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Explore stories from across the globe—Use the filters to browse content by continent and quickly discover my adventures from places connected to Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
I Fractured my Leg Traveling Central Asia’s Silk Road
“CRACK!!”—The sound stunned me as the left side of my body slammed into the boulder. I knew immediately that something had broken. I screamed. Our guide, Alex, tried to help me stand, but sharp pain shot through my leg. “I can’t walk!” I cried. He gently lowered me to the
The Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens Dazzles with Acres of Spring Blooms
Amsterdam Central Station is a ten-minute walk from Dam Square, the city’s center plaza. Built in 1889, the stately Gothic and Renaissance Revival structure suggests a medieval cathedral, according to civic architects. About 180,000 passengers daily rush through its doors and off to other destinations in the Netherlands and to
Travel Recommendations for Discovering Central Asia’s Spectacular Treasures
Our nineteen-day itinerary to visit Central Asia’s Stans countries proved to be the trip of a lifetime. Every day revealed new cultural experiences that amazed, thrilled, challenged and opened my eyes to an unknown world to me. Excuse the borrowed locational reference, but I felt I was living One Thousand
The Silk Road’s History Conjures Exotic Daydreams
We scheduled our nineteen-day journey to the far-off lands of the fabled Silk Road countries in Central Asia six months before our departure with Bestway Tours and Safaris. But I always begin planning way before that, and this journey required more thoughtfulness about the possible destinations. Part of embarking on
Kyrgyzstan’s Eagle Hunters Preserve an Ancient Cultural Practice
With four-inch razor-sharp talons, she grasps the leather glove that covers the trainer’s hand and forearm. Her large, protruding eyes peer fiercely, as she swivels her head to survey the surrounding landscape in search of movement along the ground. Her prominent curved black beak ends in a sharp hook, useful
All Hell Breaks Loose at Turkmenistan’s Darvaza Gas Crater
You’ll find it on lists of “The Oddest Places in the World to Visit.” The gigantic hole in the desert floor is on fire, and it’s been burning continuously since 1971. Measuring 200-230 feet in diameter and about 100 feet deep, the “Gates of Hell” presents a spectacular, supernatural scene
Tracing the Fabled Silk Road through Central Asia
“You’re going where?!” the familiar question asked by friends and family about out planned nineteen-day trip to Central Asia. “The Stans. The Silk Road countries. You know, the land of Genghis Khan and Marco Polo,” we responded, followed by an attempt to paint a colorful image of this remote, fabled
Chesapeake Bay’s Tangier and Smith Islands Are Disappearing Slices of Americana
“Island life.” What comes to mind when you hear those words? Warm climes, palm trees, sandy beaches, piña coladas, tropical sunsets? Two inhabited islands in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay in U.S.’s temperate Mid-Atlantic coastal region turn those images upside down. Tangier Island, Virginia and Smith Island, Maryland sit
Japan’s Remote Koyasan Holds Spiritual Wonders of Buddhism
Traveling by train thrills me; I feel like I’m on an amusement park ride. On this track to Mount Koya, nature’s beauty and humanity’s creations stream by. I’m mesmerized by the unfamiliar sights, and my mind makes up stories about them. There’s a small village nestled among hills draped in
Three Winning Perennials Attract Attention in My Spring Garden
The verdant shades of new growth in spring always promise a bountiful growing season in my Mid-Atlantic American garden (Zone 7b). Spring inspires the “visions of sugar plums” kind of fantasy; gardeners imagine vibrant colors, beautiful arrangements, succulent fruits and vegetables, and tasty herbs that we will enjoy and share
Mid-Century Modern Architectural Style Promised a Bright Future for Fort Lauderdale and Palm Springs
Basic design elements of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) style represent a radical departure from styles preceding it. Architectural lines are clean, a departure from the ornate, traditional ornamentation of previous styles. Instead, bold geometric shapes characterize both exterior and interior spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors in offices and
Romania’s Merry Cemetery: Finding Humor In Death
What’s so funny about death?! After all, it’s no laughing matter, right? The ritual trappings of death in our western culture demand solemnity, as we lay to rest the recently expired and speak only of the best aspects of their earthly lives.