The rapid-fire invasion of Iraq and then Kurdistan by ISIS, as the Islamic State was calling itself at the time, stunned the world. For several hours, it even presented an existential crisis for Kurdistan itself as the momentum of the invasion by ISIS brought them to within mere kilometers of Erbil – with little standing …
Even in a country with a wealth of beautiful landscapes, the Valle de Cocora still stands out. The broad, emerald green valley stretches east of the village of Salento into the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados where it is framed by sharp peaks. Everywhere you’ll see wax palm, the largest palm in …
The following is straight from the notebook I had with me at the time and, I believe, helps give a feel for what it is like walking around Herat: …Wandering around Herat shafts of sunlight penetrate serpentine alleys lined by canvas-covered wooden stalls; the harsh light illuminates the faces of the merchants and their bountiful …
Perhaps not surprisingly to those that know me, I found the military dimension to Arunachal Pradesh interesting. Tensions between India and China run high in this area… Currently, India administers all of Arunachal Pradesh. However, the Chinese lay claim to the majority of Arunachal Pradesh as they believe it to be an extension of the …
An evening exploration of the streets of Damascus… “…no recorded event has occurred in the world but Damascus was in existence to receive news of it. Go back as far as you will into the vague past, there was always a Damascus… She has looked upon the dry bones of a thousand empires and will …
If you ever make it to Omdurman, Sudan (across the river from Khartoum) be sure to check out the Omdurman camel market. Or, you can just read this site… Most of the animals are brought in (on foot – like the old days of the American cowboy) from Darfur and South Sudan since these areas …
Baalbek has long enjoyed a reputation as home to some of the finest Roman ruins anywhere in the world. However, even without the Roman ruins, it would still be an interesting town… To reach Baalbek, one passes through the hot, dry Bekaa, not so much a valley as a high-altitude plain, with its Hezbollah flags …
Viewed from a distance, Port-au-Prince seems a pleasant and mellow Caribbean port city: Once one is out on the streets though, the fact that all is not well in Port-au-Prince soon becomes apparent. And the January 12, 2010 earthquake only served to push Haiti closer to the top of the Failed States Index… Destruction, dysfunction …
Zululand is an interesting place with quite a history…
Chernobyl Reactor # 4 shortly after the meltdown: Part 1: Chernobyl and Reactor # 4 Until the late 1990s it would have been impossible for me to come here. The whole area was sealed off. Now though, the United Nations is encouraging “ecotourism” to the former Chernobyl disaster zone in order to help the area …
There aren’t a lot of roads in Somalia. Those that do exist mostly pass through rough countryside, interspersed with the occasional village and frequent checkpoint. Upon arriving at a checkpoint, if you don’t have an armed guard with you, a bribe will be required and all of your passport details will be carefully taken down …
Babs, Molly and I recently explored the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art… She may not look happy, but she’s thrilled beyond belief to be in the company of her favorite cousin: This is what you see when you first walk into SFMOMA: And this is what you see if you look straight up after … Continue reading
During a break remodeling the Ames estate, I was struck with an idea on how to make productive use of a wagon/pushcart we were allowing to just sit idle… Gearing up… Heading to the launch pad… These hills are steeper than they look in the films and on the final run, Brandon indicated that I … Continue reading
I love roadside attractions. Where else can you find stuff like this? I’ll bet you never even knew something like this existed, but now that you’ve seen a wicker motorcycle you must have one, right? And who wouldn’t want one of these lovely ladies in their home or yard with them? Or how about this … Continue reading
Another expedition into the Wilds… For literally decades I have wondered about the course of the unnamed tributary (pictured below) in Oregon House, California. Recently, on a trip to Oregon House with Brandon and Amanda, I made an offhand comment about my desire to explore this watershed and, although it was late in the day, … Continue reading
Well, dear readers, as long as we’re talking about Pakistan and Afghanistan, I’ll update you on my trip status. I have obtained the necessary visa from Pakistan and Afghanistan, but nothing yet from Iran. Pakistani Visa… Afghan Visa… However, even if the Iran visa were to come through tomorrow, I do not trust that there … Continue reading
Start at the bottom again… Hello All – Big brother, thank you for your email… You should know that it is literally impossible to offend me. Seriously. So, no worries on that front. I was not offended or upset by your email as I understand and appreciate the concern that generated it. Feel free to … Continue reading
Start with the email at the bottom… Hello Family and Friends – Thank you very much for your expressions of love and concern. Although I am not the best at verbalizing such things, I do treasure this. I’m sorry that you are/will be disappointed, but this is my life and I must forge my own … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 