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We Went Everywhere

My father, Belfry Hamilton, would have turned 100 today. He passed away in 1998 in his 81st year. I’d say that he had about 79 very…

March 7, 2017 6 Comments Read article

The Orient Express: Leg 5, Bucharest to Budapest

09:10. I’ve really enjoyed my stay in Bucharest but it’s time to move on.   I don’t feel too guilty about only staying two or three…

March 1, 2017 0 Comments Read article

The Orient Express: Leg 4, Sofia to Bucharest

08:00. This is the second time I’ve made the 30 minute hike from Hostel Mostel to Sofia Central Station. Yesterday I got as far as the…

February 27, 2017 0 Comments Read article

The Orient Express: Leg 3, Plovdiv to Sofia

1:20. Earlier this morning I had the excellent free breakfast at the hostel before walking a few blocks to find an ATM and check out the…

February 25, 2017 1 Comment Read article

The Orient Express: Leg 2, Veliko Tărnovo to Plovdiv

Friday, February 17 1:30. There’s a cab parked in front of Hostel Mostel and the driver is honking his horn so I grab my backpack and…

February 18, 2017 0 Comments Read article

The Orient Express for Dummies

Today finds me in the charming Bulgarian city of Veliko Tărnovo. I’ve barely begun my overland journey from Istanbul to Paris and already the questions are…

February 18, 2017 0 Comments Read article

The Orient Express: Leg 1, Istanbul to Veliko Tărnovo

Sunday, February 12, 2017 9:55.  I was sipping hot tea in the little cafe in Istanbul’s historic Sirkeci train station when a female voice (quite possibly…

February 15, 2017 1 Comment Read article

Saturday #137: Goodbye #bunk, Hello Pera Palace

I had mixed feelings when I checked out of my Istanbul hostel on the morning of Saturday #137. This was my second stint at the Taksim…

February 14, 2017 0 Comments Read article

Saturday #136: Finding Merrell (Part II)

My earliest memory of shopping for shoes is from a Saturday morning in the late summer of 1970. It was time to start thinking about back-to-school…

February 10, 2017 0 Comments Read article

Saturday #135: Finding Merrell

I didn’t know what to expect of Bangalore when I boarded a bus in Goa last Saturday evening. Being a fairly large city, I assumed that…

February 1, 2017 0 Comments Read article

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Darcy Street, Toronto
Darcy Street, Toronto
Darcy Street, Toronto
Darcy Street, Toronto
Dundas Street W., Toronto
Dundas Street W., Toronto

A selection of photos from my first round-the-world trip. Click on any image to enlarge and read captions.

