Bill Bensons Blog on RealTravel

Egypt journal: The Pharaoh’s Favorite Season

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:35:00 GMT

No question, the Great Pyramids of the long lost Pharaohs are a must see. They are on just about everyone’s bucket list, but when you ask people who have just returned from that must-see, trip of a lifetime how it was many an answer will be returned with just one word. Hot. And so it is. Egypt is located on the eastern fringe of the great African deserts and it certainly does get warm. But it’s a dry heat some will say. Whatever. Aswan’s 108 degrees in July is brutal no matter the near zero humidity. If you are the odd type who prefers to keep sunstroke to a minimum, there is a simple solution ...

The World journal: Adrenaline Adventures All Around the World

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:06:50 GMT

While traveling solo for six months around the world things can sometimes get a little boring. One museum blurs into the next after a while. Solution? Scare yourself silly. Adventure travel is on the rise and I made my way through six continents seeking out the fun. I’m talking real no-theme-park-ride excitement, but also activities that allow you to enjoy the beautiful and diverse environments that surround the action. Here are some of the best.

Serengeti Safari, Tanzania - There is absolutely no better way to get the blood pumping than to tick off a napping lion. My camera’s clicks ...

Similan Islands journal: Meeting Mantas on the Other Side

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:33:35 GMT

When most scuba divers research Thailand they usually learn of its certification factory at Koh Tao off Eastern Thailand, but there is a more adventurous side of diving in Thailand, in the West, on the other side. There the Andaman Sea rolls its way from India to the western shores of Thailand but before it reaches those beaches it meets several islands that teem with life. Far offshore islands and swift currents equal pelagics, the ocean going big boys of the sea. Translation, lots of big fish.

The best way to dive the Andaman is by means of a liveaboard dive boat. Sea Dragon Dive ...

The World journal: Flashpacking those Middle Aged Blues Away

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:01:42 GMT

Backpacking around the world was always a far away, unattainable dream to me. I met someone who did it once but he was in his twenties and British. He might as well have been from a different planet. Then a friend ‘in his 30’s’ took the plunge and the seed took hold. Could I actually take time away from my career and endure the hardships of budget travel at 38 years of age? Some research and the overwhelming answer was yes. There was even a label for me, Flashpacker (older backpacker with some money and tech-toys).

So I said good bye to the familiar and off I ...

Beijing journal: Another Brick in the Wall pt.3 - Pink Floyd

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:03:58 GMT

Bejing – March 17, 2007

It’s the first Saturday St. Paddy’s Day in 7 years and I’m stuck in a ‘gaming' café hoping my Couchsurfing host will show up. Turns out I printed a map with an old phone # and she was waiting for me at the apartment I had just been at. Aaah, the thrill of budget travel.

After finally meeting up and a few hours of playing boardgames it’s a nice dinner of spicy Kung Po chicken with a Tsing-Tao beer for my St. Patrick’s day meal. No Guinness, no corned beef n cabbage, no Quiet Man screening and I wasn’t there for Nicole’s Birthday. Yeah, I was a bit depressed ...

North America journal: Office Space

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 23:04:32 GMT

"Lumberg is all that is unholy and wrong."

LA brought back too many reminders that I might actually have to get another job soon. Someone promise me it won't be in a cube, please. Seriously.

Still, it was just the pit stop a weary traveller needs.

Brooklyn journal: A month out . . (and the during trip Intro)

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:35:10 GMT

I'm giving this blog thing a test flight before the big round the world trip starts in 07. Nothing to write just yet . . . . well actually there is one thing. What is up with the Met's selling out to Citigroup? Granted, I'm a bit biased since those Citi is laying me off but it really is just another reason for me to hate the Mets (yes, I'm a Yankee fan). It's actually kind of ironic. You figure Citi is saving about 20 mil a year by outsourcing 500 or so tech jobs, which is just what they're paying the Met's. So in a very small way, my old salary is allowing the Met's to go out and get ...

Santiago journal: Fiesta - The Pogues

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:24:56 GMT

Santiago July 2, 2007 6 hours before my flight home

So this is it folks, the last posting from the road. It´s just amazing to me that it´s actually over. I feel that traveling has become a part of my life, like a new friend you like but who just won´t go away. It´s pretty obvious if you´ve been tagging along lately that I miss hearth n home big time and am ready to call it a half year, but there´s certainly a little twinge of Ís it really over? Honestly, no more new places to experience? Seriously, I have to get another job?¨ It´s a weird combo going on in my head right now, ...

