My Favorite & Most Popular Travel Posts of 2017

In case you missed any, here is a list (and links) to my favorite and most read blog posts of 2017.

My Favorite Blog Posts

Jerusalem, Israel: 10 Days in the Middle East

The Middle East. Just uttering the phrase causes some to lament on the conflict and instability that has tormented the region throughout history. Others think to the setting of religious stories ...

Almaty, Kazakhstan: Don't Whistle After You Drink Milk Champagne in a Yurt

Thinking about whistling in Kazakhstan? Think again. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared independence in 1991, however we learned ...

Top Ten Tips for Traveling Coastal Croatia

With picturesque red-roofed towns dotting its nearly 2,000 miles of coastline, the south central European country of Croatia has become a hotbed for ...

Saint Petersburg, Russia: Scarlet Sails on the Neva River

Bidding farewell to memories of a dark, frosty winter and embracing the long, summer days, the people of Saint Petersburg, Russia enjoy "white nights" ...

Bethlehem, Palestine: Three Christmases and a Broken Tree

Despite the ever-present tension and sporadic violence recently, we were so close to Palestine territory already being in Jerusalem that we felt we needed to see  ... 

Most Popular Blog Posts (Based on Page Views)

Only in Japan: Top Ten Extreme Experiences I had this Week

I'm in love with Japan. From the tranquil gardens and artistic sashimi plates, to the bullet trains and beer ...

The World Reacts to a Trump Presidency

2016 was an incredulous year rocked by tragedy, scandal and upset. But of the many torrid events, one will be remembered in perpetuity ...

Airport and Airplane Etiquette: Twenty Tips to Keep You Friendless

Fixed schedules, tight connections, long lines and communal spaces, air travel creates the ideal environment for making friends. If you aren't in it to chat ...

Havana, Cuba: 9 Tips for Your First Trip

Guest Blogger: Wes Milligan. The lure of fresh mojitos and Cuban cigars have piqued your interest, and now you want to travel to Havana. Before you book your trip ...

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Tarantula Kebabs

Would you like to watch the sun rise over temples that date back to the 12th century? Does a tarantula kebab, scorpion salad or ant-stuffed spring roll sound appetizing?

The World Reacts to a Trump Presidency - January 2017

2016 was an incredulous year rocked by tragedy, scandal and upset. But of the many torrid events, one will be remembered in perpetuity.

People around the globe have been fixated on the U.S. presidential election with its outcome having repercussions not only in the United States, but sending shock waves felt the world over. With the inauguration this week, I asked my friends living outside of the U.S. to share their thoughts on how a Trump presidency may impact them, their country or the planet.

Here is the world sounding off:

KENYA: "There's a fair bit of anxiety in Kenya and the continent at the moment. While Trump has signaled he will be going for a quid pro quo relationship if current trade, aid and other humanitarian assistance is to continue, many doubt he understands the complexities of modern day Africa. The continent is witnessing fast-paced development and a growing middle class is now hungry for luxury goods and other conveniences. In approaching the continent, he needs to understand that many are looking east more and more. I believe his presidency will see China's influence grow in Africa." - Wanjiku, 34

GERMANY: "Donald Trump is a ticking time bomb. His statements worry us and we are scared." - Alex, 37, and Christoph, 37

IRAN: "The people of Iran are hopeful. We are waiting for Trump to get rid of the Ayatollah. The former administration caused more suffering and suppression for our people. If there is no real threat of war, our dictator can relax and escalate bullying in and out of the region. Dialog doesn't work with murderers who use religion to promote their agendas." - Mehrdad, 37

AUSTRALIA: "I'm completely freaking out about the Trump presidency. Combined with Brexit and the upcoming French and German elections, it feels like we're on the verge of World War III. If that happens Australia will be forced to choose between our Commonwealth (the U.K.), our Asia-Pacific neighbours, and our big brother and best friend, the U.S.A." - Amy, 36

UNITED KINGDOM: "People worry about the big red button and all the harm he will do but Trump isn't a dictator. He can't really go ape and get away with it without approval. Yes, he's appointing like-minded folks and is going to make changes, but don't we always hate change?" - Jason, 38

MEXICO: "It is still unknown what [Trump's] actual official policies will be but I can anticipate a good level of hostility towards us in one form or another. I will personally avoid the U.S. for a while until its government establishes a clearer position on foreign policy ... and by the way, that wall will never be constructed!" - Roberto, 35

PAKISTAN: "I was a big fan of 'The Apprentice.' Trump is not the idiot that he pretended to be during the campaign. He was playing everyone. He is a very sharp guy in disguise. I think he will be good for the world politically; the U.S. will hopefully mind their own business since his main focus will be on the American economy and his own wealth. As far as him being against Muslims, lol, he was just being a politician to win the votes of white conservatives. He's fooled the whole world!" - Imran, 36

CHINA: "Trump being elected president is an absolute joke. How could a business person be elected president? The Chinese government is now waiting to see what his attitude towards our country will be. Right now we aren't seeing anything in the Chinese media illustrating Trump's policy on China." - Kevin, 34

MALTA: "I think Trump will inspire a lot of right-wing Maltese people to take a stand to 'make Malta great again.' This makes me sad." - Luca, 25

ARMENIA: "Trump is very unpredictable and slightly mad. If he keeps his ties with Turkey, like Obama, it won't be good for Armenia, but if he improves relations with Russia and recognizes the genocide, it would be great for our country." - Elena, 37

TURKEY: "I feel it may be problematic to visit the United States after he takes over. I believe immigrants in the U.S. will have more pressure when extremist attacks occur in different parts of the world." - Olgun, 30