‎⁨Sarria⁩, ⁨Galicia⁩, ⁨Spain⁩ (Camino Frances)
‎⁨Sarria⁩, ⁨Galicia⁩, ⁨Spain⁩ (Camino Frances)
Discovery Hostel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (C$19.86)
Discovery Hostel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (C$19.86)
Hockey Night in Beijing
Hockey Night in Beijing
Celebrating Pride with the locals in Phuket, Thailand
Celebrating Pride with the locals in Phuket, Thailand
Mandai Estate, Singapore
Mandai Estate, Singapore
One of my few complaints with Dragoman was that we had very little time to explore the market in Mörön, Mongolia. Most of the people on the truck were happy to pick up our groceries for the next few days and move on while I could have spent a whole day wandering around and people watching.
One of my few complaints with Dragoman was that we had very little time to explore the market in Mörön, Mongolia. Most of the people on the truck were happy to pick up our groceries for the next few days and move on while I could have spent a whole day wandering around and people watching.
Hengshan Hanging Monastery near Datong, Shanxi Province, China
Hengshan Hanging Monastery near Datong, Shanxi Province, China
Raglan Surf School (Hostel), New Zealand (C$26.29)
Raglan Surf School (Hostel), New Zealand (C$26.29)
Delhi, India
Delhi, India
Discovery Hostel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (C$19.86)
Discovery Hostel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (C$19.86)
Hostel Inn, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina (C$16.00)
Hostel Inn, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina (C$16.00)
I didn't take this photo but it was forwarded to me by a camp mate and I believe she did take it. – Burning Man, Nevada
I didn’t take this photo but it was forwarded to me by a camp mate and I believe she did take it. – Burning Man, Nevada
I was a long way from the hotels located outside the old walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan so this friendly local offered me a ride. I'm neither inherently afraid of strangers or walking long distances but I figured this would be a good opportunity to chat with a local so I got in. As it turned out he didn't speak much English and I don't speak Uzbek or Khorezmcha so he drove and we listened to Uzbek electronic/dance music on what appeared to be a newly installed stereo. I suspect the car and stereo was his pride and joy and and opportunity to show it off may have been the reason he offered me a ride.
I was a long way from the hotels located outside the old walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan so this friendly local offered me a ride. I’m neither inherently afraid of strangers or walking long distances but I figured this would be a good opportunity to chat with a local so I got in. As it turned out he didn’t speak much English and I don’t speak Uzbek or Khorezmcha so he drove and we listened to Uzbek electronic/dance music on what appeared to be a newly installed stereo. I suspect the car and stereo was his pride and joy and and opportunity to show it off may have been the reason he offered me a ride.
Herding yak near Tsenker, Mongolia
Herding yak near Tsenker, Mongolia
Camino de Santiago, Spain
Camino de Santiago, Spain
I have since been told by people who would know that this is WAY too much Vegemite for one piece of toast. I can't imagine that it would have been any better with just a bit less "turpentine jam" but perhaps it's an acquired taste.
I have since been told by people who would know that this is WAY too much Vegemite for one piece of toast. I can’t imagine that it would have been any better with just a bit less “turpentine jam” but perhaps it’s an acquired taste.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Time Out Market, Lisbon, Portugal
Time Out Market, Lisbon, Portugal
Municipal workers collecting trash in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Municipal workers collecting trash in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Rush hour traffic in rural Argentina as viewed from a Dragoman Overland truck. (Full disclosure: The meta data has been stripped from this photo and it may have been taken in Brazil.)
Rush hour traffic in rural Argentina as viewed from a Dragoman Overland truck. (Full disclosure: The meta data has been stripped from this photo and it may have been taken in Brazil.)
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one... , Turkey
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one… , Turkey
The Thar Desert on the border between India and Pakistan
The Thar Desert on the border between India and Pakistan
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
‎⁨Ho Chi Minh City⁩, ⁨Vietnam⁩
‎⁨Ho Chi Minh City⁩, ⁨Vietnam⁩
A farm worker near Miranda, Mato Grosso, Brazil
A farm worker near Miranda, Mato Grosso, Brazil
New Delhi, India
New Delhi, India
A day at the races in Buenos Aires, Argentina with some travellers from Ottawa, Canada.
A day at the races in Buenos Aires, Argentina with some travellers from Ottawa, Canada.
A typical vista along the Camino de Santiago near ‎⁨Villafranca del Bierzo⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
A typical vista along the Camino de Santiago near ‎⁨Villafranca del Bierzo⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
‎⁨Hanoi⁩, ⁨Thành Phố Hà Nội⁩, ⁨Vietnam⁩
‎⁨Hanoi⁩, ⁨Thành Phố Hà Nội⁩, ⁨Vietnam⁩
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Rio de Janeiro (C$19.86)
Rio de Janeiro (C$19.86)
Turpan, China
Turpan, China
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada
Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Ranch hands at Fazenda San Francisco, a 14,800 hectare (36,556 acre) working farm and eco tourism business in the basin of the Paraguay River in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Ranch hands at Fazenda San Francisco, a 14,800 hectare (36,556 acre) working farm and eco tourism business in the basin of the Paraguay River in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
SingMandai Estate, Singaporeapore
SingMandai Estate, Singaporeapore
Bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey (C$26.14)
Bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey (C$26.14)
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
I wasn't sure if I was being sized up as a potential customer, mugging victim or Facebook friend while waiting for a companion who had gone to get ice cream in this Baku park. If these two were like most Azerbaijanis that I met, they were likely harmless and simply wanted to ask where I was from and how much I had paid for my Nike Airs or iPhone, etc.
I wasn’t sure if I was being sized up as a potential customer, mugging victim or Facebook friend while waiting for a companion who had gone to get ice cream in this Baku park. If these two were like most Azerbaijanis that I met, they were likely harmless and simply wanted to ask where I was from and how much I had paid for my Nike Airs or iPhone, etc.
Ballestas Islands, Peru
Ballestas Islands, Peru
Bern, Switzerland
Bern, Switzerland
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
"More heat please," said no one ever in Bangalore, India
“More heat please,” said no one ever in Bangalore, India
Ice cold Chinggis beer and juicy all beef sliders in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Typical Mongolian fare? Hell no. A welcome relief after a month of mutton stew and noodles? Oh, yeah.
Ice cold Chinggis beer and juicy all beef sliders in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Typical Mongolian fare? Hell no. A welcome relief after a month of mutton stew and noodles? Oh, yeah.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Cambodia
Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Cambodia
Sherpas will be sherpas. – Kathmandu, Nepal
Sherpas will be sherpas. – Kathmandu, Nepal
Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta
Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta
A freshly caught piranha is fed to a hungry caiman on the Rio Miranda river in Brazil.
A freshly caught piranha is fed to a hungry caiman on the Rio Miranda river in Brazil.
Lisbon Destination Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon Destination Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
I had some pretty good meals in China, a few that were absolutely disgusting, and then this one which was probably the best of the 2+ months. Now if only I could remember where it was. Unfortunately the meta data has been stripped and I cannot locate the original photo in my timeline.
I had some pretty good meals in China, a few that were absolutely disgusting, and then this one which was probably the best of the 2+ months. Now if only I could remember where it was. Unfortunately the meta data has been stripped and I cannot locate the original photo in my timeline.
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
We camped on the shore of Lake Karakul in China's Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture and awoke to the sound of camels parading past our yurt. In the distance are the snow-covered peaks of Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), Kongur Tagh (7,649 m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530 m).
We camped on the shore of Lake Karakul in China’s Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture and awoke to the sound of camels parading past our yurt. In the distance are the snow-covered peaks of Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), Kongur Tagh (7,649 m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530 m).
I watched as upwards of 30 people were shoe-horned into this 12-passenger (?) van near the Naran Tuul (Black Market) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
I watched as upwards of 30 people were shoe-horned into this 12-passenger (?) van near the Naran Tuul (Black Market) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Two guides from Barracuda Biking with who we did Bolivia's infamous 'Death Road'.
Two guides from Barracuda Biking with who we did Bolivia’s infamous ‘Death Road’.
More, New Zealand
More, New Zealand
Amboy, California
Amboy, California
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
San Francisco, California, USA
San Francisco, California, USA
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan
Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) ends in Santiago de Compostela, and in my case with a swing of the botafumeiro during a Pilgrim's Mass in the Santiago Cathedral.
The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) ends in Santiago de Compostela, and in my case with a swing of the botafumeiro during a Pilgrim’s Mass in the Santiago Cathedral.
Sensing that something was wrong, the waiter at this Goa (India) beach bar approached and asked how I liked the clubhouse sandwich. I said that it was very nice but that I could find no trace of the chicken that was mentioned on the chalkboard menu. He smiled and said quite emphatically, "Oh, THERE is chicken, good sir," as he pointed to the fried egg.
Sensing that something was wrong, the waiter at this Goa (India) beach bar approached and asked how I liked the clubhouse sandwich. I said that it was very nice but that I could find no trace of the chicken that was mentioned on the chalkboard menu. He smiled and said quite emphatically, “Oh, THERE is chicken, good sir,” as he pointed to the fried egg.
We enjoyed an excellent homestay in Arslanbob, Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
We enjoyed an excellent homestay in Arslanbob, Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Biking the 'Death Road' near La Paz, Bolivia
Biking the ‘Death Road’ near La Paz, Bolivia
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
And if sand mats don't provide enough traction, you roam the countryside for stones and see if that will work. It did, after about 3 hours of "road building."