Brooklyn journal: A Sort of Homecoming - U2

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:42:43 GMT

July 11, 2007 Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn NY

Home, a week now. Can't rightly get my head around the fact that it's over. No, that's not right. I can't quite accept that it ever happened at all. Just a week or so ago I was skiing the Andes but it's like some amazing dream now, like I just woke up from six months of heavenly slumber while the world around me just kept chugging along with barely a ripple of change. I was so happy to be home, to see everyone again, that thinking about what I had just accomplished never really took hold that first week. It was crazy hectic too, so that ...

United States journal: No Sleep till Brooklyn - Beasties

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:31:02 GMT

It's all about the posting. Last time you have to sit though it, but be prepared, it's a long one.

Love ya all

Bill

Portillo journal: Over the Mountain - Ozzy Osbourne

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:25:56 GMT

Well, it´s almost over. Just ten days left in the last country of my six month global spin. I can´t believe it went so fast, even though I´m definitely primed for a little permanency. I´m not ready yet to get very retrospective though so let´s just review what I believe was the best possible way to end this magical mystery tour Skiing, the Andes, in summer. While NY was sweltering, I hit the snow.

As my review mentions I booked the Backpacker deal at the Inca Lodge of the Portillo Ski Resort. An absolutely amazing deal that puts other ski and stay packages across the States to ...

Nazca journal: X-Files Theme - Dust Brothers

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:58:33 GMT

Nazca, Peru 6-19-2007

Whistle it with me fans. I miss that goofy show, but today I was able to investigate one of the world´s great mysteries in true X-Files fashion: The Nazca Lines. 2000 years ago the local Nazcans started scraping and clearing outlines in the desert, huge outlines, monstrous. Birds, Spiders, killer whales, and others were created over many years. Then they started scraping lines and figures like trapezoids. Strangely the lines and trapezoids were aligned with the solstice sunrise and celestial bodies. More strangely, NONE of these things can be seen from the ...

Huacachina journal: Nice but no Ingles . .

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:33:59 GMT

A Swiss hotel that was bit pricey for the area but I felt it was well deserved bit of luxury for $30 a night

Huacachina journal: Surfin Safari - The Beach Boys

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:33:54 GMT

Huacachina, Peru June 20, 2007

Yes of course I did some real surfing on this world tour of mine but honestly, can you think of a better title after finding a place that has mountain sized sand dunes that can be surfed? I think not.

So like I said, purely by accident, I stumble across this little . . no not even a town . . a location . . an oasis, literally an oasis, an hour or so north of Nazca. It has a little sulfur pond surrounded by monstrous cliffs of sand. Just an unbelievable, otherworldly setting. I've seen a few big dunes at Pismo Beach and I guess the Cali ...

Cusco journal: In the Light - Zeppelin

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 16:46:28 GMT

Agua Caliente - 6-10-07

´Take me with you . .´ That´s the idiotic commercial that´s been buzzing about my head since I started planning this trip. The Land Rover pulls up in front of the bar and the huge bouncer jumps to his knees in front of them, ´Take me with you´he pleads,´¨l want to trek to the Andes and climb the forbidden Machu Pichu´´. Remember? Well, as goofy as that is it was the first time I ever heard of Machu Pichu and I actually looked it up. I was ashamed I had never heard or remembered from school such an amazing monument. It´s been stuck in my mind as a must see ever ...

Lima journal: Come Fly With Me - Sinatra

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 13:05:14 GMT

In Lama land, there´s a one man band and he´ll . . . aah, you all know the words. So Lima, Peru, South America. First stop in the last month of the trip. Time to get back to work, back to being a gung ho traveler, hitting all the museums and sites I can right? Day one - some internet, a nap, and a movie. Well it´s hard getting back in the saddle. The next day I did take a long walk and saw some basic touristy stuff but I don´t think the full on ´see it all´mentality is ever coming back. The fact of the matter is I´ve been on the road for 5 months, homeless for nearly a year, and am just plain ...

Cuzco journal: Motorcross through time

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 12:48:26 GMT

Awesome, and on 25 a day

Puerto Maldonado journal: Laywers, Guns and Money - Warren Zevon

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 10:49:29 GMT

Amazon Rainforest 6-14-07

Send lawyers, guns and money to get me out of here. Yeah, that´s how I felt halfway through my first through my first day in the Peruvian Jungle. So I wanted to go see the Amazon river in the north of Peru but things like laziness and a planned general strike to paralyze the city up there got in the way. I went the quick and easy 3 day tourist hop to the southern Amazon rainforest instead. Good idea? The jury´s still out. On one hand one big muddy brown river with surrounding swelthering jungle is pretty much the same as another I guess. The Amazon if of ...

