When Your Backyard
Isn’t Enough.
This site is a peek into my wanderlust and some of my resulting adventures.
TO SEE THE WORLD IS TO UNDERSTAND HOW FOREIGN CULTURES BEHAVE IN THE MODERN ERA, AS WELL AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PEEK INTO THEIR PAST TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PRESENT.
This site is mix of photo and video, that chronicles some of my travels.
[COMING SOON] Recent Adventures (4K Video)
Here are some of my more recent trip chronicles. The newer ones have better video quality and production.
A MOMENT I’LL NEVER FORGET
Driving from Wadi Rum to Petra. The Kings Highway ascends up into the mountains, past a wind-farm, and as you near Petra you start to encounter some tourist shops, and an unexpected surprise.
ANOTHER MOMENT I’LL NEVER FORGET
In Istanbul, on the Galata side there is an amazing pedestrian shopping street that features a trolley car along its entire length, that heads up to Taksim Square, where the best Donair/Doner in town can be found. Multiple shops, side by side, flighting for the customers claiming that theirs is the best !
Modern Travel Lore
Petra (2024)
Petra is a place many people would like to visit in a “bucket list” kind of way, but not nearly as many who’d like to get there actually do. It takes some planning and a good sense of adventure, especially when you’re solo and driving yourself around Jordan in a rental. And yes, that is my hat on the stone path – I sensed a photo-op and I went for it !
Wadi Rum (2024)
This is a famous “mars-like” desert area for movies (The Martian) as well as for those who want to experience something completely different and a bit off the beaten path. If you’re in Jordan to see Petra this nearby area should be included as well. I stayed in that bubble, and it had all the amenities you’d expect of a proper hotel room !
Istanbul (2024)
The gateway from Europe to Asia ! This city has it all and then some. The Muslim majority are somewhat relaxed in their take on things, and may even enjoy a cold beer on a patio. The shopping is diverse and is everywhere, you just have to be aware that all of the brand name items are all fake (outside of official brand outlets). There is so much to see and do here !
Athens (2024)
Another bucket-list location for me, and the 2024 trip was anchored around it. While here I also toured Delphi, to visit the Oracle (well, at least where the chair once was). Lots of history to see and do here obviously, but things tend to close early. Grab a take-out beer and enjoy the evening people watching at Monastiraki Square – I did most nights I was in Athens,
Tokyo (2023)
The biggest city in the world, and I would argue the most fun as well. There is always something going on and the sights, sounds, food, entertainment, drinks are everywhere. This is a massive metropolis and you need Google Maps on your phone to survive. The subway connects all areas and it’s safe as well. Ah, for the love of neon ! I will be going back soon…
Osaka (2023)
This is a somewhat quieter city than Tokyo, and although it does have a bedtime (things wind down at midnight and the subways stop early) there is still great fun to be had while out and about. The food here is spectacular, the shopping immense, and is an easy train ride from Tokyo.
Hiroshima (2023)
This is a bit of a train ride west of Osaka, but can be done in about 2 hours each way. It’s really about paying your respects to the city and people around that terrible day. It may not be for everyone though.
Kyoto (2023)
A smaller but famous Japanese city wedged between Tokyo and Osaka. The Geisha are still present here and if you’re looking for a traditional and historical take on Japanese culture, this should be on the itinerary. The scenery is amazing.
Giza (2022/24)
I first toured Egypt in 2022, but wanted to return in 2024 to Cairo to re-visit the pyramids and get a peek at the new GEM (Great Egyptian Museum) that is now finished, but has delayed its grand opening due to nearby conflict (bad optics having a big party at the current time).
Abul Simbal (2022)
Getting there is only for the most determined and adventurous (usually on a tour bus). I was in a league all my own when I hired a driver at the airport as soon as I landed in Aswan to take me directly there at 8:00 AM. It’s about 3 hours south of Aswan (each way), and is all desert. It’s a once in a lifetime effort and I got it done !
Luxor (2022)
Heading back up North from Aswan, a stop here is mandatory and is home to The Valley of the Kings and Mr. Tut himself. I stared into his wrinkled face, still in his tomb but removed from the sarcophagus for viewing in a polycarbonate case. Great silver shopping here and even a few pubs.
Seoul / Busan (2019)
My initial plan was to get myself up to the border between North and South to tour the KDZ (Korean Demilitarized Zone) but apparently a Trump tour threw a wrench into my gears. Seoul is an amazing city and is worth a few days on an Asian flight itinerary.
Shenzhen / Hong Kong (2018)
Shenzhen is another of those places you’d only visit if you have a serious adventure streak in you and also love consumer electronics. One quarter of all the worlds electronic components and devices ship out of it’s port. Shenzhen is an hour out of Hong Kong and is part of China proper (mainland) and the customs and visa requirements getting in and out is a bit nerve racking. All the cell towers and internet changes as the train travels through the countryside, and everything is blocked by the time you arrive. I wouldn’t go back simply because of the risk of arbitrary detention, which sadly is a thing in these times.
Hong Kong / Macau (2017)
Hong Kong is probably the most fascinating city in the world. The architecture is stunning, especially at night. The city streets are all English named due to the many years of British colonialism. Mandarin and English hold equal footing here, and is actually necessary due to it’s international investment and banking entities based here. Sadly, authoritarian mainland China is eroding the freedoms once enjoyed by the native residents, and is suppressing the people gradually to bring them inline with the mainland. There is an exodus of western presence in proportion.
Taipei (2017)
This was a bit of a wild-card destination on my Asian itinerary that year. Taiwan is a great country and its people are proud and self-aware as a distinct culture away from China. This is also a great technological hub and has lots to see and do along those lines. The night markets are great, especially the one shown above – the food experience is not be missed !
ROADTRIPS
Don’t have the cash to go further afield ? I challenge you to drive to your closest border with your passport in hand, go across to explore and meet people for as long as the gas budget allows. If you live in a country that doesn’t let you expand your horizons then you probably can’t even get to this website, but if you are reading this, I feel for you.