Tokyo 2.0
For some, travel is about consistency: returning to the same place, say, the beach, year after year. That kind of travel is about getting to know a place intimately. And I respect it. But, it's not for me. I prefer...
Reflections on RTW 2.0
"Hey! I know you!" A shocking greeting came from a stranger somewhere on the Mongolian Steppe. "Yeah. You were on my flight. I remember you because the flight attendant poured wine on your pants and spent like five...
Barrow, Alaska: The Quintessential Destination
If I were to describe my ideal destination, it would be... Off the beaten path; On a part of the planet I've yet to see; Somehow superlative (the most, the biggest, the farthest, the highest...) And Barrow, Alaska...
Jeju Island: So, That Happened
I was torn. Part of me wanted to stay in Mongolia for another day (I really love that place), but the other part of me wanted to see someplace new. And that's the side that won out. I'm drawn to new places. The...
Reflections on Mongolia
This marks the 57th country or territory I've visited from the Traveler's Century Club list and the 44th UN Member State. My desire to visit 193 UN Countries means it's not often I am willing to visit a country a...
Nearly Knocked Out in Ulaanbaatar
Yesterday, I wrote a little about the Mongolian people's success as empire builders. Part of their success was due to an intense fighting spirit that -- I discovered -- lives on today. Cell service doesn't yet exist in...
Finding Genghis Khan in Mongolia
I wrote yesterday about the importance of horses to the development of the Mongolian empire. But it wasn't just the horses that allowed the Mongolians to conquer most of the world. It was also their advanced military...
Horsemanship in Mongolia
I wrote yesterday about the history of Mongolia and mentioned the importance of horses to this place and her people. Mongolian horses are a bit smaller than those in the West. The saddles are different and the stirrups...
Settling Into Mongolia
As in Nepal, I was so affected by Mongolia that I've decided to serialize the story of my time here. Only this time, I felt admiration rather than disdain. I hope you'll enjoy the posts over the coming days as much as...
Back Alleys in Kathmandu: Part 2
For those of you just joining us, I'm in the back of a Toyota Corolla in Kathmandu trying to see some of the sites. In case you missed it, check out Part 1. Suffice it to say, what should have been a three-hour tour is...