Many people have remarked to me that I must be brave to have set off on this trip around the world.  However, I feel it requires a lot more brav…

Back when cable t.v. didn’t exist in our house, our favorite past time was sitting in our laundry basket pretending it was a raft on the Amazon.&nb…

I don´t know why, but both times I´ve been met by someone from home, I´ve found myself trekking through high altitudes, struggling for air.&n…

After yet another night bus, we arrived in Cusco at about 3 a.m. to find the place still in party mode.  Trash was strewn all over the streets a…

I´ve heard of Lake Titicaca before, but like most places, I didn´t know where it was until I arrived.  I literally landed in Lima and thought …

We are exhausted from a two day tour to the Colca Canyon and back, having seen many llamas, alpacas, handicrafts and other tourists.  We also wi…

After spending about 32 hours on three different buses from Cuenca, I finally hit Lima. My last bus was an overnight on a pretty swank bus. We got to…

I am overwhelmed.  There is just too much to say about the last week on the Galápagos, or maybe I´m just getting lazy after a year of blogging…

This is the most amazing place on earth - a cross between Jurassic Park and Disneyland.  I got to swim with sea lions and just yesterday, I held…

It's been about five days since I entered Ecuador, and so far I like it.  To be honest, I find the people here are friendlier and the overland t…

My last stop in Colombia took me to a town with a beautiful Gothic church built right in a gorge over a river.  It is a great man-made wond…

I made it!  Yes, a year ago today I set foot on a plane with a one way ticket and a wad in the bank, partly wondering what the heck am I thinkin…

For the past week I have hung out in the City of Medellin, a place once the principal headquarters for Colombia´s cocaine cartels and home to Pablo …

My roomies gave me this nickname because I actually went to sleep at 9 p.m. my first night here.  Geez!  I told them I just got here after …

After three days, including one cancelled flight, I finally made it to the last continent on my world tour, starting in Bogota, Colombia.  Lucki…

Last night I went and got tattoo #3.  For me the compass rose symbolizes "traveler."  I've thought about this one a long time and…

I'm back where it all started for me in SE Asia.  The bus journey here was a test of one's endurance.  I already mentioned how corrupt the …

I chose to cram in as much of Angkor Wat and its surrounds in eight hours and it made for a very long, exhausting day. Yes, you can take your time …

I could've eaten a duck embryo and well, I did! Yes, this time around I didn't chicken out. So I hopped on a bus to Battambang, a sleepy town clos…

My journey to Phnom Penh was uneventful owing to the fact I took a tourist bus this time around.  Upon landing here, I've done nothing but conti…

I could’ve eaten a duck embryo but I chickened out!  I grabbed the train out of Nha Trang that was only running an hour late and found my seat…

I realize it’s been quite some time since I did an update.  I’ve been traveling with a group of about seven the last week and I find I don 

Vietnam has been keeping me busy, and a lot if it is just trying to stay out of the way of all the scooters.  Everyone, and I mean, everyone is …

Seventeen hours, three buses, three motorbikes, one tuk tuk and one truck later, I am in Hanoi, Vietnam.  Time to vent.   I parted w…

My last days in Laos were full of fun and eye-opening education about the country’s history.   After our up-north adventure, we headed …

I made it home from my Northern Laos adventure.  So much has happened over the last week, so bear with me as this is going to be a long one! &n…

Our journey to Laos turned out to be good fun and I’ve done nothing but enjoy myself immensely since arriving.  We took one bus from Chiang Ma…

I spent most of my day in a minibus, watching the scenery go by at top speed.  Some of it was rather picturesque at times, but the driver was on…

Bangkok proved to be drain on the wallet as I enjoyed lots of shopping on the streets. I figured I might as well fill the space I made in my bag af…

After a final day negotiating the mayhem of India (and catching a flick), I left behind the cows and the chaos and made my way to Bangkok.  I no…

After a quick trip up to Pelling to view the Himalayas and visit a peaceful monastery, I went back down to Darjeeling for a few more nights.  So…

I made it to the hill town of Darjeeling after a near-vomit-inducing ride crammed in a Jeep with about 10 others, over a bumpy, winding, narrow …

My last night in Jaipur, Paras and I ended up just having dinner and making each other laugh over tongues twisters.  I made him try "Sally sells…

On arrival in Jaipur, I was not very excited.  It’s a big city • 5 million actually • and I was still feeling ill.  The first day I s…

We never made it to lunch with the gov as Brooke needed to get an x-ray, and as it is India, it took some time.  As suspected, she broke her col…

I recuperated from my camel trek by getting some shopping done in Pushkar. I had heard from many that they really loved this place, often staying a w…

We set off in the early morning hours to meet our camel guide in the desert.  During the ride there, I pictured Lawrence of Arabia and drea…

