Last Thursday I accomplished getting my car registered in Plovdiv, a painless process with all the correct documents in-hand. Also, I paid the insurance, which is very cheap, about $100 [...]
The month of November in Bulgaria this year has been unseasonably warm; somedays reaching 70*F/22*C. The last couple of weeks I have been taking random pictures of the village for the reader to get a good idea of the village life in Bulgaria. On Saturday my neighbors butchered up a cow and a big pig. [...]
The city of L.A.From the viewers eye the village life here in Bulgaria may not look inviting, however there are many positives along with the negatives. The pictures posted may look quite different from what you regularly view. Indeed, most westerns may view several countries as dirty. Some streets here in the village are lined [...]
Steve is Lost just landed in LA after traveling five years continuously. This is his first impression of viewing LA: And 18 hours after leaving my Bangkok home I arrived back in the good old USA. I do have to add though, flying out of Bangkok’s new International Airport and flying into LAX (Los Angeles [...]
An analogous outlook upon animals and pets is slightly standardized within the former Ottoman Empire. Spending quality time in each country allows the educational process to distinguish the deeper dynamics of the cultural mind-set. After two years into traveling/nesting I have less of an interest to travel fast. The mind-set and perception of animals are [...]
This is a common site around many small villages and especially in the mountains in Bulgaria. I captured this picture while I was sitting in my car at the library on Skype. This Gypsy lady made a couple of trips down the street hauling large bags on her back. There are some Bulgarians of the [...]
Today is the first snow here in Bulgaria. In the Bulgarian language snow is pronounced “Sa’nack, kind of like “snack” but with the emphasis in the “nack”. When I first heard the word I though they were taking about having a snack. I love the snow, I think it provides a beautiful atmosphere, but not [...]
I am mostly at the end of organizing this template except for new gadgets on the side bar and possibly in the footer. I am going to go with this new arrangement for the next year with the new domain and the template, at that time I will decided to stay with Blogger or move [...]
From the countries that I have traveled, from Egypt to Turkey, the Levant, Greece and Bulgaria, one common phrase that is predominant among different cultures is “crazy”. Several occasions while visiting a local individual would refer to someone else that they are “crazy”. I never knew the english term “crazy” is an utmost popular phrase [...]
The above picture is Peter, my immediate neighbor across the street. He is one of the nicest neighbors I have experienced. Referring to my culture there is not many exemplary neighbors that surface except for a mature gay couple that I lived next to in Aptos in the Santa Cruz area. A couple of thirty [...]
Well, I finally took the giant leap and made it past the learning curve for WordPress, it took awhile, the two blogging platforms are completely different. Not only am I understanding WordPress, I am using the Thesis theme, and I can say I am very pleased. I have been working hard at figuring this stuff [...]
The subject of the weather seems to always crop up into a conversation, within some situations it may be the only subject people talk about. Consciousness in itself views everything as beautiful. The personal view will depend on our level of consciousness. The village went a little nuts with the fireworks over New Years. The [...]
On Friday I drove to Sofia to upgrade my Mac with more memory including a run to the Serbian Border for a new Bulgarian visa. Extremely hassle free as long as you have the green card for the auto insurance. Interesting enough, neither side asked for my drivers license. So, I am set until April [...]
Winter has set-in, it took awhile, November and December were unseasonably warm. It snowed two weeks receiving a few inches and it decided to stick around it is very cold. I never new that Bulgaria got this cold, even so, it is not as cold as the upper mid-west in America. The cold weather can [...]
The snow is coming down quite heavy these last two days. The snow we had prior melted and now fresh new white semi-wet snow landed. I have always liked snow days, just based on a change of lifestyle from the summer. This is my neighbor, he let me use his big homemade shovel. He is [...]
Well, we got slammed with snow, what a head rush. The last time I remember snow like this is before I moved from Minneapolis in 1994. The last day in October 1993 Minneapolis received over thirty inches of snow, and one month later another twenty five inches. Here in Bulgaria the snow level is close [...]
So all the snow you see in the bottom pictures has melted and the sun is out. That means I accomplished washing some laundry and there is at least three meters more water in the well. It is very nice to get such warm breaks from the cold weather. I can say that winter is [...]
