May 4th, 2010
In Timbuktu I could not help but face the very same realization that the many European explorers faced when they finally reached Timbuktu: it is just a motley collection of mud huts in earth’s most inhospitable desert. That being said, there was something glorious about reaching the unreachable. Timbuktu is, to this [...]
Feb 5th, 2010
The journey to Timbuktu could not have been more perfect. After doing so much reading before the trip on the countless well equipped, well funded, bad ass expeditions that set out to reach Timbuktu over the centuries, our leisurely time on the river could not have been more lackadaisical or without worry.
We had arranged to [...]
Jan 2nd, 2010
When I last wrote, I had been maxing and relaxing in lovely Banfora in southwest Burkina Faso. The country’s name literally translates from Moré and Dioula, the major local languages, to “the land of upright people.” Without exception I found Burkinabes to be friendly, welcoming, and sincere.
My time in Banfora could not have been a better [...]
Dec 25th, 2009
Merry Christmas from a little piece of paradise in south west Burkina Faso called Banfora.
Though I have not been able to fulfill muy usual christmas traditions of Chinese food and a movie, I am toughing it out and just finished reading pool-side on a perfect day. Trust me when I say I deserve the relaxation [...]
Dec 20th, 2009
A little more than one full year after reading the article “Mali: Where the Music Lives” (http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500069) in Conde Nast Traveler, my departure date is here! In the coming weeks I will chill in Paris, explore Burkina Faso, and adventure in Mali, with some amazing friends. Tonight I leave for Paris on Air France from [...]
Dec 17th, 2009
After three months, multiple agencies, and countless emails and conversations, not to mention a scam artist, I am very pleased with our final tour package in Mali. After a week in Burkina Faso with Victoria, we will meet up with Katie and Elisa in Djenne to start the Mali leg of our trip. Here’s what [...]
Dec 25th, 2007
I spent the last week and a half traveling with my mom and sister through Italy, ending in Amsterdam. Our time together was priceless. We shared many laughs, cultural faux pas, and hilarious misspeaks (most courtesy of my mother) as we explored Rome, enjoyed Taormina, drove across Sicily to Palermo, relaxed in Bergamo, and [...]
Oct 2nd, 2007
So my Dad and I were playing a round of golf on a typically perfec fall day in Michigan, and per usual, my dad was driving our cart. The only time I would drive was when, as usual, he was hitting into/through/around dense foliage, and I would take myself and the cart a safe [...]
Sep 4th, 2007
I had a pleasurable cab ride the other day through DC. I say this with the full understanding of how rarely “pleasurable” is used to describe a cab ride. After all, a cab is a very utilitarian object in the lives of city dwellers; one which is rarely pondered or carefully considered. [...]