My main objective in going to Jodhpur was to check out the magnificent fort, which I did.  The admission included a great audio tour and there w…

...I saw the usual assortment of cows, goats, pigs (and piglets), cats, dogs, monkeys and donkeys, all foraging for food; children squatting on the s…

On the train ride to Udaipur, I met a gal who gave me some local sweets and did the best Indian "bobblehead" I've seen thus far.  She was a …

After yet another overnight train, I landed in Mumbai about 7 a.m. and headed for the Salvation Army hostel, serving up dorm beds for a mere 150 …

We parted with our scooters in Goa after a few days riding to nearby beaches and lounging, with me at one point sitting back and enjoying a manicure/…

My approach was all wrong.  I arrived here thinking India would be like Egypt/Turkey, assuming I would need to be aggressive so I would not get …

I made it to Mumbai and I must say, I LOVE IT here.  The people are amazing, so friendly and helpful, the colors so bright and vivid, and the sm…

It is now my last day in Africa and I am anxious about the days ahead in India.  However, I thought I better fire off an entry about my final da…

We made our way to Storms River Village and outside of town is the world's longest bungee jump - 216 meters long!  Now we've been talking ab…

I made it!  The morning we were set to leave Cape Town I woke up and looked down on the street to see if our car arrived.  I then loo…

I have spent almost a full week now in Cape Town.  It has been somewhat of a frustrating experience for me in some ways.  First off, I …

I managed to find my way to Bloemfontein after a 20 hour bus ride and was met at the bus station by one of the tug pilots from Soaring Safa…

Well, nothing exciting has really happened since my "week to remember."  I'm back in Windhoek and have just been bumming around town for almost …

I was not without some hesitation to take off with two men I just met and go who knows where for who knows how long.  I do have to thank WV…

I have returned from the wilds of Namibia after a week of camping in the desert, in caves, and on the beach.  I had the most amazing time and no…

My dilemna about getting around this country has been solved for the most part.  I met this guy from West Virginia in my dorm who also wanted …

That's about how late our bus was getting us to Windhoek.  We were supposed to leave Livingstone on the noon bus Wednesday.  Noon came and …

I am still chilling in Livingstone after everyone else has gone.  We had a blast of a Thanksgiving dinner at the hostel and I tried my hand at…

I won’t lie.  I was scared, terrified even.  I thought I was going to die.    I went rafting on the Zambezi yesterday. …

After three buses and about 50-odd hours, 35 of which were actually spent on a bus, I made it to Livingstone this afternoon.  I haven't se…

Done, done and done!  I picked up my Indian visa yesterday afternoon (I have until March 15th to get there and visit) and buzzed over to dro…

So far I haven't met any other travelers during my time here but I have met plenty of the locals, thankfully (sort of?).  Yesterday I found a lo…

Yesterday I managed to check out the National Museum here.  There wasn't much to it and with no a/c, it was almost unbearable, especially when I…

So Margaret left yesterday a.m. and I decided to take advantage of our hotel room with a/c, so I didn’t bother to get going til around 11 (che…

That sums up the last few days here on the island of Zanzibar.  We literally worked our way through a bottle of Jamaican rum while lazing in the…

Well, we made it to Zanzibar after a wonderful five day adventure looking for the big five on Safari.  We did see all five, including the leopar…

Despite initial equipment failure, constipation and self-doubt, all of which I overcame, this low-lander made it to the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Uh…

It was midnight and Margaret and I piled on every last stitch of warm clothes, which meant I had to roll out of the tent. It was dark but the ful…

So we made it to Arusha today after an overnight flight and about eight hours in Kenya, which was beautiful.  I will have to go back and actuall…

We capped off our time in Dahab with some more swimming and snorkeling and a farewell dinner with Bob.  Our flight out today meant time to part …

After landing in the resort town of Dahab, we wandered about town doing our best to deal with the hundreds of people asking us to eat at their restau…

Yesterday we spent the day touring the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of…

Yesterday we awoke from our naps and grabbed a bite before checking out the Luxor Temple.  This town is packed with tourists, more so than Aswan…

We made it to the train station with actual tickets and ended up meeting two guys from Illinois on the train traveling separately.  One is …

I don't know where to even begin for this entry.  So much has happened in the last few days - lots of sensory overload.  If you prefer orde…

I made it to Cairo!!!  I cannot believe it - really.  I just arrived about three hours ago and so far I just managed to survive the ca…

I never made it out to a Turkish night nor did I go on the organized bus tour I had arranged to take.  Plans change when you travel and being fl…

As a child my father would pick up my older sister and I when we lived in Colorado and drive us to Minnesota for the summer break.  On the way t…

I think I have sufficiently relaxed enough.  In fact - I believe I am starting to move in slow motıon at this point.  Luckily I am off to …

