With my project in Estonia moving at a snail’s pace, towards the end of November I once again agreed with my team to go remote until the project was ready to go live. So where to go? Since I had all my cold weather clothes, I figured I’d keep it cold and go even farther north. I’ve seen the Northern Lights before, but there was something intriguing to me about going up to the Arctic Circle for a couple weeks before heading home for the holidays.
Continue reading To live is to war with trollsTag Archives: Coffee Shops
Never leave fish to find fish
After a not so memorable stint back in Tallinn that lacks enough substance for a post, I headed to Jordan to meet my brother for a couple weeks of being a tourist. Famously home to Petra, Jordan frequents the bucket list of a lot of avid travelers. With my brother forced to take more traditional American vacations, we organized what resembles a pretty normal vacation. Well, the cheap version of a normal vacation.
Continue reading Never leave fish to find fish
As sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
I enjoyed my first trip to Georgia, but happening in late fall and early winter the conditions weren’t the best to see the mountains and nature it has to offer. I loved it regardless, so the wine, food, and the prices of everything were another good reason to come back. Visiting in July this time, tourist activity would be a bit higher and I’d have an opportunity to see some things I had missed on the first go. Continue reading As sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines
That test you passed… not everybody does. Welcome to the afterlife.
As the years ware on, I get increasingly worse about taking photos. Like, really bad. I have so many nice pictures from my first trip to Estonia; I guess that’s why I figured I didn’t need to take any more of the main attractions. It’s not as if they’ve changed much in 3 years. But anyways, I flew to Estonia to start a job, to actually move to a place and have a sense of permanence for the first time in years. Continue reading That test you passed… not everybody does. Welcome to the afterlife.
I paint flowers so they will not die.
Going into 2019, I was in the mood for familiarity. It just wasn’t the time for ambition, so rather than navigate deeper into South America or try to deal with the Wifi at some seaside town, I opted to keep it simple and put myself in a position to live near the beach and get some work done. So for the first few months, Playa del Carmen (so the family could come down and get their dive certifications) and Mérida (for after they leave, because I heard it was chill) were going to be the major basecamps. Continue reading I paint flowers so they will not die.
I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money
Whenever I go to Spain, I seem to be too emotionally exhausted to do it properly. Egypt had tired me out a bit, and since my passport was nearly full my options were limited. So, I opted to finish out the year by spending a month in the South of Spain. Well, a bit in the South of Spain, and then Madrid. Continue reading I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
Ah, Macedonia, the second to last Eastern European country I haven’t been to. Had to visit before they changed their name to North Macedonia to appease Greece. They voted on it while I was staying there, and the vote failed. So Macedonia it is, and no NATO. Continue reading Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe
After I got dad on a plane (actually he got himself there via tram super early so I didn’t even wake up), I decided to stay in Prague for another week since I liked it better this time. The apartment was really nice, and having a beer garden a 5 minute walk away is handy too. Continue reading Wanna thrive in the dust of the universe
If i could run across the beach into my own arms I would
I’m writing this about 5 months after the fact, so expect it to be a combination of poorly remembered things and complete fabrications. But I’ve been posting on here for years, so it would be a pity if I didn’t at least make a minimal effort. At least for this one, I’ve got pictures. Continue reading If i could run across the beach into my own arms I would
Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring
Despite its nice parks, Bucharest was still a bit urban for my liking, and I was happy to escape. Away from Wallachia and into Transylvania. Super excited about that, as I’m just a huge Twilight fan. It’s like Dracula, but better. So what better way to celebrate one of the greatest novels/movies of the century than to visit the famed motherland of the vampires.
Continue reading Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Ambition really strikes when ordering plane tickets, and that ambition lead me to think it was a good idea to do a double red eye. First, from Rio to Lisbon, where I would spend a day, and then from Lisbon to Bucharest, where I’d stay for a while. I still think it’s a nice idea in theory – Lisbon is a great city to spend a day – but it definitely makes for a tiring trip. Continue reading We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
I will come again, and I will be millions
In accordance with my plan for the year, I’ve parked myself in Buenos Aires for almost the next three months. Because traveling is tiring, and I’ve been at it for a while. The theory is, I’ll have a bit more consistency, can develop some decent habits, catch up on work, and be part of a community. My AirBnb is in San Telmo, which is probably the third most popular district for expats – more of an artsy area than the typical “gringo ghetto” that pops up in these major South American cities. Continue reading I will come again, and I will be millions
I like looking at everything from far away, except you.