South America journal: 100 Years of Solitude

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:30:15 GMT

Last month of the trip. Continent numero six. 18 days in Peru and 10 days in Chile. It´s gonna be fun but I´m also getting a bit antsy for the finish line. No laptop means less blog time. Oh well, i´ll post the rest of the pics once I´m home.

Sydney journal: Highway Star - Deep Purple

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:56:54 GMT

Highway Star – Deep Purple

Get your motor running . . but who the heck knew that I’d see the Murray family matriarch out on the highway on my first full day in Sydney. Yep, that’s Thelma on the back of custom Harley Davidson motorcycle, both hands waving in the air like she was standing still instead of cruising the open road. The Murray clan organized the ride for their Mom’s big birthday a few months back and I was lucky enough to drop in just in time for the big event. It was great. I think all of us had as much fun watching her as she did getting the ride. But that first day was ...

Melbourne journal: South Australia - The Pogues

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:33:19 GMT

South Australia - The Pogues

5-16-07 Melbourne

Yeah, yeah Melbourne isn’t technically South Australia, it’s Victoria but then again my favorite Aussie beer Victoria Bitter is brewed in Melbourne and I couldn’t find a pint. Besides, as I mentioned in the Sydney blog this Aussie trip isn’t about the details, it’s about well, doing nothing really. Four months on the road has left me a bit flat about the tourist trail so I’ve decided to continue my Australia trip in Melbourne by not seeing a thing. Honest, I flew in, walked around a couple of days and didn’t do ANYTHING. Not a single ...

Los Angeles journal: Mexican

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:30:17 GMT

I don't care if it's a chain, the Baja Steak burrito is the best, ever. A darn good quesadilla as well.

Los Angeles journal: Low Rider - War

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:28:46 GMT

Los Angeles - June 3, 2007

Back home in the USA, or a previous home anyway. I lived in this wacky town for nearly five years a while back so I suppose it's fitting I include it on this world tour of mine. This stop also officially let's me say I 'visited' the six main continents but let's be honest, I didn't do a single touristy thing. Not a thing. What started as a relaxing slow down in Australia became a full brake pit stop here in LA. It was all about taking it slow and doing nothing. To steal Paul B's travel Modus Operandi and the greatest work movie ever made, 'It's not that ...

Canberra journal: Sin City – AC-DC

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:48:12 GMT

Canberra / Blue Mountains – 5-22-07

Well, I couldn’t rightly have an Australia travel blog and not include at least one AC-DC song now could I? And what better Oz destination to label Sin City than its political capital, Canberra. No, it’s not Can-berr-a, Can-bra is the correct pronunciation. At least that’s what I’ve been told a hundred times every time I (still) say it wrong. The song is a bit ironic to be honest, because it’s the most sterile place I’ve seen next to Singapore. Perfectly planned and laid out, with nary a piece of litter or dodgy pub in sight. What better place to host ...

Perth City journal: Down Under - Men at Work

Sun, 13 May 2007 21:05:36 GMT

Perth -Australia May 6, 2007

Well Asia is done. Ten weeks, my longest stint of the trip and I’m well past the halfway point now. It almost feels like I’m done really traveling because most of May will be more visiting friends and family. There’s the month of June in South America that will definitely be an adventure but for now I’m looking forward to an easy month and some companionship.

So Perth then huh? Western Gateway to the Wonderful Land of Oz? Well , I don’t think I should really count it since I was only there for four hours during a six hour layover. It was nice four ...

Alice Springs journal: World on Fire - Sarah McLachlan

Thu, 10 May 2007 18:26:20 GMT

5-11-07 Red Center, Australia

Ah, the Outback mate. Red desert, red rocks, red roos, red (sunburned) locals, red everything. It’s the center of a naturally odd country and certainly doesn’t disappoint on the curious scale. I checked into an Alice Springs hostel on Monday night and had a tour booked an hour later. Turns out I was using the same company Sue and Scott used years before (I think they found them before they got too successful for their own good). It was fun but too hurried and more Aboriginal folklore thrown in then I’ll ever remember. First day, 6 hour bus trip, Uluru ...

Alice Springs journal: Cheap and nice

Thu, 10 May 2007 18:17:06 GMT

Clean with great service

Alice Springs journal: 3 day Uluru tour

Thu, 10 May 2007 18:17:05 GMT

Rushed and not enough time at the actual rock

Australia journal: Chopper

Thu, 10 May 2007 06:06:24 GMT

It's Down Under time and although it's just a few weeks I'm going to see the continent from west coast to red center to the east. I'm really looking forward to seeing friends and family as well as enjoying a vegemite sandwich or two. Kidding, I cant stand the stuff either.