I am now back on dry land after a four day cruise from Fethiye to Olympos.  Not too much to report from the trip.  The Mediterranean is bea…

My last few days in Selcuk I divided time between the resident kitten and the sea.  I finished filling my memory card for the third ti…

I have been quite busy since I arrived in Selcuk.  The hostel here is wonderful - best breakfasts so far.  It is run by an Aussie who has b…

So I took the overnight bus to Selcuk and arrived here around 6 a.m. and it was still dark out.  I had a business card with map on the back…

I finally made my way out of Istanbul and into the Asia part of Turkey.  It wasn't easy as even my hostel travel agency would not just sell…

Yesterday was by far the worst day of my trip thus far.  There was a vast difference between it and the day before when I was traveling with a g…

I made it to Istanbul this morning.  The whole border/visa deal was a cinch, but it happened at around 3 a.m., so I've had little sleep at this …

The last couple of days have been very lazy for me in anticipation of a busy next few months.  I walked about town, looking at the various shops…

I made it to Bulgaria last night.  Bucharest was OK.  One day was enough for me.  It's a strange city - a mixture of old and new.&nbsp…

So I made it to Bucharest just now.  I will reserve judgment until after my first day tomorrow, but so far, and after being in Brasov, yikes!&nb…

Yesterday was my three castle tour day in Rasnov, Bran and Sinaia. It didn't start out the best as the weather was chilly and overcast, and I discove…

I've been meaning to review hostels as I go along, but I am way behind at this point. I have to say a word about Backpack Guesthouse, however. I was…

So I survived my first night train on the way to Brasov.  I didn't sleep much, though, worrying about my belongings. I also had the worst feelin…

So I had every intention of finally leaving Budapest last night, but after my failed attempt to get to Eger on Saturday because we didn't get…

Yesterday I finally hit up a real Turkish bathhouse.  A group of us went to the Gellert, which is a fancy hotel right on the river.  As was…

The owner of our hostel is a very well traveled fella (I mean everywhere!) and quite adventuresome as well.  He sponsored this event called Olli…

Yesterday I managed to get a little more done than read my book in the shade. I decided to find the Central Market in Pest, which I did, but I just…

I spent the day making up for the fact I managed to do nothing the previous day.  I started out at Statue Park, which holds statues of the commu…

So much has happened in the last few days!  I have been hanging out with my Danish friends and met also a gal and guy from England, so all …

So last night I decided to chill at the hostel and a cute lad pulled up along side me in the common room for a chat.  He was Danish and we start…

Today I dipped my toe into the bathing culture here.  I knew since it was going to be another hot one, I should seek out a pool.  The hoste…

After a seven hour bus ride through a lot of Slovakia, I made it to Hungary!  By the way, Slovakia is beautiful.  There didn't seem to be a…

My final day here I finally made it to the Krak Mound, which is basically a pile of dirt dating back to the 7th Century, the origin of which is unk…

Well, my wild and crazy Aussie friend left me for another woman today, giving chase to a lovely gal on her way to Warsaw, so once again I am without …

Well, I'm on day 11 here in Krakow.  The gal at the hostel desk asked me this morning why I was staying so long, and I basically told her beca…

So I've found my energy again and managed to get out and see some more sights.  I hit up the salt mine on Wednesday.  Definitely should…

Well, don't expect too many exciting entries while I remain in Krakow. I think I am getting a bit of traveler's fatigue.  I have little motivati…

WARNING:  Posted pictures of Auschwitz-Birkenau and description of my visit.After a few days of wandering and getting my bearings, including che…

There isn't much to say about my first few days here as far as sights.  I've met a lot of great people, but I feel bad that I am starting to…

I started my first day here in a good way - tried out my new running shoes.  Krakow's old center is encircled by a park with good running paths,…

Just a short one...I made it safely to Krakow this evening after yet another hard farewell to my travel buddy the last few weeks who is now returning…

At my mother's request, I am writing to update my blog, but just to say I am alive in Prague and will be heading to Krakow tomorrow, where I will pro…

After yet another fantastically crazy bus ride back to Prague (they over sell seats and folks were packed in the aisles standing for two hours!), we …

We've made it to the picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov.  The journey here was not without event, however.  Our bus driver was insane.…

I remember taking a picture of my feet back in Inis Moor, Ireland.  Well, after a month and a half abroad, my nail polish is chipping, I'm sport…

Yesterday we set out for the Old Jewish Cemetery, which has been recommended to me by a few, but we got lost on the way as there are a few Jewish cem…

So I'm in Prague after hearing about this place so much from my sister Jen and so many other travelers on the road.  What do I think?  …

Yesterday I jumped on the train to Prague, thinking a quick 4 hour ride wouldn't be so bad.  The first few were fine, although the a/c started…

Today I set out to spend little money but enjoy my day and so far success! I picked three museums that promised free entry on Sundays, although none…

