Tired of the massive cruise ships packed to the brim with thousands of tourists? Not interested in that kind of generic, high-density vacation but still want the unparalleled sightseeing and relaxation of a scenic cruise? Then maybe an Uncruise is the right cruise for you. UnCruise Adventures is unlike any cruise I’ve done in the past. And I quickly found myself warming up to the concept. After spending a day on a special “behind the scenes” … [Read more...]
About Abdul Rastagar
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Hi, I’m Abdul, a father, husband, and all-around curious guy. I unwittingly became a frequent traveler as a baby and have chosen to never stop. Traveling the world, exploring diverse cultures, meeting different people and growing as a person with each new trip are at the core of my identity. I feel most refreshed when I’m randomly pointing at a menu written in a language I do not speak, having no clue what I just ordered.
I aim to use my travels and my writing to help bring our planet closer together. Connect with me on Twitter (@CaliAbdul) or on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/rastagar).
Put Belfast on Your European Travel List
If you’ve never been to Belfast, Northern Ireland, you are in for a treat. Set aside any preconceived notions of a dull and dirty industrial city besieged by the dark legacy of “The Troubles.” Instead, prepare to discover a lively culture that charms and welcomes visitors. Belfast is chock full of fun activities for both adults and kids alike, and the city is a genuine treat to explore. I hope to infuse my travel bug and world curiosity into … [Read more...]
Touring Washington DC with a Young Teenager
When my son finished 6th grade, I promised to reward him with a trip to anywhere he wants, as long as it was centered on American history. I am a firm believer that true learning happens through classroom theory is paired with experiential learning. So we set out on a long weekend to bring his history lessons, past and future, to life. After a week of research and contemplation, he selected Washington, D.C. as his destination. Off we went on a … [Read more...]
Getting Around Aswan Without Getting Fleeced
My trip to Aswan, Egypt to see the ancient Temple of Isis at Philae was a good reminder to always look on the positive side, even when you feel like you are being taken advantage of by locals. The temple itself is magnificent and dramatically situated on an island in the middle of a lake. Because the vast majority of visitors to Aswan go as part of an organized and guided tour, there is scant information available for the independent, … [Read more...]
Why You Should Visit Death Valley in Summer
If the mere thought of visiting the hottest place on earth in summer freaks you out, think again. There are some great reasons to visit Death Valley in July or August. For one thing, there is the dearth of crowds. Unlike in winter, there are virtually no people anywhere. The few visitors you do encounter are most likely intrepid Europeans who have come to indulge in the desert at its most extreme. Also, unlike winter, days are significantly … [Read more...]
Making the most out of your Minneapolis layover
So you have a long layover at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport? You can do what most people do - take the train over to nearby Mall of America and join the packed masses jamming through the second largest mall in North America. Or you can get off a couple of stops sooner on that same train and find yourself all alone in nature, hiking among the beautiful marshes of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. I'll take option 2 anytime. Get … [Read more...]
Fjords of Iceland
Of my 13 trips to Iceland so far, my most memorable one was my first time there, in 2002, when I happened to meet my future wife. At a distant second was our trip in the summer of 2011, when we took a week-long road trip through the West Fjords region, the far northwestern peninsula that juts out into the cold North Atlantic Ocean like a dragon's head on a Viking longboat. It's not necessarily an inaccessible nor difficult drive to get … [Read more...]
5 Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead
“Every season is beautiful but autumn is my favorite. Everyone is out and about but more bundled up. It’s a fun time,” says Summer Barron, Spa Director at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Born and raised in Lake Arrowhead, California, Summer is the perfect person to inform me about the area, the resort and what makes it such a popular choice by those in the know. Lake Arrowhead is a private lake and community nestled at 5200 ft. (1500 m) in the … [Read more...]
Crazy About Cats at the San Diego Zoo
The black jaguar strides agitatedly back and forth in a small corner of her otherwise large enclosure, occasionally stopping to sniff the air, then quickly resuming her search. Something has piqued her interest. She stoops down to take a view from a different angle, brushing her snout through the tall green grass. Her deep emerald eyes flare like Saint Elmo's fire as she continues to hunt for the elusive source of her interest. This is Mystique, … [Read more...]
How to Get Licked by a Giraffe
I'm about to be licked by a giraffe. It sounds silly but it's happening. She leans forward to get closer to me, her massive head moving to within a few centimeters of my face. I can feel her heavy breath on my cheek as she extends her enormous 45-cm (18 in) long tongue straight at me. I cringe and smile in delight at the same time. The anticipation is too much and, against every impulse, I shut my eyes. Wow, is this really happening?! Where am … [Read more...]
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