So a little slow going with this blog lately, I have been very busy on my other sites and new blog. My websites will be all set up by the time I leave Bulgaria so I can just research and blog. If a person has an interest of what really is going on according to [...]
Old man winter is behind us here in Bulgaria. The last few days have been pleasantly warm, and I am starting some needed spring clean up. I ate my last Pomegranate in February and now dreaming of October. It is a toss up, because October/November brings the winter, but also the harvest of the lushes [...]
So Mitko’s cat, my friend in the neighboring town had three cute little kittens. His family and I took an outing over by the mountain in the south and visited a very old monastery and a castle that was a stronghold for the passage into the valley. I will post some of the pictures soon. [...]
There are many blogs that I have discontinued reading, only because I am busy with more important subjects, and some blogs just are not adventurous or provide the depth that I enjoy reading. Possibly, my travel blog has been boring for many, but I am not trying to create a large crowd. Yet, there are [...]
The pictures posted are from the Bachkovo Monastery and the Asenovgrad Castle that I visited a couple of weeks ago. Bulgaria isn’t always noticed as a major tourist destination, although there are 525 sites and landmarks that are presented on a handy dandy map you can purchase upon arrival. Strange artwork wouldn’t you say. This [...]
I visited Sofia for a couple days this last week. I got added pages in my passport at the US embassy and stay at the Hostel Sofia because Boris was out of town. The above picture is the Russian Style Ploshad Aleksander Nevksi Church located in the center of Sofia. I met a wonderful Spanish [...]
So there is a slight change in events, and this is one example to remain in the moment and avoid futurist expectations. Since the collective consciousness fails at remaining the in the moment it is extremely easy to get caught up in futuristic thoughts. So if I take the car I would have to return [...]
So everything is getting taken care of like clock work. We transferred the company in Boris’ name; the car, the internet contract, and my cell phone sim-card goes with, it worked out great. Tomorrow I will say goodbye to Mitko and his family, and also Maria, my female friend that live in the neighboring town. [...]
So I decided to head to Macedonia and continue with the original tentative plan. Originally I was going to travel through Bulgaria to Romania, and back down through Serbia to Macedonia and then up the coast to Bosnia, but decided to stay in Bulgaria for 395 days. Today I am in Skopje, I might head [...]
The river below the Old Stone Bridge Divides the City of Skopje. I arrived in Macedonia for a rainy and cold introduction. Skopje feels much smaller than Sofia and there are no trams; Sofia could be considered the tram-city. The border of Bulgaria and Macedonia was freezing being so high in the mountains. Rapping everything [...]
I decided to visit a small town south of Skopje called Negotino here in Macedonia just east of Prilep on the map. It isn’t a place travelers visit; there is only two hotels in town, but in the summer there resides a big pool that people from around the country visit on their holiday. The [...]
Today I am in Bitola, a charming town, I will have a post up soon. I got a great deal on the hotel, regular 35 Euro, I got it for 15 Euro, I am staying two or three nights. Traveling Macedonia is very pleasant, I am surprised that more travelers don’t visit this region of [...]
The clock tower in Bitola is the pride of the people. It was first built in 1664 but got its present appearance in the 19th century, and is 30 meters high. Bitola is a lively town that boasts the most beautiful architecture in Macedonia. Over shadowed by Ohrid, but recognized as a lovely town that [...]
Tuesday I left Ohrid and took the bus down to the border to enter Albania. There are no buses crossing the border so I hitchhiked and caught a ride all the way to the border town of Pogradec. I only stayed one night and moved on to Korca, a town known for their own beer [...]
On Friday, I took the long and winding road from Korca to Gjirokaster. The ride is spectacular, if the road would be straight the ride would be 3 hours, instead it is a six hour bus ride. Gjirokaster is noted for its grand castle that was used for a prison before world war two, during, [...]
I stayed in Sardana for three nights. Sardana is a horseshoe bay that has boats going to Corfu Greece. The house I stayed at was very comfortable and quite and up the hill from the busy areas, only 1000 lek/$9.00 a night. The family was very nice, but reserved and just unsure about the tourist/traveler [...]
I have been in the capital city of Tirana for the last couple of days with fast wireless Internet and did take in an awesome opera last night. Tirana is an Ok capital city, there are many nice neighborhoods, but really not much to write about. I will be posting about Berat, it is a [...]
