In 2002, Oenologue, Sébastien Thépénie responded to an ad to work at a winery in French Polynesia. Wait a minute. There is vineyard and a winery in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean? The answer is yes - on the remote Rangiroa atoll, one of the world's largest coral atolls. And certainly one of the most isolated vineyards on the planet. Today Sébastien oversees the viticulture and winemaking for Domaine Vin de Tahiti. This extremely unique … [Read more...]
A Week in Guadalcanal: Notes from the Solomon Islands
Where are the Solomon Islands? This country is located in the Coral Sea close to Papua New Guinea and about a 3 hour flight north east of Brisbane Australia. Typically not a cheap destination, either flights, hotels, car rental or food (which in our experiences, was basic and bland). Known as the 'hapi isles' for its friendly people, for its marine life, and significant World War II history. The main airport is in Honiara, the capital city. I … [Read more...]
Notes from a Traveler + Kyoto Experiences
I am everywhere and I am nowhere I am a spirit animal I change my soul with my intentions. I am a traveler And I am a lover I flow with the winds But am led by my internal compass. I am most alive when I am on the road. The thrill of always moving - never having more then a general plan, letting things unfold as they do, in the moment, is often how I travel. Its a great way to be open to unexpected experiences - letting each … [Read more...]
Impressions: Ulanbaatar, Mongolia
I landed in Ulanbaatar in the very early am. My pre-arranged ride was not waiting at airport so I found a taxi who promptly delivered me to my guest house, 20 mins to town w/o traffic. Two story guesthouse. I ended up on the second floor - frustrated because the inside door to the guesthouse was locked and it was 430am. Knocking over and over again resulted in no action from within. I began to prep a rudimentary sleeping arrangement in the … [Read more...]
A Visit to the World’s Greatest Barbershop
About 60 mostly bearded fellows were lined up already - a count by our own estimate. And according to front man, chair number one and owner Alex Torreto, a slow day by his account. They often start lining up two hours before the shop even opens he said. I must digress. Central Frankfurt has a real lack of barbers, simply put - places where one can walk in the door and just get a damn haircut. Prior to my visit to Torreto, I stopped by 7 other … [Read more...]
The Trip to the Desert
After visiting the original Ballarat in Australia about 90 minutes outside of Melbourne earlier this year, I got the urge to visit it's tiny relative in the Mojave Desert, California. I drove across what looked like a salt plane - some rare recent rain had muddied the road and left my windshield covered in white droplets. I pulled into the old town, originally founded in 1897, it's boom was a few short years before the nearby mine shut down in … [Read more...]
Leisure Time in Vinales, Cuba
Needing the spirit and calming influence of the countryside, I left Havana pinched between the driver and an accompanying passenger in the front seat of a green 1950s Chevrolet. Beautiful from the outside but quite uncomfortable on the inside - 6 or 7 of us were crammed like sardines in a tin can. Hard seats, no air conditioning, a middle front seat on the 'hump' with no leg room whatsoever and a suspect suspension system all made for an … [Read more...]
Why do I Climb Mountains?
For years I have wondered why I am obsessed about climbing mountains and being at high altitude. It has been difficult to answer. The obvious reason and it is very true, is the stunning visual beauty. But beyond that I never had an answer. And logically it makes no sense. All the hardships. The suffering from altitude sickness. And there has been loads of this over the years. And the ever present danger. One time we were high up on Rainier - … [Read more...]
Exploring the Island of Efate, Vanuatu
Circling the island of Efate by vehicle takes about 2 hours without stopping. I wanted a more in depth experience so I joined a small tour hosted by Atmosphere Tours, based in Port Vila. As we left Port Vila on the only road that circles the island (built by the Americans) our guide duly pointed out the last electrical pole some few clicks outside of the city. Beyond that, the villages do not have government provided electricity and if they have … [Read more...]
A Crazy Stop in La Paz, Boliva
Upon arriving in South America I entered a very familiar airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport. I lingered in Lima for a refreshing shower in the hotel directly across from the airport. Walked back to the departures terminal and tried to sleep for a few hours on the hard floor. Loud music playing at 130am followed by staff cleaning the floors. No sleep tonight. Boarded next flight. Arrived in Cuzco - exited the airport with just enough time … [Read more...]
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