How I Tunneled through the Great Firewall of China

For political and commercial reasons, China blocks Internet sites. Services I use daily, like Google, Blogger, Twitter, and the New York Times, simply do not exist on China’s Internet, thanks to the Great Firewall of China. Before my trip to Shanghai in April 2017 I made sure I would have access to all the Internet… Continue reading How I Tunneled through the Great Firewall of China

Electrical Adaptor Soup

Selected charging gear for my next trip:Type A: USA, Japan, Mainland ChinaType C: Mainland China, South Korea, NetherlandsType G: UAE, UK

How to Dispose of Unwanted Money

Tomorrow I’ll be stopping at the post office to drop off a box filled with foreign coins and banknotes. Last year, at Newcastle International Airport, I showed my nephews an easier way to dispose of foreign currency. I led them to a big, bubble-shaped currency donation bin, then handed them some UK coins. As you… Continue reading How to Dispose of Unwanted Money

Imperfect Gifts for Long-Haul Travelers

The other day I came across an article at wired.com with the click-bait title: 10 Perfect Gifts for your Favorite Long-Haul Traveler. I was skeptical right out of the starting gate: I travel light, a declaration I repeat ad nauseam. Recently I renewed my passport, and opted for the version with more pages as I was running… Continue reading Imperfect Gifts for Long-Haul Travelers

New Passport

Assembled an application for a new passport. My current passport doesn’t have the six blank visa pages I need for my next trip.

New Hiking Boots

New hiking boots came in the mail from REI. I don’t buy the most durable boots: the boots take the beating, not my feet.