"Do not start climbing over there - that seal is in the way". Were we mountain climbing or clambering over cliffs at some sunny beach in California somewhere? I've done a bit of mountain climbing around the world but have never heard a seal referenced as we are about to start a climb! The reason for this, is we are mountaineering in Antarctica as part of an Oceanwide Expedition Antarctica cruise. Climbing here is surreal - the amount of ice … [Read more...]
A Perfect Picture Paradise, Pissouri Cyprus
After another epic yet challenging trip in Jordan followed by the stresses of travelling in Lebanon I was more then ready to go somewhere and 'do nothing'. However, one never really knows if your perception of a relaxing destination will actually meet your expectation once you arrive. Time and time again I've been disappointed when looking for the "perfect" place to relax - a place that is not overly touristy, has a good vibe, is surrounded by … [Read more...]
Greetings from the Jordanian Desert
This was part of an epic mid summer trek from Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra - via Little Petra. RUNNING OUT OF WATER In temperatures approaching 40 degrees (104 degrees Fahrenheit) - perhaps higher in the shadeless rock strewn environment, we started day one of our trek under the searing heat of the mid day sun (to be sure, not the wisest move). After an hour of our estimated 6-hour trek I had already consumed 1/2 of my water allotment. … [Read more...]
Tbilisi at First Glance
Our shared van sped across the mountains of northern Armenia seemingly on a race track - passing every vehicle in our path. At speeds like this, the drive was thrilling - and beautiful when we could catch glimpses of the surrounding countryside. Spring time has brought green grass as far as the eye can see interrupted by flowers blooming. This is why I enjoy chasing spring and summer around the planet - with weather such as this. Warm and clear … [Read more...]
Visiting the World’s Oldest Winery in Armenia
Arguably the highlight today was visiting the world's oldest known winery - located about an hour and 10 minutes drive from Yerevan (based on the way our driver took to the roads aggressively - probably much slower if driven normally!). This site was 'discovered' in 2007 and was excavated by Armenian, Irish and American archaeologists until about 2011. What they discovered was astounding. A sizable working winery that dates back 6,100 years! This … [Read more...]
Experiencing the Chaos of Jakarta
By the time I reached my hotel and drifted off it was 2am. I woke early the next morning and wandered out exploring the streets of Mangga Dua - a section of this sprawling city that seems to be a cross between New Delhi and Dhaka. The roads are a sensory stream of noise and action - from motorbikes, three wheeled motorized rickshaw taxis, the ubiquitous Blue Bird Taxis, bicycles and people walking. Throw in a torrential downpour (after all this … [Read more...]
A Shot of Color in the Jungle, Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool – With a Heated Natural Stream Thrown in for Good Measure!
We shot by the Krabi Airport in our tiny rented car - on our way to the Emerald Pool from Phulay Bay. We tried to wake up early and beat the rush at this natural attraction but by the time we were within spitting distance of the pool, it was already nearly 10am. All the locals we talked to highly recommended getting here before 10am as this attraction can quickly fill up with several hundred tourists after 10am. Supposedly vans and buses carrying … [Read more...]
Urban Camping, Zürich Switzerland
On a bright partly cloudy sunny day I found myself tethered to a speeding boat in Lake Zürich Switzerland, attempting my first wake boarding. Several fellow journalists enjoying cold beers and sunshine were watching me from the boat while I found myself struggling to stay warm in the early summer's cold waters. Fortunately they were also cheering me on. I was pulled out of the water successfully on the first try and then again 5 subsequent times. … [Read more...]
Notes from Latest Trip to Thailand
I hopped on the skytrain at Victory Monument in Bangkok sporting my "Tintin in Vietnam" shirt and a camera holstered around the neck and was quickly greeted with an old expat standing next to me who said out loud to no one in particular, "there are so many F*(&&ing tourists in town right now". This was the same expat who then pushed out a rather large chubby boy when a seat opened up as both were heading towards one of the empty seats. The young … [Read more...]
A Coal Mine and Rock Climbing, Exploring Wales
Wales is built for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts; the region has participated historically in adventure exploration involving some of the most extreme corners of the planet. One has to look no further then Cardiff Bay where Captain Scott sailed out in the Terra Nova (expedition to Antarctica) or the challenging mountain and glacier terrain of Snowdonia synonymous with well known mountaineering names such as Mallory, Irvine, Hillary and … [Read more...]
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