Prior to our travels, I could not have found Azerbaijan on a map without a bit of effort, but the country and region have a rich history reaching all the way back to the Paleolithic period. Much of the country was frequently traversed by Silk Road merchants during the hay-day of overland trading. This resulted … Continue reading Azerbaijan: Christmas Between the Caucasus and Caspian
The transition from opulent Dubai to the post-Soviet landscape of Tbilisi was a massive culture shock. Red rusting steel and bulky concrete apartment blocks popped in and out of my view as our driver took us from the airport to our Airbnb. Our home for the next 5 days was in need of major repair. … Continue reading Tbilisi, Georgia: A Foodie’s Paradise in a Former Soviet Republic
Hannah lived in Dubai when she was younger while her family lived and worked overseas. Her father had returned several years before our visit and described it as “something out of the Jetsons”. I found his description fitting and appropriate, Dubai truly seems to epitomize “modern” and almost appears space-age. Dubai held a tense austerity … Continue reading Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Paradox of Decadence and Austerity
Hannah was overly excited for her first "washy washy" as we boarded the ship. After roughing it for 9 months, I was uncertain of what to expect from the luxurious lifestyle of a cruise. Truthfully, Hannah and I just wanted good sleep, clean, available bathrooms, and easily obtainable, nutritious food and water. We had moved … Continue reading From Mediterranean Sea to Indian Ocean: Friends and Fun on the High Seas
After the perilous Strait of Hormuz, we safely moored in the bay of Muscat. Hannah’s father once told me that he enjoyed working in Oman during his career in petroleum overseas. He distinctly remembered that the people were down to earth and friendly. During our short experience, both of those remarks rang true and I … Continue reading The Magnificent Mosque of Muscat, Oman
Our route to Aqaba cut through the Red Sea. On either side, the coast lines of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia ran parallel to one another, and as we arrived at the coast of Aqaba, we also drew up to the coast of Isreal right next door. This area of the world was so … Continue reading Aqaba, Jordan: Wadi Rum and the Ritcheys of Arabia
“A feat of human ingenuity and determination” is probably my best way of describing the Suez Canal. Built in the late 1800’s, the canal joins the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. These seas and the canal create a shorter route to join the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. During WW1, it became increasingly important for … Continue reading Suez Canal, Egypt: A Feat of Human Ingenuity and Determination
It's A Ritch Life 