My annoying-on-paper flight from Buffalo to Charlotte to Miami to Lima to Montevideo went about as smoothly as I could have hoped. My Lima to Montevideo flight was scheduled to take off at 11:59pm, but we ended up watching fireworks from the runway for a few minutes before taking off. It was interesting to see New Years from the sky, and fireworks aren’t really shot very high. Continue reading I like looking at everything from far away, except you.
Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
After a few days of night buses, uncomfortable camel rides, and cold desert tents, I was looking forward to sleeping at a normal time in a normal bed again. Entering Essaouira was like entering a twilight zone – not a single person talked to us as we walked through the markets complete with our backpacks and suitcases. Very pleasant. It seems being left alone is all that is necessary for me to like a place these days. Continue reading Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love
Return trips for me are rare, but Edinburgh is a nice place. Forget all that sunshine, beaches, and warm weather in Spain – not sure how anyone tolerates all that. I’ll take this constant sea of 60 degree mist any day. After arbitrarily choosing a hostel, upon arrival I realized it was the same one I stayed in over three years ago. I get older and the kids in here stay the same age. JK it’s an old person hostel. Continue reading Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love
Reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life
I’m writing this considerably after the fact, so my recounting will likely be a list of facts rather than interesting anecdotes about the trip. But it’s not like I can skip posting pictures of Machu Piccu, so here we go. I promise to be better in the future. Continue reading Reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life
I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven
After three months in Colombia, it was time to move on to a whole new world. Ecuador, a Latin American country that just uses US dollars. If you’re wondering where all our Sacagawea dollars went, the answer is Ecuador. They have a rich appreciation for Native American culture here. Continue reading I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume from nine to eleven
Now I ain’t cheap, but I can be had
So I left Medellín’s ideal weather and headed to the coast. I landed in the 90 degree humid weather of Cartagena, which is definitely a tourist town. Although it’s a Colombian tourist town more than it is an international tourist town. Some nice beaches along the coast, as well as the national park. Continue reading Now I ain’t cheap, but I can be had
¿Plata o Plomo?
I’ve been living in this apartment in Medellín for about 6 weeks, tallying about two months total in Medellín, which I think is the longest I’ve lived anywhere in a few years. The theory was it would be good to have some more consistency and become part of a community a bit more. Which makes sense in theory, but I think you actually need to make an effort to engage with the community for it to work. Continue reading ¿Plata o Plomo?
He did not dare approach her for fear of destroying the spell
Ok, so I actually stayed in Panama City for a few more days. And I went for a walk along another thing and took some pictures of it. It had a lot of water, and yachts, and pelicans, and a view of the city. There are some little islands in “Panama Bay” or something. It has a little wildlife reserve too. Continue reading He did not dare approach her for fear of destroying the spell
See, here I am now by myself, talking to myself. That’s Chaos Theory!
Why wait? I figured I’d start the year in a new place, so to Costa Rica I went. With a few days before my family arrived, I stayed in San Jose for a couple days, which isn’t nearly as bad as people said it was. Stayed in the University Area and there were a couple very nice hostels. Mostly people landing and then leaving in the morning, but the WiFi was good, so that’s fine by me. Continue reading See, here I am now by myself, talking to myself. That’s Chaos Theory!
Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?!
I had decided to come to Yerevan to get the rich cultural experience and see the surrounding natural beauty (the flight to NYC was cheaper from Yerevan than Tbilisi). Upon entering Armenia, it was incredibly snowy, and it only got snowier throughout the week. So, I opted to just stay in the city center rather than venture out on treacherous, freezing day trips. Continue reading Honey, would you put a bumper sticker on a Bentley?!
The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.
I’ve been sick for more than a couple weeks now. Not terribly sick, just a cough, mildly soar throat and runny nose, and the occasional minor headache. Pretty annoying, and my “red eye” flight to Tbilisi didn’t exactly help. I left at 9:45pm, had to change in Riga, and arrived in Tbilisi at 4:25am which included a 2-hour time zone change. Not exactly a good night’s sleep, and then I was too early to check in (even after waiting at the airport until 9am) so I had to leave my bag and wander around the streets of Tbilisi for a few hours.
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.
I managed to avoid any excitement my last couple weeks in Riga, sticking to my familiar walking paths and coffee shop hopping. I did take a walk over to the markets on the weekend, which were quite large and busy. One building was completely filled with meat – did not last long in there. But I wish I had gone earlier, as there were huge stalls of vegetables as well.
Continue reading Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.
Two Latvian look at clouds. One see potato. Other see impossible dream. Is same cloud.