For two nights I decided to go slightly outside the box concerning my travel style and head for the beaches within its own “box” in Durres. The bus ride from Berat to Tirana drove by the beach hotels and through Durres. I thought to myself it would be nice to go swimming in the sea and soak up some vitamin D sun rays, yet in the shade. Durres rests on the shores of the Adriatic Sea and is a port with ferries heading to Italy. The Hotel Oaz is a great deal at only 28 Euro a night, but the price considerably increases in July and August. The swimming is wonderful in the sea and the pool. Floating is the bomb, it can teach to surrender control by fully relaxing including the stomach muscles.
Tirana, the capital city of Albania is just that, cosmopolitan with a mix of people that are steering toward the western fashion and lifestyle. I visited Tirana for three nights last weekend, and there are many nice neighborhoods, and a few sites to visit. The biggest highlight for myself was going to see the Opera Anne Boleyn—with a live orchestrate, the performance was fantastic with excellent talent and heavy hitting emotional drama—infidelity, lies, grief, sorrow, and a triple guillotine—my type of Opera.
Sounds strange, a town of all Men? but I asked around, and every person said, “no girls in Kruje”. There are young high school girls, but they all leave for collage and most men stay. Kruje is embedded on a mountain slope only thirty kilometers from Tirana, and was the stronghold and held out the [...]
I arrived in BAR in Montenegro a couple of nights ago. There are no buses from Northern Albania to Montenegro so the traveler is forced to take a private car. The driver only charged 30 euro all the way to coastal town of BAR from Albania. The town/city of BAR seems kind of suburban, at least it has that feel. Hearing the name BAR among travelers and tourists induces a preconceived idea.
I departed the lovely flat I rented for three nights in Bar and could have stayed longer, the flat was painted pink and had silk sheets. I experienced the color pink to be a relaxing positive color. Montenegro, as in the other areas of the Balkans, possesses beautiful landscape. The short bus ride up the coast to the tourist town of Budva dominates with high mountains and charming little towns within beach style harbors.
Unexpectedly another giant leap occurred. I went to the bus station to happily leave the tourist syndrome of Budva and head to Kotor. The ticket person said “five minutes”, so I jump on the bus, but the person selling the tickets failed to mention that the bus was heading to Podgorica first. This is a fine example how sicking tourist areas behave, yet, everything turned out for the better. Once at the Podgorica bus station I inquired about heading to Sarajevo. With only a two hour wait I grabbed some lunch, remarkably a good old-fashioned mid-western style meal, found some Internet and the time rushed on to depart for Sarajevo.
As grey clouds and rain dominate Sarajevo the time here is an eye opener to what life was like during the siege that happened for over three years. Sarajevo is an interesting city to visit. There are many American tourists/vacationers; it is interesting where groups of Americans visit. My tentative plans changed slightly. I’ve been contemplating when would be the best time to travel the country.
I departed rainy Sarajevo by bus down to gaze in awe at the beautiful landscape down to hot sunny Mostar. The Balkans continually bedazzles with its ultra enchanting mountains, canyons, lakes, and rivers.
The most predominant attribute is that the females are approachable, intelligent, and will converse within a normal relaxed fashion. I am really enjoying the energy and disposition of the girls here in Bosnia.
My wonderful homestay here in Mostar is coming to a satisfying close. The most valuable long term travel resources are house sitting, renting a room or an apartment, and staying in a home of a local that can also include Couchsurfing. The lady I met at the bus station provides an ultra comfortable home that can sleep up to six people. She was kind enough to wash my clothes and iron them, and cook a couple of hearty meals. International homestay situations such as in Ohird Macedonia, and here in Mostar provide an introspection of the local cultural
The top nature attraction of Jajce is its beautiful waterfalls, fortress, and its river lined parks. In 2006 Jajce was nominated to be listed as a UNESCO heritage site. If and when Jajce makes the list, this beautiful town may experience more common holiday-makers. The 21 meter waterfall was the height of 30 meters, but [...]
Today I am visiting Banja Luka which is the capital of the Republika Srpska. There are two entities of Bosnia but three Presidents. The Republika Srpska is the predominantly Serb areas of Bosnia located in the northwest and northeast hugging Serbia and Croatia. The concentration camps and the genocide that you heard on the news [...]
