The Long Trip Home
After Egypt, I had planned to get home to the States, but first went all the way back to Kuala Lumpur and rested for a couple of days. In part, … Continue reading
Egypt – Cairo and the Pyramids
After getting back to Vienna, I quickly packed my bags, had one last Viennese dinner, zwiebelrostbraten — pan-fried steak with gravy and fried onions — and began the long, long … Continue reading
Armenia and Georgia
After South Africa, I landed back in Vienna, basically to wash my clothes, and get on a plane with a good friend. We decided to do a road trip in … Continue reading
South Africa and Victoria Falls
I’m really excited to share with you some reflections on my almost three weeks in Africa! This was my first time to southern Africa. I can wholeheartedly promise that I … Continue reading
Tunisia
Hello again. So I spent a week in Morocco last year, but this was only my second visit to Africa. First, I started by visiting a friend in Tunisia. I … Continue reading
Vienna and Budapest
The real meat of this leg was in Budapest and Vienna – two cities I know well and have been blessed with the opportunity to spend some significant time exploring. … Continue reading
Brno and Bratislava
Back to a region I know well, and always enjoy. Well, I finally left Asia and have made my way to Europe. I specifically planned to take it easy after … Continue reading
UAE – Dubai
Malls, money and more malls. Oh, and the world’s tallest building. Welcome to Dubai. On my way to Europe, I stopped off in the United Arab Emirates and was able … Continue reading
Bangladesh – Dhaka
Some call it “cursed”, but Bangladesh surprised with a propulsive energy and genuine inquisitiveness. To close out the Asian part of this trip, I had originally planned to spend a … Continue reading
Nepal
Quick detour to Nepal, in hopes of finding some cooler temps after the furnace that was India. So after almost six months of nonstop travel, I have finally decided I … Continue reading
India – Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata
Braving the heat while traveling through the center of India. Back in India! Now after my initial report on India last February, I know many of you came away with … Continue reading
Sri Lanka – Interior sites and Nilaveli
Continuing into the center of Sri Lanka, and all the way through to the East Coast. After time in Kandy, I started a whirlwind tour of the rest of the … Continue reading
Sri Lanka – Colombo, Galle, Kandy
Sri Lanka – a jewel of an island that deserves more attention. Great food, amazing sights and generous people. Hello again. I’m really looking forward to sharing with you some … Continue reading
Myanmar/Burma – Mrauk U
Back to Burma! And a long boat ride toward Mrauk U, once the center of a grand kingdom. I imagine some of you are wondering how and why this happened. … Continue reading
Vietnam
Three weeks in Vietnam – a trek from north to south, trying to avoid busses as much as possible. Goodness, apologies in advance, because this is another long one. It’s … Continue reading
Laos
Laos, the country that often gets forgotten in Southeast Asia. Hi there – quick turnaround on this latest installment. I spent a week in Laos, but first had another of … Continue reading
Thailand
After Lombok, it was time to head back and do Thailand. But first back to to Singapore, for a couple days with friends. It’s always great to get back to … Continue reading
Indonesia
Back to Indonesia, to some old favorite sites and one one. After India, I rushed back to Kuala Lumpur to meet up with my mother, who came in for a … Continue reading
India – Mumbai and Golden Triangle
I finally arrive in India. It was always on my list, but seemed too daunting, too hot and too vast. Hello all. Been a while since my last update, but … Continue reading
Myanmar/Burma – Mandalay and Bagan
Exploration through Burma continues, via plane, train, boat, shared taxi, rickshaw and horse cart. Bagan shines. After Inle Lake, it was off to Mandalay. The frustrating dichotomy of the place … Continue reading
Myanmar/Burma – Yangon and Inle Lake
Mingalaba! Burma amazes and surprises, beginning what I believe will be a life-long relationship. Wish I had arrived earlier. OK everyone, hold on because this is going to be a … Continue reading
Cambodia
The treasures of Angkor Wat, a new cosmopolitanism in Phnom Penh, and the harrowing legacy of Pol Pot’s regime. This update comes a bit sooner than expected, and is a … Continue reading
Malaysia
Food, food, food. Malaysia is great fun. Throw in fun on the beach and Malaysia makes for an outstanding destination. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was … Continue reading
Hong Kong and Indonesia
The journey shifts to Asia, and the food improves dramatically. Quick stopover in Hong Kong and then on to Bali. Hope this finds you well, with friends and family, enjoying … Continue reading
WHERE IS JAVIER? 