I decided to enter the social realm for a few days, booking four nights at a hostel in Riga to start off the trip. The password at the hostel was “justonebeer”. Which of course is “just one beer.” But I’ve been drinking very little and listening to questionable music, so I thought it was just a weird spelling of “juston ebeer”. Surely, a mistake anyone can make. Thankfully, I did not say this aloud so my reputation as someone with some dignity remains intact.
It’s a war over my tangerines
I haven’t been a very good tourist here in Tallinn, just kind of settling in quickly given my extended stay. I’m nearly 20 days in, and I’ve done a ton of walking around, but not a lot of going inside to see things. I can appreciate the reserved Estonian mentality, everyone keeping to himself/herself and more or less ignoring everyone else. Fitting just in, I’ve managed to go this entire time without having a conversation with anyone, despite everyone speaking good English.
Continue reading It’s a war over my tangerines
You city people are children of the moment
Here we go again, the road beckoning. After a couple days in NYC (I stayed in the Upper West Side for the first time), I took a flight to Helsinki via Stockholm. In the Stockholm airport a simple coffee was nearly $5 (which was greatly desired after a red eye), which I didn’t to survive without, but I’m going to judge all prices moving forward in terms of Stockholm airport coffee.
I guess people are just cropping out all the sadness
I flew into Portland for a little vacation on my way to Seattle this time to see if it lived up to the show’s hype, and it more or less did. Hipster, but not as comically so of course. But it’s the land of craft beers and not real jobs and tattoos, as far as I can tell. Continue reading I guess people are just cropping out all the sadness
Let’s drive to the country side, leave behind some green-eyed look-a-likes
Finally back home to Seattle. Home this time being a Hacker House in Wallingford, which turns out to be a fairly nice area between the hipster lounge that is Ballard and Fremont and the University of Washington. It’s an annoying 10 minute walk anywhere, but past that I don’t have any complaints. The common room of the house has a bunch of nice desks, and it overlooks Lake Union. Continue reading Let’s drive to the country side, leave behind some green-eyed look-a-likes
A city of treasure buried beneath a sky of curses
I haven’t been cafe-ing as much, plus there aren’t as many opportunities to do it. But I did find a good one in Oaxaca so I feel I should mention it. It’s Café Los Cuiles, and I had breakfast here as well as some famous Oaxacan hot chocolate (made with cinnamon), and partook of their lovely setup and fast WiFi. Let’s be honest, I really just like the fast WiFi.
Continue reading A city of treasure buried beneath a sky of curses
I think about you too lady. Let’s leave it at that.
My trip back to Antigua went much smoother. The bus stayed in one piece, and I was back by a reasonable time in the morning. My passport and other belongs were still in their proper place, so at some point I’ll be able to leave the country, which is nice. Continue reading I think about you too lady. Let’s leave it at that.
Jeez, I’m out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
The San Pedro Sula airport had a Dunkin Donuts in it, so it’s one of my favorite places now, highest per capita murder rate or not. Even so, I skipped to the last few pages in each of my books, just in case. The flight to Roatán was less than an hour, and I found my hostel easily before strolling along the boardwalkish area. It’s beautiful, but hot and humid. So hot. Continue reading Jeez, I’m out of it for a little while, everyone gets delusions of grandeur!
I’m tired. I thought I just needed a night’s sleep but it’s more than that.
The three hour shuttle from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna wasn’t exactly a fun one, but we got there. Up and down a volcano. Around a lot of windy roads. I sat next to a Montanan (?) and chatted with her the whole time, one of those free-spirit types that was going to San Marcos, the next town over, for a yoga training and retreat. Continue reading I’m tired. I thought I just needed a night’s sleep but it’s more than that.
The challenge is not to act automatically. It’s to find an action that is not automatic.
To start off my journey in Guatemala, I’d just like to thank Oscar Isaac (who was born in Guatemala) for his recent rise to fame, allowing me to use relevant quotes for my post titles. Otherwise, I would have been pretty lost. It’s the little things.
But my flight went relatively smoothly. Sat next to an older guy from Northern NY who was a Harvard-educated psychologist and now visits Guatemala and Nicaragua a lot. He knew Spanish and was pleasant enough, so we grabbed a transport to Antigua together. Maybe I’ll see him around. Continue reading The challenge is not to act automatically. It’s to find an action that is not automatic.
