Welcome!
In 2013, I traveled around the world, visited 22 countries, volunteered with social service organizations, studied language and religion, and visited cultural and historical landmarks. Welcome to the story of my trip!
If you are interested in talking about long-term travel, specific places or experiences in this blog, or just want to say hello, please feel free to write to me using the Contact page linked above. -Michael
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Tag Archives: Favorite
India – Rajasthan Road Trip
This week in Jaipur I visited the two sites that are now my favorites in the city: Galtaji (The Monkey Temple) and Amber Fort. Galtaji is a complex of Hindu temples set on a hill with craggy, reddish rock formations … Continue reading
Nepal – Big Mammals, Big Mountains
Soon after arriving in Kathmandu, it occurred to me ‘I’m back in the Third World, aren’t I?’ It was quite a shock to come from Japan, a country with $50,000 GDP per capita, to Nepal, one with less than $1,000. … Continue reading
Japan – Kyoto & Takayama
In Kyoto I spent two dream-like days wandering from one Buddhist temple to another. Under a steady drizzle, sometimes together with many other pilgrims, sometimes virtually alone. Pacing patient footsteps along the stones lining the canal-side path known as “The … Continue reading
Japan – Tokyo & Hakone
There are plenty of fish in the sea…or at least there were until last night when apparently they were all caught and delivered to Tsujiki Market. Wandering between the hundreds of vendor stalls was like SCUBA diving above ground. For … Continue reading
Czech Republic – Prague & Beyond
On the way from the Prague airport, my taxi driver asked what I knew about the Czech Republic. Embarrassingly little, as it turned out. Next time I am asked, I’ll give the correct answer: castles, silver, crystal, an empire formerly … Continue reading
Paris – Immobilized by Feasting
When my brother sent his proposals for the week he would join me in Paris, they fell under two headings: 1. Places to Eat and 2. Things to Do (with the latter list being about half the length of the … Continue reading
United Kingdom – London
Is there another city more unmistakable than London? The double-decker buses, the phone booths, the Underground signs, the bridges, the buildings–everywhere you go you are surrounded by iconic imagery. London is certainly a city with an identity and it is … Continue reading
Germany – Berlin (week 2)
I’d have to say that Europe is off to a good start. It is been very easy to adapt to reading books in cafes, sitting in parks, drinking beer in the afternoons, and wandering in and out of little boutiques. … Continue reading
Peru – Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
Having made reservations with Lorenzo Expeditions to take a 4-day / 3-night Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu, I packed my backpack as lightly as possible and left my suitcase with the rest of my stuff at my hotel in … Continue reading
Colombia – Medellín
Flying into Medellín I thought ‘Wow, if I were a 16th century conquistador, this is a piece of territory that I would claim in the name of the queen!’ It is in a valley of rolling green foothills (never mind … Continue reading
