Ah, Portugal. Mysterious nation at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula. Land of nata tarts, salt cod, and port wine, of fado, salty ocean air, sunsets, and surfing. It is the only continental European country on GMT, and it is also my first stop on my Iberian adventure! For the most part, my month…
I spent the first three months of 2019 in France, living, exploring, and discovering both an amazing country and myself. I can't even begin to describe how life-changing of an experience it was, to realize that I am able to thrive in a foreign country with a language and customs different from my own. I…
I've been back in the country for a couple weeks now, so of course it is time to start thinking about the next jaunt away. Fortunately, it happens to be coming up in less than a week. I am headed back to Central America! Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a couple…
Can you believe I haven't left the country in four months? Me neither, but my "dry spell" is ending next week when I head off to see the Royals (from a distance - if at all - since I don't actually know them and they didn't tweet me back), the Bard, and the Brexiteers in…
About seven years ago, my father moved from California to Dillsboro, Indiana, just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. He had always wanted to try small town life, and chose Dillsboro since one of his closest friends lived there with her family. The town was good to him. He made some amazing friends, and formed a wonderful…
For many people, visiting Los Angeles means the beach, Hollywood, or Beverly Hills. Too many overlook downtown, or DTLA as it's called by locals. That's a shame, as downtown offers some truly awesome sights, especially those with cultural significance. In this itinerary, we bring the incredible arts scene of downtown LA into the center of…
It is time for my annual father-son driving trip and, since my dad will be moving back to California this fall, our last one based in the Midwest. This year's destination is a new one for me: the upper peninsula of Michigan! A couple years ago, in the early days of The Royal Tour, I…
There is still plenty more Guatemala content on the way - don't worry - but I am changing locations shortly and it's time to lay out the itinerary for the second half of my Central America journey: Nicaragua. Before you start, yes, I am aware that there have been violent crackdowns of anti-government protests over…
I can't believe that this trip is upon me. I've wanted to visit Guatemala since my first exposure to Mayan culture in Belize about fifteen years ago. On that trip, I journeyed to Altun Ha, a small Mayan trading city. It was impressive, and I learned of the existence of the grandest Mayan city of…
After an incredible three months in France and a month back stateside, it is time for me to head back out of the country. The destination? Central America! I've designated this Central America Part One since I will be returning to a couple more countries later in the year. It wasn't intentional to visit Central…