And if sand mats don’t provide enough traction, you roam the countryside for stones and see if that will work. It did, after about 3 hours of “road building.”
Lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
Lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
Note the fake iPhone logo on the older boy's shirt. – Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Note the fake iPhone logo on the older boy’s shirt. – Tashkent, Uzbekistan
‎⁨Sofia⁩, ⁨Bulgaria⁩
‎⁨Sofia⁩, ⁨Bulgaria⁩
Mount Wutai, Shanxi, China
Mount Wutai, Shanxi, China
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Schloss Thun / Thun Castle, where on of my Stauffer ancestors was imprisoned, Thun, Switzerland
Schloss Thun / Thun Castle, where on of my Stauffer ancestors was imprisoned, Thun, Switzerland
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Jinshanling is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the mountainous area in Luanping County, Chengde, Hebei Province, 125 km northeast of Beijing. – Wikipedia
Jinshanling is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the mountainous area in Luanping County, Chengde, Hebei Province, 125 km northeast of Beijing. – Wikipedia
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
This popular snack of dried and spiced lentils and nuts is served in a cone formed from used newspaper. – Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
This popular snack of dried and spiced lentils and nuts is served in a cone formed from used newspaper. – Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Bikaner, India
Bikaner, India
Song Kol, Kyrgyzstan
Song Kol, Kyrgyzstan
Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia
Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Camping adjacent to the Great Wall in Gansu Province, China
Camping adjacent to the Great Wall in Gansu Province, China
I spent Easter with friends Marcel and Stefanie in Baden-Aargau, Switzerland. And when in Switzerland for Easter you simply MUST have chocolate!
I spent Easter with friends Marcel and Stefanie in Baden-Aargau, Switzerland. And when in Switzerland for Easter you simply MUST have chocolate!
This was just enough cash to pay for lunch for four people at a cafe in hyper-inflationary Uzbekistan. When we crossed into the country I exchanged six low denomination Kyrgyzstan notes for a shoebox full of high denomination Uzbek notes. That shoebox full of cash lasted me seven days even though many of my expenses (hotels, etc.) had been pre-paid.
This was just enough cash to pay for lunch for four people at a cafe in hyper-inflationary Uzbekistan. When we crossed into the country I exchanged six low denomination Kyrgyzstan notes for a shoebox full of high denomination Uzbek notes. That shoebox full of cash lasted me seven days even though many of my expenses (hotels, etc.) had been pre-paid.
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
Fried oysters at Newton Circus, Singapore
Fried oysters at Newton Circus, Singapore
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Bishnoi Village, Rajasthan, India
Bishnoi Village, Rajasthan, India
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
Stuck again, near ‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩. We must be fairly close to civilization as this friendly dog watched from a distance. I can only imagine what he was thinking.
Stuck again, near ‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩. We must be fairly close to civilization as this friendly dog watched from a distance. I can only imagine what he was thinking.
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
Put to work in Astam, Nepal
Put to work in Astam, Nepal
I often wear the necklace I made from an eagle claw while we were camped with a local family in ‎⁨Arkhangai⁩ Province, ⁨Mongolia⁩.
I often wear the necklace I made from an eagle claw while we were camped with a local family in ‎⁨Arkhangai⁩ Province, ⁨Mongolia⁩.
Apparently the caffeine had yet to kick in for our friend in the back. – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Apparently the caffeine had yet to kick in for our friend in the back. – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Black Swan Hostel, Seville, Spain (C$21.31)
Black Swan Hostel, Seville, Spain (C$21.31)
No pussy jokes, please. – Buenos Aires, Argentina
No pussy jokes, please. – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
Breakfast #1 on Via Rail's 'The Canadian' between Toronto and Vancouver
Breakfast #1 on Via Rail’s ‘The Canadian’ between Toronto and Vancouver
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
Near Jiayuguan, Gansu, China
Near Jiayuguan, Gansu, China
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
My nephew Andy heard about the pizza in Auckland so he joined me for a 5-day North Island roadtrip.
My nephew Andy heard about the pizza in Auckland so he joined me for a 5-day North Island roadtrip.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
#bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey
#bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey
Song Köl Lake, Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Song Köl Lake, Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, Spain
San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, Spain
Agra, India
Agra, India
Sillustani, Peru
Sillustani, Peru
My campmates Joe Bowman and Mary Riddell were married at Burning Man in 2016. It was the least traditional but also one of the most special ceremonies I've witnessed.
My campmates Joe Bowman and Mary Riddell were married at Burning Man in 2016. It was the least traditional but also one of the most special ceremonies I’ve witnessed.
I was underwhelmed by the Taj Mahal. Perhaps I was just having a bad day. I will return some day and see if I experience the magic that most visitors talk about for weeks afterward.
I was underwhelmed by the Taj Mahal. Perhaps I was just having a bad day. I will return some day and see if I experience the magic that most visitors talk about for weeks afterward.
Once Again Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.00) including a free cappuccino at check-in.
Once Again Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.00) including a free cappuccino at check-in.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Kok-boru (goat polo) in Kyrgyzstan
Kok-boru (goat polo) in Kyrgyzstan
San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, Spain
San Fermin Festival, Pamplona, Spain
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, Peru
When Alexander the Great conquered Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 329 BC he is said to have remarked: “All I have heard about the beauty of this city is true, it is just much more beautiful in reality.”‎⁨ Tour guides wouldn't make this stuff up, would they?
When Alexander the Great conquered Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 329 BC he is said to have remarked: “All I have heard about the beauty of this city is true, it is just much more beautiful in reality.”‎⁨ Tour guides wouldn’t make this stuff up, would they?
I didn't get the name of this popular street food in Pushkar but I had it several times (okay, several times per week) and no matter how bad the joint looked, I enjoyed it every time and was never seriously sick. Is it possible to kill bacteria with spices?
I didn’t get the name of this popular street food in Pushkar but I had it several times (okay, several times per week) and no matter how bad the joint looked, I enjoyed it every time and was never seriously sick. Is it possible to kill bacteria with spices?
I have no idea how anyone's cable or internet works or gets repaired in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I have no idea how anyone’s cable or internet works or gets repaired in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
A view from the window of my first hotel in New Delhi, India.
A view from the window of my first hotel in New Delhi, India.
Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan
Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan
A selection of goose barnacles and assorted shellfish that made for a great lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
A selection of goose barnacles and assorted shellfish that made for a great lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia
Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
Finisterre (or Fisterra), Galicia, Spain
Finisterre (or Fisterra), Galicia, Spain
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
When you don't have access to glassware you simply take alternating swigs of orange juice and vodka straight from the bottle. Of course the locals would skip the OJ. I'm not there yet.
When you don’t have access to glassware you simply take alternating swigs of orange juice and vodka straight from the bottle. Of course the locals would skip the OJ. I’m not there yet.
Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
I was invited invited to lunch at this home in Kathmandu, Nepal after having this girl's sister sew a flag on my daypack. Had an offer of marriage been made I suspect it may have been accepted.
I was invited invited to lunch at this home in Kathmandu, Nepal after having this girl’s sister sew a flag on my daypack. Had an offer of marriage been made I suspect it may have been accepted.
No Regrets. Not a one! – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No Regrets. Not a one! – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
After taking this photo on the streets of Jodhpur, I was invited into the kitchen to meet the rest of the family. There were three if not four generations living in about 300 square feet. I only managed to take a few photos but many photos of me and the grandkids were snapped by their parents. Apparently it's not every day that a big, bald white guy comes strolling down that street. – Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
After taking this photo on the streets of Jodhpur, I was invited into the kitchen to meet the rest of the family. There were three if not four generations living in about 300 square feet. I only managed to take a few photos but many photos of me and the grandkids were snapped by their parents. Apparently it’s not every day that a big, bald white guy comes strolling down that street. – Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Trabzon, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
When a foreign traveller checks into a hotel in a certain country whose name rhymes with Fooze-Mekistan he is required to sign a whack of papers, agree not to photograph military installations or the power grid, and to stay on the hotel grounds after a certain hour. We knew that much well in advance but only after we gathered in the hotel lobby were we tipped off to the fact that secret service agents may be assigned to tail us. Within two minutes of checking in we noticed about eight of these clones in K-Mart suits just moping around the lobby, pretending to talk on their flip phones, and at one time reading a newspaper... upside down. These two were assigned to track my friends James and Kirk and the guy sitting just behind me was apparently my man. James Bond he was not. To be honest I was a little miffed to learn that I had been assigned to an agent who wore heavy iron braces on his legs and who walked with the assistance of metal-tipped crutches that could be heard a quarter mile away.