JORDAN: "I was relieved when Trump won. To us in Jordan, Clinton represents the establishment and a war was inevitable. It's time for the common, good Americans to have their voice heard. Trump is not my best choice but he accomplished the mission by cutting off the mainstream establishment." - Nizar, 50

BRAZIL: "We all know that water is the new petrol. Climate change is a reality which amazingly is denied by Trump. I wonder if he will raise his military power against Brazil and Argentina due to our supply of running water. I heard last week that the U.S. is building a military base at the Iguacu waterfalls. If that is true, I pray for God to help us as our water may be endangered." - Rodnei, 38

ESTONIA: "Based on where Estonia is located and how angry European and Russian relations have become, it's going to be playing with fire. Not sure how Trump will work with Estonia's female president and if he'll ignore NATO being needed to secure borders with Russia." - Helju, 58

RUSSIA: "The U.S. should stop thinking that their internal affairs are so influential that they can change the world." - Daria, 33

PHILIPPINES: "We need a reality check. We're all living in our own bubbles. No one noticed the angry old man in the street. Hence, Duterte, Brexit and now Trump." - Mia, 43

THAILAND: "This is the first time I've seen Americans fight each other. Trump brings conflict and war. He will also bring back some business to the U.S. instead of expanding production in Asia or Thailand. This means that the U.S. dollar will strengthen in Thailand and cause a low volume of imports." - Kannika, 64

ISRAEL: "We've been very disheartened with the past administration and disappointed in their lack of support for Israel. Trump's disapproval of the recent U.N. resolution gives our people hope that the future U.S. administration will be more favorable." - Charles, 54

CANADA: "I fear that [Trump's] reactive, myopic and egotistical approach will lead to global economic disruption with the result being a deepening gap between rich and poor. Canada needs to maintain a neutralizing position and Trudeau has the opportunity to demonstrate real leadership if he can make things work. The optimist in me feels the best case scenario is that [Trump] continues to make errors in judgment so that [the U.S.] can quickly build a case to impeach him." - Tamara, 42

FINLAND: "[Trump] is like a teenage boy getting a driver's license and his first car. Anything can happen! If Mr. Trump copes well with Mr. Putin and the economical sanctions towards Russia are stopped, Finland will get a lot of benefit." - Vesa, 59

RUSSIA: "I am curious to watch how this rather unprofessional-looking type will rule a country like the U.S. Does he really have as much power as people think? If he starts doing bad things, Americans will be able to stand against it. They have a long history of fighting for their rights and freedoms, unlike Russians, and I hope they have not lost that skill." - Anna, 31

CAMBODIA: "If the new president keeps playing games with China, my country will be affected. My government is in strong support of One China." - Peou, 44

PORTUGAL: "It's certain that Trump's presidency means a step back in the fight against climate change globally. World peace and stability is a wildcard at this point, but Portugal is usually a neutral country and I don't expect it to be affected in any particular way." - Octavio, 39

INDIA: "The new president wants to focus on jobs for Americans which means more insourcing rather than outsourcing. This could have huge impact on business being carried out by U.S. entities that have centers in India. One thing that could work in India's favor, however, is that [Trump] doesn't like China and they are currently our largest competitor and threat to India-U.S. trade." - Karthik, 38

THAILAND: "Trump is not the right man for the U.S. presidency because of his uncompromising personality. The U.S. may lose their political alliances because of his meager political experience. The U.S. will confront huge problems both inside and outside of their country." - Manit, 76

COLOMBIA: "Trump will change global geopolitics in that there are many issues that leaders will not take seriously and will affect relations. The important thing is that he be well-advised and the advisers forget their partisan disputes. Countries like Colombia and many in Latin America are not important to the U.S. and I don't think that will change." - Diego, 38

ICELAND: "Our country is focused on Trump - even the smallest things he does hit the news. Some speculate Trump and Putin will have their first meeting here in Iceland. I'm not excited about it; I think it'll be a circus." - Reynir, 51

TANZANIA: "Mr. Trump seems inclined to launch nuclear war. He thinks he can run a country like he has been running his personal business. U.S. citizens need to find a way to trim his erratic thoughts before he puts them into action. If not checked he might turn back all the good efforts intended to make the world better." - Switbert, 59

IRELAND: "I'm scared! The might of the American army under that man's control and his loose, poorly-chosen words could case consternation and unrest around the world." - Conor, 37

CHINA: "Having Trump as president is like the whole world playing Russian roulette. As a 70-year-old battle-tested businessman, he has picked up some bad habits. He will have to learn to treat other countries with respect otherwise there will be no happy ending." - Fiona, 28

ESTONIA: "I hope Trump will fix relationships with Russia and the world economy will start to grow again. He is a businessman and must know these things easily." - Kairi, 40

RUSSIA: "I assume that with Trump as president the U.S. and Russia will fight less." - Tatiana, 34

THAILAND: "I worry about corruption similar to what we've experienced in Thailand because Trump is a businessman. The Thai economy may be affected due to a decreased tax duty in the U.S. on domestic products. This will encourage cash flow and trade in the U.S. but many other countries will suffer in terms of profits." - Krerkwich, 37

UNITED KINGDOM: "The morning I woke up and found that Trump was to be the next president of the United States I was in the same shock as following Brexit. I feel that both results were heavily influenced by a disillusion with mainstream politics and maybe an apathy towards what the world has achieved over the last fifty years. I do not think America will be any greater than it was before the election, and personally I think [Trump's] legacy will be a step backwards for the U.S.A. on the world stage." - Craig, 44

PHILIPPINES: "There's a lot of fear going around, but I want to see what really happens on 'day one' rather than listen to all the noise from the media, social media and even [Trump's] own Twitter account." - An, 43

Today is "day one" and now the United States and the world will have a front row seat to the inner workings of a Trump presidency. No matter what side of history you are on, the world has greater hope if you take the time to see it differently through someone else's lens.

