By
Ryan, on May 28th, 2010
We’re driving around the South Island of New Zealand by campervan. Over the past few days there have been severe rainstorms, especially around the Otago region we’re currently exploring.
We arrived in town late at night and drove around looking for a place to camp. It seemed like the water was getting high in places so we were extra careful to pass on some dodgy looking spots and eventually camped on a raised, well drained parking lot off a main road. It’s a good thing, too, as the next morning we found that many low lying roads [read more...]
By
Ryan, on May 21st, 2010
We visited the home of Kemal Ataturk in Izmir, Turkey. Ataturk is the famous father of modern Turkey who forged the new country from the remains of the Ottoman Empire after World War I.
This photo is from his bathroom, but it looks a little like an office. He’s got a desk and chairs for people to sit. I wonder if he held meetings while sitting in the bath. Maybe he had the idea for the Turkish alphabet while soaking in this very tub. I just hope he dismissed them before he used the toilet!
Have you [read more...]
By
Ryan, on May 7th, 2010
A secret behind the beauty of the gardens of Kyoto Imperial Palace: sweeping the pond clean. I think it’s quite charming to see these gardeners in their traditional working uniforms, and this is the only place I’ve ever seen someone sweeping out a body of water.
Have you seen any interesting gardeners? Any traditional styles of landscaping that struck you as unique? Post your comments below!
By
Ryan, on March 20th, 2010
Usually when I mention the idea of cruising to fellow backpackers or bargain travelers I get strange looks and the same question: “Aren’t cruises too expensive for a backpacker?” A lot of people have a mental picture of cruises based on what they’ve seen on the love boat, but this isn’t accurate anymore. In fact, cruising can be a very cheap and rewarding mode of travel for backpackers, bargain hunters, and slow travelers. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to cross the ocean, visit out-of-the way places, and take some time to relax.
When Dina and I [read more...]
