It has taken me many years and most of the world to understand who I am and my purpose in life. I have learned about love and hate and faith. I have learned about mistakes and the price of the choices we make. My life, like so many others, has had its pivotal moments and experiences that changed me forever. It was in these defining moments that I became the man I am today. I learned that your heart usually guides you more wisely than your head, so that’s what I began to follow. I was a hard man that stood [View Full Entry]

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My climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro began just after mid-night on the 5th of January, 2008. It was a frigid, moonless night and the sky was heavy with stars. Lights from the surrounding cities flickered over the African plains as if the starry sky had cast its reflection. The only other lights present were those of trekker’s head lamps snaking up the mountain like a fiery serpent. The darkness held an unnerving silence that was intermittently broken by gusts of wind or the occasional guide’s whistle. Rarely was a word spoken from the mouths of the trekkers attempting t [View Full Entry]

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Moving westward into the Rajasthan region of India has felt like crossing over into an Indiana Jones movie. The remains of old sandstone forts and fairytale castles cover the barren wastelands. The vibrant colors and sounds of India reign through, but at times, this thriving desert region can feel more like the Middle East than India. At every angle of your eye there are turbans, camels, veil-covered faces, holy cows and an endless sea of dust and dirt. The hassling has definitely been toned down, but there are still the occasional scams and annoying touts. Nothing like Delhi though, than [View Full Entry]

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Wow, where to begin? Well, I must say that this part of my trip has been a roller coaster of mixed emotion and sensory overload. I had prepared myself mentally for the culture shock and I can say that it didn’t faze me too bad. I’ve seen so much over the past two years that I don’t even think it’s possible to be that shocked any more, although, if any country could do it, then India is the place. This country will definitely challenge even the most seasoned of travelers. My flight arrived in New Delhi later in the day, so [View Full Entry]

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Before I say anything, I must first address the fact that I am in serious need of a burger. My lack of sufficient protein could have very well affected the quality of my writing. I have lost my focus. All I can think about is meat. There are stinkin’ cows walking all over the streets down here and everyone just ignores them. They drive around them as if they were supposed to be part of traffic and not actual livestock on the loose. I keep praying that some daydreaming truck driver will plow into one, so we can have us a [View Full Entry]

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Namaste my friends. I sit and write this entry from the majestic mountains of the Himalayas. My quest was to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp and climb over 18,000 feet to the view point peak of Kala Pathar. I guess from my pictures you can already figure out that I made it, but how I got there and what my body went through is the best part. As usual, it was no walk in the park; actually, it was a walk up a freakin’ mountain into the oxygen deprived death zone of the bloody cold Himalayas. But, before I get [View Full Entry]

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Crossing the border into Laos has brought a lot of, what my Asian friends refer to as, the “Same Same, but different.” This is a phrase you hear on a daily basis, which simply explains that something is very similar, but at the same time, very different. I believe that this phrase is by far the best way to describe the countries of Southeast Asia. They all share so many similarities, but then each has its own little unique differences that set it apart. As for Laos (pronounced with a silent "s"), it is probably Southeast Asia’s most relaxing and laidback [View Full Entry]

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Fidgeting about my cramped seat, unable to reach a position of comfort, I question myself on why it is I continue to go through this time and time again. The night bus is a familiar setting to many a traveler and a journey that most dread, but continually take despite. One can always count on the frigid air from the overhead vents, the foul stench seeping out of the bathroom, vibrations from the windows that run from the side of your head down through your spine, and of course, the sudden pot hole that nearly throws you from your seat. Some [View Full Entry]

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The first glance at my map promised a trip that was fairly short and painless, but over here, looks are always deceiving. I want you all to take a second and think of the worst road you’ve ever seen or been on. Alright...now smack yourself (that wasn’t hard enough!), because you have no earthly idea what I’ve been through. The bus ride from Bangkok to the Cambodian border was no big deal; I’ve been there, done that. The point from there after, well, that's another story. The border crossing itself was no piece of cake, but at the same time very [View Full Entry]

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One thing is for sure about traveling; you can never fully describe or explain everything you see and experience. You can’t capture every photo you desire or recall every unique character you cross. I know I’ve said this many times before, but I was reminded of this once again as I traveled north through the southern most region of Thailand. I was trapped in the back of a speeding mini-bus, weaving through a jungle scenery that kept my eyes from blinking. I wanted so badly to yell, “Stop, I’ve gotta get this picture,” but I knew I couldn’t. I just sat [View Full Entry]

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