Havana, Cuba: 9 Tips for Your First Trip - November 2016

Guest Blogger: Wes Milligan
Alzheimer's Awareness Advocate, Baseball Stadium Aficionado and Craft Beer Connoisseur

The lure of fresh mojitos and Cuban cigars have piqued your interest, and now you want to travel to Havana. Before you book your trip, here are nine tips that will ensure you get the most out of your first Cuban adventure.

1. Do not check luggage. This tip is first for a reason. Do not check a bag, because you may not get it back. Just ask my friend. Cuba is still a communist country, and the government can do whatever it wants with your luggage, including everything in it. If you must check a bag, use an airport service such as Secure Wrap that wraps your luggage in plastic film.

2. Hire a guide. Our guide, Ruben, put together a sample itinerary before we left for Cuba, and his services were inexpensive. Plus, he was an outgoing guy who spoke English very well and knew every inch of the city. His choice of authentic restaurants, lodging, what classic cars to hire, local attractions and history of Cuba made our first trip to Havana, well, perfect. He was also a great translator (and negotiator) for us.

3. Stay in a casa. A casa, or someone’s home with rooms converted into hotel rooms, is the best way to experience Cuba, especially in Old Havana. Most casa rooms have private bathrooms and excellent accommodations. Our casa (Hostal Acosta Gonzalez )served fresh fruit, juice and coffee every morning for breakfast. Traditional hotels can be expensive and away from the city’s character and attractions, so ask your guide to stay at a casa.

4. Bring cash. U.S. credit and ATM cards will not work. You have to exchange your currency into either Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) or Cuban Pesos (CUP), and you can only do that in Cuba. Most items for purchase are listed in CUCs, and they are 1:1 in value to U.S. dollars. Exchange places do charge a hefty commission, however; around 10 percent. The good news is your money will go a long way in Cuba. You can also wear a money belt to stash your cash, and most casas and hotel rooms have a safe. And is Havana a safe city? Absolutely.

5. Buy a WiFi card. If you want to surf the internet while in Havana, buy a WiFi (pronounced Wee-Fee) card. The cards are usually around $2-$3 for an hour and can be purchased near local WiFi spots. If you do use a WiFi card, remember to log out after you’re finished or your paid time will expire. My recommendation is to simply unplug and enjoy your vacation, and you can register with the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies.

6. Have a stash of coins for the bathroom. Some public bathrooms have attendants outside who require a price for admission, especially for women. I’m not kidding, and forget about trying to negotiate. If you want to use the bathroom, and would like some paper, drop a CUP coin or two in the basket.

7. Buy a Cuban cigar. Tour a cigar factory and watch how this famous export is rolled. Just don’t purchase them in the factory’s gift shop. There are plenty of locals who will sell you a box (around $50, rather than $250), and be sure to ask your guide about the Cuban marriage: a Cuban cigar, Cuban coffee and aged Cuban rum, tasted together in one sitting.

8. Pay attention. Havana has more than two million residents, and if you don’t pay attention while walking around, they may run over you. The city is constantly abuzz with classic cars, taxis, bicycles and walkers. Then factor in the numerous bumps and holes in the streets and you’re likely to turn an ankle if you’re not careful. But hey, since you’re not looking down at your cell phone all day, you should be okay.

 

9. Pay it forward. Residents of Havana, according to our guide, earn about $20-$30 a month. So pay it forward and bring items such as clothes, shoes, and shampoo and conditioner samples to donate (collect them from U.S. hotels). I packed for Cuba with the intention of leaving behind most of what I brought. The owners of our casa were very appreciative of the gesture, and it was the least we could do for their hospitality.

 

My Favorite & Most Popular Travel Posts of 2016

In case you missed any, here is a list (and links) to my favorite and most read blog posts of 2016.

My Favorite Blog Posts

Arusha, Tanzania: Four Days on Safari in Wild Africa
"In the coming decades and centuries, men will not travel to view marvels of engineering, but they will leave the dusty towns in order to behold the last places on earth where God's creatures are ..."

The Nameless Women Who Shaped My Travel Perspective
As I sat staring out the airplane window, I heard the thud of a large backpack landing in the overhead bin. A woman with short dark hair shoved into the seat next to me. She sighed ...

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: A Civilian "Lost" in the Pacific
Guest Blogger: Stephanie Anderson. I'm on a boat. And while I may not have found myself lost in any foreign countries on my most recent vacation, I did get the chance to get lost on an aircraft carrier ...

Bratsk, Siberia: A Country of Contrast
"Everybody's like Cristal, Maybach, diamonds on your timepiece. Jet planes, islands, tigers on a gold leash. We don't care, we aren't caught up in your love affair." Lorde's song "Royals" is bellowing ...

Thimphu, Bhutan: Stumbling Upon or Selling Shangri-La?
Shangri-La: a mystical, harmonious valley; an earthly paradise; a mythical Himalayan utopia where people are chronically happy and isolated from the outside world. For years many have touted ...

Cinque Terre, Italy: The Italian Riviera by Sea
Nothing is more breath-taking than admiring the Italian Riviera by sea. As we cruised down the Ligurian coast in our private taxi boat, we gazed at rolling green hillsides dotted with colorful ...

Most Popular Blog Posts (Based on Page Views)

Imatra, Finland: Fifteen Efficient Facts about the Finnish
Why didn't we think of that? Reflecting upon our two years living in Finland, we've discovered several items the locals have enlisted to make life easier ...

St. Petersburg, Russia: First Fifteen Days of #Fails
In my 36 years I have moved 19 times. While I've been fortunate to experience different places and make friends all over the world, the process of moving is stressful ...