When a foreign traveller checks into a hotel in a certain country whose name rhymes with Fooze-Mekistan he is required to sign a whack of papers, agree not to photograph military installations or the power grid, and to stay on the hotel grounds after a certain hour. We knew that much well in advance but only after we gathered in the hotel lobby were we tipped off to the fact that secret service agents may be assigned to tail us. Within two minutes of checking in we noticed about eight of these clones in K-Mart suits just moping around the lobby, pretending to talk on their flip phones, and at one time reading a newspaper… upside down. These two were assigned to track my friends James and Kirk and the guy sitting just behind me was apparently my man. James Bond he was not. To be honest I was a little miffed to learn that I had been assigned to an agent who wore heavy iron braces on his legs and who walked with the assistance of metal-tipped crutches that could be heard a quarter mile away.
Near Puno, Peru
Near Puno, Peru
Midnight eel fishing at Kohutapu Lodge, Lake Aniwhenua, New Zealand
Midnight eel fishing at Kohutapu Lodge, Lake Aniwhenua, New Zealand
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Should I have been concerned when I was assigned Locker #13 while skydiving at Lake Taupo, New Zealand?
Should I have been concerned when I was assigned Locker #13 while skydiving at Lake Taupo, New Zealand?
Siamaze Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$13.29)
Siamaze Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$13.29)
Yurt camp near Tsenker, Mongolia
Yurt camp near Tsenker, Mongolia
Famous Farm, Nuwakot, Nepal (C$20.00)
Famous Farm, Nuwakot, Nepal (C$20.00)
Signagi, Georgia
Signagi, Georgia
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Trip Adviser notes that Hotel Aroma overlooks a tranquil lake on the outskirts of beautiful Pushkar. They did not mention the inspiration for Hotel Aroma's enticing name. I can tell you it ain't lotus petals.
Trip Adviser notes that Hotel Aroma overlooks a tranquil lake on the outskirts of beautiful Pushkar. They did not mention the inspiration for Hotel Aroma’s enticing name. I can tell you it ain’t lotus petals.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Even young monks have the latest iPhones at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Even young monks have the latest iPhones at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
Yucca Valley, California
Yucca Valley, California
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
I made a special effort to do something fun each Saturday so naturally I had thoughts of a photo op inside this store when I came across it on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately I forgot to return the next day and I had a ticket out of town early on Sunday morning so I never did get back. Maybe next time!
I made a special effort to do something fun each Saturday so naturally I had thoughts of a photo op inside this store when I came across it on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately I forgot to return the next day and I had a ticket out of town early on Sunday morning so I never did get back. Maybe next time!
Enough cash to pay for lunch for four in hyper-inflationary Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Enough cash to pay for lunch for four in hyper-inflationary Tashkent, Uzbekistan
I ran into this local gy with a Canadian sweatshirt while hiking near Annapurna Eco-village outside Astam, Nepal. We were not able to communicate very well but nevertheless he did happily pose for photos.
I ran into this local gy with a Canadian sweatshirt while hiking near Annapurna Eco-village outside Astam, Nepal. We were not able to communicate very well but nevertheless he did happily pose for photos.
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
I made a new friend while we waited for a large tow truck about 100 km outside Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
I made a new friend while we waited for a large tow truck about 100 km outside Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Dry Bridge Market, Tbilisi, Georgia. I was surprised that some of the items were dirt cheap – like original folk art paintings for $10 – yet three 1930s era toy trucks (similar to Tonka toys) were priced at US$150 each. These guys knew exactly what they were sitting on.
Dry Bridge Market, Tbilisi, Georgia. I was surprised that some of the items were dirt cheap – like original folk art paintings for $10 – yet three 1930s era toy trucks (similar to Tonka toys) were priced at US$150 each. These guys knew exactly what they were sitting on.
Horseback riding with fellow Dragoman traveller Berger (from Belgium) and local kids in Kyrgyzstan
Horseback riding with fellow Dragoman traveller Berger (from Belgium) and local kids in Kyrgyzstan
Llama Love – Urubamba Province, Peru
Llama Love – Urubamba Province, Peru
World renowned auctioneer Cookie Lockhart was one of the instructors at the World Wide College of Auctioneering which I attended in Denver, Colorado.
World renowned auctioneer Cookie Lockhart was one of the instructors at the World Wide College of Auctioneering which I attended in Denver, Colorado.
Cows laze on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India
Cows laze on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, India
St Christopher's Inn (Hostel), Paris, France
St Christopher’s Inn (Hostel), Paris, France
We had just parked the truck near this abandoned log building and were getting a fire started when a horseman rode up and eyed us from about 100 feet away. Neil, the Dutch driver of our truck asked Bayara, our Mongolian guide, to tell the man that we would soon have a pot of stew on the fire and that he was not only welcome to stay for dinner but that he could also camp here if he wished. Bayara said a few words to the guy in Mongolian and they both laughed heartily. Only after a bit of nudging would Bayara tell us what they had found so funny. The horseman had pointed to the low mountain range in the distance and indicated that he owned the land all the way to those mountains and to the mountain range beyond that as well. We, he added, were most welcome to stay with HIM for the night.
We had just parked the truck near this abandoned log building and were getting a fire started when a horseman rode up and eyed us from about 100 feet away. Neil, the Dutch driver of our truck asked Bayara, our Mongolian guide, to tell the man that we would soon have a pot of stew on the fire and that he was not only welcome to stay for dinner but that he could also camp here if he wished. Bayara said a few words to the guy in Mongolian and they both laughed heartily. Only after a bit of nudging would Bayara tell us what they had found so funny. The horseman had pointed to the low mountain range in the distance and indicated that he owned the land all the way to those mountains and to the mountain range beyond that as well. We, he added, were most welcome to stay with HIM for the night.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Day #2 on the Camino de Santiago, just outside Roncesvalles, Spain
Day #2 on the Camino de Santiago, just outside Roncesvalles, Spain
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Peru
Peru
I was more than a little skeptical when told that a half-day boat tour to the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas, Peru would cost about US$10. Everyone that I was travelling with decided to go so I reluctantly joined in. What are we going to see for 10 bucks, I moaned. As it turned out the islands are home to 1500 species of marine birds and a large number of sea lions. I'm not sure how ethical it is, but the boat took us within a few feet of the sea lions and they didn't seem to mind as we snapped photos. I can see why the Ballestas Islands are often called "The Poor Man's Galapagos." It was a magical day.
I was more than a little skeptical when told that a half-day boat tour to the Ballestas Islands off the coast of Paracas, Peru would cost about US$10. Everyone that I was travelling with decided to go so I reluctantly joined in. What are we going to see for 10 bucks, I moaned. As it turned out the islands are home to 1500 species of marine birds and a large number of sea lions. I’m not sure how ethical it is, but the boat took us within a few feet of the sea lions and they didn’t seem to mind as we snapped photos. I can see why the Ballestas Islands are often called “The Poor Man’s Galapagos.” It was a magical day.
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩
‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
License plates on display (sale?) in Kathmandu, Nepal
License plates on display (sale?) in Kathmandu, Nepal
For those who complain that everything in Canada is made in Asia, check out this store in Hanoi. I was riding on the back of a scooter and couldn't stop so I have no idea what they were selling.
For those who complain that everything in Canada is made in Asia, check out this store in Hanoi. I was riding on the back of a scooter and couldn’t stop so I have no idea what they were selling.
Mandai Estate, Singapore
Mandai Estate, Singapore
With my fellow Dragoman overlanders in Madhya Pradesh, India
With my fellow Dragoman overlanders in Madhya Pradesh, India
Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona, Spain
Homestay near Tsenker, Mongolia
Homestay near Tsenker, Mongolia
‎⁨Xi'an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Xi’an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
Riding in the rood seats of a Dragoman Overland truck in ‎⁨Shanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩. L-R: Yours truly (Canada); Jason (China); Mark (Australia), Heather (Australia).
Riding in the rood seats of a Dragoman Overland truck in ‎⁨Shanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩. L-R: Yours truly (Canada); Jason (China); Mark (Australia), Heather (Australia).
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
There were no tourists, no English speaking locals and no wifi or cell service in this bar in Lahic, Azerbaijan so I just sat back and people-watched for about two hours. It was glorious!
There were no tourists, no English speaking locals and no wifi or cell service in this bar in Lahic, Azerbaijan so I just sat back and people-watched for about two hours. It was glorious!
Playing a friendly game of Kok Boru (AKA 'Goat Polo') near Issyk-Kul, Mongolia. (Full disclosure: I simply sat one one player's horse and hoisted the sheep/goat in the air for a photo op. It takes incredible skill to ride these horses and pick a goat carcass off the ground while dangling with one foot in a stirrup. Maybe next time I'm in Kyrgyzstan.)
Playing a friendly game of Kok Boru (AKA ‘Goat Polo’) near Issyk-Kul, Mongolia. (Full disclosure: I simply sat one one player’s horse and hoisted the sheep/goat in the air for a photo op. It takes incredible skill to ride these horses and pick a goat carcass off the ground while dangling with one foot in a stirrup. Maybe next time I’m in Kyrgyzstan.)
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Great Ocean Road, Australia
My 'Stray' bus mates in New Zealand.
My ‘Stray’ bus mates in New Zealand.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
Enjoying a Pisco Sour onboard Inca Rail, Peru
Enjoying a Pisco Sour onboard Inca Rail, Peru
Some fellow travellers on the Green Tortoise "hippy bus" as we travelled through California, Nevada and Utah.
Some fellow travellers on the Green Tortoise “hippy bus” as we travelled through California, Nevada and Utah.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
'Sunday Roast' pizza at my hostel in Auckland, New Zealand featured peas, zucchini, roast lamb and liberal dollops of mint jelly. I'd give it a 9 out of 10.
‘Sunday Roast’ pizza at my hostel in Auckland, New Zealand featured peas, zucchini, roast lamb and liberal dollops of mint jelly. I’d give it a 9 out of 10.
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India
Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke, Rajasthan, India
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located near Aguas Calientes, Peru.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located near Aguas Calientes, Peru.
