Day 2 of Annapurna Trek: Dharapani to Chame, with trail description, photos, duration and elevation statistics, and budget breakdown. March 24, 2018
Annapurna Circuit Day 1: Chamje to Dharapani
This is the starting point of a multi-post series detailing our Annapurna Circuit trek day-by-day in the Spring of 2018, with trail descriptions, photos, duration and elevation statistics.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Khmers in Angkor
Before coming to Siem Reap, I had the misconception that Angkor Wat was a single temple. But I quickly learned it is just one of many in a vast complex of other Hindu and Buddhist temple cities built by various Khmer Dynasty rulers during a 500-year period between 900 and 1400 A.D...
A Bit of Personal Reflection
I do not deal well with crowds and it is always a challenge for me to find a place of mental calm when faced with a mass of people and perceived pandemonium...
Sharing the Tet Temple Pilgrimage Experience in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
The temples in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh province, have exceptional characteristics, which is why they are a popular pilgrimage destination during Tet. Happy Year of the Dog!
Ha Giang, Vietnam: Motorbike Circuit
Our motorbike tour through Ha Giang province in Vietnam's northern highlands was the capstone of our two months in Vietnam...
Perfect Island Retreat for Couples in Con Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao is a perfect couple's retreat for those who love a quiet beach, an eye-opening dip in the salty bay after a hot morning run, and long stretches of simply staring in amazement at nature's glorious beauty.
Caves! Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam
The main attraction in Phong Nha National Park, Vietnam, is CAVES! Each cave offers a unique and completely different experience, but the highlight was...
Gratitude for "No Time"
These days, I rarely acknowledge time and am grateful for its absence.
Hue, Vietnam: Beautiful City With a Turbulent Past
Hue is a beautiful, modern city with a sordid past. From unifying the country to eventually selling-out to the French, the political events in Hue nearly 200 years ago altered the trajectory of the country.
Vietnam's Garden of Eden: Viet Hai
Most tourists to northern Vietnam book a fast-paced, one-day excursion to Halong Bay only to post disappointed reviews later. Do yourself a favor: ditch the crowds and enjoy a little slice of Eden in Viet Hai on the island of Cat Ba...
Making Friends on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
Nothing attracts kids like a flying camera! Caffrey making friends in Viet Hai, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam while flying the DJI Mavic Pro drone.
Danang and a Hai Van Pass Roadtrip to Lan Co
Danang has more to offer than just soft sandy beaches. When you’ve had enough sand between your toes, try exploring some of the nearby attractions, including: Marble Mountains, the Danang Fine Arts Museum, or a road trip over the Hai Van Pass to Lan Co for an all-you-can-possibly-eat seafood feast. Read on for more…
Impressions of Hanoi, Vietnam
We were in Hanoi Vietnam for a week and it took about that long to get used to the noise, dirt, and chaos. There is an order, but don’t expect to articulate or quantify it. You just have to surrender to it.
Attitude Is Everything
I offer two versions of our first traveling day to share the lesson I learned about attitude. We will encounter many unexpected hurdles this year. I am choosing RIGHT NOW to approach each challenge with a positive outlook.
The Noise of Clutter and Choice
It's getting quieter in this apartment, as we approach our move-out date. With less stuff, there is less choice. With less choice, there is less noise in my head.
The Religion of Wine in Rioja Valley, Spain
Spain has its own unique rhythm: lethargic in the morning, a burst of energy at lunch, a mass vanishing in the afternoon. It’s when the sun descends that Spain comes alive, fueled by hearty blends of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacha....
Brief History of Oktoberfest in Munich, 1810
Did you know that Oktoberfest actually starts in September? Don your dirndl or lederhosen and join the locals for the kickoff parade! This post puts Oktoberfest in its historical context and points out a few traditions and foods you don’t want to miss…
Top 10 Fears as We Embark on our RTW
Our plan is starting to materialize and I find us wavering between moments of absolute certainty and times of doubt. Preparing for my future look-back, here are the top fears I have at T minus 100 days from initial departure...
Destination Everywhere
We are now "vagabonding", I believe is the term. It's a big change for us, with lots of unknowns. I don't know the arc of this story, yet, and I do not know how our characters will struggle, adapt, change. But I do know one thing: this chapter will be different from the previous 20 years...