Istanbul, Turkey: The Truth about the Traditional Turkish Bath
For me the thought of a massage conjures up reflections of gentle kneading and peaceful relaxation with the light aroma of lavender swirling ...

Ivalo, Finland: Scouting the Northern Lights from a Glass Igloo
A short drive from the northernmost commercial airport in Finland and tucked well within the Arctic Circle, sits the new world-famous Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort ...

Novi Skomorokhy, Ukraine: Unearthing Treasures in Old Country
"Even if you have to put some in your shoes or the pockets of your suitcase," my mom told me, "bring back as much as you can." Most mothers discourage their children from playing in the dirt ...

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: A Civilian "Lost" in the Pacific - August 2016

Guest Blogger: Stephanie Anderson
Avid Tennessee Vols Fan, Expert Communicator & Fashionista

I’m on a boat.

Compared to some of my friends (specifically Kimberly Leupo), you could definitely call me a timid traveler. Other than Jamaica, I’ve limited my travels to the States and our great neighbor to north, Canada. And while I may not have found myself lost in any foreign countries on my most recent vacation, I did get the chance to get lost on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Pacific. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and I think the trip qualifies me as a Girl Lost in the World.

Unless you’re a member of the U.S. Military, specifically the Navy, chances are slim you’ll ever have the opportunity to board and sail an aircraft carrier. Sure you could tour one of the many decommissioned carriers that are open to the public, like the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, CA, or the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston, S.C., but trust me when I say it doesn’t compare to living a week on a boat, in a stateroom with two roommates, surrounded by planes, helicopters and thousands of active duty members of the military.

So how did I get the chance to jump onboard? It’s called a Tiger Cruise – a chance for family and friends of active duty service members to see up close what life is like onboard a ship during deployment. My ship/boat was the U.S.S. John C. Stennis and I was a guest of my fiancé’s brother – a helicopter pilot based out of San Diego. My fiancé and his father were also on the cruise.

We were heading from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to San Diego, and were ready for a once in a lifetime experience. So what’s life like for five days on a boat with 5,500 people? Here are some of the highlights…

Living. I’m going to break this section up into key terms…

• Berthing – Your room. Your home away from home. My room was designed to hold two officers. Unfortunately, we had to fit three female adults in there. I was late to the party, so I was gifted the cot for the trip. Home sweet home.
• JanPam (a.k.a. PamJan) – The celebrity couple name for my two roommates – Jan and Pam. They were both moms, both nice, and both stole my bed options. Did I mention I got the cot?
• The Head – Call me spoiled, but I’ve made it through life without having to use a communal restroom. That is until I found the Head. I’m still not quite sure how I made my way to it each time, but I did. Thank goodness…
• The Wardroom – Food! Who knew you’d basically have food available to you at all hours of the day? Not to mention diet coke.

Entertainment.

How do you stay entertained for six nights on a boat? Concerts and movies of course. Each night the hangar turned into plane storage/a concert venue/movie theatre. It was a great way to pass the time and especially fun when sailors were invited on stage to sing, play drums, guitar, etc.

While we weren’t hanging in the hangar bay (see what I did there?), I was excited to find televisions on the ship. Unfortunately, I’m the kind of person that can’t live without television. Luckily for me, the televisions had four channels – two of them basically devoted to the Olympics in Rio. There’s nothing better than cheering on America, while floating on an American ship, with some of the country’s bravest. Go America!

The really cool stuff.

Pearl Harbor – I visited Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial last time I was in Hawaii. If you haven’t been to Pearl, it’s something every American should do at least once in their lifetime. As you can imagine, it’s a different experience when you’re on a naval vessel – getting underway from the pier and transiting out from Pearl Harbor to the sea. Everyone gathered on the flight deck as a guide took to the P.A. system to tell us the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor, complete with stories behind various towers, ships, and other landmarks. As we left Pearl Harbor we passed battleship row, along with the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and nearby U.S.S. Missouri. We passed Ford Island on one side and the majority of ships moored in the present day naval station, many of them ships of foreign navies stopping off in Pearl before their long voyage home following the completion of the international war games, known as RIMPAC, just a couple days prior. We passed naval drydocks, some colorfully cursed by history, Hickam Field, home of the Air Force’s most advanced jet fighter the F-22 Raptor, and Honolulu International Airport before exiting into the open ocean.

 

The Airshow – By day three of the trip the skies and seas were clear and the pilots and their aircraft were ready to take to the air. The Stennis carried four distinct aircraft; two variants of the F-18, the Super Hornet and the Growler, one specializing in air superiority/ground attack, the other in targeting enemy radar stations. The second was the E-2 Hawkeye, with its giant rotating radar dome, serving as the carrier’s eyes high in the sky. The third, the Hawkeye’s bigger brother, the C-2 Greyhound, was charged with delivering personnel, supplies and mail to the ship. Finally, there was the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter – the rotary winged workhorses of the fleet.

They all took to the sky for an aerial demonstration, at first passing one by one as the show’s narrator explained the role and mission of each. Some took turns firing their guns into the distance, shooting rockets into the sea and launching flares, while others flew by the ship in tight formation at low altitude and high speed. Watching everything land on the flight deck was a show of its own – betting whether or not a plane would catch the first, second, third or fourth arresting wire (they’re what keep the planes from falling off the end of the deck; catching the third wire is considered a perfect landing).


Floating City – Carriers are referred to as floating cities, and that’s no joke. With the capacity to hold 6,500 officers and crew members, the Stennis has more people in it than many rural communities here at home. There’s a post office, general store, barbershop, hospital and even a jail. Everything needed for life at sea can be found on the ship. It’s completely self sufficient. Being nuclear powered, the carrier can go indefinitely without refueling; only needing to be replenished with food, supplies and jet fuel to stay at sea and continue its mission.

