On a chilly walk, warmed up at an exhibit in a university library: The Art of the Travel Narrative. A standout was A Complete Map of the Ten Thousand Countries of the World drawn by Chinese cartographers in 1603. Google Translate and an interactive digitized version revealed fact and fantasy.
Category: Infographic
Visualizing International Travel
It’s over a year since I last set foot in an airport. Now, thanks to the miracle of Covid vaccines, I can allow my mind to drift towards thoughts of international travel. I was hoping I’d had a mild version of Covid when I posted an earlier version of this infographic in May 2020; a… Continue reading Visualizing International Travel
My Air Travel Happy Path in a Time of Covid-19
Traveling by Numbers
I needed to share my love of backpacking and walking with my two young nephews (aged 10 and 11). My partner, the two nephews, their parents, and I have been backpacking in Andalucia, Southern Spain. With a couple exceptions, we traveled using public transport and our legs. The exceptions were a ride on the tram… Continue reading Traveling by Numbers
Long-Haul Journeys
Almost a year ago I learned I have high-grade prostate cancer. I’m surprised I’m not discouraged by surgery, radiation therapy, and the possibility of further therapies including chemo. My desire to travel is undiminished. 39 daily radiation sessions got in the way of a trip to Hawaii in January 2017. Instead, I planned a trip to… Continue reading Long-Haul Journeys
My Most Expensive Night Away from Home, Ever
Notes: In the above infographic I used a stock photograph of surgery being performed using a da Vinci robot, a device that costs about $2 million. July 2016, a surgeon operated a da Vinci on me via five small incisions. I was glued to the table: alcohol was sprayed on my back to activate… Continue reading My Most Expensive Night Away from Home, Ever
Beyond the Narrow Road to the Deep North
I’m drawn to places at the end of train lines. Today, my backpack and I head to Wakkanai in the north of Hokkaido. It’s as far north as you can go without entering Russia. Until about 150 years ago, Hokkaido was almost completely wilderness. The indigenous Ainu were able to live somewhat traditional lives while under… Continue reading Beyond the Narrow Road to the Deep North
Travels With Our Nephews, June 2016
Today we start an adventure with our nephews (7 and 8) and their parents.
Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
On a recent flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, I found a Canadian passport. The owner of the passport would have been in for a surprise when he reached for his passport at US Border Control. Maybe he had a NEXUS card, or maybe United Airlines would have to fly him back to Tokyo where he… Continue reading Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
Long Hauls, Cheap Tix
Tomorrow, Monday, I get on a plane. I’ve been getting on a plane several Mondays in January and February. A plane to take me to work in Portland, Oregon. This Monday is no exception, except this time I’m flying on a one-way ticket. I’ll work for my client for the last time, then cross the… Continue reading Long Hauls, Cheap Tix