Cheers - Bill

Gili Trawangan journal: Just off the beach in Gili

Thu, 03 May 2007 22:26:20 GMT

Great price with a fan and cold water, but oh those mozzies

Gili Trawangan journal: Banana Pancakes, Jack Johnson

Thu, 03 May 2007 02:57:06 GMT

5-1-07 Gili Trawangan Island, Lombok

May Day! No Druid May Pole festivities this year but a little Island hopping works just as well. All through Thailand and Bali I went searching for that idyllic little beach destination that had a laid back beach vibe with the tropical island scenery of my dreams. I hit plenty of nice places but something was always missing. Either the water wasn’t quite blue enough or it was too touristy, or whatever my spoiled pickiness decided to complain about. Well, in the Gili Islands there’s not a complaint to be had. It’s perfect. As for that scenery I ...

Gili Trawangan journal: The best shop in Gili

Thu, 03 May 2007 02:07:00 GMT

Absolutely the best dive shop around. They do a fun-Nitrox dive to a ww2 wreck at 45meters that is amazing

Bali journal: Bali In My Eyes, Perry Farrell

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 05:02:05 GMT

4-26-07 Bali, Indo

Aaaah, Bali. The word alone conjures visions of the exotic. Tall palm trees swaying against a pillow cloud filled bluer than blue sky, waves crashing against the glistening black sand beach, all with the slightly off tune Balinese xylophone playing from the Hindu temple in the background. Yep, doesn’t get more exotic than this. Three weeks I have to play in this paradise. Tough life mine huh?

But where to start? Hmmm – surfing has its lure in me so it’s off to Kuta Beach. Yikes! WAY too many touts, tourists and big waves for this sad excuse of a malibu rider. ...

Bali journal: Budget Hotel in Kuta Beach

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 04:59:52 GMT

$20 is a bit pricey for a single room in SE Asia but it was worth it for the ac, room, pool and great staff. I'll be back in a week.

Singapore City journal: Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing) Benny Goodman

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:33:09 GMT

4-25-07

I know, I'm posting this one about ten days late. So sue me. I'm in Indonesia somewhere now and the internet connection just aint what it could be. Besides, I was only in Singapore for two nights so it shouldn't even count at all. At least that's what all these 'seasoned' travelers keep telling me. Sidebar: there is definitely a snobbery elite amongst the globetrekking backpackers of the world. It's like anyone who spends less than a month in one place or country is a lower life form, yes the dreaded tourist. These pros (usually from Western Europe of course) think that ...

Similan Islands journal: Everyday Sunshine - Fishbone

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 06:21:41 GMT

4-5-07

Similan Islands, Thailand

Hmmm, four days at sea listening to the mp3 player and I can’t come up with a tune title for this amazing dive trip. Land ho! Nope, used The Doors already. Don’t Rock the Boat baby. Not a chance I’m using 70’s disco in this blog. Buffet’s ‘Sharks to the left and right’, I might’ve even though I spent most of my youth bashing the guy. No luck at all on the sharks though so I can’t. That leaves tons fish and constant sun, and thus one of my all-time favorite songs: Fishbone – Everyday Sunshine. And I don’t care that ska has been out for years.

S ...

Ko Samui journal: Tommy Gun - The Clash

Sun, 15 Apr 2007 03:30:28 GMT

Ko Samui – 4-13-07

Happy New Year! Well, if you were in Thailand it would be and believe me it’s almost impossible not to enjoy the Thai New Year’s festival. I had no idea their New Years was April 13th, the day I was to fly out to Singapore. I wish I did because I definitely would have stayed longer. Luckily the water festival starts the night before so I saw a bunch anyway. I’d heard hints and whispers about wearing a bathing suit and bringing no electronics with you on the streets. Huh? What kind of New Years is that, I thought. Well I found out soon enough when I got a taste a few ...

Railay journal: Ya Ya - Buckwheat Zydeco

Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:56:08 GMT

Railay Beach – Thailand 4-8-08

Easter Sunday and my Dad’s 15 year anniversary. Rough day to be alone in Thailand. There wasn’t a single recognition of the holiday anywhere. Not a chocolate bunny or colored egg to be found. And the nearest church was a boat, bus and scooter taxi ride away which I just couldn’t swing. Well, that’s the flip side of travel fun. You miss the important stuff when you’re away too. But where am I anyway? I forget some days myself. Railay Beach is a little peninsula only accessible by boat because it is surrounded by big hills. Yeah, you guessed it, big, freaky ...