I could go on and on about all the cool things I experienced, the people I met and the respect I have for anyone and everyone who spent the last seven months on that boat. I’d only spent five days and knew I’d enjoyed my time, but was ready to be back on land. But maybe no one was more ready than the family and friends who had gathered on the dock to meet their loved ones; to see them, to hold them for the first time in seven months. Seeing their faces, their signs and even their tears, definitely put my five day, once in a lifetime trip, in perspective.

Tbilisi, Georgia: The Birth of Christianity in Eastern Europe - February 2016

Guest Blogger: James Strange

Persians turn the Kura River red. In 1227 Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm and his army of Persians attacked Georgia in what is today the city of Tbilisi. On the first day of the battle, Georgian soldiers were able to defend their beautiful capital city and hold off the pagan invaders. That night however, a small band of Persians who were living in Tbilisi secretly opened the gates and allowed the invaders into the city. By morning a river of blood flowed through the streets.

As dawn broke, the Sultan commanded that all the holy Christian artifacts be removed from Sioni Cathedral and placed at the center of the Metekhi Bridge that crossed the Kura River. The remaining survivors were then rounded up and taken to the bridge and ordered to cross it, walking over the holy icons and denouncing their faith. Those who did were spared their lives, while those who refused were beheaded.

One hundred thousand souls sacrificed their lives that day. One hundred thousand Georgians were thrown from the bridge. The bodies piled up so high that it was described that a man could cross the river by walking over the bodies. The Kura River turned crimson red from the blood of these canonized saints that day.

Flash forward 2016. The country of Georgia today represents a culture of a long sought after independence.  As a visitor to the city of Tbilisi, your eyes are immediately drawn to the massive 20-meter aluminum statue of Mother Georgia. This beautiful figure, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, is greeting her friends with a bowl of wine in one hand and her enemies with a sword in the other.

As we toured this city and the surrounding countryside it became evident that this country has two main foundations: wine and Orthodox Christianity. We marveled at the history and legends of how Georgia became one of the earliest Christianized areas outside of the Middle East.  

Saint Nino brings Christianity to Georgia. The story begins in 320 AD with a 13 year girl named Nino and a grapevine cross that she had woven together with strands of her own hair. She came from a prominent family with ties to Jerusalem and Rome. She was the daughter of a Roman general and was paternally related to the founding father of Georgia, King George.

Legend tells that she is said to have been visited by a vision of the Virgin Mary and was given these instructions: "Go to Iberia and tell there the good tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ and you will find favor before the Lord; and I will be for you a shield against all visible and invisible enemies. By the strength of this cross, you will erect in that land the saving banner of faith in my beloved Son and Lord."


Upon arrival to the capital city of Mtskheta, she met with Queen Nana who had been stricken with a severe illness. Through the prayers of young Nino, the queen was healed, immediately baptized and became a Christian.  Despite the miracle, King Mirian would not convert from his pagan worshiping and threatened to exile his wife.

One day, on a hunting trip, the King was struck with blindness as darkness covered the woods. Lost and confused he cried out to his pagan gods to help him see again. After hours of panic and fear, he began to pray to the God of Nino. As he finished his prayer, the darkness was lifted and he could see to find his way back to the palace.

The King converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of the country. In honor of the God of Nino, he erected a wooden cross on one of the highest peaks overlooking the city.  The large cross was an iconic landmark of early Christianity.  Later a church, Jvari Monastery, was erected in honor of this young apostle. Though the church has been damaged and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the original rock foundation for the cross remains tucked away inside this small basilica. Still an active church, we attended Sunday mass here with the local Georgian worshipers. 

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and the cloak of Christ. In the small town of Mtskheta lies the second largest Georgian Orthodox Church. Originally built in the 4th century, this holy place of worship has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, the latest being in 1029 AD. So why all the fuss over a church? Why have so many conquering armies made it a point to destroy this simple church? The answer ... this is no simple church.

The story begins in Jerusalem at the crucifixion of Christ. As told in the Gospel of John, Roman soldiers cast lots to see who would claim the robe of Christ. As fate would have it, a Georgian Jew named Elias happened to be in the city and had made his way to Golgotha. Moved by the events of the day, he persuaded the lucky winner into letting him purchase this holy cloak. 

Elias made his way back to Mtskheta and was immediately greeted by his sister, Sidonia. He told her of the horrible killing of a prophet and how he had come in possession his robe. Sidonia was deeply moved by the story and asked to hold the cloak. As she gathered this bundle of cloth into her arms, she was overcome with such grief and emotion that she died. Unable to remove the cloak from her grasp, Elias chose to bury his sister with the robe forever in her embrace.


A cedar tree sapling soon sprouted at the headstone of Sidonia’s grave.  Time passed and the tree grew tall and wide and served as a marker for the resting place of Sidonia and the holy robe. Three hundred years later, young Nino found herself before this tree. Christianity was spreading across Georgia and the people needed a place to worship. She ordered that the tree be cut down and that seven large columns be made from its trunk. These columns would serve as the foundation for the church. 

The first six columns were placed into position but as the seventh was readied for lifting it began to ascend into heaven. The workers were amazed at this miracle happening before their very eyes. Word quickly spread that the construction had stopped and that the seventh column had risen into heaven. Nino came to the site and heard the story of what had happened. She knew that God had instructed her to build this church and to make the columns from the cedar tree and so she began to pray. Nino prayed throughout the night and as the sun began to rise that next day, the seventh column could be seen descending down from heaven and laid into the place that had been prepared for it. It is said that water would seep from the seventh column and that this sacred liquid could cure the sick. 

The construction of the church was completed and today a monument marks the location of Sidonia’s grave inside the cathedral. It has served not only as the coronation site for kings but also as their burial place. There are ten Georgian Kings buried inside the church. 

