The latest Journal Entries from rastanigel at Footstops.com en-us Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:08:43 -0800 Copyright 2012, Bryan Rite @ Footstops.com Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:08:43 -0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 240 http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/ <p>Our now standard routine of coffee and custard pastries at Dona Helena's took on a new twist this morning: room service.  In Liz's apparent excitement of the day's excurion, she brought the try of goodies to the room as I... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9135/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9135/ Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:50:21 -0700 <p>Having spent the first four nights of our holiday at full throttle, it felt nice to sleep in today, knowing there was no alarm set to wake us far earlier than we wished.  Instead, we lazily cleaned up and meandered across the street for... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9134/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9134/ Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:50:24 -0700 <p>The buzz of the alarm stirred my consciousness entirely too soon.  After fumbling about the room to pack the remaining loose items, we quietly scrambled downstairs to meet the waiting taxi.  Traffic was non-existant, allowing us to... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9126/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9126/ Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:53:03 -0700 <p>Rising from the late morning slumber, my head throbbed in pain.  <em>Apparently jetlag does not help with the healing of skull fractures.</em>  But the thought was quickly set aside as I peered out at sunlit southern Po... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9125/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9125/ Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:31:13 -0700 <p>It had been two years since I was last in Europe, the final months of a 'life-statement' sort of trip that had shown me places and taught my things I never would have imagined to be possible.  The current excursion&n... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9123/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9123/ Sat, 10 Sep 2011 12:14:51 -0700 ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9124/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/9124/ Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:37:56 -0700 <p>The final leg of this improbable trip was upon me...it was time to return to Minneapolis.  Mom and a friend offered to drive me to Mauston (roughly half way), where I would be met by my ex-girlfriend, Liz, who would take me the rest of ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8723/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8723/ Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:28:29 -0700 <p>A nervous excitement filled my being as the plane descended into Milwaukee. Aside from mom's visit in Indonesia almost a year earlier, I hadn't seen any of my family in almost fourteen months!  The perpetual smile on my face c... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8694/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8694/ Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:03:36 -0700 <p>Having toured the world now for over thirteen months, it was finally time to head back to USA.  But before I saw family, there was one more stop to see a friend. Liz, my South Africa bungee/Greek Island exploring partner, lived in Tampa... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8605/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8605/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:45:45 -0700 <p>During the drive back to Dublin, I was contemplating what to do with my remaining week in the area.  My first thought was to head north to Belfast and experience a bit of Northern Ireland.  But to write the truth, I had been t... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8350/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8350/ Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:55:40 -0700 <p>Waking up in the guest room of Dom's house, my head was thumping from the previous night's activities.  A quick stroll downstairs not only provided me with a tasty glass of juice to quench my thirst, but also allowed me the fi... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8349/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8349/ Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:59:10 -0700 <p>Finally, I made it to the Emerald Isle...a place that had been on my travel list for many years.  After a quick flight across the Irish Sea, I found myself on city bus number sixteen, heading from the airport to central Dublin.  Un... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8348/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8348/ Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:06:20 -0700 <p>As my trip was nearing its end, the only remaining country that I absolutely wanted to visit before returning to the states was Ireland.  However, after checking through my facebook account, I learned that a travel mate from ten months ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8328/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8328/ Sat, 01 Aug 2009 10:02:28 -0700 <p>From everything that I had read, Turkish Cyprus, in the north of the island, was significantly less built up or touristy than the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek counterpart spread across the south of the island.  Since I would be arrivin... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8327/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8327/ Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:54:47 -0700 <p>It must have been eight or nine years ago that I had first, legitamately, considered traveling to Turkey.  At that time it was my strong desire to see Cappadocia, the incredibly bizarre land where the natural rock formations looked like... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8326/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8326/ Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:38:22 -0700 <p>Turkey was a big place.  But when Brita and I discussed what we'd like to do there, one thing was at the top of both our lists: hit the beach!  With that in mind, we left Selcuk via local bus for Fethiye.  The landscape a... