The world is a vast and uncertain place, and it is impossible to know what secrets it holds for you. The only certainty, however, is that you won’t be able to unearth any of these truths unless you’re willing to take the initial step and start exploring in the first place. And just as every […]
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Eating in Istanbul: A Lesson in Kebaps
December 2, 2011 
13 Comments
As is the case with most large countries boasting a geographically diverse landmass, the cuisine can vary quite a bit from region to region. Given that I’ve spent the majority of my time around the general Istanbul area, my food post for the region will be specifically applicable to the Aegean area — which is notable for favoring rice over bulgar, corn, couscous […]
Continue reading Carpets, Markets, and Hamams in Istanbul
November 29, 2011 2 Comments
Between the enticing aromas of kebabs being cooked, the enormous mass of people filling the streets, colorful lanterns and flags strung up everywhere, the sweet smells of shisha pipes filling the air, the gravity-defying piles of spices, more tea and coffee being shoved your way than is humanly possible to consume, and the ever-present calls of […]
Continue reading A Short But Sweet Stay in Montenegro
November 21, 2011 5 Comments
Kotor, Montenegro: Moving south along the coast, the next destination on my itinerary was the tiny country of Montenegro. One of the first destinations you’ll arrive at, and my next stop, is the Bay of Kotor. More of a fjord than a bay, it is an inland waterway sandwiched between several mountain ranges (not surprising, […]
Continue reading Seafood Feasts and Fantastic Vistas along the Dalmatian Coastline
November 17, 2011 8 Comments
Split, Croatia: After leaving Bosnia, my journey has taken me back into Croatia to enjoy some of the glorious Dalmatian coastline, which is said to be home to some of the most stunning scenary in Eastern Europe. My first stop was Croatia’s second city of Split: a somewhat gritty, blue-collar type of place, but one in which it […]
Continue reading Tracing History (and Chevapi) in Sarajevo and Mostar
November 11, 2011 11 Comments
Sarejevo, Bosnia and Herzigovina: To ignore Sarajevo’s history is to ignore the heart of the town itself. Although the captial city of Bosnia and Herzigovina has developed into a modern city complete with designer boutiques and chic cafes, the remnants of years past still show through and the memories are still too near to forget. Sarajevo has found […]
Continue reading Further Explorations of Former Yugoslavia: Zagreb and Beograde
November 8, 2011 11 Comments
As with many Westerners, the only images or preconceptions that I associated with the former Yugoslavian countries — before visiting, that is — were of the confilicts and NATO bombings in the mid-1990’s that ultimately led to the Croatians, Serbians, and Bosnians splitting apart and forming their own independent countries. And although scars are still […]
Continue reading Communing with Nature in Slovenia
November 1, 2011 9 Comments
The next stop on my great journey across the globe was that of Slovenia — which, incidentally, may have just become my new favorite country. Sometimes referred to as Europe’s playground, it is certainly a dream destination for the free-spirited and outdoorsy-types, as the cities are bright, vibrant, and youthful, and the countryside is filled with […]
Continue reading Battling the Weather in Budapest
October 29, 2011 7 Comments
After my Italian adventure came to an end, the next stop on my itinerary was the dual city of Budapest, Hungary — Buda being the laidback, hilly portion of the city to the West of the Danube River filled with nature trails and forests while Pest is the more metropolitan heart, sitting to the East. As you’ll […]
Continue reading Gondolas, Glass-blowing, and Grappa in Venezia
October 24, 2011 106 Comments
Admirers of the city speak of its dream-like qualities and its fancifal canals, whereas detractors claim these same aspects lend it an artificial feel. The former commend the quaint shops, pleasant seranades of the gondola drivers, and romantic nooks, whereas the latter see only over-crowded streets, expensive shops, and tourist kitsch. Regardless of whichever side of the coin you […]
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