Georgia has survived occupation by the Arabs, Persians, Mongols and most recently the Russians.  Nestled between the Caspian and Black seas, this country is rich in culture, architecture and history.  Their stories are told today as if they had just happened yesterday. It inspires me to learn more ...

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Conned by Ticket Peddlers at Daybreak - January 2016

Guest Blogger: James Strange

Landing in Dar es Salaam at 3:00 a.m. was a somewhat unnerving beginning to our eight-day African adventure. Unlike many airports around the world, leaving of the baggage claim area places you right onto the street in front of the airport. As soon as we stepped outside we were greeted by the hot, damp African mosquito infested heat.  After stopping for a moment to get our bearings, the onslaught of white-shirted taxi drivers began, "Jambo! Taxi! Where do want to go?"

Knowing that the ferry to Zanzibar did not leave Dar until 7:00 a.m., I brushed off the overzealous greeters and headed for the information desk. The sleepy-eyed young African man sitting in the booth slowly slid open the window and with a wearied gaze said "yes?" I asked how far it was to the ferry and he replied, “Twenty minutes by taxi or forty minutes by bus, but please do not go to the ferry now because the station is not open for three more hours and it is not safe to wait on the streets."  

So there we were, sitting on a bench in front of the airport, sweating and swatting mosquitoes. After traveling for eleven hours, an additional three hours in these conditions seemed unbearable. Just as all hope evaporated from our bodies, we noticed a light turn on in the fast food diner across the street. We reluctantly walked over and pulled on the door. To our surprise, it opened and the rush of cool air hit me in the face. Granted it was probably still 80 degrees inside the diner, but we gladly took refuge in an open booth. There were still a handful of mosquitoes inside but we happily enjoyed our chicken sandwiches, fries and warm cola. 

There was a small group of us there inside that little diner waiting for the Ferry.  A German couple, two young blond girls from Denmark and a trio of European backpackers who talked loudly about their recent travels.  

As dawn approached we all began to gather our luggage and prepare to leave. Not having a ferry ticket yet, we felt we should get there as soon as the doors opened. The German couple asked the girls from Denmark if they wanted to share a cab and were first out the door.  

As soon as we exited the diner, a short, middle-aged African man in a bleached white button-down shirt shouted, "Jambo! Taxi?" Fortunately I had done my homework at the information booth and asked about taxi fares. A ride from the airport to the ferry for non-residents was $35 U.S. It wasn't until later that I learned of the "skin tax," a surcharge added to taxis, ferry tickets and really just about anything to non-resident visitors. 

Traffic wasn't bad and the sun was just beginning to shine some light on my first glance of Africa south of the equator. We drove for about 20 minutes before stopping in front of a string of small tin roof shacks. We looked at each other with wide eyes of puzzlement. The following conversation ensued:"Where's the ferry?"  "You must get ticket here."  "No, where is the ferry?" "Just over there, not far, get ticket here."  

"JAMBO! JAMBO!" The sidewalk was instantly full with young African men grabbing at our luggage and walking toward a 10' x 10' room with four chairs and a desk. "WAIT! STOP!" I yelled.

"It's okay, my friend. Jambo. Please come inside," a man assured me.

"No, we will wait here. We have friends that are coming."  How quickly I had associated the small group of refugees from the chicken hut as 'our friends.'  My hope was once they all arrived we would discuss our plan forward together. Strength in numbers.  

So we stood there in the pre-dawn moments surrounded by people insisting we go inside and that it wasn't safe to stand along the roadside. They explained that we needed to buy our ticket now and that the ferries were overbooked because of the New Year's holiday. As our cab driver drove away I began to question what the hell just happened.

 

Reluctantly, we went inside. We were quickly informed that there we no more seats available in economy class.  If we wanted to be on the 7:00 a.m. ferry, we needed to pay $50 U.S. each. Kim had researched the ferry ticket prices before we had left home: VIP tickets were $35/person. Frustrated and running out of time, I agreed.

"Okay, here is $100, give us the tickets." The 20-something year old behind the desk quickly wrote me a receipt and asked for our passports. He called out to a boy on the street and gave him our money and passports. We both shouted in unison, "NO! He is not leaving with our passports." 

“He must get your tickets now! No time! Ferry is leaving soon."  
"No," I said. "I will go with him."  
"Okay, no problem. Please just fill out this form," and with me distracted, the boy with our money and passports slipped out the door.  

 

Furious, I became indignant. "What is going on here? What kind of operation is this? Where are our friends?" The young man was very cool. "Please be calm. Your tickets will be here soon." You are from America, yes? Obama country," he said with a big smile.

 

As Kim sat guarding our luggage, I stepped outside and with arms crossed, glared down the street waiting for a glimpse of the young boy who had our money and passports. The sun was now breaking over the horizon and for the first time I was getting a look at the area where the seemingly kind taxi driver had brought us. 

 

There was a string of similar 10' x 10' shacks about two city blocks long. The street was packed with African people of all ages now. I knew that I dramatically stood out as an angry white man pacing in front of this row of what I had come to believe as con men. Suddenly, in the corner of one of these shacks two doors down from ours I saw the frightened faces of the two Danish girls. "Are you two okay?" I asked.  

"We don't know? We have been here for 30 minutes. They have taken our money and our passports." I reassured them that we were in a similar situation not far away and that we wouldn't leave without them.  

 

Before I could ask the whereabouts of the German couple, the husband stormed out of yet another shack and headed into "our" tin shack. Out of curiosity, I quickly followed. "They won't take my money. Will you take my money? I only have Tanzanian shillings or Euros," he yelled in broken in English. The young man behind the desk reluctantly explained that they only took U.S. dollars. I thought to myself: wow, this is going to get interesting. 

