Last summer when I mentioned to people I was planning a trip to Cyprus (Northern Cyprus as well), I often received blank stares or the question "where is Cyprus". A little geography is in order; the island is in the Mediterranean Sea - in the far eastern reaches south of Turkey and just west of Lebanon. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Italy's Sicily and Sardinia. I flew from Beirut, Lebanon - there are certainly … [Read more...]
Remembering My Time on Paros, Greece
Of all the islands I have visited over the years, the first island I ever visited in Europe many years ago left a lasting impression on me. This was Paros, Greece. I was backpacking with my brother throughout Europe in summer. We had just arrived in Athens where the city was suffering through it's worst heat wave of the season with temperatures in the day hovering in the low 40's (105+ F). Incidentally Athens holds the record temperature for any … [Read more...]
A Perfect Picture Paradise, Pissouri Cyprus
After another epic yet challenging trip in Jordan followed by the stresses of travelling in Lebanon I was more then ready to go somewhere and 'do nothing'. However, one never really knows if your perception of a relaxing destination will actually meet your expectation once you arrive. Time and time again I've been disappointed when looking for the "perfect" place to relax - a place that is not overly touristy, has a good vibe, is surrounded by … [Read more...]
Urban Camping, Zürich Switzerland
On a bright partly cloudy sunny day I found myself tethered to a speeding boat in Lake Zürich Switzerland, attempting my first wake boarding. Several fellow journalists enjoying cold beers and sunshine were watching me from the boat while I found myself struggling to stay warm in the early summer's cold waters. Fortunately they were also cheering me on. I was pulled out of the water successfully on the first try and then again 5 subsequent times. … [Read more...]
A Coal Mine and Rock Climbing, Exploring Wales
Wales is built for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts; the region has participated historically in adventure exploration involving some of the most extreme corners of the planet. One has to look no further then Cardiff Bay where Captain Scott sailed out in the Terra Nova (expedition to Antarctica) or the challenging mountain and glacier terrain of Snowdonia synonymous with well known mountaineering names such as Mallory, Irvine, Hillary and … [Read more...]
Welcome to the World of Contrast – Light, Dark and all Shades in Between #Iceland
I've never come across such a wide range of plays of light and darkness in a single day as today, my first introduction to Iceland. Enormous dark clouds layered themselves over plateaus in the distance - themselves layered by alternating white and dark between land, snow and glaciers. The sun shone in the foreground contrasted by the darkness in the background. The play of light and color between the water, the sky and the clouds was impressive … [Read more...]
Almost Blown off the Mountain in the Snæfellsnes, Iceland
Today I set off for western Iceland. After several hours and multiple stops I reached Snæfellsnes, a peninsula in Western Iceland. I found a random scruffy hitch hiker standing by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. I quickly stopped and found out he had hiked down to the main road from his campsite in this remote part of the peninsula because his 6-year old son had somehow turned the car radio on and drained the battery. I delivered … [Read more...]
Taking Advantage of Bright Sun in Belfast Before the Rain Sets In
Upon landing in Belfast, Northern Ireland (or as some might say, 'Nord Iron') I was pleasantly surprised to see some sun peeking through the clouds. Coming from bright sunny days in Spain this past week with warm temperatures I had braced myself for brisk cloudy days and bone chilling nights. I felt welcomed on the bus ride into town; a gentleman facing me in another seat kept smiling my way - talking to the lady he was with and nodding in my … [Read more...]
The Blue Lagoon Experience, Iceland
As I pulled out of the airport I saw steam in the distance - making a mental note to come back here I later realized this must be the "sign" of the infamous Blue Lagoon. I returned in the afternoon driving through what at a quick glance looks like a barren wasteland with volcanic rock strewn all about. As you glance across this stark landscape you see no trees - but if you look closer in certain sheltered rock plateaus, there are in fact small … [Read more...]
Crawling Around Dublin from Pub to Pub
The only thing I figured out how to do during my short stay in Dublin was crawl from pub to pub. In fact I am writing this now from the standing room only interior of Grogans Castle Pub. Everyone is drinking beer out of Guinness glasses but I am drinking a Swedish Cider. And apparently a cheap one at that. Speaking of cider I've finally discovered a country that can give Sweden a run for the money on the matters of quality cider; that would be … [Read more...]
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