Siem Reap journal: Bodhisattva – Steely Dan

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:57:03 GMT

Cambodia

– 3-27-07

Since I first started planning this trip people have looked at the itinerary and always hesitated when they came to Cambodia. ‘Why?’ Angkor Wat, I'd say. They would just shake their heads, probably thinking of the Killing Fields of the previous Khmer administration. All that horror is in their past but I had my concerns too, hearing friend’s stories of locals offering RPG (yes, a grenade launcher) target practice on cows. That’s probably why I only scheduled a few days in country.

Well, we’re all wrong. At least from what I saw, and granted that’s only the ...

Southeast Asia journal: It's not the heat, it's the . . .

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:57:03 GMT

Southeast Asia time. Cambodia-Thailand-Bali. Equatorial heat, jungle humidity, blinding sunshine. I might be eating my Chinese cold complaints but so be it. At least it's less clothes to carry (but more sun block). It's also beaches and scuba diving and surfing. Frankie says Relax, but I'll also be on the lookout for any Temples of Doom and those so hard to find chilled monkey brains. Should be a sweaty but interesting ride.

Phangnga journal: James Bond Theme - John Barry Orchestra

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 03:51:33 GMT

3-29-07 Thailand

Phang Nga, day one in Thailand. After a brief yet security annoyance filled flight from Cambodia I land in Phuket and immediately get the heck off that island. All I’ve heard about the place is it’s a tourist trap resort zone (fully recovered from the tsunami) and I’m just not in that mood. I ignore all the ‘advice’ from the airport tourist board/taxi drivers and take a bus north to this little town with no beach. The hotel is cheap and has a/c. I’m happy and love proving touts wrong. I book my boat trip for the next day and am surprised to get a scooter rental for the ...

Siem Reap journal: Mom's Guest House with a hard O

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:29:25 GMT

Nice digs and a good deal. AC wasn't up to the task for the big room but it was clean and the staff very helpful.

Macau journal: Instant Karma - John Lennon

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:23:54 GMT

Macau and Hong Kong 3-23-07

Well the mainland kicked my butt and here I am back in Hong Kong where it's finally warmed up some. I got here with a brutal cold but all the sweating from this humidity seems to have knocked it out. Good thing too because I did not want to be sick walking around Cambodia come Monday. I didn't do too much these three days really. Took a 5k Gondola ride (where was this thing during the Wall walk?) to the world's largest sitting outdoor Buddah. Nice but what I want to know is how darn big is the world's largest indoor standing Buddah? That night I ...

Arusha journal: Under African Skies - Paul Simon

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:16:14 GMT

1-27-07 Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Remember when I said Egypt was probably the biggest motivator for this traveling extravaganza? Well, I lied. Egypt was tied with East Africa, the Tanzanian Safari to be exact. Last week I stood witness to the greatest achievements of ancient man. This week I get to hear nature’s timeless argument. The first few days in Africa were spent in Nairobi, Kenya and then Arusha, Tanzania. Both were just means to a safari end, so I’ll skip any real journal entries or details other than to say both have a crime reputation that appears to me much worse than it ...

Yangshuo journal: Mountain Song- Jane's Addiction

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:40:30 GMT

3-13-07 Yangshou

Daytime and the place takes on a whole other vibe. Flute peddlers stroll the cobblestone lanes playing their wares, with the occasional Gallic harmony thrown in for the tourists upcoming holiday. Street vendors hawk tea from gigantic steaming teapots. Best of all everywhere you look hotels and restaurants with English signs and menus, and very cheap prices. It’s not called a backpacker haunt for nothing. All surrounded by the otherworldly pinnacles. After ordering and receiving a delicious dumpling order I stayed two extra nights just for the beautifully relaxed ease of ...

Xi'an journal: Heart of Stone - The Rolling Stones

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 07:58:22 GMT

3-15-07 Xian

Not too much to say here I’m afraid. I arrived in the rain and could only find an expensive hotel (a whopping $25). Went to a Chinese buffet and ended up having a bird’s beak on my plate somehow which killed my appetite for the rest of the meal. Then I had no choice but to take another tour bus to see the Xian Warriors, even though I swore I wouldn’t take another tour ever again just a few weeks ago in Italy. Public buses are tough when you can’t read or pronounce the language at all so options were limited. At least this tour was honest. Only one ‘shopping’ stop and I ...

Xi'an journal: Melody Hotel

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 06:17:56 GMT

Overpriced and annoying rules. No hot water 2 out of 3 mornings.

Yangshuo journal: Global Cafe

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 07:23:54 GMT

3 meals yummy out of 3. Cant beat that.

