Blog
UPDATED OCTOBER 5, 2025
It’s been more than two years since I’ve written for my followers across more than 40 countries, and much has happened in that time period. I still consider myself to be living a quasi-nomadic lifestyle. I’ve moved from the bland, quiet comforts of Beaverton to the more interesting, eclectic neighborhood teetering between Nob Hill and Goose Hollow in downtown Portland. From my high rise apartment windows, visible sunrises have become my new wake up call. Mt. Hood and St. Helens tease me — hiding behind the east wall of my home, however, a simple step or two onto the escape balcony gives me the desired view.
I am currently on a short, 55 day lap around the planet… a lap time much shorter than usual. The 2023 goal of landing on 70 countries has easily been surpassed. A week ago, I landed in Baku, Azerbaijan, #103. Those 103 entities include 91 UN recognized countries, and 12 that are either constituents or self-proclaimed sovereignties not recognized by the United Nations for a variety of reasons. Taiwan is one example of not being recognized because of ROC’s (Republic of China) claim to the land and unwillingness to recognize it as an independent, sovereign nation.
I’ve compiled a mountain of copious travel notes over the past two years. It is my intention to convert those thoughts into content that interests my readers. In the meantime, “Safe travels fellow travelers.”
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Colombia’s Bad Rap Lingers
Before we arrived in Medellin, we had our typical transition meeting where we celebrate our month in the current country
Medellin, Colombia… First Impressions Matter
Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring” is known for having year-round moderate climate due to its location near the equator.
The Upside… Downside of Peru!
I’ll begin this post by saying that my love for Peru goes well beyond the repeated refrain of “amazing food… amazing sunsets”.
Red, White, Bubbly or Pisco?
Tacama, Peru’s oldest winery, has been offering up some of the world’s finest wines…
The Poor Man’s Galapagos Will Suffice!
Caught this beautiful Peruvian pelican at the exact moment he/she was lifting its wing and craning its neck to… scratch an itch?
Meet Barranco - Arguably Lima’s Hippest District!
Designers, musicians, artists and some of Lima’s finest restaurants can be found in Barranco,
Larcomar Mall’s Awesome Sunset View
As the fiery ball descends into the vast waters of the Pacific Ocean, it gives its audience a variety of unforgettable poses.
Peruvian Food with a Sunset View Will Do!
We landed in Lima late in the afternoon. The sunset was like no other I’ve witnessed in my lifetime.
Mi Argentina y Uruguay Side Trip was Excepcional!
Argentina and Uruguay were on my radar from the moment I considered this year long journey…
Dog Days of Summer?
Chilean dogs roam the streets, unabated and apparently without fear of being rounded up by local animal control.
The ‘Valley of Paradise’
Valparaiso, whose name translates to ‘Valley of Paradise’ rests on undulating hills that beg to share its story…
Santiago’s La Vega Central Market
I spent the morning in La Vega Central, where locals and tourists will find the largest food market in Santiago.
The Relevance of Travel
My backpack saved room for books, two of which were ‘The Boys in the Boat’ and ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’.