Visiting Koh Mak. Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi. When travelers think of Thai islands, these are some of the islands where travel plans are made first. And not without good reason. There are some fantastic beaches, great restaurants, and awesome resorts. But, these islands are overflowing with tourists who are scrambling between a McDonalds and [...]
Visiting Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai. The Sukhothai Kingdom reigned in current northern Thailand for 200 years starting in 1238. Sukhothai Kingdom was at one time part of the Khmer/Angkor Kingdom, the predecessor of modern-day Cambodia. Sukhothai is considered to be the first capital of Thailand, followed by Ayutthaya, Thonburi, and with present-day Bangkok. Sukhothai has [...]
Three Days In Brunei. Of South East Asia’s myriad and popular options, Brunei might be the least known country in the region (well, except for East Timor). Brunei is located on the island of Borneo, which it shares with Malaysia and Indonesia. The Sultanate of Brunei was an independent nation for some centuries, whose power waxed [...]
What To Do In Nukus Uzbekistan. Nukus, a city of 300,000, can be found in the remote west of Uzbekistan. Nukus is the capital of the Karakalpakstan, an autonomous state found within Uzbekistan. According to the constitution, Karakalpakstan is considered formally sovereign and their relations with Uzbekistan are regulated by treaties and agreements. The state is [...]
What to see and do in Lahore Pakistan. Lahore has been at the crossroads of competing empires for centuries past. At times this region has been ruled by the Hindu Shahis, Ghurids, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Sikh Empire, and the Brits. Pakistan became an independent nation in 1947, when the British Empire left the subcontinent, [...]
Yazidis in Armenia. The Yazidis have been in the news for all of the wrong reasons over the past several years. The Yazidis practice their own unique religion and caught the ire of ISIS. Yazidis are spread throughout the world numbering 1.5 million, but the highest concentration can be found in northern Iraq. ISIS was intent [...]
Sample Itinerary Mauritania. This is the second part of my trip to Mauritania. To see the first part, check out sample agenda Mauritania. Ben Amera Ben Amera is the third largest monolith in the world. The first two that claim that record can be found in Australia. Ben Amera rises over 630 meters (over 2,000 feet). [...]
Assyrians in Armenia. I have visited Armenia every year since 2003. I have seen a lot of changes, and many for the better. Money has poured in. Infrastructure has improved greatly, whether it is roads, hotels, restaurants, and tour providers. With the improved infrastructure and positive media, I have seen tremendous growth in tourism. The vast [...]
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