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
My nephew's photo studio in Moose Jaw, SK
My nephew’s photo studio in Moose Jaw, SK
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Gannan, Gansu, China
Gannan, Gansu, China
The Old Inn, Bandipur, Nepal
The Old Inn, Bandipur, Nepal
Route Map
Route Map
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
Traditional Kyrgyz hunters train golden eagles to track down and kill prey. Rabbits, foxes and even animals as large as wolves are no match for the highly intelligent and lethal eagle.
Traditional Kyrgyz hunters train golden eagles to track down and kill prey. Rabbits, foxes and even animals as large as wolves are no match for the highly intelligent and lethal eagle.
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
The post office in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India was temporarily closed due to a sit-in.
The post office in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India was temporarily closed due to a sit-in.
The panorama car on 'The Canadian' as we travelled through the Rocky Mountains
The panorama car on ‘The Canadian’ as we travelled through the Rocky Mountains
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
I spent a fun afternoon wandering around this huge architectural salvage yard in Mumbai. Most of it was destined for export.
I spent a fun afternoon wandering around this huge architectural salvage yard in Mumbai. Most of it was destined for export.
‎⁨Jodhpur⁩, ⁨Rajasthan⁩, ⁨India⁩
‎⁨Jodhpur⁩, ⁨Rajasthan⁩, ⁨India⁩
Near Barons, Alberta, Canada
Near Barons, Alberta, Canada
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Udaipur, Rajashtan, India
Udaipur, Rajashtan, India
‎⁨Xi'an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Xi’an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Cacao ceremony in Goa, India
Cacao ceremony in Goa, India
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Typical 8 lane highway in Mongolia
Typical 8 lane highway in Mongolia
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Bishnoi Village, Rajasthan, India
Bishnoi Village, Rajasthan, India
#bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey
#bunk Hostel, Istanbul, Turkey
Near Nuwakot, Nepal
Near Nuwakot, Nepal
Local kids, including one wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs shirt, prior to the annual 'Hockey Night in Beijing' game featuring squads from the Canadian and Finnish embassies. The boy in the red had a much better shot than I ever had.
Local kids, including one wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs shirt, prior to the annual ‘Hockey Night in Beijing’ game featuring squads from the Canadian and Finnish embassies. The boy in the red had a much better shot than I ever had.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum (The Terracotta Army), Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum (The Terracotta Army), Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
‎⁨Estella⁩, ⁨Navarre⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Estella⁩, ⁨Navarre⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
Biking the 'Death Road' near La Paz, Bolivia
Biking the ‘Death Road’ near La Paz, Bolivia
BBQ duck bills on the street in Bangkok, Thailand
BBQ duck bills on the street in Bangkok, Thailand
Ballestas Islands, Pisco, Peru
Ballestas Islands, Pisco, Peru
No Photos! – Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
No Photos! – Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Departing Toronto's Union Station on Via Rail's 'The Canadian'
Departing Toronto’s Union Station on Via Rail’s ‘The Canadian’
I splurged and stayed two nights in this well appointed Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain (C$128.64)
I splurged and stayed two nights in this well appointed Parador in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain (C$128.64)
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Hari was the entrepreneurial “fixer” who hung around my hotel in Pushkar during the annual camel fair. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t track down... for a price. One American guest asked the manager if he knew of a local shop that stocked instant oatmeal. The manager, having lived in the UK for a while, replied that he knew what this was but that it would not be found outside Delhi or Mumbai and even there it would be scarce. Hari overheard this conversation and accepted the challenge. The next morning there were six varieties of Quaker Oatmeal displayed in a pyramid at the front desk and available for about 50 cents per serving. The staff didn’t know where Hari had found it but they said it took him an exceptionally long time - over an hour!
Hari was the entrepreneurial “fixer” who hung around my hotel in Pushkar during the annual camel fair. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t track down… for a price. One American guest asked the manager if he knew of a local shop that stocked instant oatmeal. The manager, having lived in the UK for a while, replied that he knew what this was but that it would not be found outside Delhi or Mumbai and even there it would be scarce. Hari overheard this conversation and accepted the challenge. The next morning there were six varieties of Quaker Oatmeal displayed in a pyramid at the front desk and available for about 50 cents per serving. The staff didn’t know where Hari had found it but they said it took him an exceptionally long time – over an hour!
Datong, China
Datong, China
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one...
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one…
‎⁨Phnom Penh⁩, ⁨Cambodia⁩
‎⁨Phnom Penh⁩, ⁨Cambodia⁩
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Fazenda San Francisco, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
A large and probably hungry dog (dragging a broken chain) eyes the entrance to a food stall in Bandipur, Nepal.
A large and probably hungry dog (dragging a broken chain) eyes the entrance to a food stall in Bandipur, Nepal.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Bonito, Brazil
Bonito, Brazil
Packing tents into the truck after a night of camping on the Silk Road
Packing tents into the truck after a night of camping on the Silk Road
‎⁨Burgos⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Burgos⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
After completing the Camino de Santiago, I carried on to Cape Finisterre in Galicia (Spain)
After completing the Camino de Santiago, I carried on to Cape Finisterre in Galicia (Spain)
Fellow Dragoman traveller Katherine Konner of the US outside our shared yurt at Ögii Nuur (Lake), Mongolia.
Fellow Dragoman traveller Katherine Konner of the US outside our shared yurt at Ögii Nuur (Lake), Mongolia.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Perhaps the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had was at the Markham Cafe in Kathmandu, Nepal. Instead of an English muffin they used a potato pancake that was crunchy outside and the consistency of cream mashed potatoes inside.
Perhaps the best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had was at the Markham Cafe in Kathmandu, Nepal. Instead of an English muffin they used a potato pancake that was crunchy outside and the consistency of cream mashed potatoes inside.
O Cebreiro, Galicia, Spain
O Cebreiro, Galicia, Spain
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia
Southern Pantanal, Brazil
Southern Pantanal, Brazil
Camping adjacent to the Great Wall in Gansu Province, China
Camping adjacent to the Great Wall in Gansu Province, China
10 in a tuk-tuk at Xi'an, China
10 in a tuk-tuk at Xi’an, China
I met this guy outside a shop in Sheki, Georgia. He was awfully proud of his mint condition car. I can't tell if it's a Lada or something similar but it was indeed pristine.
I met this guy outside a shop in Sheki, Georgia. He was awfully proud of his mint condition car. I can’t tell if it’s a Lada or something similar but it was indeed pristine.
Bonito, Brazil
Bonito, Brazil
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Everyone wants a selfie. – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Everyone wants a selfie. – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Crossing the Caspian Sea on the freighter Bestekar Qara Qarayev. Some people can handle their vodka and some cannot.
Crossing the Caspian Sea on the freighter Bestekar Qara Qarayev. Some people can handle their vodka and some cannot.
All aboard the Dragoman Overland truck as we roll across the Mongolian-Manchurian steppe on Day #20. With no chance of coming into contact with overhead wires, 8 people were able to ride in the roof seats (4 in front, 4 in back) for hours at a time. That was a pretty good upper body workout as you had to constantly brace yourself as the truck bounced over the uneven ground.
All aboard the Dragoman Overland truck as we roll across the Mongolian-Manchurian steppe on Day #20. With no chance of coming into contact with overhead wires, 8 people were able to ride in the roof seats (4 in front, 4 in back) for hours at a time. That was a pretty good upper body workout as you had to constantly brace yourself as the truck bounced over the uneven ground.
Christmas dinner with friends in Potts Point, Sydney, Australia
Christmas dinner with friends in Potts Point, Sydney, Australia
Luz Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$15.79)
Luz Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$15.79)
Not having had a bagel in months, I was pretty happy to come across something called 'girde naan' while wandering around the livestock market in Kashgar, a city China’s far western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. They were fresh out of a wood-fired oven and most people were dunking them in bowls of steaming mutton broth. While not quite as good as a fresh Montreal bagel, they were much better than similar carb-overloads that I found on the streets of Istanbul. I'd give them a 7 out of 10.
Not having had a bagel in months, I was pretty happy to come across something called ‘girde naan’ while wandering around the livestock market in Kashgar, a city China’s far western Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. They were fresh out of a wood-fired oven and most people were dunking them in bowls of steaming mutton broth. While not quite as good as a fresh Montreal bagel, they were much better than similar carb-overloads that I found on the streets of Istanbul. I’d give them a 7 out of 10.
Adelaide, Australia (C$33.10)
Adelaide, Australia (C$33.10)
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia
Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
The Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan
The Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan
‎⁨Varanasi⁩, ⁨Uttar Pradesh⁩, ⁨India⁩
‎⁨Varanasi⁩, ⁨Uttar Pradesh⁩, ⁨India⁩
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
This store in Istanbul sold a selection of handbags fashioned from (mostly) Saskatchewan seed bags.
This dinner consisted of lamb and root vegetables that had been layered with hot rocks in a metal cream can that was sealed and heated over over an open fire. An hour later we had the Mongolian version of Instapot. It was fall-off-the-bone good.
This dinner consisted of lamb and root vegetables that had been layered with hot rocks in a metal cream can that was sealed and heated over over an open fire. An hour later we had the Mongolian version of Instapot. It was fall-off-the-bone good.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
My nephew Andy and his twin boys at Buffalo Pound Lake, 30 km north of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
My nephew Andy and his twin boys at Buffalo Pound Lake, 30 km north of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
It's not hard to tell what dogs think of these mobile sterilization clinics in Delhi, India.