I rolled into Belgrade in Serbia from Banja Luka on the double decker express bus that cruses through Croatia. Much faster because of the express highway on the flatland that spans from Belgrade and Zagreb, but two border controls. Interesting enough, Bosnia does not stamp the passport for the entry or exit.
Belgrade, overshadowed with a stereotype reputation from the propaganda of the Balkan wars in the early 90′s and the Kosovo issue, yet the social city of Belgrade manifests good food, pretty girls and social friendliness. Many young backpacking travelers visit Belgrade for the party sceen that overflows into the hostels with drinking and sex. People [...]
I am still here in Belgrade and contemplating when I should head back to Bosnia, I will be arriving at the flat in Sarajevo on the 27th to rent for August; the lady of the home is leaving on the 28th. I am comfortable where I am staying here in Belgrade with fast Internet, air-conditioning, [...]
When browsing around the Internet and observing different niches such as travel and technology there is one element that is bothersome within supposedly popular blogs, and that is—The Google Feedburner Subscription Counter. If you are wondering why your Google Feedburner Subscription numbers are extremely low within your niche, while only a handful of people perceive [...]
I arrived back in Sarajevo to rent the flat from Belgrade, and I must say what a wonderful comfortable place. Another situation working out excellent for both parties. Zoe, the lady of the house is from Turkey originally, but has lived here in Sarajevo for a few years. I am really going to enjoy this [...]
The travelers reality toward food can be a delight and a curse in addition to disagreeable emotions. Experiencing and savoring excellent cuisine from other cultures enhances interest and comfort for the long term traveler. Yet, discovering a location with excellent local cuisine, and departing the area can cause desire including a hankering appetite. Thus, an [...]
Living in Sarajevo seems to be an OK place, I could stay longer, but located in a valley the city gets cold winters, but pleasant summers. The above salad I created with the tool below that I bought for $2.00, this little tool is the ultimate to build a nice shredded salad and extremely mobile. [...]
A quick update: I departed Sarajevo after six weeks renting the flat paying 300 euros that averages to $7 euro a night. Today I am Zagreb after a 10 hour overnight train ride, but I did have my own berth with a bench allowed some sleep. This last month I accumulated several web design clients [...]
Today I am in Budapest after the 6 hour train ride from Zagreb a couple of days ago. I decided to take the 0500 train, which is early, but much better time to arrive into a city. At the train station a Grannie lady had a sign for rooms and I jumped at that moment [...]
Today I am in Krakow after a couple of train rides from Slovakia. I departed out of Budapest to Bratislava taking the train for 2.5 hours about five days ago. Bratislava is a midsize old communistic city that all locals in Slovakia dislike, at least according to everyone that I asked. I stayed a pleasant [...]
I arrived in Krakow a week from last Thursday and stayed in a nice, quite hostel until Sunday. There were nice sunny days until Sunday, and all last week was cold, windy, and rainy, but I didn’t mind, I am overly busy with web design clients. I did some site seeing on Saturday and viewed [...]
Schindler’s Factory in Krakow is only 500 meters from Ghetto Square. The Ghetto itself was very small comparing the amount of people that lived within its walls. Today there is only a small fragment of the wall remaining. Take note, all museums are closed on the first Monday of the month in Krakow, however the [...]
The market square in Krakow is one of the largest markets in Europe. The main function of the Market Square was commerce. After the city was destroyed by the Mongol invasion in 1241, the Main Square was rebuilt in 1257 and its commercial role expanded with the Magdeburg rights location of the city by the [...]
I visited Warsaw for about three days last week. Warsaw is a busy capital city as all others that provides a view interesting sites. I didn’t have much of an interest and decided to leave for the mere reason that on the weekends the hostels are full, and a full loud hostel with a bunch [...]
Berlin is truly an international city that offers everything under the sun. Berlin became the capital of the German Empire in 1871 and expanded rapidly in the following years. All types of cuisine can be found here in Berlin, and the Mexican food is very good compared to all other locations within the countries I [...]
There are a couple of sections of the Berlin Wall that for tourist to observe. Throughout the city there are remnants of the wall but a person can be in East Berlin and think your in the West because of the mass capitalism and fast food domination. The picture above taken from the Eastside looking [...]
