Our first 24 hours in Uzbekistan was by far some of the most challenging on our trip. We had experienced language obstacles before, but Hannah and I typically had enough command of Spanish, French, Greek, and English to navigate the issues. The lingua franca in the former Soviet countries is Russian or the native language, … Continue reading Bukhara, Uzbekistan: I Am So Hungry, I Could Eat a Horse! (and did!)
There differences between Ghent and Brussels, the previous city, were considerable. There were no sirens or flashing lights every 30 minutes from an emergency vehicle speeding by, nor uniformed policemen or armed anti-terror military units. The city of Ghent was sleepy with small pockets of enthusiasm in its most visited squares and the nearby college … Continue reading Ghent, Belgium: Castles and Waffles
Bitter winds brought low 50 temperatures. About 1 month ago, Hannah and I were sweating profusely in the Balkans in 90 degree temperatures. We bundled up to take in the city, enjoying the cooler than expected onset of Autumn. Leiden is a city where meandering is encouraged. It is very safe and has a quiet … Continue reading Leiden, Netherlands: A Surprise Holiday!
Split, Croatia: There were no maps for the public transportation system in Split, and even the lady at the bus station information desk could only tell us a bus number that ran in the general direction of our AirBnB, located 6 miles outside of the city. When it dropped us off, we slowly trekked the … Continue reading Bird Droppings and Sea Symphonies: Split and Zadar, Croatia
Mostar is a city located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina close to the Croatian border. The city was characterized by an old Ottoman styled bridge spanning a deep, green river. Lanky, local men in Speedo swimsuits took turns seeking money from the gawking crowds while others leaped from the bridge into the moving … Continue reading Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bridging Cultures
Day 7 & 8: Cotswolds & Gloucester Our adventures through the Cotswolds began with rain and occasional pockets of fog permeating the forest floor. The drive was continuously harrowing as one lane roads at time looked like walking paths. Walls of grey stacked stones paralleled the narrow roads as we careened down them at 50 … Continue reading UK Roadtrip Week 2
There are occasional times when moving cities that we must check out early or cannot check in until late. These times are a blunt reminder of the vulnerability that we take on at times during this year abroad. It can be rainy, sunny, developed, or desolate. Cafes may be closed and parks may be dangerous. … Continue reading Guinness and a Prairie Dog: Dublin, Ireland
We arrived in Naples in the evening around 7. We exited the train station and made our way to Pizzeria de Michele, a cheap and renowned pizzeria. On the way, it was immediately apparent that the city had an earthy, gritty atmosphere. Homeless people dotted the streets, laying on twisted mattresses and stained cardboard boxes, … Continue reading Naples, Italy
Outside Vatican square, we passed a large fortress and castle. Beside it, the rounded arches of 3 separate bridges skipped across the murky, opaque green of the river running beneath them. The bridge held a gaggle of merchants selling wares and beggars seeking charity, just as they would have in centuries past.
Hannah and I booked a flight to Milan from Bucharest because the price was excellent and it dropped us into northern Italy in time to explore a bit before making our way south for Easter with her cousin Claire and her family. Little did we know, accommodation in Milan would be a nightmare. The average … Continue reading Milan, Italy
It's A Ritch Life 