It’s not hard to tell what dogs think of these mobile sterilization clinics in Delhi, India.
Tsenker, Mongolia
Tsenker, Mongolia
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
I asked the guy who was navigating this dugout canoe in Nepal's Chitwan National Park why the passengers had to wear life vests and he apparently did not. He pointed to the shore and what I assumed were three rather large logs. "See those are alligators?" he said. "If we capsize you'll be bobbing around in the water and I'll be swimming like hell."
I asked the guy who was navigating this dugout canoe in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park why the passengers had to wear life vests and he apparently did not. He pointed to the shore and what I assumed were three rather large logs. “See those are alligators?” he said. “If we capsize you’ll be bobbing around in the water and I’ll be swimming like hell.”
Yes, I tried it. I had a big plate of well done meat (could easily have been low grade beef) and a side of crunchy green beans in a sauce that had some serious zing. – Beijing, China
Yes, I tried it. I had a big plate of well done meat (could easily have been low grade beef) and a side of crunchy green beans in a sauce that had some serious zing. – Beijing, China
Rangitata Rafting Base, New Zealand
Rangitata Rafting Base, New Zealand
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
‎⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
The Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India
The Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India
Lahic, Georgia
Lahic, Georgia
Tongariro Apine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Apine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
This woman and her family are the caretakers of the 15th century Tash-Rabat caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan. We were a little late in arriving but before long they had a five course lunch on the table. We finished eating around 4:30 pm and some of us went for a two hour trail ride. When we returned around 6:30 a five course dinner was being served. Accommodations were a little rough but hospitality in Kyrgyzstan was absolutely first rate!
This woman and her family are the caretakers of the 15th century Tash-Rabat caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan. We were a little late in arriving but before long they had a five course lunch on the table. We finished eating around 4:30 pm and some of us went for a two hour trail ride. When we returned around 6:30 a five course dinner was being served. Accommodations were a little rough but hospitality in Kyrgyzstan was absolutely first rate!
I had washed these jeans in the hotel sink a few hours earlier and they were still wet when it was time to head to the airport so I simply hung them off the side of the tuk tuk and in 40C weather they were dry before we had gone 10 blocks.
I had washed these jeans in the hotel sink a few hours earlier and they were still wet when it was time to head to the airport so I simply hung them off the side of the tuk tuk and in 40C weather they were dry before we had gone 10 blocks.
Biking the 'Death Road' near La Paz, Bolivia with Swiss friends Marcel and Stefanie.
Biking the ‘Death Road’ near La Paz, Bolivia with Swiss friends Marcel and Stefanie.
‎⁨Rioja Alta Golf Club⁩, ⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Rioja Alta Golf Club⁩, ⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Ica, Peru
Ica, Peru
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
I don't know if I believe it but our local guide told us these kids were clutching new toys as they headed to a special religious service, after which they would be circumcised. I suspect it will take more than a cheap plastic toy to get those kids into a suit the next time.
I don’t know if I believe it but our local guide told us these kids were clutching new toys as they headed to a special religious service, after which they would be circumcised. I suspect it will take more than a cheap plastic toy to get those kids into a suit the next time.
When you're up to the axles in mud on the Mongolian Steppe you get out the sand mats for traction.
When you’re up to the axles in mud on the Mongolian Steppe you get out the sand mats for traction.
The Thar Desert, India
The Thar Desert, India
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Raglan Surf School (Hostel), ‎⁨Waikato⁩, ⁨New Zealand⁩
Raglan Surf School (Hostel), ‎⁨Waikato⁩, ⁨New Zealand⁩
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Flying over the Nazca Lines in Peru
Flying over the Nazca Lines in Peru
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
Chao Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$22.72)
Last day of the Camino after arriving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Last day of the Camino after arriving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
I took a little trip down memory lane with a trip a restaurant that I frequented in the early 1980s. After 30+ years the steaks are just as tough and the salad bar doesn't seem quite as appealing.
I took a little trip down memory lane with a trip a restaurant that I frequented in the early 1980s. After 30+ years the steaks are just as tough and the salad bar doesn’t seem quite as appealing.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Christmas dinner at the home of friends Randall and Freddy in Sydney, Australia.
Christmas dinner at the home of friends Randall and Freddy in Sydney, Australia.
Paracus, Peru
Paracus, Peru
Pride in Madrid, Spain
Pride in Madrid, Spain
Kashgar, China
Kashgar, China
Brimpaen, Victoria, Australia
Brimpaen, Victoria, Australia
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
While eating alone at this BBQ duck restaurant in Beijing, I spotted this kid standing a few feet from my table. At first I wasn't sure what he was doing but then noticed a man seated about 10 tables away with a camera and very large lens sitting on his table. The lens seemed to be perfectly lined up with the kid – and me – so I smiled and motioned for him to come over. He was indeed trying to get a photo of his kid with the large bald man. We posed for many, many photos before I had him snap one for me on my phone. It was the highlight of my visit to that restaurant because "duck bones" are pretty horrible. More on that in another post.
While eating alone at this BBQ duck restaurant in Beijing, I spotted this kid standing a few feet from my table. At first I wasn’t sure what he was doing but then noticed a man seated about 10 tables away with a camera and very large lens sitting on his table. The lens seemed to be perfectly lined up with the kid – and me – so I smiled and motioned for him to come over. He was indeed trying to get a photo of his kid with the large bald man. We posed for many, many photos before I had him snap one for me on my phone. It was the highlight of my visit to that restaurant because “duck bones” are pretty horrible. More on that in another post.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru
I'm a little paranoid that taxi drivers will take me far out of my way in a strange city so it was a pleasant surprise when this Istanbul cabbie said that he'd turn off the meter for an hour if I wanted to go to his home in the suburbs to pick up his wife and bring her back into the old part of the city for a doctor's appointment. Having only been mugged by two taxi drivers in South America I said what the hell, let's do it. I good faith was rewarded with a free tour of Istanbul and a running commentary the whole way. His wife even filled my pockets with hard candy before dropping me off at the door of my hostel.
I’m a little paranoid that taxi drivers will take me far out of my way in a strange city so it was a pleasant surprise when this Istanbul cabbie said that he’d turn off the meter for an hour if I wanted to go to his home in the suburbs to pick up his wife and bring her back into the old part of the city for a doctor’s appointment. Having only been mugged by two taxi drivers in South America I said what the hell, let’s do it. I good faith was rewarded with a free tour of Istanbul and a running commentary the whole way. His wife even filled my pockets with hard candy before dropping me off at the door of my hostel.
Our local guide arranged for me to pay about $5 to have lunch with this family in Khiva, Uzbekistan. The oldest boy and girl spoke some English and were curious about my iPhone. Mom remained in the kitchen the whole time which wasn't surprising as she did manage to turn out about six courses in 45 minutes.
Our local guide arranged for me to pay about $5 to have lunch with this family in Khiva, Uzbekistan. The oldest boy and girl spoke some English and were curious about my iPhone. Mom remained in the kitchen the whole time which wasn’t surprising as she did manage to turn out about six courses in 45 minutes.
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Chicken fingers, anyone? – Agra, India
Chicken fingers, anyone? – Agra, India
Although this meal was pretty good, nobody goes to Mongolia for the cuisine.
Although this meal was pretty good, nobody goes to Mongolia for the cuisine.
Near Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Near Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Local sardines on sale in Lisbon, Portugal
Local sardines on sale in Lisbon, Portugal
KFC stands for 'King of Chicken' in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
KFC stands for ‘King of Chicken’ in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Produce dealers in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Produce dealers in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Here’s a map showing the most common stages of the Camino Frances which connects St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and the ultimate end-point for all Caminos, Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
Here’s a map showing the most common stages of the Camino Frances which connects St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and the ultimate end-point for all Caminos, Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
Bayara, our incredible Mongolian guide, asked me to come hunt for something about a mile from where we were camped. When I asked what we were looking for he just said, "you'll know when you see it." After about 30 minutes we came across this eagle that the local farmer had shot because it was killing his baby lambs. Bayara cut off one talon for himself and one for me and I wear it around my neck to this day.
Bayara, our incredible Mongolian guide, asked me to come hunt for something about a mile from where we were camped. When I asked what we were looking for he just said, “you’ll know when you see it.” After about 30 minutes we came across this eagle that the local farmer had shot because it was killing his baby lambs. Bayara cut off one talon for himself and one for me and I wear it around my neck to this day.
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the playa at Burning Man unless they meet strict guidelines imposed by the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles).
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the playa at Burning Man unless they meet strict guidelines imposed by the DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles).
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tsenker, Mongolia
Tsenker, Mongolia
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Bunc Hostel, Singapore (C$32.05)
Bunc Hostel, Singapore (C$32.05)
Beijing, China
Beijing, China
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
I know I have a rather large nose but I defy anyone to eat this "toad-in-the-hole" clubhouse sandwich without getting yolk on their snout. – Madrid, Spain