 

At that moment I felt a tug on my arm. It was the young boy that had taken our money and passports. "Hurry, come with me! There are no more tickets for the 7:00 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. ferries. There is a man who will sell you two tickets if you come now," he explained. I grabbed my money and our passports and said "how far?"  

"Just up the street at the ferry station. You must hurry! The ferry is leaving soon!"  

 

I looked at Kim, and with marked hesitation, asked her to stay with our luggage and wait. At this point I wasn't sure what would be safest but at least she was inside the shack with a very angry German who I was confident would protect her. Down the street the young boy and I ran. To my surprise, the ferry terminal was only about three blocks away. I had no idea what I was about to encounter; extortion was the best outcome at this point. Being mugged and robbed was certainly not out of the question.  

 

We stepped inside the terminal and were met with signs that read "residents only" at every window. Confused, I was instructed to get in a line. The line was so long and the ferry was leaving in 10 minutes. "Where is your guy?" I asked. Reacting to my bewilderment, he replied just to wait.

 

I felt like my head was going to explode. I couldn't believe this was happening. How gullible I must have appeared stepping out of that diner. Just then, the two Danish girls walked in. "Did you get tickets?" I asked. "No, they said they were sold out and gave us our money and passports back and told us to come here."  I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. How could we wait there in this unbearable African heat for 2-4 hours in hopes to catch a later ferry?

 

As the line slowly inched forward, I saw out of the corner of my eye the angry German man. The young man behind the desk had brought him to the ferry and pointed him in the direction of a short line that was not marked. I watched as he spoke to an official sort of officer. Then to my amazement, he pulled out his wallet and within moments was leaving with two tickets. I quickly stepped out of line and made my way to this window. The two blond girls followed behind. "I'm not sure if this is going to work, but at this point we will miss the ferry anyway."  

 

I got to the window and began to explain my frustration. "I don't know what kind of operation is being run around here but my wife and I have been held up in a little shack down the road being promised a ticket on the 7:00 a.m. ferry. Can you sell me a ticket?," I asked.

"Passports please. That will be $40," he responded.  

 

Just like that I got our tickets and rushed back to the little shack. I knew the Germans had left and Kim was alone. I stepped inside the shack and glared at the young man behind the desk and said thanks for nothing. "I am so sorry, sir. Please let me help you with your bags to the ferry."  

"Are you kidding me? NO!"  I responded.
"Please sir. The ferry is leaving soon. Let us help you." And with that, two young boys grabbed our bags and off we all ran.  

 

As soon as we got to the passenger terminal we could see the security line backed up past the gate. Surely they will hold the ferry I thought as we approached the cue. The young boys leading the way talked to the officer at the gate and suddenly we were walking past the long line and escorted to the front. We quickly passed through the check point and just like that the boys were gone. We walked up the plank and onto the ferry. With VIP tickets, we were escorted to a large air conditioned room on the upper deck with leather seats. We settled into two chairs near the front and were quickly served water and warm mango juice. 

Moments later the ferry pulled out of port. We made it! It was an unbelievable experience but at least we were finally on our way to Zanzibar. The large television hanging on the wall in front of us suddenly switched on and an episode of "The Adventures of Tom and Jerry" began to play. As Kim settled in, I couldn’t help but exhale a big sigh of relief that our unexpected African diversion was over.  
 

My Favorite & Most Popular Travel Posts of 2015

In case you missed them, here is a list (and links) to my favorite and most read blog posts of 2015.

Most Popular Blog Posts (Based on Page Views)

Havana, Cuba: A Romance with the Past
I've never felt more suspect than when I boarded my first class flight to the Caymans - for the weekend - with no checked baggage ...

Mission Accomplished: 100 Countries
Background: Growing up my family didn't travel internationally. Aside from a few trips to Canada, we spent our vacations and long weekends ...

Parikkala, Finland: The Lost Maiden's Freezing Glance
Tucked in the southeastern Finland birch forest hugging the border with Russia is the small town of Parikkala. The sleepy town was once home ...

Ten Most Obnoxious Travelers: Don't be that Guy
After having crisscrossed the globe for more than a decade I feel I can talk honestly about the cast of characters I've encountered on ...

Dahab, Egypt: Flashback - October 2007
I was terrifyingly close to dying in Egypt. About six months prior to my visit to Dahab, Egypt I had certified to scuba dive in Phuket, Thailand ...

My Favorite Blog Posts

Merzouga, Morocco: Camping in the Sahara Desert
From Marrakech it took two days driving through steep mountains, grassy hills and rocky desert plains to reach Merzouga ...

Hostel Nightmares: How to Avoid Sleeping with the Maid
Hostel: an establishment that provides inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as ...

Fifty United States: Our Journey Off the Beaten Path
Guest Blogger: Pauline Leupo, In today's day and age there are a variety of ways to keep our minds and bodies active. Some people are collectors ...

Bunol, Spain: Life Lessons from a Tomato Fight
Every year on the last Wednesday of August, tens of thousands of people flock to the La Tomatina Festival ...

Top Ten Bizarre Foods: My Stomach Has Been Violated
Throughout my travels I've eaten a lot of questionable food - sometimes out of curiosity, often times to be polite ...

Imatra, Finland: Southern Boy Brings Spice to the Nordic
Guest Blogger: James Strange, You can take a boy out of the south, but you can't take the south out of a boy. The first rule of adaption ...

Elite Travel Blog: Five Travel Questions Interview

Earlier this month I was interviewed by Elite Travel Blog out of London and featured on its website's Five Travel Questions Interview Series. Visit the site to read similar travel interviews; read my story here.