Yangshuo journal: Lisa's Cafe

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 07:21:44 GMT

Very cheap and cool place

Fuli journal: Misty Mountain Hop - Led Zeppelin

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 07:10:58 GMT

3-12-07 Li River Cruise

The city takes away from the scenery a bit so I decided to head south on the Li River Cruise and then spend the rest of my time in Yangshou. The river is just unbelievably scenic and the cruise, well let’s just say it is as close as I’ll ever get to being a celebrity. The boat is expensive so I took the Chinese speaking cruise to save $40. Seemed a good idea at the time. Well, imagine 100 curious PRC Chinese and one American. Yep, I was stared at, said hello to and posed with the whole time. They did everything but ask for an autograph. The first ...

Hong Kong journal: Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:23:27 GMT

Hong Kong– 3-8-07

I can’t believe I just sent all my warm clothes back to NY. The weather reports said 75 in Hong Kong last week and most of the next few months will be in sub-tropical countries so I figured no worries, but today I’m cold as hecklers. Three days I’ve been in Asia and every day is gray, foggy and a chilly. Worse news on the horizon too, I heard Beijing just got snow! Guess I’ll be buying some cheap thermals and a jacket. But back to Hong Kong.

Very interesting city, like a combo of New York and San Fran. Tons of skyscrapers built into big hills on a lovely harbor. ...

Asia journal: Crouching Tiger

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 18:39:19 GMT

I think I'll break Asia out by China and then another Journal for Southeast Asia. China's got PLENTY to say, I just can't understand a word.

Rome journal: Circus Maximus - Clutch

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 23:42:51 GMT

Rome 3-5-07

Ah Roma. Just being here wants to make me talk like Brando in the Godfather. ‘Buona Serra, Bouna Serra’ I try saying good night to folk with cotton in my cheeks. The city is more amazing than I could ever explain but being able to share it with family makes this stop far more meaningful than some of the others. I was whining a few posts ago about getting lonely and now I have company: Mama Mia! Yeah, Mom Benson flew across to see the Pope and her eldest son, probably but not necessarily in that order. Mom had never been to Italy so I asked if she wanted to join me for the ...

Rome journal: Hotel Cicerone

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 23:31:14 GMT

Good value but not a backpacker joint

Barcelona journal: For Whom the Bell Tolls - Metallica

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:00:19 GMT

Barcelona 2-25-07

I know, lots of Hemmingway references but he was a big fan of both Spain and Kenya so it’s not really my fault. I really should have found some modern rock tune due to the theme of this crazy Spanish town. Modernism, everywhere you look. I went on and on about art in Madrid but if the Spanish capital was an ornate classic art mecca, than Barcelona is Madrid’s bizzaro twin. At the very end of the 19th century Barcelona’s leaders and planners had amazing foresight to jump on the modern art and architecture bandwagon big time. Because of their faith in the amazing artists ...

Europe journal: Eurotrip II

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:47:22 GMT

Oh eh, scuzzi, scuzzi. I can't help thinking of that scene on the train of that stupid teen movie everywhere I go in this continent. This 2 week jaunt through southern Europe won't be quite that eventful I think, and hope. (Trust me, just go rent Eurotrip).

Giza journal: Take Me to the River - Talking Heads

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:37:47 GMT

Helipolis-Cairo 2-20-07

Africa Last Words

Well today is my last day in Egypt, thus Africa, and my last look for a long while on the Nile. I spent it taking a final gander at the Pyramids, seeing the great sun boat, climbing into the Great Cheops pyramid and taking a peak at the first Step pyramids down in Saqqara. Going inside Cheops was way overpriced but extremely cool There were a group of French folk chanting while taking turns inside the sarcophagus and swinging pendulums like it was their religion. Wackadoos for sure but it certainly added to my experience. I also posted some ...

Dahab journal: Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 02:37:18 GMT

Dahab – 2-19-07

From very dry to very wet. That was the turn of events from yesterday to today. The desert is amazing, but to me hiking and sightseeing has its limits. I need to be doing something, and today it’s all about the liquid blue. After two somewhat disappointing dive performances in Sharm I needed to redeem myself and headed off to the reefs of Dahab to do so. Shore diving is de rigueur here in Dahab which had me a bit concerned. Walking through the surf on slippery rocks with 30 pounds on your back can be a bit tricky but I needn’t have worried myself at all. It was a very ...