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8325/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8325/ Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:43:48 -0700 <p>Somebody once said that a picture was worth a thousand words.  With that in mind, it was my hope that you would peruse the photo gallery to contemplate the beauty of ancient Rome as seen in western Turkey.  </p><p>That ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8324/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8324/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:16:39 -0700 <p>Brita, my friend from Vienna, had just been offered a new job as marketing director with Ikea. But before slipping back into the world of cubicles, business meetings and expense accounts, she wanted one more getaway out in the world. Visitin... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8323/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8323/ Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:13:28 -0700 <p>I had a free week and no idea where I wanted to go. After the wonderful time I just had in Greece, I really didn't feel like island hopping the Aegean solo, and ticket prices to many other nearby destinations were now at high season pri... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8322/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8322/ Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:27:27 -0700 <div> <div>After struggling for two days through the battle-hardened lands of Bosnia and Serbia, I finally made it to Greece!  I touched down in Athens exhausted but happy, for soon I would meet my adrenaline ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8297/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8297/ Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:36:04 -0700 <p>Travel is supposed to be fun...and easy.  But suddenly my relaxed journey around the globe took on the pressures and deadlines of an episode of Amazing Race.   I had overestimated the complexity in getting from Dubrovnik to At... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8294/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8294/ Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:06:41 -0700 <p>The knuckles of my forefingers rubbed deep into my still closed eyes, wiping away the remnants of a peaceful night's sleep.  Opening them to the light of day, my eyes once again feasted on the enormous room in which ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8281/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8281/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:09:37 -0700 <div>On the way to Austria, I stopped for two days and one evening in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.  Not really sure what to expect, I hoofed it from the train station into town and was fortunate to find vacancy in the first ho... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8213/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8213/ Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:38:58 -0700 <div><div>In the past, certain images had come to my mind when I thought of Budapest.  Mostly, they were basic: an eastern European city divided by a river with a difficult language and a history I vaguely knew.  In my mind... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8205/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8205/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:22:43 -0700 <p>Prague was a wonderous city!  Intruiging neighborhoods, church spires galore, fantabulous food and drink and a proper hilltop castle that brought you back to childhood fantasies of roaming the royal grounds as a Prin... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8169/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8169/ Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:19:05 -0700 <p>From Frankfurt it was an easy train ride to my most anticipated stop in Germany: Munich.  Preconceived notions filled my head as the train charged ever closer to the city.  I flashed back to the days of playing the trombone in the ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8168/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8168/ Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:20:54 -0700 <p>Continuing the theme of visiting friends that I had met earlier on the trip, I arrived into Frankfurt for a weekend of fun with Florian, a mate that I hiked the Great Wall with six months earlier.  Florian was a paradox.  Although ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8142/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8142/ Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:55:31 -0700 <p>Two and a half months ago I was in Kenya.  While on safari there I met two wonderfully fun Germans, Isabella and Hinz.  It was now my great fortune to meet up with Isa once again in her hometown of Cologne.</p><p>A city... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8125/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8125/ Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:08:56 -0700 <p>Yup, I was in Switzerland.  Marty and I took the train through Germany to the picturesque city of Zürich.  Having never been to the country before, I was somewhat unsure what to expect.  But as we spent the first day expl... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8086/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8086/ Tue, 26 May 2009 10:19:47 -0700 <p>After getting our fill of Amsterdam, Marty and I set off for his former home, Emmen. Located in the far northeast corner of the country, the train took less than two hours to get there.  <em>That was quick...gotta love the compa... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8037/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/8037/ Thu, 21 May 2009 04:48:37 -0700 <p>Departing the warmth of the Spanish coast, I flew to Paris, where I was met by my good friend Federico.  Fred and his family had moved from Minneapolis to Italy six years ago, and have now been in the picturesque village of Senlis,... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7912/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7912/ Tue, 19 May 2009 05:05:48 -0700 <p>In a way, this was where it all started for me: Spain.  Sure, I had been on a couple fishing trips to Canada and crossed the Mexican border during spring break, but the first proper international travel that I experi... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7888/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7888/ Mon, 11 May 2009 10:11:07 -0700 <p>Coming off of our adventure highs along the Garden Route, we decided to head inland to the stunning Drakensburg Mountains.  This spectacular range borders Lesotho (pronounced: Le-soo-too), one of the tiniest countries in Afrika.  N... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7759/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7759/ Tue, 05 May 2009 08:12:45 -0700 <p>Now that there were only three of us, we noticed some changes during the road trip: there was more space in the car, it was quieter and Lady Gaga wasn't played for at least a week.  It would have been nice to meet up with... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7662/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7662/ Fri, 01 May 2009 17:46:48 -0700 <p>Forget flying, forget trains and forget the BazBus: what better way is there to explore South Africa than by getting a few friends together, renting your own vehicle and hitting the road?!?  Well, that´s exactly what Mari and I ha... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7540/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7540/ Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:46:29 -0700 <div><p>Cape Town had intrigued me for a long time.  It's reputation as one of the best adventure cities in the world was the main reason that I flew directly there from Swaziland, rather than taking the coastal route across Sou... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7472/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7472/ Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:02:32 -0700 <p>Ready to depart Mozambique, I loaded myself into a bus full of locals and headed for the border of Swaziland.  The trip there went smoothly; however, the fact that I did not research my new destination prior to arrival cost me.  I ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7359/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7359/ Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:08:22 -0700 <p>Although Maputo proved to be an enjoyable experience, seeing this city was not the reason that I came to the country.  No, sir.  I came for the beaches, diving and laid back, tropical atmosphere that had made the almost 2500km... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7279/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7279/ Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:52:35 -0700 <p>The bus left Jo'burg early.  This meant that, after the seven hour journey to Mozambique's capitol city of Maputo was completed, I would have ample time to find accommodation and explore the city a bit.  Fortunately my qu... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7275/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7275/ Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:28:50 -0700 <p>It was with all too familiar African inefficieny and travellers' irony that my flight from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg brought me first to Zanzibar (where I just flew out of that morning) and then to Nairobi (where I had visited&... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7271/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7271/ Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:31:50 -0700 <p>It took two hours for the ferry to cross from Dar es Salaam to StoneTown, during which time the conditioned air and rocking sea lulled us into a restful nap.  We fought through customs (yes, Zanzibar now has its own customs, d... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7232/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7232/ Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:45:57 -0700 <p>Over the last week I had researched a ridiculous number of possible destinations to visit after Kenya, but one that I hadn't even considered was Tanzania.  After all, I spent a fair amount of time here on a previous visit, and I di... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7191/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7191/ Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:23:33 -0700 <p>You know the kind of day I'm writing about...the kind of day where you roll out of bed around noon.  Completely unmotivated to do a thing, brushing your teeth is considered a worthy accomplishment.  You plop on the couch by wa... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7172/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7172/ Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:42:49 -0700 <p>Despite the fact that everybody in the safari group was independently told that we would be going on an evening game drive upon arriving at Lake Nukuru, it did not happen.  Apparently that was just another of the several lies told to se... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7171/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7171/ Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:00:12 -0700 <p>It had been roughly six years since I was last on an African safari.  As departure from Nairobi approached I found myself significantly less interested than I remembered being all those years ago.  <em>Why do I feel different... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7163/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7163/ Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:29:51 -0700 <p>It wasn't easy leaving Oman.  However, in an attempt to turn the gray skies to blue, I focused on the fact that I was going back to Dubai for one more night before heading off to Africa, and that I would be able to see my friends M... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7111/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7111/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:51:00 -0800 <p>Continuing a recent theme of my trip, I arrived into Muscat, Oman anxious to meet Irena, my CS host for the next three nights.  I was pleasantly surprised that she offered to greet me at the terminal, as she was a dentist and the flight... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7098/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7098/ Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:56:42 -0800 <p>My journey was hitting a stall...I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go.  Most of the affordable flights out of the region left via Dubai, but I did NOT want to return there and shell out another 200 dihrams for ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7049/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7049/ Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:04:52 -0800 <p>Continuing my tour of the Gulf region, I arrived in Qatar with little knowledge of the country or culture.  