Elite Travel Blog: A real life wanderluster, I’m pleased to have Kimberly from Girl Lost in the World take on our Five Travel Questions! She’s travelled to more than 100 countries – find out where!

Why do you love travel?
For me traveling is an opportunity to step outside of the comfort and familiarity of my world and into someone else’s. My favorite aspect of traveling is immersing myself in another culture: to travel somewhere I haven’t been and meet the people, taste the food, drink the wine, see the sights and learn the local customs. Visit my travel blog, Girl Lost in the World to read my post: Overcome with Wanderlust: Why I Travel 

What destination is top of your bucket list?
I have an endless list of places I’d love to see or visit again, but one near the top is Palau. Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean and home to Jellyfish Lake. Within the marine waters, two types of jellyfish, golden and moon, have evolved so that their stinger cells are not powerful enough to cause harm to humans. It would be a surreal experience to snorkel in the lake and swim with the jellies.

Where is your most favourite place you have travelled to?
Hands down my favorite region of the planet is Southeast Asia and the country I could visit time and time again is Thailand. I think the reason I like it so much is because it’s such a stark contrast from home. From the first time I stepped foot there in 2006, and the handful of times I’ve been back, the country and its people exude warmth and hospitality. From its unique tribe culture in the northern mountains to the picturesque beaches in the south, Thailand welcomes you with its distinct culture, pride and charm. I can’t get enough of the red curry or Tom Kha Gai either! Check out my post: Thailand Top Ten

What is your most favourite memory or experience whilst travelling?
My all-time favorite travel memory is and always will be getting married to my amazing husband in my 100th country of Jamaica this past summer. It was incredible celebrating the occasion surrounded by our closest family and friends in an idyllic setting. Aside from that, a few other unforgettable experiences include sneaking into Cuba with a press badge, learning to dive in the Great Barrier Reef, camping for two weeks in southern Africa, backpacking for seven months from Sydney to New York City westward, volunteering at a monastery in Thailand, and right now having the opportunity to live in Finland while commuting to work in Russia.

What is your favourite photo from your travels?
Photos are the perfect way to make your travel adventures timeless. I couldn’t pick just one so I put together a collage which includes a few of my favorites: Kathmandu, Nepal; Zulu Kingdom, South Africa; Santorini, Greece; Cappadocia, Turkey; Havana, Cuba; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Kruger National Park, South Africa; Easter Island, Chile; Copenhagen, Denmark; Imatra, Finland.

Follow Kimberly’s travels on Twitter too!

Reykjavik, Iceland: Splashing through Geothermal Mineral Pools - November 2015

Guest Blogger: Brenda Wilkerson
Certified Storm Spotter, Devout Memphis Grizzlies Fan & Avid Blogger www.dontstopbelieving.me

When I visited Iceland, I fell in love with its geothermal mineral swimming pools. Most towns have at least one public pool, and many Icelanders go daily if possible. They consider it important to their overall health, and now that I’ve participated, I can see why.

On the first night of our trip, my friends and I experienced local swimming pool culture at Laugardalslaug, which was just down the street from our hotel. (Not yet used to the Icelandic language, we immediately renamed it “LaGuardia” for our own reference.) Laugardalslaug is the largest pool complex in Reykjavik, with pools of various temperatures and purposes, a large water slide, a gym, and play equipment for kids. Anyone can gain entry for about $5, and monthly passes are available for even less per visit.

At the front desk, we were given rubber wristbands which provide access to a locker and were directed to the men’s and women’s locker rooms. There, we were introduced to Icelandic pre-swim procedure. Everyone has to strip down and wash with soap before putting on swimsuits and heading outside to the pool. This step is not optional; there are matrons in the shower room making sure you follow the rules. When you’re done swimming and soaking, you have to shower again, and then dry off to the matrons’ satisfaction before re-entering the locker room. I actually found this practical European attitude toward nudity kind of refreshing, and Bethany and I had a good laugh about it. (“Brenda and I no longer have any secrets,” she reported back to our friend group.)

Laugardalslaug was packed with locals, even late on a Wednesday night. Scandinavian children climbed onto play structures above the water’s surface totally unfazed by the near-freezing temperatures. I felt too cold in the regular pool, so I adjourned to the hot pot and spent a happy hour or so there. It was just what I needed after our red-eye flight and day of touring. Friends and neighbors chatted while steam rose into the air to meet the light sleet falling. I decided if my culture allowed for a daily workout and hot tub in community with my friends, I’d be a much happier person. Let’s get on this, America!

After such a relaxing time, we wanted to visit a public pool every night in Iceland, but they were usually closed by the time we arrived at our nightly destinations. So our final geothermal experience was at the famous Blue Lagoon. This pool is heavily marketed to tourists, and I doubt many locals go there. Like many people, we visited the Blue Lagoon on our way back to Keflavik Airport for our outgoing flight. We arrived around 10 am and walked right up to the desk, where the attendant told us repeatedly how lucky we were to get in without reservations. I thought he was exaggerating, but by the time we left, the line was out the door ... so either pre-book, or get there early!

Given the luxurious reputation of the Blue Lagoon, I was surprised to learn its milky, mineral-rich water is waste water from a nearby geothermal power plant. Whatever its origins, it felt great. We slowly wandered around the lagoon for a while, then found a spot to sit and relax with a smoothie from the swim-up bar. Blue Lagoon’s one free spa amenity is silica mud, available in buckets all around the pool. It’s meant to be used on the face only, but many visitors formed assembly lines and slathered it all over each other, which was entertaining.

While I enjoyed my time at the Blue Lagoon and am glad I went, I preferred the simplicity and earthiness of the public pools. The Blue Lagoon felt like a glossy Disney-fication of Iceland’s wonderful geothermal pool culture. Next time, I think I’ll stick to LaGuardia.