This road divided the camp in Birkenau that lead to the gas chambers in the back of the camp. People that were selected for the gas chambers on arrival would walk along this road and then left to crematorium 4 and 5.
Traveling Northern and Western Europe consists of a completely different travel style such as the Middle East and the Balkans. Within the Middle East and the Balkans renting a room can run $10, and most transportation routes are still at a cheap price. Europe, however, requires the budget traveler to stay in hostels, and the [...]
The City of Munich is rich in history that includes good German food and beer. Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River Isar, Munich is Germany’s third largest city, and is where the country’s wealthy trendsetters like to ‘see and be seen’. The city’s motto is “München mag Dich” (Munich Likes [...]
I arrived in Mumbai after a long trip from Munich, Germany. I bought the flight when in Sarajevo for only $400 one-way. The British Airways flight to London was rough; we had strong headwinds that slowed down the trip on top of leaving the gate 35 minutes late. The plane circled London for a good [...]
The first week after the arrival in any country can be a whirlwind of an experience. Bombay is an intense city of 16 million people. During my visit I met a young guy that I helped with some provisions—he was so happy, he gave me a needed sim-card for my phone and offered to take [...]
The Sugar Cane in India is a welcomed site. The juice bars in Bombay selling fresh sugar cane juice will set you back 7 rupees (the exchange is currently at 45 Rupees to the Dollar). As viewed in the photo the harvest is manually accomplished and then the long sugar cane stocks are driven by [...]
Aurangabad is an important city in the state of Maharashtra, India. It sees a lot of international tourist traffic due to world heritage sites, Ajanta & Ellora caves. Travellers to Aurangabad will find history dating back to the 2nd century BCE, when the Satavahana rulers established their capital in Pratishtanapura, today known as Paithan. It [...]
I am severally behind in posting current information. The home-stay in Hyderabad was the best of the best. I am planning on visiting the family for a weekend before I leave the country in April. So far I have observed two house warming parties, one baby shower, and one pre-wedding party. I am heading to [...]
Here in India receiving a sim-card for your cell phone and also the convenient USB broadband Internet Stick can be difficult since the terrorist attacks in Bombay in 2008 for a foreigner. However with the correct contacts and knowing the different companies will assist in accomplishing the process correctly here in India. My friend in [...]
About two weeks, ago I pushed off from Aurangabad to Hyderabad taking a 12 hour overnight train. For my first experience, I choose the 2 tier AC carriage. The cost is considerably more than the dreadful non-AC sleeper class, yet the price contrast is a slim difference from the 3 tier AC carriage. For the [...]
During the home-stay in Hyderabad I was had the opportunity to observe two different housewarming parties or “Puja”, Pūjā alternatively written as Pooja, means reverence or worship. Puja is any Hindu ceremonial, from a simple ritual in the home to an elaborate public festival, in which an image or other symbol of the god is [...]
The train ride from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to the Araku valley consists of multiple mountain tunnels and spectacular landscape. The semi slow 4 hour train ride is the best ride through the magnificent eastern ghats. It’s a fun ride with the Indians, all the kids shout, squawk, and yell through every tunnel. There are about 40 [...]
All last week I decided to nest here in Puri which is a pilgrimage area for several different types of individuals who are seeking the external form of spirituality. This last week consisted of rain and cool temperatures that I greeted enthusiastically; a change in the weather always adds to good health. Hindu pilgrims make [...]
Around certain parts of India there human powered “Rickshaws”. These guys are a slight head-rush. In Puri there are all pedal-cycle style. In Calcutta there are many rickshaws but no pedal-cycle, they human power the cart with their legs. These guys are the lower class of society and are more than willing to rip you [...]
The Sun Temple at Konark in the State of Orissa is one of India’s signature archeological landmarks and an Unesco Heritage Site. Most people visit the sun temple on a day trip from Puri or Bhubaneswar. Constructed during the mid-13th century to celebrate a military victory over the Muslims, the sun temple experienced continual usage [...]
The charming town of Darjeeling is the prime attraction within the hills of West Bengal. Surrounded by tea plantations that produce the famous Darjeeling Black Tea, and a spectacular view of the majestic mountain backdrop of Khangchendzonga—Darjeeling is not your average Indian town. As you travel north from Calcutta the facial features of the locals [...]
