Robert A. (Bob) Bonifas … is ranked #2 on MTP
Bob is a Type A person, whether it is work or travel On today’s episode, I spoke with Bob Bonifas. I have seen Bob’s name on the top of the Most Traveled People’s list. MTP divides the world into 874 places and Bob is currently ranked #2 on the list. I had the opportunity to visit Bob in his office in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago. His spacious office was filled with a ton of travel mementos. Bob did not take his first flight until the age of 30, but since then he has racked up several million plus miles and then some. Bob founded Alarm Detection Systems and became involved with the industry associations. With his involvement in the association he began to travel more and more, expanding his horizons. Bob learned about Travelers’ Century Club and MTP and being a Type A personality he quickly became hooked on travel. He rapidly picked up new countries and territories, moving up on the list. He is now in a friendly competition with his IL neighbor, Don Parrish, [...]
Faces of Kyrgyzstan
Faces Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is one of five Central Asian countries that was birthed after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Brainstorming for a moment, I thought of some stereotypes of the ‘stans. Turkmenistan is known as the North Korea of Central Asia. Uzbekistan known for its historical Silk Road cities. Tajikistan is known for the fantastic landscapes of the Pamir Highway, and Kazakhstan, well Kazakhstan is known for Borat. And what about Kyrgyzstan? Nothing quickly comes to mind. There is a beautiful lake and mountains. And more recently, Kyrgyzstan is recognized for the World Nomad Games. But many people are not simply familiar with Kyrgyzstan. Here are some profiles from the World Nomad Games. And check out some of the sports from the World Nomad Games. One thing that I will remember is the warmth and hospitality of the Kyrgyz people. My previous experiences in the former Soviet Union when in a store or restaurant has been brusqueness and a chilly demeanor. I was continually surprised with the friendliness of the locals. The owner of my hotel [...]
Pamir Highway: What You Need To Know
Pamir Highway What You Need To Know. The Pamir Highway offers some of the most spectacular views on the globe. This is a remote and desolate area and is lacking in many creature comforts. In this post, I have shared with you some things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable. I traversed the Pamir Highway with a driver and guide, but other people opt to travel the Pamir via their own rented vehicle (crazy), riding a bike (crazier), or hitchhiking/walking (craziest). These alternative options are quite hardcore. I found the driver/car to be tiring enough, but the amazing landscapes and experiences easily dwarf any discomforts. The Pamir Highway is also known as M41 Highway, but Pair sounds pretty cool. Too crazy for me. These guys were riding their bikes at 4000 meters Visa Kyrgyzstan visa for many nationalities is visa on arrival. For Tajikistan, many nationalities need to apply online to receive an evisa. An email will be sent to you with your visa letter, please print and save for your entire [...]
Tajikistan – 125th Country
Tajikistan – 125th Country. To see where I have been so far, check out my map as I count down the final 93 countries on the road to all 193 UN countries. Tajikistan is my 125th country. Check out the best 193 travel books to read! Tajikistan became an independent nation in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. Ninety percent of this landlocked nation is covered by mountains. Tajikistan has been the locus of multiple empires and civilizations over the years with multiple religions vying for the hearts of the people. Today, Tajikistan is a Muslim nation of 9 million souls. While I spent a couple of days in the pleasant capital of Dushanbe, the highlight of this nation is the Pamir Highway. The Pamir Highway is the second highest international highway in the road. This road crisscrosses through the Pamir Mountains and traces the Afghan border. The views offered to the intrepid are second to none. Check out what you need to know on the Pamir Highway
Kyrgyzstan – 124th Country
Kyrgyzstan – 124th Country. To see where I have been so far, check out my map as I count down the final 93 countries on the road to all 193 UN countries. Kyrgyzstan is my 124th country. Check out the best 193 travel books to read! Kyrgyzstan was born into existence when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and it became an independent nation. Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian, landlocked nation. The Kyrgyz people have a history that dates back over 2,000 years and has been part of different empires over the centuries as part of the Silk Road. The Kyrgyz have traditionally been a semi-nomadic people with the horse playing an essential role in this mountainous area. I spent time in the two largest cities in the nation; the capital, Bishkek, and the second largest city in the south, Osh. Both cities were worth a visit, yet the highlight was attending the World Nomad Games. The WNG is an event held near Issyk-Kul Lake which included athletes from over 70 countries competing in traditional nomad [...]
World Nomad Games III In Kyrgyzstan
World Nomad Games III In Kyrgyzstan. Besides attempting to travel to every country in the world, I also occasionally get the opportunity to partake in some unique experiences. One of those events was the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. Over 1,500 athletes from 66 countries participated in the third WNG. As you might imagine, spectators are not witnessing baseball or basketball, but ethnic sports native to Central Asia. Besides the thousands of spectators, this event was headlined by political stars from the region such as the presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Hungary. And to top it off, even the game’s mascot, the snow leopard made an appearance at the World Nomad Games. The event was spread across two venues. The first venue was found at Issyk-Kul Lake, a giant lake surrounded by snow capped mountains. This lake back in the Soviet days was a popular summer holiday destination. A semi-open hippodrome had been placed on the lake in the Cholpon-Ata area next to a compact arena. A number of events took place here including the opening and [...]
