Have you been to Greece or Santorini? If so, what did you think? It’s certainly super luxurious and well watered by the tourism industry! In fact, in the midst of Europe’s continuing economic crisis, there’s little evidence that it’s affecting Greece, if you only take a trip here. Despite the hoards of honeymooners and cruise … Continue reading
The hike to El Misti begins with little pomp but a simple sign that subtly warns–you’re starting at 3,415 meters. For a new arrival to Arequipa, like me, it was an omen of what was to come. Of course, as a seasoned hiker and climber, I didn’t take heed–as I should have. At 3,415 meters, … Continue reading
I’m back home in Iowa! Oddly enough, the culture shock isn’t mind-shattering. In fact, I hardly had jet lag, just a momentary daze when I saw a man my age wearing a backward baseball cap. After I blinked twice and shook it off for something very normal here, I bounced back with a pint of … Continue reading
Click over here to read about life (as it really is) in Myanmar in my new Expat Series! It’s hilarious and honest. Thanks to Diane Henrickson for answering all my questions! Photo Credit: Diane Henrickson Continue reading
Why? Come check out my photo essay on my NEW blog! I knew I’d enjoy Pamukkale, but I had been clueless to its historic charms that lie just behind it. Read more after the leap! Continue reading
Hear me out. I loved Butterfly Valley, see my previous review here. But after a quick visit to Kabak Valley this past weekend, I’m singing a different tune. It may be a hymn played by a long-haired hippie on a traditional Turkish guitar, not the familiar Spanish one, while I sunned on the beach. Or, perhaps … Continue reading
Stalk this namesake valley, located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and you’ll soon discover its iconic butterflies are missing. No matter, this picturesque cove named Butterfly Valley will hold you in fervent rapture nonetheless. To discover this somewhat hard-to-reach valley, you must first hop a bobbing boat or scramble down a mountain from a connecting highway. Taking … Continue reading
Before I came to Turkey, I didn’t know that I had entered into some variation of Eden. In Fethiye, fresh food abounds, but not only in markets, street corner stalls and larger chain grocery stores; the seeds of sustenance sprout up in city gardens. Chickens run amok, corn stalks shoot up, goats tend to unmowed grass, and … Continue reading
I tried to write an eloquent entry here, but words failed me. Instead, here are a few images to illustrate what I’ve been up to with my recent endeavor at Fotomobil in Fethiye, Turkey. Enjoy, it’s been sublime! Words will come. Maybe. Continue reading
Three years later, I’m posting about my summer spent summiting Everest (or uh hem, Base Camp). If you trek to Everest Base Camp in the monsoon season, expect rain (an obvious) and few crowds. We ambled on without the luxuries of trekking season (i.e. ample apple pie) and gained an onward journey that didn’t include … Continue reading
Cut the Kitsch 