Maybe because it’s made a cameo in so many Jackie Chan and Jet Li movies. Maybe because it represents the heart of the “mysterious” and ancient Chinese culture. Or, maybe it’s just the name: “The Forbidden City.” Whatever the reason for my excitement, it was pretty cool to see it…
Though not as much of a lightning rod as the beard, my ever-lengthening hair has been a topic of discussion on this site and in email. I’ve never gown my hair out. It was always cut short as a kid, at least as far as I can remember. Through High…
Or, “How James Cameron saved my sanity.” I don’t intend for this to sound like a “poor me” episode, though I realize it probably will. I don’t want you to think I’m complaining about not working and gallivanting around the globe. But, I figure if you’re reading this, you’re at…
Ahh, Prague. The City of a Thousand Spires. Perhaps one of the best things about not being able to go to Russia was that I was able to add Prague to my ever-changing itinerary. I love this city. I was first here in December of 2003. During the final phases…
While on the train to Prague, I got a chance to read my guide book. It had a small section on day trips, and recommended a visit to a small town called Kutna Hora. The town itself didn’t sound overly remarkable – an impressive church called “St. Barnabas” sat high…
It was probably appropriate I woke up to low, misty gray clouds. My early morning walk to the bus station was drab and chilly. It seemed like no one I passed was smiling. Everyone was looking either down at their feet or intently at a Polish newspaper. I was thinking…
I love history, but I’m definitely not a historian. I’m not overly good at dates, much less the people or events associated with them. I’m lucky to remember my own family’s birthdays, much less anniversaries, significant dates, etc. However, after a recent visit to Sweden, that may change. As you…
I really had the best of intentions, and thought I had “most” things planned out. However, “The best laid plans…” When I started planning the trip, I obviously did some thinking about the novel places I could go. When it came to Europe, I really wanted to explore the Eastern…
I flew Ryanair to Stockholm, which meant it landed at a super-small secondary airport with only two gates about an hour outside of Stockholm. After hopping on a $20 transfer bus, I ended up at the bus/train station combo in the center of Stockholm at around 11:30. I started looking…
Every so often it’s good to take stock of where you are and what you’re doing. As I sat on a crowded bus rambling across central Ireland, I thought about my fortunes and how at this moment, I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. In March of this year, I boarded a…