The writer in me has always appreciated hearing other people’s stories. When I drove for Lyft a few summers ago, I picked up one passenger after his shift at a suburban AT&T store. He soon told me about his trials attempting to make the Kansas City Chiefs, an NFL team. “I just wasn’t quite [...]
Category: Images
The Mystery and Allure of Vietnam
Walking in Hanoi always puts us on high alert as we’re pedestrians in a city characterized by its crazy flow of two-wheelers. The motorbikes honk incessantly. They transport whole families, trees, dogs, kegs of beer, and bouquets of flowers. They U-turn with impunity, somehow snake through still traffic (as a taxi passenger, I often consider [...]
Two Tanzanian Safaris and Five Observations
Rebecca and I both feel extremely fortunate to have spent six weeks in Tanzania, and we decided that we'd be foolish to pass up observing some of the world's most awe-inspiring creatures in the wild while we were there. Our travel funds may have taken a huge hit, but two different safari experiences in both [...]
The Only Mzungus At Market Day
Hawkers selling garlic, fresh ginger root, vividly colored fabrics, flip flops manufactured from recycled tires, and second-hand clothing lined the muddy thoroughfares as Rebecca and I soaked up another sensory-laden scene in Tanzania. The steady Indian Ocean breeze didn’t reach the inland market; the sun beat down on my uncovered head (thank you 50 SPF). [...]
The Barber Shop Cost of Living Index
During our first week in Tbilisi back in September, I got a haircut for four lari--or about $1.60. This was a win. The small hair salon, tucked in a cavernous space below street level in the Vera neighborhood (go to this area if you visit Tbilisi), proved quite the steal, despite the fact no employees [...]
On the Road in Oman: Insights and Tips
You can pack in many unique experiences in Oman within a week or two, and we tried our best to do just that. It wasn’t a perfect trip--it’s silly to have that expectation, but I hope to visit Oman again someday or at least host some of our new Omani acquaintances if they ever visit the [...]
Snapshots From Georgia: A Glimpse Into Our Two Months
We've said to several of our family members and also our new Georgian acquaintances: We'll have to be careful to not compare the next places we go to Georgia because it has been such a wonderful country to begin our travels in. Can anything top it? Vacations and travel are never perfect of course. As travelers, [...]