Provebs of the Trail

A few years ago while walking the Australian outback, I learned an old Chinese proverb from a Canadian I met on a walkabout. The proverb goes something like this: A gem is not polished without rubbing... [the second half I have since forgotten]. I really think some politicians, and those in professions not enlightened through travel, should listen to the lessons of others, the lessons of travel, and the lessons of ancient cultures.

My Epic Journey Through the Oregon Trail... (Part 2)

The Oregon Trail, my path, my journey to Manifest Destiny. This grueling, 6 state jaunt into the wilderness, tests the bravest and kills off the weak and feeble. I myself am a respected physician, a believer in God, and from noble blood, so I am inclined to think our journey is blessed from the start.

My counterparts however are limey bastards who founded rock-n-roll, more like the devil's music I say! Yes, they are a motley crew, but they seem up to the task, however to me there lives are clearly expendable.

We are nearing Flag Hill in Kansas where we will make camp and search for food. Time will tell how successful we will be at surviving in the wild...

Sorry... dozed off. The slow rolling of the wagon is hypnotic and it is easy to get lost in your dreams. Until next time traveling people...

My Epic Journey Through the Oregon Trail... (Part 1)

I met up with my fellow travelers at Independence, Missouri for the adventure of a lifetime. There were five of us... John, Paul, George, Ringo, and myself, Dr. David Livingstone. I gathered up all the necessary supplies from the general store. John and Paul went to the armory and picked up weaponry while George and Ringo acquired the transportation. Oxen... my god. These magnificent creatures must have been plucked from God's stable. We all met up at the wagon, exchanged goodbyes and promises of fortune to love ones, we set off. As we trotted out of town I knew many dangers lied ahead, but nothing, nothing could prepare me for the next two months.

the Lie of Ecotourism

Ecotourism touts environmentally friendly travel, to pristine remote locations. I have a bone to pick with the Ecotourists of the web community. A recent study by a panel of experts shows ecotourism is no more environmentally friendly then regular suitcase travel. The problem illuminated by the panel of experts lies in the greenhouse gases emitted during travel to these remote locations. The catch-22, ecotourism is actually damaging the very environment it intends to protect!

Thailand

Thailand for dummies. Let me try and describe to you how Thailand makes me feel. In a word, on top of the world. Okay, so that was five words, but never have spoken words of greater truth. Thailand is a place where the fantasies of elephants and relaxing sandy beaches are a reality. What I truly love about Thailand, is the way I feel about myself when I am there. I feel like a powerful American conquering the east with all my might, but at the same time I also feel in tune with the cultural vibrations created by the presence of a western being. When you travel to different countries, these cultural vibrations stick with you, some people call this culture shock, but if you play them back loud enough, you will hear those vibrations turn into a your own cultural symphony.

Dreams of South East Asia

This morning I awoke in a pool of my own sweat, good sweat that is, sweat from my dream of lying in a hammock on a secluded Island in the South Pacific. I am not sure what the name of the island was, but it had crystal white sand, green palms, and indigo water. From the ocean color, I think it must lie east of Borneo, where minerals from volcanic rock impart the unique indigo color to the sea. The green palms only exist in a small corridor west of Papua New Guinea, bracketed on the top by the sweeping islands of Micronesia. From my detective work, my dream must have occurred on the archipelago (a chain or cluster of Islands) of the Lessar Sunda Islands. Although I have not traveled there, I am familiar with the crystal white sands. A few months ago, a fellow traveler brought me back a vial of this white sand. Using a leather strap, I have fashioned that vial of South East Asian sand into a necklace I wear as a reminder of travels to come. This morning, dazed from my fantastical dream, I grasped my neck charm, and was comforted back to sleep. This is why I travel.