Drinking From The Ganges

My first introduction to Cairo, Egypt was at 3:30am on Tuesday June 17, 2008.  I was picked up  by a driver from my hostel, along with two other travelers staying at the hostel.  We all gathered our back-packs and followed the driver to a 1970’s Peugeot that looked like it should be retired to a junkyard……and based on the ’surgery’ that was performed to get the car started, it should be put to rest!  The driver had to add water, hit the starter three times with a hammer to get it started and once it was started he had to hold the drivers side-door shut with one hand to keep it from flying open, while using his free hand to drive and smoke a cigarette…talented man!  Once we were on our way, I introduced myself to the two other travelers staying at the hostel…..and to my amazement they were both from Bainbridge Island, Washington….about fifteen minutes by ferry from where I grew up!  It took Oceans, Continents and Countries to bring us together at 3:30am on June 17, 2008!  The world really is small…but seems so much larger while sitting behind a desk in a cubicle! [read on]

I remember sitting in a 401k meeting in November 2007 (three months prior to leaving for my round the world trip).  The 401k meeting presented the usual information, “Invest more now, because you will need more later, Pay yourself first’ (all good advice).  However, during this particular 401k meeting, the 401k representative left a lasting impression on me or rather a lasting phrase.  The representative said several times (about five times) throughout the course of the hour long meeting, “I invest more now, because when I retire, I want to travel”. [read on]

Luxembourg- After my departure from Morocco, I flew to Luxembourg to visit the two ladies (Kate and Danielle) I met in Santiago, Chile in March 2008.  On my plane ride from Fes, Morocco to Luexembourg I thought, 'great, this will be a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Fes, Morocco Morocco is the first Islamic country I visited. I had researched and read prior to visiting Morocco that I may be harassed (verbally, not physically) a bit by the opposite sex or feel uncomfortable in restaurants or traditional coffee houses; because one I am ... [Continue reading this entry]

Sahara Desert Excursion- I booked a 3 day/2 night Sahara Desert excursion through my Riad ( a Riad is a traditional house that has a courtyard with a garden).  The excursion consisted of  'Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah,'Dades Gorge,' Todgha Valley,' Merzouga Dunes,' a ... [Continue reading this entry]

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On my first sightseeing day in Marrakesh, I ventured into the 'abyss', a.k.a 'The Souks' (souks are open air markets).  A person must be mentally prepared to 'dive' into the souks...a person should leave any and all planned routes on ... [Continue reading this entry]