I know I have a rather large nose but I defy anyone to eat this “toad-in-the-hole” clubhouse sandwich without getting yolk on their snout. – Madrid, Spain
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
When I was 11 years old my sister game me my first album – Donnnie Osmond's Alone Together. This vendor at the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia had a copy.
When I was 11 years old my sister game me my first album – Donnnie Osmond’s Alone Together. This vendor at the Dry Bridge Market in Tbilisi, Georgia had a copy.
Kok-boru (goat polo) in Kyrgyzstan
Kok-boru (goat polo) in Kyrgyzstan
Piranha fishing on the Miranda River in Brazil's Southern Pantanal
Piranha fishing on the Miranda River in Brazil’s Southern Pantanal
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Fritz Stettler, Eggiwil, Switzerland
Fritz Stettler, Eggiwil, Switzerland
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Shihongshi Grottoes, Yan'an, China
Shihongshi Grottoes, Yan’an, China
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Departing Toronto's Union Station on Via Rail's 'The Canadian'
Departing Toronto’s Union Station on Via Rail’s ‘The Canadian’
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, Laos
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Celebrating Pride in Sydney, Australia
Most afternoons I had a refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil's National Drink, from the terrace of my hostel in Rio de Janeiro.
Most afternoons I had a refreshing Caipirinha, Brazil’s National Drink, from the terrace of my hostel in Rio de Janeiro.
‎⁨Rioja Alta Golf Club⁩, ⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Rioja Alta Golf Club⁩, ⁨Cirueña⁩, ⁨Rioja⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
Near ‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩. Okay, not really "near" but that was the closest settlement when we were stuck for the 27th time. (And I'm only slightly exaggerating on that 27th part.)
Near ‎⁨Övörkhangai⁩, ⁨Mongolia⁩. Okay, not really “near” but that was the closest settlement when we were stuck for the 27th time. (And I’m only slightly exaggerating on that 27th part.)
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
It wasn't the most convenient key to carry around with you all day but it was definitely the most unique.
It wasn’t the most convenient key to carry around with you all day but it was definitely the most unique.
It's easy to see why Jaisalmer is known as "The Golden City." – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
It’s easy to see why Jaisalmer is known as “The Golden City.” – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Blue Duck Station, Owhango, New Zealand (C$28.16)
Blue Duck Station, Owhango, New Zealand (C$28.16)
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one...
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal begged me to shoot photos of him at a high end mall in Istanbul. In a moment of weakness I reluctantly agreed and then played paparazzi for a day. It was horrible. And if you believe that one…
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
A selection of goose barnacles and assorted shellfish that made for a great lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
A selection of goose barnacles and assorted shellfish that made for a great lunch in Lisbon, Portugal
Piranha fishing on the Miranda River in Brazil's Southern Pantanal
Piranha fishing on the Miranda River in Brazil’s Southern Pantanal
In case you're wondering, this was not good. We lost all our diesel when a sand mat punctured a tank. It took a few days to get the tank repaired and back on the road (or what passes for a road in most of Mongolia).
In case you’re wondering, this was not good. We lost all our diesel when a sand mat punctured a tank. It took a few days to get the tank repaired and back on the road (or what passes for a road in most of Mongolia).
Blue Duck Station, near Whanganui National Park, New Zealand
Blue Duck Station, near Whanganui National Park, New Zealand
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal practicallybegged me to shoot photos of him at a high-end mall in Istanbul. After much arm twisting I reluctantly agreed and played paparazzi for a day. And if you believe that one...
My Algerian hostel mate Bilal practicallybegged me to shoot photos of him at a high-end mall in Istanbul. After much arm twisting I reluctantly agreed and played paparazzi for a day. And if you believe that one…
Some of the others in my group headed to a more remote section of the Wall but since there were no other tourists at our hotel, I opted to hike up the mountain that was just across the road. Within an hour I was on the wall and for most of the next five hours I had the place all to myself, except for some butterflies and amazing songbirds. At times I heard voices in the distance but I only saw four people before it started to get dark. Two were locals and two were German tourists who appeared to be lost but too stubborn to ask for help. This unique experience – having the wall to myself, not the lost Germans – was only possible because we had driven about 300 km out of Beijing - far beyond the parking lots filled with tour buses and pushy souvenir vendors.
Some of the others in my group headed to a more remote section of the Wall but since there were no other tourists at our hotel, I opted to hike up the mountain that was just across the road. Within an hour I was on the wall and for most of the next five hours I had the place all to myself, except for some butterflies and amazing songbirds. At times I heard voices in the distance but I only saw four people before it started to get dark. Two were locals and two were German tourists who appeared to be lost but too stubborn to ask for help. This unique experience – having the wall to myself, not the lost Germans – was only possible because we had driven about 300 km out of Beijing – far beyond the parking lots filled with tour buses and pushy souvenir vendors.
Hostel Old Plovdiv was voted Best Hostel in Bulgaria by Hostelworld.com for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Hostel Old Plovdiv was voted Best Hostel in Bulgaria by Hostelworld.com for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Upwards of 100 bodies are cremated every day at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India. The burning continues 24-7.
Upwards of 100 bodies are cremated every day at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India. The burning continues 24-7.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Attempting to repair a bent sand mat in rural Mongolia.
Attempting to repair a bent sand mat in rural Mongolia.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
As the bindings on these snowboards were completely shot, we used them as toboggans and went down the sand dune head first. – Huacachina, Peru
As the bindings on these snowboards were completely shot, we used them as toboggans and went down the sand dune head first. – Huacachina, Peru
Some of the municipal hostels on the Camino de Santiago were better than others. This one in Portomarin would rank pretty low due to its sheer size.
Some of the municipal hostels on the Camino de Santiago were better than others. This one in Portomarin would rank pretty low due to its sheer size.
Low Rider – Beijing, China
Low Rider – Beijing, China
Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso, Chile
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Streetlights are almost nonexistent even though Thamel is the main commercial and tourist neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Streetlights are almost nonexistent even though Thamel is the main commercial and tourist neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Brimpaen, Victoria, Australia
Brimpaen, Victoria, Australia
San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain
San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain
Seville, Spain
Seville, Spain
Mid-morning of Day #1 on the Camino de Santiago near ‎⁨Lasse⁩, ⁨Aquitaine⁩, ⁨France⁩.
Mid-morning of Day #1 on the Camino de Santiago near ‎⁨Lasse⁩, ⁨Aquitaine⁩, ⁨France⁩.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada
Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada
‎⁨Cizur⁩, ⁨Navarre⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Cizur⁩, ⁨Navarre⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, Peru
Christmas dinner at the home of friends Randall and Freddy in Sydney, Australia.
Christmas dinner at the home of friends Randall and Freddy in Sydney, Australia.
⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
Agra, India
Agra, India
When I asked this sportswear vendor in Beijing if he had any Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys he rattled off more names of Leafs veterans than I could come up with on a second's notice. "Keon, Sittler, Salming, Mahovlich, Sundin... what you want?" When I finally said that I would "look at" a Sundin jersey, he disappeared into the back for about five minutes. When he returned the name and numbers on this jersey were still warm so I suspect he just whipped it up. I couldn't resist the $20 tag even though I didn't want to lug a hockey jersey around with me for another two years. (It was wrapped around a laptop that I shipped back to Canada a few weeks later.)
When I asked this sportswear vendor in Beijing if he had any Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys he rattled off more names of Leafs veterans than I could come up with on a second’s notice. “Keon, Sittler, Salming, Mahovlich, Sundin… what you want?” When I finally said that I would “look at” a Sundin jersey, he disappeared into the back for about five minutes. When he returned the name and numbers on this jersey were still warm so I suspect he just whipped it up. I couldn’t resist the $20 tag even though I didn’t want to lug a hockey jersey around with me for another two years. (It was wrapped around a laptop that I shipped back to Canada a few weeks later.)
Jalol was without a doubt the best local guide that I encountered in almost three years of travel. There wasn't a question about his native Uzbekistan that he couldn't answer with a smile.
Jalol was without a doubt the best local guide that I encountered in almost three years of travel. There wasn’t a question about his native Uzbekistan that he couldn’t answer with a smile.
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, Peru
Hornillos del Camino, Spain
Hornillos del Camino, Spain
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Giapo Designer Ice Cream – Auckland, New Zealand
Giapo Designer Ice Cream – Auckland, New Zealand
Cave dwellings at Lijiashan, Shanxi, China
Cave dwellings at Lijiashan, Shanxi, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
We had a friendly but awkward conversation. The guy in red had no idea what it said on his shirt and thought I was saying Kannada (a language in southern India) when I asked if he had relatives in Toronto or Vancouver, Canada.
We had a friendly but awkward conversation. The guy in red had no idea what it said on his shirt and thought I was saying Kannada (a language in southern India) when I asked if he had relatives in Toronto or Vancouver, Canada.
Gannan, Gansu, China
Gannan, Gansu, China
This wasn't one of the better hostels on the Camino de Santiago but as a "donativo" the price was whatever you could pay and the breakfast featured toast, homemade jam and really good café con leche which made up for the noisy and odiferous dorm.
This wasn’t one of the better hostels on the Camino de Santiago but as a “donativo” the price was whatever you could pay and the breakfast featured toast, homemade jam and really good café con leche which made up for the noisy and odiferous dorm.
The best shrimp fritters in Hanoi, Vietnam
The best shrimp fritters in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