Last Monday I pushed off from Darjeeling to Gangtok in Sikkim in a shared jeep. The journey was the most difficult jaunt I have experienced in the last three years. One of the most difficult journeys was from Mostar to Jajce in Bosnia—after five minutes in the bus I started sweating and feeling nauseous. A [...]
Today I am Varanasi and will be for the next month or longer renting a flat. This situation materialized through meeting Mona in Slovakia during breakfast at a hostel. I stayed with her family (husband and kids) for about five days in Hyderabad. I inquired about a flat or personal space to rent and Mona [...]
I bought a new cycle today. I cannot deal with the rickshaws or three wheel autos having to bargain all the time. So I decided to buy a new bike for my transportation needs. It’s is a little tricky driving on the left-side of the road, but I will get use to the concept. The [...]
Varanasi is the oldest continuously inhabited city in India and is home to more than 1.3 million people who crowd its narrow streets. The charming chaos on the streets of Varanasi create a flare of cultural atmosphere. Here, you will share the street with bicycles, rickshaws, three-wheel autos, cars, people attending funeral cermonies, cows, pigs, [...]
Traveling India and other “developing countries” may increase an alertness that requires extra security for valuables such as your laptop computer and cell phone. Here in India most hotel doors have outside locks such as the picture above. Carrying a Master combination lock while traveling I find essential; master combination locks are reliable and proven [...]
All over India you can find Coconuts. Everyplace there are carts filled with coconuts that chop off the top of the coconut and serve fresh healthy Coconut Water. Most servers also will carve out the coconut pulp that may satisfy the appetite. While people prefer different flavors of coconut water, generally a green coconut with [...]
When a person visits India you should experience that many people are very nice and hospitable if you are traveling the non-touristy areas. At first you may experience their hospitality as genuine, however, here in India and all over the world, most people are concerned about themselves. India is a shame based culture. Everyone is [...]
I will be departing soon from Varanasi and India itself. Most of you know I will be heading to Berlin for about 5 weeks. Then I decided to camp out in Macedonia. The last time I only stayed two weeks in Macedonia. Orchid is very cheap, beautiful, and excellent food; I might also visit Bulgaria [...]
During my stay in Varanasi the nicest person I met is a guy named Sanjay that offers massages. Early in my stay, I was down at the Main Ghat and many guys offer massages, haircuts, and shaves, the person I first met talked me into getting a massage right on the Ghat, and his massage [...]
Traveling India proves to be challenging for many travelers. There are several dynamics you will want to consider in preparation before you set out on your adventure. All Budget and Mid-Range Hotels have Hard Beds. This entire country uses florescent lighting. All buildings are made from Cement with odd bright color paint. The Food is [...]
My last stop in India is the Capitol City of New Delhi. Within each city of Bombay, Calcutta, and Delhi resides a tourist/backpacker area—I consider these areas as backpacker ghettos. Any city you choose to initially fly into will most likely be the city you dislike the most. Many travel bloggers write negatively about Delhi, [...]
The Departure out of India proved to be pleasant because gradually I became very tired of the ultra-loud, dusty, and dirty streets of India. Sorry to say, but India is a garbage dump. The clean and quite infrastructure of Berlin is a welcoming site compared to dirty and smelly India. And, after being in India [...]
Continual long term travel can cause a change in lifestyle, eating habits, and possibly a host of health problems. If a traveler consumes the prime opportunity to change eating habits, the morning routine, and the overall disposition—changing geographic locations presents the possibility. Traveling from geographic locations to the next can cause climate and culture shock, [...]
Today marks 3.5 years traveling and nesting abroad. I have not visited the United States since I departed for my travels in 2007. I decided to take a detour from Berlin to Gdansk in northern Poland and happy I did. Currently I am the only person as the hostel which is located out side of [...]
Since I left India I have been at a crossroads concerning international travel. As I mentioned prior, I experienced and saw the countries I have always wanted to visit. I lived in several places such as Bulgaria. At this point my international travels are ending at the end of August. I have been going over [...]
I decided to nest in Bulgaria for the summer. My flight was canceled from Berlin that connects in Prague to Skopje. So I decided to jump on a train to Prague, visit for a day, and then catch the flight to Skopje. Visiting Prague for a day was plenty of time after visiting many cities [...]