I am now in Vienna after a very long day of travel yesterday, but first some more about Cinque Terre- bear with me as this entrz mazbe long (…

I arrived in Riomaggiore, the smallest town in Cinque Terre, yesterday afternoon and I immediately met a local on the train.  After a shower and…

OK, I know that's the name of a movie, which I failed to see because it was a romance flick, but don't fail to see Tuscany if you are ever in Italy!&…

I made it to Florence yesterday and I love it here. Now, this is not my first time in this city. My sister and I visited for a day about four years a…

This year marks the second time in my life I was overseas during the Fourth, the first being my last night in Amsterdam before heading home from my f…

I had quite the day today.  I jumped on the metro to make my way to the Vatican City to check out their museums, and along the way I was serenad…

I spent the day navigating my way around Rome's ancient city, which they are still excavating.  This included checking out the Colloseum.  …

After a three hour train ride, I made it to Rome!  I was worried about the hostel I booked in due to bad reviews, especially about the location,…

So I arrived in Naples on Thursday after a very long day of travel from London.  From the airport it was a quick bus ride to the central tr…

Just a quick note to say I made it to Naples yesterday and did a day trip to Pompeii today.  Wow!  I will write about it later...

Today I had a bit of a late start due to a late night with some folks from my hostel.  It was a fun night but not a fun headache.  I mailed…

My first day in London!  My aunt Deb was on layover from India back home to Indiana, so she popped in my hostel this morning to spend some time …

For some reason I thought it a good idea to book a 12 hour tour of the Highlands yesterday followed by an 11-hour bus ride to London today.  Yik…

I feel like I didn't give Edinburgh a fair shake. I basically got there and booked a day trip away from the city and then did some walking.  Mos…

I arrived in Edinburgh yesterday and the entire city was caped in a dense fog.  I could kind of see buildings, but where was this castle everyon…

I finally got lazy today and broke down and paid for a hop on/hop off bus around Stirling, mostly because I wanted to see three sites, and two of the…

I made it to the very historic (although new city) of Stirling yesterday.  I found my hostel, which I do like a lot more.  Did the usual st…

I've managed to hit three museums here over the last two days, including the Hunterian, Berrell Collection and finally this morning the Kelvingrove.&…

Day Two in Glasgow - another rainy day.  I think I got excited about this place yesterday because the sun actually came out in the afternoon. M…

I managed to get up at 530 this morning to catch my flight at 920, but as it turned out, there was no hurry in getting to the airport.  The dela…

Last night I almost went to Temple Bar, but instead ended up at an even worse tourist bar called Turk's Head or something.  I met a gal roo…

So I had the aforementioned pint of Guinness last night (or two) and chatted with a couple who were heading off to Australia for a year.  Then I…

I left the relative safety of the Belfast Zoo this morning (the name of the dorm I shared with five other gents).  Before I left, however, I r…

Today I spent the day on a tour visiting such sites as the Carrik-a-rede Ropebridge, Bushmills Distillery, Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle.&nbsp…

Today I arrived in Belfast and quickly dumped my stuff at the hostel and headed out in search of sites to see.  The only thing I ended up do…

My last day in Derry was a rainy day, so I checked out the Tower Museum, which chronicles the history of the City and also the discovery of one…

I am officially in the UK now.  I’m in Derry, a city in Northern Ireland that is right on the border with the Republic of Ireland.  A…

So much for enjoying a room all to myself.  The TV didn't work and my room was like a sauna since it was on the fourth floor, attic really.&nbsp…

Last night in Sligo I met a woman from San Francisco.  We hit it off quite well.  She is 50 and still gutsy enough to travel solo.  Sh…

So I left Galway quite early this morning - before the 7 slumbering men awoke - and took a bus to Sligo, north of Galway.  I traveled through th…

So I finally bid farewell to the folks at Mainister House and got on the noon ferry.  It was tough and I know I'll have to say a lot of good b…

I know, I know, I was supposed to get on the noon ferry to Galway today, but I think I'm not alone as every morning someone is at the desk paying…

Well, here I am having another perfect day on Inishmore.  I cannot seem to get myself to leave here.  It is beautiful here (weather has bee…

So last night I went out to the pub with the hostel manager Glen from NZ and his couch surfers from Norway and Sweden, along with two German ga…

Today was beyond spectacular.  After a rainy day (which I used to get over my jet lag), the weather was absolutely perfect.  It was 62 and …

So yesterday I walked to the Cliffs from Doolin along the coast (recommended by the hostel caretakers versus taking a bus).  I believe I was tre…

Well, I finally made it!  My plane took off two hours late out of Chicago due to navigational equipment issues, refueling and then eventually de…

It is the day before I embark on my big adventure.  I  can't describe how nervous I am, but I am also very excited and anxious to leave.&nb…