Signagi, Georgia
Signagi, Georgia
My dinner companions in the dining car somewhere between Saskatoon and Vancouver
My dinner companions in the dining car somewhere between Saskatoon and Vancouver
Huacachina, Peru
Huacachina, Peru
Lunch at the home of a fashion designer and seamstress who I met in Kathmandu, Nepal
Lunch at the home of a fashion designer and seamstress who I met in Kathmandu, Nepal
Livestock Market in Kashgar, China
Livestock Market in Kashgar, China
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Pride in Phuket, Thailand
Pride in Phuket, Thailand
The Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every night at dusk at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India.
The Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place every night at dusk at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India.
Turpan, China
Turpan, China
I asked this girl's mother if I could take a photo of her daughter in her pretty and I would assume handmade dress. Mom said yes but at the last second the girl put her hands to her face and giggled. She didn't appear to be upset but it was probably the first time a stranger had pointed a phone at her. – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
I asked this girl’s mother if I could take a photo of her daughter in her pretty and I would assume handmade dress. Mom said yes but at the last second the girl put her hands to her face and giggled. She didn’t appear to be upset but it was probably the first time a stranger had pointed a phone at her. – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Khiva, Uzbekistan
Friends Grant & Randall in Sydney, Australia
Friends Grant & Randall in Sydney, Australia
I found this belt buckle at a flea market in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It may be accurate in the Mongolian language but to my eyes it has three typos in six words. As souvenirs go, I think it was well worth the approximately 25 cents that I paid.
I found this belt buckle at a flea market in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It may be accurate in the Mongolian language but to my eyes it has three typos in six words. As souvenirs go, I think it was well worth the approximately 25 cents that I paid.
Cacao ceremony in Goa, India
Cacao ceremony in Goa, India
Early morning lineup at the Tim Horton's Drive-Thru in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Early morning lineup at the Tim Horton’s Drive-Thru in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
My sister, brother-in-law and myself had a very nice meal at Madame Ngoc's Com Nieu Restaurant on our last night in Hanoi. But to be honest, this place is nothing like its previous incarnation that was featured a decade earlier on one of Anthony Bourdain's shows. Quite simply, they've sold out! As Olive Garden is to Italian cooking, Com Nieu is to Vietnamese food.
My sister, brother-in-law and myself had a very nice meal at Madame Ngoc’s Com Nieu Restaurant on our last night in Hanoi. But to be honest, this place is nothing like its previous incarnation that was featured a decade earlier on one of Anthony Bourdain’s shows. Quite simply, they’ve sold out! As Olive Garden is to Italian cooking, Com Nieu is to Vietnamese food.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bia Hoi (fresh beer) is made daily and sold in open air stalls all over Hanoi and other cities in northern Vietnam. I don't think I ever paid more than 35 cents per glass and I'm sure I was VASTLY over-charged. This kid even laughed in my face as he took my money.
Bia Hoi (fresh beer) is made daily and sold in open air stalls all over Hanoi and other cities in northern Vietnam. I don’t think I ever paid more than 35 cents per glass and I’m sure I was VASTLY over-charged. This kid even laughed in my face as he took my money.
Near Carbon, Alberta, Canada
Near Carbon, Alberta, Canada
Trabzon, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
I don’t think this roasted nut vendor in Pushkar, India was even vaguely aware that had he been born somewhere other than rural India he’d likely be working a runway in Paris or Milan right now.
I don’t think this roasted nut vendor in Pushkar, India was even vaguely aware that had he been born somewhere other than rural India he’d likely be working a runway in Paris or Milan right now.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
'Bridge to Heaven', Gansu, China
‘Bridge to Heaven’, Gansu, China
I can't remember what this was called or where exactly it was taken but probably at a roadside truck stop in western China. To be honest, it looks pretty good compared to some of the absolutely vile slop that long distance truckers eat at those bare bones truck stops.
I can’t remember what this was called or where exactly it was taken but probably at a roadside truck stop in western China. To be honest, it looks pretty good compared to some of the absolutely vile slop that long distance truckers eat at those bare bones truck stops.
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Livestock Market, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
I love how the cows of India are seemingly oblivious to the action that swirls around them. – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
I love how the cows of India are seemingly oblivious to the action that swirls around them. – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
This is the route that I followed on two Dragoman trucks as I circled Mongolia and then traveled the length of the Silk Road from Beijing to Istanbul. All in it was 121 days in a large aluminum box on wheels and I loved every minute of it!
This is the route that I followed on two Dragoman trucks as I circled Mongolia and then traveled the length of the Silk Road from Beijing to Istanbul. All in it was 121 days in a large aluminum box on wheels and I loved every minute of it!
Hockey Night in Beijing with Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
Hockey Night in Beijing with Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
‎⁨Gannan⁩, ⁨Gansu⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Gannan⁩, ⁨Gansu⁩, ⁨China⁩
Burning Man, Nevada
Burning Man, Nevada
This was as close as I came to wading through a rushing torrent of a river while walking the Camino de Santiago (Camino Frances) in Spain. I'd rather be dry than a hero.
This was as close as I came to wading through a rushing torrent of a river while walking the Camino de Santiago (Camino Frances) in Spain. I’d rather be dry than a hero.
‎⁨Xi'an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Xi’an⁩, ⁨Shaanxi⁩, ⁨China⁩
Here's a typical restaurant lunch in rural Mongolia where it may be the only thing on the menu. Okay, there rarely is a menu. To be honest I was always pretty happy with what I was served as it was fresh and hot. The lone vegetarian on our truck wasn't as enamoured with Mongolian fare. A lot of Lays chips were consumed over those 30 days.
Here’s a typical restaurant lunch in rural Mongolia where it may be the only thing on the menu. Okay, there rarely is a menu. To be honest I was always pretty happy with what I was served as it was fresh and hot. The lone vegetarian on our truck wasn’t as enamoured with Mongolian fare. A lot of Lays chips were consumed over those 30 days.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
It was sunny and warm by day but very chilly at night as we slept on large communal beds (slabs of stone, really) that were heated from below by hot coals that boys delivered every hour or so throughout the night. – Ancient cave dwellings in the village of Lijiashan, Shanxi Province, China
It was sunny and warm by day but very chilly at night as we slept on large communal beds (slabs of stone, really) that were heated from below by hot coals that boys delivered every hour or so throughout the night. – Ancient cave dwellings in the village of Lijiashan, Shanxi Province, China
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hostel Old Plovdiv was voted Best Hostel in Bulgaria by Hostelworld.com for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Hostel Old Plovdiv was voted Best Hostel in Bulgaria by Hostelworld.com for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Ogii Nuur (Lake), Mongolia
Ogii Nuur (Lake), Mongolia
Jhunjhunun, Indira Nagar, India
Jhunjhunun, Indira Nagar, India
Hengshan (Hanging) Monastery, near Datong, Shanxi, China
Hengshan (Hanging) Monastery, near Datong, Shanxi, China
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
FYI: I did not pay these kids for the photo and I most certainly did not supply them with cigarettes.
FYI: I did not pay these kids for the photo and I most certainly did not supply them with cigarettes.
Near Lima, Peru
Near Lima, Peru
Luz Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$15.79)
Luz Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand (C$15.79)
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
Near Pokhara, Nepal
Near Pokhara, Nepal
With 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world.
With 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
Near Tsenker, Mongolia
Near Tsenker, Mongolia
Cross-country train travel is very popular with Mennonite and Amish folk from far and wide. I got to know this family from Pennsylvania and after I opened an app on my phone we were able to establish some common ancestry through the Burkholder line.
Cross-country train travel is very popular with Mennonite and Amish folk from far and wide. I got to know this family from Pennsylvania and after I opened an app on my phone we were able to establish some common ancestry through the Burkholder line.
Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal
‎⁨Castrojeriz⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
‎⁨Castrojeriz⁩, ⁨Castile and León⁩, ⁨Spain⁩
This is what the road looked like for days at a time in rural areas of Mongolia. Okay, most everywhere on the Mongolian Steppe would be considered "rural" but break down on this particular stretch and you'll be stuck for a few days. And that we were!
This is what the road looked like for days at a time in rural areas of Mongolia. Okay, most everywhere on the Mongolian Steppe would be considered “rural” but break down on this particular stretch and you’ll be stuck for a few days. And that we were!
While lining up for the ATM and hoping it doesn't run out of cash, it is apparently considered good luck to rub the head of a bald tourist. – Jaisalmer, Rajashtan, India
While lining up for the ATM and hoping it doesn’t run out of cash, it is apparently considered good luck to rub the head of a bald tourist. – Jaisalmer, Rajashtan, India
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
‎⁨Turpan⁩, ⁨Xinjiang⁩, ⁨China⁩
Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, Chile
Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan
Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan
Duncan, a Kiwi who was one of two Dragoman drivers on my Silk Road adventure, was looking forward to a roast chicken dinner until he learned that he had to pick out a live chicken and the woman in the shop would chop its head off and pluck it right then and there.
Duncan, a Kiwi who was one of two Dragoman drivers on my Silk Road adventure, was looking forward to a roast chicken dinner until he learned that he had to pick out a live chicken and the woman in the shop would chop its head off and pluck it right then and there.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan

Useful Sites

  • Atlas Obscura
  • Burning Man
  • Camino Forum
  • Dragoman
  • Dueter
  • Google Flights
  • Hostel Bookers
  • Hostel World
  • Intrepid
  • MEC
  • Messy Nessy
  • Momondo
  • Priceline
  • Rome 2 Rio
  • Skyscanner
  • The Man in Seat Sixty-One
  • World Nomads

A selection of songs that remind me of where I’ve been and where I’m going.