Currently, I am residing in a small town called Hisar (Hisarya) in Bulgaria until the end of August. Hisar is truly a beautiful area located on the southern folds of Sredna Gora Mountain of the Balkan Mountains. Continue Reading More @ Cycling Nomad
When some people hear of the Balkans and former Yugoslavia they might think of war ravaged Bosnia, and many people still view the Balkans as unsafe. From first hand personal experience traveling the Balkans is a wonderful experience that will not damage your pocket book compared to northern Europe. The very word of Balkans may [...]
My international travels will be coming to a close concerning across the Atlantic travels and traveling on buses and trains with a backpack. Most of you know I will be starting a cycling nomadic lifestyle to continue my travels. I will eventually be heading to Central America and possibly South America on the bike. But [...]
I rolled into Minneapolis after a long transit trip from Bulgaria. Having an eight hour layover in Berlin from Sofia, I arrived in Iceland (2*c) around midnight. Iceland, the land of high inflation has it set up that all passengers can take the ‘flybus’ to Reykjavík and be dropped off at your hotel or hostel; [...]
I arrived in Minneapolis after just shy of 4 years of international travel. This is my first time back in the States since I departed from San Francisco in November of 2007. I can say that visiting is a cultural head rush. When person is away from their inbred culture for a longtime, it is [...]
The Republic of Macedonia is a newly independent state, gaining its independence from Yugoslavia in the year 1991. It is located in the Balkan peninsular. The country of Macedonia is quite vast and is a wonderful challenge to take up if you consider yourself to be an avid explorer! It is home to the elusive [...]
The majestic land of Pharaohs and the Great Pyramids, Egypt is chaotic and beautiful. However, nowhere else in the world can you find the ambience and the wealth that Egypt offers to travelers. While most people travel to Egypt to see the Pyramids, the country offers many more wonders to explore. Not surprisingly, Egypt is [...]
Minnehaha Park and Creek is a local favorite as it’s connected to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway’s pedestrian and bike trails and has a nice seafood cafe open in the warmer months. It also has picnic grounds, a wading pool, play areas, bike and surrey rentals and one gorgeous waterfall with walking trails both above [...]
I think one of the biggest reasons that people travel to Greece is the fact that most of us have heard so much about it. The land of the mighty Parthenon and the Acropolis, Greece is both exotic as well as mystical. We all have studied the ancient Greeks in our history class; we all [...]
Known officially as the Republic of Turkey, this country is located in Western Asia in the Anatolian Peninsular in the continent of Eurasia. The official language is Turkish and most of its people are Muslim. Turkey is a country that has seen so many different cultures come through its borders that when you see all [...]
Albania has been gaining popularity as a top tourist destination. This country located in the southern parts of Europe is reinventing itself in terms of tourism. What helps is the fact that Albania allows travelers to get a glimpse of some of the best aspects of European culture, history and tradition because it hasn’t seen [...]
If you’re looking for a place that has a rich culture, warm people and beautiful architecture, then Lebanon is the place to be. Lebanon, officially called the Republic of Lebanon, is a country that is bordered by the gorgeous Mediterranean sea in the east, shares a border with Syria on the north and east sides [...]
Looking for a new place to travel to this summer? If you love exploring new lands and prefer to vacation in places that haven’t yet been tainted by the human hand, I recommend Bulgaria. Here are the top 4 reasons why Bulgaria makes for the perfect vacation spot: Gorgeous landscapes – Not yet a top [...]
Budapest is a hidden gem at the edge of central Europe, close to where the Iron Curtain once used to delineate the border between the free Western world and the oppressed East. When you visit Budapest nowadays, however, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any signs of the destruction caused by the Communist regime. The Hungarian [...]
Indian cuisine is made up of hundreds of regional cuisines which can be traced back thousands of years. The dishes consist, primarily, of spices, herbs, lentils, rice, bread, potatoes, and vegetables. Hindu beliefs have played a large role in the formation of Indian cuisine, as well as the influence of other cultures that have come [...]
After a long contemplation of thought and ideas I decided to depart from Minneapolis, which is a long over due departure. Comparing most cultures I lived during my international travels—Minneapolis has been one of the most challenging. I decided to depart with my car and travel from campground to campground, despite having a strong desire [...]