Chicago is one of the (few) cities in the US that can support hostels, so due to their lower costs, excellent locations, and tourism support I decided to go that route. As is often the case, wandering the streets alone was replaced by more social activities, which certainly changes the dynamic of the experience.

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 →

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? →

A lovely 9 hour night bus ride along twists and turns got me to Pochutla. I took a shared taxi to Puerto Angel, then a taxi from there to Mazunte, where I plan to stay for at least a couple days. It’s supposed to be a lazy beach area. I only paid 65 pesos, unlike those suckers who paid 150 at the bus station and didn’t get to walk through Pochutla or Puerto Angel.

Continue reading A half full moon in Mexico City I think of you →

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. →

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. →

Got up early and decided to walk to the airport, taking a stroll through some neighborhoods of Reykjavik I hadn’t seen before. Flight was less than an hour long, so the puddle jumper dropped down in Egilsstaðir around 11:30, on the other side of the island.  My orange Kia Sportage was ready to go, and I was on my way. Continue reading Walk up to me and erase my memory →

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 →

After a full day of toiling to get my phone case off, which was successful Thursday morning (finally), it turns out the SIM card is just behind the volume adjustments on my phone.  Figures.  Anyways, I bought a new SIM card, added some minutes, and I now have a working Nicaraguan phone number. Continue reading Violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export to the world. →

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 →

Finally Saturday came, meaning it was time to take my tour to Giants Causeway.  It’s a hexagonal formation of layered basalt due to volcanic a long time ago.  But as I’ve figured out with these tours at this point, they make you see other things too.

Game of Thrones is shot in Titanic Studios (right next to the museum I was in earlier in the week) and also throughout a lot of Ireland that we visited on this tour.  I’ve only seen one episode, but a lot of people were really into it.  So now I can say I’ve been where Game of Thrones is filmed at least. Continue reading You know nothing, Jon Snow! →

Big surprise, it was raining Wednesday morning, so I decided to forego my plans for another walk in Howth Head.  After getting a bit of work done in the hotel, I got an early start on my travels, taking the DART to Dublin and then a bus to Belfast.

Belfast is dirty.  But they have a lot of nice coffee shops and affordable places to eat, despite the fact that I have to switch back to £’s from €’s.  The hostel I’m staying in is small but nice, WiFi in the bedrooms which was great because I had a couple important calls today I needed a great connection and quiet for (which went well).  So this place has worked out well for my “working and travelling” plan. Continue reading I cook the world’s best duck flambe →

Friday.

I had another pretty unimpressive day, from a tourist perspective.  Also from a regular person perspective.  I mean, I went to a Starbucks.  And a Caffe Nero.  Two chain coffee houses in one day (I had a lot of work to do today, so forgive me). Continue reading I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air. →