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
Back to the land from which democracy, for better or worse, spawned. So there’s a bit of an obligatory awe you’re required to feel putting things into perspective, even though what you’re really looking at is pretty worn out rocks. So maybe I’m crazy for being a little underwhelmed by the ruins, but so be it. Continue reading It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it
One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quotings
I dragged myself out of bed after two hours sleep so I could leave at 4am and catch a bus to my flight. All went quite smoothly, actually, and I arrived and checked in to my hotel on Santorini just after 8am (room was available so I didn’t have to wait). Opted for a quick nap and began my day around 11am instead. Continue reading One original thought is worth a thousand mindless quotings
Though I would treasure your friendship, I’m mainly interested in your facility with murder
I started my new, lonely Dubrovnik experience with a walk down to the new town and through the harbor. On the way back, I stumbled upon Cafe Bar Art and had a couple cups of coffee while I worked on my computer. It was colorful and quirky, with bathtub seats and odd decorations. Whether that’s your taste or not, it was a great place to chill out and have a coffee or a beer, so I might go back. Continue reading Though I would treasure your friendship, I’m mainly interested in your facility with murder
Even Beethoven had his critics. See if you can name three of them.
The first night I went to Charlie’s Bar with a guy from my hostel in Sarajevo, which was fun. The next night I went to Caffe Bar Mosquito to have some coffee, a beer, and get some work done. Similar to Iceland in that their coffee shops turn into bars, which is kind of cool. I’m mostly working, so not a whole lot of sightseeing is accomplished each day. Continue reading Even Beethoven had his critics. See if you can name three of them.
Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.
My venture into the Balkans was on an 8-hour train ride through Hungary and Serbia to Belgrade. It was a long train ride during the day, but I somehow managed to sleep on and off for the entire trip. What didn’t occur to me is that I should buy some food, so I kind of forgot to eat the entire day yesterday (paired with the fact that it’s not easy to find vegetarian food in Serbia. Continue reading Life is and will ever remain an equation incapable of solution, but it contains certain known factors.
The plot thickens, as they say. Why, by the way? Is it a soup metaphor?
Continuing my ongoing quest to use every London airport, I left from Stansted this morning and flew to Budapest on Ryanair, which went extremely smoothly. My hostel is fairly centrally located, and I quickly located the nearest Starbucks, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Hooters, so I don’t think there will be any issues here. Continue reading The plot thickens, as they say. Why, by the way? Is it a soup metaphor?
A multitude of people, and yet a solitude.
Paris was essentially a catchup and recharging point for me. Dad had a couple day trips, and I more or less worked and did a couple walking tours on my own. While I wasn’t in the best of moods, I found Paris to be dirty, unfriendly, and lacking of general WiFi options – the latter upsetting me more than the first two combined. Continue reading A multitude of people, and yet a solitude.
Don’t just stand there, kill something!
Closed out the Ring Road in preparation for the boat trip to Denmark. It was a lot of coastline driving, and we drove up into the foggy mountains for a bit as well. Very nice landscapes, etc, and then eventually made it to Seydisfjordur a bit early so we could relax before the trip. Continue reading Don’t just stand there, kill something!
Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.
I left Akureyri this morning, and the weather was a bit threatening so I didn’t end up doing my hike. Plus I have work to do, so I picked out a 4 hour drive with a couple stops in it that will get me a bit more than halfway back to Reykjavik. I’m a bit ahead of schedule, so I’ll sit back here and catch up on some work for the day. Continue reading Beautiful things don’t ask for attention.
I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair
Reykjavik is a small city with a townish feel, so it’s not as if there’s an absolute ton to do here. So I’ve predominately spent my time working, actually getting things done on time that is, and almost getting ahead a bit as I look to do more traveling over the next few weeks. Don’t want to start that from behind. So this is largely a story of working in Reykjavik. Continue reading I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair
Cover your crystal eyes And let your colours bleed and blend with mine
Finally back to this great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers are irresistibly drained. My main goal this weekend was to try to get some work done and survive jet lag. I was marginally successful.
I hardly spent any money, just walked through the Portobello Market for a bit on Sunday and got some Venezuelan burrito sandwich thing. Walked through Kensington Gardens and saw all the expensive houses and consulates/embassies, and strolled through the main part of London a bit too. But mainly relaxed and caught up on some Netflix. Continue reading Cover your crystal eyes And let your colours bleed and blend with mine
I am looking for a dare to be great situation
I decided to AirBnb in Seattle, so I rented a Condo just off the train line between the airport and downtown Seattle in Othello. It’s about a 15 minute ride into the city and it’s much cheaper than staying directly downtown. Plus it comes with a gym, rooftop area to cook and relax, and it’s close to a couple parks to run. Overall, a pretty good location. Continue reading I am looking for a dare to be great situation
I’ll bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel
Before my trip out to the west coast, I decided to spend a week or so in Boston. It’s a very clean, pristine city but overall didn’t do much for me. I did a LOT of walking around from my base in the Chinatown area, and did plenty of work in the area coffee shops and library. But a LOT of just walking around. Continue reading I’ll bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel
Cat in the wall, eh? Ok, now you’re talking my language.