Sharm el-Sheikh journal: New Deep - John Mayer

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 01:33:56 GMT

Sharm El Sheik – 2-14-07 Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day and of course I have to end up in a full board hotel with the big Sweetheart’s Dinner extravaganza happening. I tried squeezing into a corner by the busboys which kept me hidden from the guests but then the waiters kept asking me ‘just one sir?’. No tip for them. Embarrassing moments aside, it is tough being alone on holidays, even those you never expect the Egyptians to celebrate. I was bummed for a while but thank goodness for Skype and its 2 cent a minute calling deal. I know I’m living the good life, no work, seeing the wonders of the ...

Alexandria journal: Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:04:30 GMT

Scuba diving Cleopatra’s City 2-12-07

Made it back from Kenya no issues and now I’m back in Egypt. It’s like coming home. Not at all actually but at least I’m familiar with things this time round. I haven’t had a taxi driver rip me off yet and they all try. I took the train up to Alexandria, the home of the original Iron Maiden herself -Cleopatra, stopping for a few hours in Tanta to see the sites. Very nice. Alexandria is the big motivator today though. I’ve been looking forward to it for a while. Two main reasons really. First, they have scuba diving on the remains of ancient ruins. ...

Alexandria journal: Cheap but not so clean. Nice view though.

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:03:03 GMT

Egypt journal: Egypt Redux

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 11:57:28 GMT

Well, I made it through East Africa unscathed and start the second leg of my Egypt journey. This time things won't be quite so dry, and I don't mean the humor. Thanks for following along once again.

Bill

Luxor journal: The Sun King - The Cult

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:38:31 GMT

Luxor 1-18-07

That nice little hotel I mentioned on my last post is again called Ramses. It’s not like every hotel in Egypt is named that but my first choice was booked and they recommended this place. It’s down a dirt road alley filled with playing children and well lit at night. The hotel is a LOT nicer than the last place but that’s what you get for an extra $2 a night. Luxor proper seems a bit of a hassle but I’m staying across the Nile on the West Bank (I know, the name had me worried at first too) which is very laid back and quite enjoyable so far. After a leisurely afternoon I ...

Cairo journal: City Don’t Cry – Page and Plant

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:36:47 GMT

1-14-07 8am

Got into Cairo last night and things are . . well surreal is the best word in mind. I heard about bad drivers but I don’t think I had actually ever seen them until last night. Wow. No lights, swaying around the lane without cause as if they were all drunk, insane high speed lanes changes, crossing the cement barrier for highway u-turns at will and then there are the huge pieces of garbage/appliances blocking lanes at random without a cone or cop in sight. Amazing. Stop giggling, I was never this bad. Believe me.

Cairo at night on a first visit is a bit ...

Africa journal: Welcome to the Jungle - Guns n Roses

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:33:48 GMT

East Africa - Kenya and Tanzania

Yes there is definitely no better song title to choose from. From the second I landed in Nairobi at 4am 8 days ago to a few hours before now when I got back from my Serengeti safari, this has been one amazing welcome to Africa. I know, Egypt is in Africa, but to I always felt I was in the Middle East. Now there is no doubt. Welcome to the Jungle. I'll try posting the Journal entries tomorrow but for now I just wanted to get things started, let you know I survived my encounter with an angry lion (see the pics) and send out love and thanks for ...

Kenya journal: Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner - Warren Zevon

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:21:31 GMT

Nairobi 2-7-07

Roland the what?, I can hear being whispered throughout the land. Well the song matches the mood for many reasons. First it’s a great funny song that mentions several African cities, none of which I’ve visited but that’s besides the point. Secondly, it’s the last performance Zevon gave on Letterman before he died. Third, you feel like need a Thompson gun sometimes in Kenya. Not for the crime but to deal with the ineptitude. And last but not least, after missing my first flight of the trip through no other cause than a faulty memory, I’m feeling quite headless today.

Zanzibar journal: Moondance - Van Morrison

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:48:14 GMT

2-1-07 Zanzibar Kendwa Beach

Zanzibar. The word alone conjures images of the exotic and magical in my mind. History tells of its import as far back as the Romans and possibly Egyptians. It is an island of spice and mystery they say, and I can’t wait to arrive.

I head directly up to the very north of the island to a little beach called Kendwa. I heard a hotel called Kendwa Rocks with cheap shacks on the beach right next to a good dive shop so that was all the info I needed. The Rocks was full because they had a ‘full moon party’ going that Saturday, which we’ll get to in a ...

