The following morning I awoke early and knew from experience that the boys would sleep for several more hours. I usually enjoyed this time by myself reading or wandering around, maybe getting breakfast. But I felt an odd surge of energy and curiosity and took flight into the jungle to find me a cave. I got my hands on a poor hand drawn map and bought a bottle of water on the way out of town. According to the map I would come to a bridge on the … [Read more...]
Annapurna Circuit
I'd always fancied myself as a bit of an outdoors-type, and what better way to prove it than a trek through the Himalayas. "Why would I want to walk for that long?" said a startled friend when I asked if he wanted to come along. Obviously he hadn't pictured it in his mind like I had. There it was; snow-capped peaks looming over pine-forests, twinkling stars dancing across the dark Northern skies, Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind, … [Read more...]
On the Prowl
I walked through the narrow streets of people and cars, brick and concrete. I shuffled between bicycles and taxis, steered clear of oncoming hawkers and dodged madmen on motorcycles. I peered upward at all the buildings and all the signs on all the buildings and felt dizzy, drunk on the moment. My nose absorbed every odor, strange spices, exhaust fumes, the smell of rain. My ears rang with sounds of bells and horns, of foreign chatter and … [Read more...]
Welcome to Thailand: Where taxis, tuk-tuks, boats, elephants, sky train, motorbikes, and mini-buses merge for your convenient transportation.
December 7, 2002 Greetings all from Bangkok, Thailand!!! Bangkok leaves me speechless because it is so utterly different and fascinating. I have no words to describe it, but I'll do my best. The 30-hour trip began by wandering the solitary back roads of Oregon and ended in the heart of crowded, congested, and polluted Bangkok. We were met by Syy and Jim in the airport and whisked away to our "hotel." Outside of this hotel were the slums of … [Read more...]
Zimbabwe & Zambia: The Zim and Zam of Victoria Falls
Dear Friends, "I can't leave this place. Africa is in my heart'I love the unpredictability here; today we have food, tomorrow we might not". These were the musings of Ivor, a white Zimbabwean grocery store owner we met in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Ivor was one of the few white Zimbabwe citizens left after the country's strong-man president Robert Mugabe changed the constitution to allow himself unlimited terms and, in 2000, instituted a series of … [Read more...]
Huaraz, Peru – Ishinca Trek
During several attempts to climb Ishinca & Toclaraju Dave used Enrique Expeditions, based in Huaraz - as well as a number of guides who for the most part spoke primarily Spanish with only a few words of English. Spanish was the primary language we used when climbing. Guides Francisco and Julio have both been guiding in the mountains for many years - each man has significant experience climbing. Julio has reached the summit of Huascaran (the … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – The Heat
The heat here is simply awesome. Death Valley on average is the hottest place in the world. Its that simple - this valley can "cook". Names such as Stovepipe Wells, Furnace Creek, Devils Golf Course and Hells Gate are a dead giveaway as to the types of temperatures this valley experiences. Historically July is the hottest month of the year although late June can also see extreme temperatures. Seasons are turned around compared to typical … [Read more...]
Death Valley, CA – Attractions
Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states; it houses a diversity of natural and human-made attractions. Based on numerous trips to Death Valley, we recommend at least 4-5 days to have enough time to visit some of the following highlights. However some schedules may not allow that amount of time: One day: we recommend you concentrate your sightseeing efforts near Furnace Creek as many natural attractions are located … [Read more...]
Istanbul, Turkey – Must See Attractions
Some of the primary historical attractions are only open on certain days of the week. Many are open from Tuesday through Sunday and are closed Mondays. Dave has visited the following sites within Istanbul. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) was constructed in the early 1600's. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Because this is such a heavily visited tourist destination, tourists are only allowed to enter from one of the side doors … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is a large sprawling glitzy city situated in the middle of the high desert surrounded by stark high desert mountains. Words such as surreal, fast-paced and hyper-reality quickly come to mind when describing Las Vegas. Words such as subtle and quiet are not often associated with this city. Las Vegas used to be known as a gambling and casino city. Those who haven't visited in 20-30 years would be absolutely shocked to see what Las … [Read more...]
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