Meeting me at the airport was Erika, another CS connection who kindly welcomed me into her spacious apartment near the city cent... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7048/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/7048/ Thu, 26 Feb 2009 08:19:51 -0800 <p>My flight from Iran to Bahrain transferred through Dubai.  I was nervous about missing this flight for two reasons: one, I desparately wanted to get off Kish Island, and two, I was going to partake in my first 'Couch Surfing' ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6983/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6983/ Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:59:29 -0800 <p>It was never my intention to travel to the Middle East on this trip. Originally, I had planned to go to Kenya from Sri Lanka, with the possibility of stopping at Maldives en route. But somewhere along the way I became intruiged by Dubai. And... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6961/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6961/ Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:59:29 -0800 <p>At 7:30am, local time, I arrived into the Sharjah airport on the outskirts of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  It had been a long night.  The transfer from Hikkaduwa began at 10:30 the evening before.   Four hours ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6954/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6954/ Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:22:54 -0800 <p>My time in India was quickly coming to a close as Madison and I boarded yet another southbound train...this one to Trivandrum.  It was here that we said our goodbyes; she was headed up the east coast of India while I was preparing to hu... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6924/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6924/ Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:59:27 -0800 <p>Perched atop the rocky cliffs of Varkala was the newest place that I called home.  Madison did a fabulous job choosing the room: the location was ideal, the cost was cheap ($6/pp) and the balcony overlooked the golden sands 120 feet bel... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6913/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6913/ Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:23:44 -0800 <p>Oh, how I didn't want to leave Goa.  </p><p>Nonetheless, I reluctantly said goodbye to my Russian friends, Artem and Alexander, and hopped in the rickshaw to travel 23k north before catching the southbound train.  ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6897/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6897/ Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:19:38 -0800 <p>I woke from a peaceful slumber to the cawing of crows above my roof.  The overhead fan cooled my body as I reached for the latest paperback to hold my interest.  Having located the point where I dozed off last night, I picked ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6829/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6829/ Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:21:53 -0800 <p>Today was the day.  I was going to see one of the Wonders of the World!  And as written in my last entry, I had ample time to reflect on my experiences in India before heading to Agra.  The time to ponder was further incr... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6828/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6828/ Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:56:05 -0800 <p>I arrived into New Delhi late in the day.  Not sure what, if anything, would still be open, I hailed a taxi and headed for Paharganj, the main tourist area in the Old Delhi section of town.  I figured I could still get a room somew... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6804/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6804/ Sat, 24 Jan 2009 22:45:17 -0800 <p>Being flung into the streets of Kolkata during rush hour is like being dropped onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during peak trading.  But instead of being surrounded by hundreds of frantic traders, you are engulfed by ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6736/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6736/ Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:21:10 -0800 <p>Taking the overnight bus back to Thailand's capital, I found myself with a lot to accomplish and little time in which to do it before my flight left for India.  I got into town at 5:00am, and headed straight for my former hotel; fi... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6735/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6735/ Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:23:33 -0800 <p>The ticket in my right, front, zippered pocket allowed me to step onto the pier on Ko Phangan after a twenty hour bus and boat transportation combination from Bangkok.  Grabbing my pack and walking the length of the pier, I quickly spot... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6718/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6718/ Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:59:05 -0800 <p>So we took the bus from Siem Reap across the desolate and pot-holed road to the Thai border.  This is where the 'fun' started.  Waiting in lines to wait in other lines to get through the lines and wait for OTHER peop... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6683/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6683/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:32:35 -0800 <p>Leaving Saigon I was anxious to get to one of my most anticipated destinations of the trip: Cambodia; specifically, Angkor Wat.  And to be here to ring in the New Year was extra special.  I wasn't really sure how things would ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6626/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6626/ Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:45:16 -0800 <p>Christmas in Nha Trang turned out to be fun, but the weather wasn't really cooperating and it seemed like every traveller suddenly had the same thought as me: let's get the hell out of town.  Consequently, the busses were book... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6585/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6585/ Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:24:02 -0800 <p>We left Hoi An on an overnight bus headed to Nha Trang: finally, I would get back to the beach.  I was ready to stay in one place for a while, and this seemed like the best option in Vietnam.  Ksenia, Dennis and I chose a hotel and... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6562/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6562/ Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:27:02 -0800 <p>Anxious to leave China, I opted for the three hour flight in lieu of the 48 hour train ride.  Arriving at midnight, I found myself in Hanoi, Vietnam, waiting for my shared taxi to fill up and take me to the Old Quarter of town.  In... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6552/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6552/ Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:49:45 -0800 <p>I boarded the overnight express train for Beijing with mixed feelings - sadness for leaving my friends and eagerness to explore a new place.  After all, I just spent twelve consecutive days in the same location, something that hasn&#039... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6531/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6531/ Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:58:13 -0800 <p>For those of you regularly following my blog, you may recall that way back in Indonesia, specifically in Sulawesi, I met a group of friends travelling together who live in China.  At that time, they invited me to come visit when I was p... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6530/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6530/ Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:36:02 -0800 <p>Strolling the crowded streets of Hong Kong's Kowloon district on my first night in town allowed me to make some immediate observations about the city: it is crowded; it is easily navigable by train; it is clean; it is safe; it is a... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6500/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6500/ Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:04:07 -0800 <p>After making it back to Manila, I booked a flight out for the next day.  So I had one last night to hang out and explore the city.  Roselyn joined me in the quest for a couple caches, and we managed to locate two, one of which... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6489/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6489/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:32:04 -0800 <p>Leaving Angeles I was unsure what I wanted to do next.  I felt as if I did not have a good experience in Philippines, but was not completely convinced that I wanted to stay longer in search of a better place.  I decided to go back ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6473/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6473/ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:49:09 -0800 <p>Mapping the location of Angeles, Philippines.</p>... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6472/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6472/ Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:15:38 -0800 <p>I decided to get out of Manila and head south, to the resort town of Sabang.  From my hotel, a three hour bus ride brought me to the town of Batangas, where I caught a crowded ferry for ninety minutes to Puerto Gallera.  After... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6470/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6470/ Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:20:49 -0800 <p>Arriving to the Philippines I decided to spend just one night in Manila before traveling South, where I hoped to do some diving.  I found a cheap room in Malate and decided to wander a bit.  First stop was food: I had a sushi ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6452/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6452/ Fri, 07 Nov 2008 07:05:00 -0800 <p>Map update only.</p><p>Needing to go back to KK for my next flight, I opted to fly from Semporna rather than risk another long bus ride in Sabah.  Made it to our home base and quickly hooked up with the boys for one last nig... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6451/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6451/ Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:16:12 -0800 <p>Leaving Sandakan, we had only a four hour bus ride (or so we thought) to the town of Semporna, gateway to the best diving in the area.  About two hours into the journey the bus broke down near a service station.  We pulled in ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6350/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6350/ Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:37:48 -0800 <p><strong>Sepilok and the Jungle:</strong></p> <p>Leaving KK, we hopped an eastbound bus for the town of Sandakan. We had to spend one night here before beginning the jungle phase. The hostel we stayed in was fin... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6279/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6279/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:02:35 -0700 <p><strong>Mount Kinabalu:</strong></p> <p>After a couple nights of down time we were ready to get active, and no better challenge on this island exists than Mt. Kinabalu.  Although its height is o... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6271/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6271/ Sun, 26 Oct 2008 00:36:10 -0700 <p><strong>The arrival: </strong></p><p>Leaving Brunei, I was ready to start experiencing some of the more adventurous aspects of this exotic isle.  But the first adventure was the transfer from my hotel in BSB... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6253/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6253/ Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:27:09 -0700 <p>That's the official name of Brunei, a small, oil-rich country located on the north coast of Borneo.  Literally translated in English, the country's name is "State of Brunei: Abode of Peace".  And the people of t... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6213/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6213/ Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:04:43 -0700 <p>Well, I made it back to KL.  The last time I was here, in 2003, I was just passing through from Maldives, en route to Phuket.  We had only a three hour layover, but I desparately wanted to explore.  