Geo: 41.3879, 2.16992We (Sarah, Sean, Mandy, Sheila and I) all flew into the Dulles Airport on Wednesday, and made the 8 hour flight flight to Barcelona. After arriving at the hotel around 10:00 am on Thursday, we relaxed for a couple hours and then headed out to see the city.... read more

Geo: 37.5605, -77.4791... read more

Geo: 9.03883, 98.6917(Since we did not have internet access, this entry will include the period from February 11-12.)On February 11th, a 5-hour drive from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park, including a lunch stop, took us to the dock at Cheow Lan Lake where we continued by Thai long-tail boat to our floating eco-resort, Panvaree Resort. Inside Khao Sok National Park, we were immersed in unbelievable landscapes of this 285-square-mile reserve. The park's vertical limestone mountains are draped in the world's oldest virgin rain forest—with more biodiversity than the Amazon—and punctuated by caves, deep valleys and numerous lakes. It is rumored that rebel militia and guerrillas inhabited the area in the 1960's and 70's. This kept others away and, if there is a upside, allowed to wildlife population to prosper. An impressive collection of wildlife inhabits ... read more

Geo: 7.89072, 98.3988In the morning, we made one last trek through downtown Yangon where we at a traditional Myanmar breakfast in a "locals" restaurant. Then, we walked through the shopping areas and made offerings to the young "monks-in-training" which must collect food each morning. We then made our way to the Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the pagoda's origins are unclear, local legend holds that the original structure was built 2,500 years ago, then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The gold-plated pagoda, rising to a graceful spire at the top, reflects an intricate display of Buddhist cosmology and mythology—not to mention the dazzling glimmer of the 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies that embellish its gilded crown. The "umbrella" of the highest structure ho ... read more

Geo: 21.3667, 95.4667In Bagan, located on the Irrawaddy River, we spent the day exploring some of the world's greatest archaeological sites. The plains of Bagan are home to a prolific collection of ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and shrines, with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. More than 2,000 structures and ruins sprawl over a vast area stretching for miles along the banks of the river, a testament to Bagan's former status as the capital of a large and powerful medieval kingdom. The glimmering domes and spires, now derelict and many damaged by the 9.0 earthquake in 1975, are especially captivating at sunset, illumined by the glowing rays. We had a picnic in the scenic agricultural village of Minnanthu, which specializes in the production of sesame and peanut oil. It is a hidden treasure ... read more