This is beginning a series of posts that are purely for posterity so I don’t forget where I’ve been or something. My picture archives aren’t great, so you’ve got to deal with what I’ve got.
Now that my brother lives in Maryland, we went to visit him and went to Philadelpha, Wilmington, and Washington DC in the process. Continue reading Cat in the wall, eh? Ok, now you’re talking my language.
It’s no big sin to stick your two cents in If you know when to leave it alone
As a seasoned traveler, my bravado has apparently gotten out of hand and I arrived in Granada rather unprepared when it came to actually getting to where I needed to be. Of course I don’t know any Spanish, but I had the address on my phone and showed it to the taxi driver. We headed towards Granada (which is like a 45 minute drive), speeding around in his deathtrap with a dysfunctional seat belt. Continue reading It’s no big sin to stick your two cents in If you know when to leave it alone
Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and trunk
Had lunch at Juan’s Flying Burrito. Quite good but their veggie burrito had a lot of jalapenos in it, and I think I got all of them in one bite. My mouth was fiery for a while and I was sweaty. Still good though. Continue reading Now the only thing a gambler needs Is a suitcase and trunk
Don’t you just love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour
A day of taxis and planes, entwined with Atonement and newspapers, finally had me arriving to my new home in New Orleans. It’s right on the Bayou, just off a streetcar line in a nice area, so it’s pretty convenient. After getting settled, I was told to go to Krewe de Vieux, the locals parade to kick off the Mardi Gras season. Continue reading Don’t you just love those long rainy afternoons in New Orleans when an hour isn’t just an hour
And I’m not askin’ to be loved or be forgiven
Hilton Head Island has been rather calm, as I intended. So that works out nicely. I was able to get a lot of work done and start trying to take the next step with the business, so I consider that productive. However, it doesn’t make for particularly enjoyable updates here. It’s just like, a normal blog of my life, which would be excruciating if forced to consume those pages on a regular basis. Continue reading And I’m not askin’ to be loved or be forgiven
Oh! Ian Knows All About Hilton Head!
So I’ve now been in Hilton Head 10 days, and have finally begun to explore the island a little bit more. My pattern resembles that of shipwrecked seafarer marooned on a deserted island slowly making wider circles around his home base searching for things. Except my reason is mostly laziness. Continue reading Oh! Ian Knows All About Hilton Head!
You can get a story from everything you touch
Found the hostel without much trouble. Stayed in for the night, wandered around the neighborhood for a bit to get my bearings on where I am relative to the main shop area. I more or less remember it from when I landed, and I’m not very far from the center so the location is pretty good. Continue reading You can get a story from everything you touch
I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
So a couple hours after arriving in London, I ran to the bathroom in a Pret a Manger and had my phone stolen while I was in there. Which I’m annoyed about, but not really that upset. It was a piece of crap, but it’s still an inconvenience. At least he/she didn’t take my laptop or passport, which were also sitting right there. Mainly, that just means I won’t be taking any more pictures. Continue reading I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
I was very impressed with the capable and stylish manner in which you dealt with that situation
Started off the day at The City Cafe, which was just around the corner from where I was staying. Had a vegetarian breakfast which included some form of “vegetarian haggis” – although I have no idea what could have possibly been in it. It was OK. Continue reading I was very impressed with the capable and stylish manner in which you dealt with that situation
Standing in the sunlight laughing Hide behind a rainbow’s wall
Providing updates during the week isn’t really that interesting. It’s like my regular life, except strangers sleep close by that might steal my things. So here’s your typical day. Continue reading Standing in the sunlight laughing Hide behind a rainbow’s wall
Boys I ain’t never seen nothin’ like a Galway girl
After another relaxing day of work, jumping hostels and getting settled in I decided to finally hit the touristy trips. My main concerns right now are my fingernails, which are growing uncomfortable and I can’t find clippers at any of these convenience stores. In other news, my beardcation growth is substantial and it’s now at the point where it will become increasingly ragged. I’m going all Paul Bunyan on Europe. Continue reading Boys I ain’t never seen nothin’ like a Galway girl