I was concerned that the reality of Bali would not match my expectations. I’d heard raves from friends and read amazing accounts of the alluring island in Indonesia. I was excited – but also prepared …
Go Abroad!
Doing Europe: Corfu, Greece
In the summer of 2001 I arranged a job, with my Czech girlfriend, Katka, to work in Corfu, Greece, at Club Barbati. Katka and I worked with a Czech liaison in Praha (Prague) in getting …
August 9, 2011
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you're feeling a bit hardened by modern life and sense a need to reconnect with the natural world – and even, perhaps, your own heart – try feeding an elephant that's been blinded by …
Stopover in Manila, Philippines
You might find yourself in Manila on a stopover on your way to some of the country’s most pristine beaches – or on the way home from Thailand. Whatever your reason, Manila does have some …
July 28, 2011
Doing Europe: Croatia
After living in Prague for over a year, my Czech girlfriend, Katka, and I wanted to get out of the city and go on a summer holiday. At the time, in 2000, it was relatively …
July 26, 2011
Buzzing on Starbucks in Rio
Warning: the following may make you feel the full weight of the modern guy/gal's addiction to well-produced, low-cost goods consumed en masse. (Yes, Starbucks.) Our last night of holiday travel, we were in Ipanema and …
July 21, 2011
Surf & Volunteer in San Juan del Sur
"The 328th most awesome thing in the world,” according to the book One Thousand Awesome Things, is to “feel our shared histories softly swirl together through old books and stamped checkout cards as you smile …
July 7, 2011
Polar Bears in Svalbard, Norway
Halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole – high above the Arctic Circle – lies the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway. A trip to Svalbard is not for the budget-conscious, so for many this might …
June 28, 2011
Hopkins, Belize
I walked into Hopkins with a guitar in my hand, backpack hanging off my shoulders, and my mouth parched as sweat poured down my face. I felt lightheaded. I needed a drink. I walked two …
June 28, 2011
Lava and Bats: Nicaragua's Masaya Volcano at Night
Outside the town of Masaya, Nicaragua, the Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya offers a glimpse into the smoking cone of an active volcano as well as stunning views of the area around Managua at night. The …
June 23, 2011
Ascona, Switzerland
In Ascona, one of Lago Maggiore’s many lakeside gems, foodie and sailing fanatics alike are sure to find bliss. Located on the Italian-speaking Swiss side of Lago Maggiore in the canton (state) of Ticino near …
June 21, 2011
Doing Europe: Rimini, Italy
After living in Prague for about two years and struggling with the obtuse Czech language, a broken relationship and missing the feeling of being around people who understood me or vice versa, I was ready …
June 16, 2011
Kaohsiung: Southern Taiwan
If you have Taipei on your travel agenda, pencil in Kaohsiung as well. Hop on the high-speed rail in Taipei and exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes later, you’re in southern Taiwan, in Taiwan’s second …
June 14, 2011
Panama in the Buff
Today, wedged between the old and the new, the natural and the modern, Panama is a country of both paradox and transition. With a biodiversity exceeding its more famous neighbor to the northwest – Costa …
June 9, 2011
Bustling Hong Kong
If you enjoy shopping, eating, bustling cities or all of the above, then Hong Kong’s your destination. With towering state-of-the-art skyscrapers and authentic Southern Chinese culture, Hong Kong is the manifestation of East meets West. …
June 2, 2011