Ngorongoro Crater National Park journal: Love Reign o'er Me - The Who

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 09:08:24 GMT

Safari Day 4 - After an absolutely amazing day of cat sightings we head to what many consider the perfect African Safari, Ngorogoro Crater. Just like it's spelled folks, In-goro-goro. I still say it wrong though of course. It comes out like Ben Stiller saying Brett Favvrrraaa in Something About Mary. The Crater is a just that, a huge volcanic caldera that blew its top a million years ago or so. It is the perfect environment for all Africa's animals, and the only place in Tanzania to see the Big 5 - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Water Buffalo and Elephant. The Big 5 is an old great white hunter ...

Tarangire National Park journal: Shaking the Tree - Peter Gabriel

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:27:27 GMT

Jambo (Swahili hello)! Aah, the last night in a tent has passed and I can't say I'm sorry about it. I need a bed, a hot shower and a real toilet with a seat. But there's still a day of safari left at Tarangier National Park. This is the least visited of the parks on the Tanzanian Northern Circuit and on arrival I wondered why. The facilities were amazing. Nicest bathroom I've seen since leaving the States (bathrooms become a big deal in the 3rd World) and the landscape was really pretty. There were long flat plains and rolling hills littered with the flat top acacia trees you might ...

Serengeti National Park journal: Lovecats - The Cure

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:13:33 GMT

So the morning after the Lion surround sound (props to Mom) we head out on our first early morning game drive. The tension from the arguments the night before immediately eases when I spot two female lions resting right off the side of the road. It was our first up close encounter with the big cats and I was jumping out of my skin, especially since these were probably the source of those big roars the night before. They stared us down a bit and then strolled a few yards away just to keep both sides safe it seemed. I must have took 40 pictures in a minute. They acted as a true pair, each ...

Serengeti National Park journal: Shadow of the Sun - Audioslave

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 07:35:59 GMT

Day 2 of the Safari was very different than the rest. We mostly drove all day on seeing the crater from above and animals here and there as we drove through the Ngorogoro Conservation area headed toward the Serengeti. I was starting to really feel the sun without the roof shade that every other truck seemed to have and the picture of the vehicle I saw had and a dispute started amongst the passengers and guide about us seeing the full on wildebeest migration. The guide was now telling us something different than what we were sold. Imagine that. Even Akuna Matata wasn't cutting it when ...

Aswan journal: Tea in the Sahara - The Police

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 12:35:55 GMT

Aswan 1-16-07

Long day with a longer one on tap. I grabbed the sleeper train down to Aswan last night and was pretty happy with my first long rail experience. Controversy ensued at first when my roommate appeared insisting she reserved a non-share single. Not that I blame her but this is Egypt and after navigating the ticket purchase and subway again to Giza station I wasn’t moving my boney butt until told to do so by a large Egyptian in authority. Last thing I needed was to be stranded in Giza at 8pm with no train seat or hotel.She was pretty rude to the conductor while he kept ...

Aswan journal: Cheap and central

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 05:47:46 GMT

Spain journal: Mad in Madrid

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:56:10 GMT

Mad in Madrid 1-11-06.

Be it the emotion or state of mind I doubt most of you would be surprised to hear me experiencing madness on the first stop of this excursion of mine. but things are actually going pretty well. When I arrived it was cold and damp, matching my exhausted mood from the JFK posting. I got a few hours sleep on the plane which helped a bit but I was far from giddy, even after finding out my luggage had made it back from Guam. I navigated the shuttle and Metro (the subway for those of you keeping score at home) from the airport to my lodging easily and cheaply enough, ...

Cairo journal: Cheap Hotel but not bad

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:36:15 GMT

Egypt journal: Egypt

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:32:43 GMT

Egypt Blog 1-14-07

Hey folks, thanks for stopping by again. The Egypt blog is going to be cut in sections. I start in Cairo for a couple of days, head down to Aswan, Luxor and other parts of the Nile Valley. Then I come back to Cairo for my flight to Kenya. After a couple of weeks in Kenya and Safari I fly back to Cairo, train up to Alexandria, bus down to the Red Sea and Sinai, and then head back to Cairo once again for one last peek at the Pyramids and my flight to Barcelona. I’ll probably list separate ‘Journal Entries’ for each area I visit under this one Egypt Journal. The ...

Queens journal: D-Day

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:31:09 GMT

I'm sitting in JFK's Terminal 4, Gate 12 about an hour before my first flight, Iberia 3662 (I think) to Madrid 9pm. Finally the big trip is about to start but I'm too tired to even think about being excited. I wanted to write a big departure day entry but to be honest I'm way too emotional today to write what's going on in my head. I've been away from friends and family for longer than 6 months before but this time it feels different, more difficult. Maybe it's the uncertainty of the sites ahead or maybe I'm a bit freaked or maybe I'm just sleep deprived. Who knows? It was just really ...