That didn't happe... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6173/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6173/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:52:35 -0700 <p>Leaving Bali on a red eye, I found myself alone and disoriented in the Singapore airport at 3:30am.  Although this city has a phenominal public transportation system, it doesn't run between 2:30am-5:30am.  So that me... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6151/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6151/ Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:57:48 -0700 <p>There are only two places in the world that komodo dragons live in their natural habitat: one is the legendary Komodo Island, Indonesia, while the other is the neighboring island of Rinca. Based upon our overall timeline, and the likelihood... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6108/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6108/ Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:44:04 -0700 Departing Sulawesi, I had many thoughts about where I'd like to spend the next week before mom arrived. Under consideration were Java, Lombok and Eastern Bali. Eventually, the idea of staying in one spot...and relaxing...won out, so I heade... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6082/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6082/ Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:39:53 -0700 To most American ears, Indonesia sounds like an exotic place.  One's mind envisions such islands as Bali, Komodo, Java and Sumatra.  But for me there was one island in this massive archipeligo that always stood out amongst the rest:... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6009/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/6009/ Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:10:07 -0700 For many years I have been intruiged about Indonesia: the culture, the geographical differences, the diving, the food and of course the nearly perfect weather for most of the year.  Yesterday I arrived in Bali and am now beginning to get... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5967/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5967/ Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:43:56 -0700 Leaving NC, I boarded Quantas Airlines flight 92 headed for Australia. The time went quickly as I sat next to a wonderfully pleasant woman from Tonga. It was so fun to discuss the country I had just been to last month. And, as it is her job to ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5947/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5947/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:37:37 -0700 Leaving Vanuatu, we were once again forced into our quarters for the second crossing: this one to New Caledonia.  Fortuntely, this one was only scheduled for three days, and in reality it only took a shade over two, as we had consistent 20-pl... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5912/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5912/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:44:25 -0700 Imagine living in a small house. The livable space is roughly 10'x15'. You have your own bed and a cupboard which must hold everything you own. Imagine not being able to leave this house for ten straight days. You are in the same spot, d... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5901/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5901/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:23:42 -0700 The time had come to depart the Ha'apais and sail north to the Vava'u Group of islands.  Beautiful and with an abundance of moorings and safe anchorages, Vava'u sees approximately 500 yachts a year (versus maybe 50 annuall... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5754/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5754/ Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:56:31 -0700 So the sailing journey has begun.  We started with a short jaunt to an island nearby Tongatapu, called Atata.  It turned out to be a wonderful beginning, as the owners were excellent people and the island was a blast.  We arrived fo... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5716/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5716/ Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:02:29 -0700 <p>Alas, they have arrived!  After a hopeful departure date of 19JUL and a "guaranteed" departure date of 21JUL, we have just gotten word that they are here, in Nuku'alofa.  Hallelujah!   </p><p&... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5455/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5455/ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:54:13 -0700 <p>My last night in Fiji didn't quite pan out as expected, but it was quickly put behind me as I entered a new realm.  I made my way to the Nadi airport ready to take on the next stage.  While waiting in line to ch... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5425/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5425/ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:12:51 -0700 After a great night's sleep, I woke up eager to get to the country side and do some trekking.   Despite that hunger, I quickly found that there are not many places to go for only a day trip.  But something was recommended ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5391/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5391/ Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:59:46 -0700 <p>What comes to mind when you think of Fiji?  Probably lush, tropical settings behind perfect, white sand beaches.  And if you're a diver, you might envision an underwater garden full of soft corals and large fish.  Th... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5390/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5390/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:36:04 -0700 <p>Having made it to my first destination, I arrived a bit flat, tired and not really sure about where to stay or what to do.  So I chatted with some locals and eventually picked a spot: Nadi Bay Hotel...a pretty nice place too!  The ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5389/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5389/ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:49:46 -0700 Wow.  The day has finally arrived.  All of the work and all of the emotions have come full circle as I depart for the airport in 15 minutes.  Thank you to all of my friends and family, especially Liz, for their undying support.  I... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5347/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5347/ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:46:48 -0700 As I am sure will be the case many times throughout this trip, my plan have changed.  The Fijian government has recently modified its maritime law, specifically how often a yacht may return to its waters after leaving.  Formerly, there w... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5202/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/5202/ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:13:47 -0700 This is intended simply to give you an idea of where I will be on this expedition.  Although I will use this as a rough outline of the places I want to see, it will most certainly change as the trip progresses.  So here it is!... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4907/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4907/ Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:20:42 -0700 Well today it became official:  I've booked the first flight of my journey, departing 14JUL08. MSP-LAX (via DEN) Frontier Airlines 13:51-19:14 LAX-NAN (direct) Air Pacific 23:30-05:10  I will arrive in Nadi ea... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4873/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4873/ Fri, 23 May 2008 12:46:51 -0700 It had been way too long since Jeremy and I... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4958/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4958/ Sat, 17 Mar 2007 08:38:10 -0700 After dealing with the MN winter for way too long already, we decided to hunt for something tropical, and fortunately, found cheap tix to Jamaica. Although Liz had stopped in Ocho Rios once before on a cruise, she had yet to experience ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4931/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4931/ Thu, 25 Jan 2007 22:44:46 -0800 Having just left St. Lucia, we were looking forward to a few days of total relaxation on the pristine beaches of Negril.  We once again stayed with John and Anita at Freedom Villa, after staying with them on our last trip ... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4897/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4897/ Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:15:11 -0700 St. Lucia is a difficult place to get to from Minneapolis.  There are no direct flights, and getting there often involves two stopovers and a full day of travel.  So when we transferred in Montego Bay and went direct to Vieux F... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4894/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4894/ Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:30:35 -0700 You can't go wrong with cheap airfare.  And this time that meant driving from Minneapolis to St. Louis to fly direct to Mo' Bay, Jamaica for $129 RT.  That was worth it to me; plus, we got to spend the night with my good friend... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4893/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4893/ Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:04:45 -0700 Well, today didn't start off as planned.  We hoped to travel to Utila, a smaller more laid back island west of Roatan.  But when we got to the ferry terminal, we learned that hurricane Dean was approaching quickly and was expected t... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4891/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4891/ Mon, 20 Aug 2007 07:30:45 -0700 Today we departed Roatan for mainland Honduras.  The ferry trip across was pretty smooth, and fortunately Liz slept through most of it after a double dose of motion sickness medicine.  We arrived to find our driver waiting for us.&n... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4889/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4889/ Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:07:43 -0700 I find the first day of a new trip to be fun!  Sure, you have to get up early to catch the flight.  Yeah, there may be time changes to deal with.  But the excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead is one of my favorite things!&... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4888/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4888/ Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:47:14 -0700 Despite the difficulty in doing so, we arose early this morning, 6:00am, to walk over to El Morro before having to catch the flight home.  Although we didn't tour the inside, it was an impressive fortress and beautiful in the morning lig... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4887/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4887/ Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:05:25 -0800 Today we say goodbye to Vieques and head back to OSJ.  We took the late ferry back to the main island and caught a taxi to town.  Prior research helped speed up our quest for a room, and we checked into the slightly shabby albeit very re... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4886/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4886/ Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:58:33 -0800 Sometimes diving on a tropical island isn't as easy as you might think.  Apparently there USED to be a diving outfit in Esperanza, but a tank explosion resulted in the owner retiring from the industry.  Fortunately we met a cool guy... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4885/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4885/ Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:20:36 -0800 After an understandably late morning, we awoke to another perfect day, watching the sailboats bob on the water while sipping our coffee at Trade Winds.  What to do today...time for some water activity!  We packed a bag and hitched our wa... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4884/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4884/ Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:09:09 -0800 An early morning flight out of frigid Minneapolis assured us of arriving into San Juan with plenty of time to explore on our first day.  The flight went without incident and we were able to meet our pre-arranged taxi to transfer to the E... Read More at Footstops.com http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4882/ http://www.footstops.com/rastanigel/blog/4882/ Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:28:47 -0800