I traveled A LOT earlier this year, having been abroad for most of March – May and then running domestic tours in June. I therefore made a conscious decision to stick around Seattle for the summer (and the fall, too). I lucked out because this summer we had the most amazing weather, better than we’ve Read More…
photos
Kauai ~ Photo of the Day
Hawaii can really get under your skin. For me it’s a visceral feeling. And it’s not just because I’m on “vacation” (because there’s always work involved, even when I’m on vacation). It’s the attitude of the Hawaiians. A laid-back feeling. It’s what some call “aloha.” But it’s well exemplified in this sign at one of Read More…
Haiti ~ Photo of the Day
I’ll write more about my brief visit to Haiti next week, but I wanted to add this photo today to show the beauty in these people. The above photo was taken at the inaugural ceremony of one of the water wells that was funded by Passports with Purpose during our 2012 fundraiser. The man (and Read More…
Bhutan Tsechu ~ Photo of the Day
The tsechu is central to Bhutan’s cultural heritage and preservation. These religious festivals are held regularly throughout the year, with each region holding their own tsechu. People come from surrounding communities to meet, watch and bond over these spectacular Buddhist events. The tsechus are typically held in the courtyard of the local monastery and the Read More…
Papua New Guinea Sepik River ~ Photo of the Day
The Sepik River in the northern part of Papua New Guinea is the longest river in the country. It flows, in a northwestern fashion, from the west of the country, spilling briefly into Indonesia’s Papua, and then eastward into the Bismarck Sea. It’s not a swift flowing river, but it’s mighty. And it is SO Read More…
Salt Lake City Snow and Ice ~ Photo of the Day
One of my favorite places to fly into is Salt Lake City. When I go, I usually have an early morning flight, which means that I get to watch the sunrise as we’re descending. And I always feel like a kid, glued to the plane’s window, like I’ve never seen such a sight before. Having Read More…
Cargo Bikes in Vietnam ~ Photo of the Day
Vietnam has a motorbike problem. There are simply too many of them (a 2010 report suggests there are 25 million registered bikes). They’re a source for pollution in Saigon and Hanoi and the cause of more than 15,000 deaths/year due to lax traffic and helmet laws (oh, and really bad drivers). Still, it’s completely fascinating Read More…
Book a WanderTour (by January 15) ~ Get a Free Gift
Been putting off sending in your registration for one of our WanderTours? Wait no more… In case you missed this tidbit of info, book any of our tours on or before January 15, 2013, and you’ll receive a free coffee table book about the region you’ll be traveling to. Here’s a list of the tours, Read More…
Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar ~ Photo of the Day
Sitting atop a hill, Shwedagon Pagoda and its golden gilded stupa, can be seen from many locations around Yangon. By some accounts, this revered Buddhist site is the oldest pagoda in the world at 2,600 years (other accounts put it at 1,000 – 1,400 years old). The pagoda enshrines eight hairs from Gautama Buddha and Read More…
Gaudi’s Top Buildings in Barcelona
You see Sagrada Familia from the outside and it looks moderately impressive. It’s when you step inside and crane your neck upward that your jaw drops. The absolute immensity of this building is beyond the scope of any normal human being and it’s understandable why it has been 140 years in the making (it’s not Read More…