Palau, Pacific Perfection
Palau, Pacific Perfection. Dreams do come true. The country of Palau in the Pacific Ocean is a vision of transparent azure oceans, rainbow-colored tropical fish, and hundreds of green-dotted islands. It is fantastically beautiful. Palau is series of 300 plus islands is located in the Western Pacific Ocean and is part of Caroline Islands in Micronesia. It was settled 3,000 years ago when intrepid adventurers from the Philippines arrived to settle Palau. Today, it is an independent nation but in a free association with the United States. That means the US provides substantial financial support which includes social services and defense funding. Only 20,000 or so people call this country their home, making it the third least populated nation in the world. I arrived in Palau late at night taking the once weekly fly by United from Yap to Palau (this flight unfortunately will be discontinued). My Airbnb host met me at the airport and brought me to my two bedroom apartment at the quiet end of a residential street. Palau is not a bargain destination, and [...]
Snorkel In Yap
Snorkel in Yap. I swung my legs over the side of the boat, and slid into the warm Pacific Ocean. I was in Yap, one of the four main islands of Federated States of Micronesia. Yap with its cool sounding name is an isolated island with less than 20,000 people calling it home. Only two scheduled flights a week make its way to Yap, meaning you will be one of only a handful tourists on the island at any given time. Yap is quite a fascinating place to visit, with traditional villages, WWII history, and a truly unique currency. You can read about my experiences on land here. But one of the highlights of any visits to Yap is spending time on the ocean (or under it). I spent three half days with Yap Divers, based out of the Manta Ray hotel. I would like to commend them for their great staff, fantastic snorkeling, and the bonus of freshly baked cakes they served on board. Of course, there are some impressive dive experiences here as well, [...]
Faces Of Bhutan
Faces Of Bhutan. I have traveled to Bhutan three times, approximately spending a month in the country. I have also worked with a local travel operator as a consultant for three years. If you need advice or help, planning a trip to Bhutan, please email me at Ric @ GlobalGaz.com Part of the magic traveling to Bhutan is the people. They are friendly and easy going. And very photogenic. Monks Buddhist monks are a ubiquitous site in Bhutan, whether crossing the street in Thimpu or visiting one of the many monasteries in the country. The monks are wrapped in a deep burgundy robe with their heads shaved. Approximately 75% of the population is Buddhist with Hinduism being the second most popular religion. Boys can join the monastery as young as 6 years old. Life in a monastery can be quite austere, especially at more remote monasteries with lack of heating, poor clothing, and inadequate food. Part of the process of a monk’s study is a silent retreat, traditionally lasting 3 years, 3 months, and 3 days. Ja [...]
Federated States Of Micronesia – 114th Country
Federated States Of Micronesia – 114th 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. Federated States of Micronesia is my 114th country. Check out the best 193 travel books to read! They don’t make it easy to get to Yap, one of the four main islands of Federated States of Micronesia. I took a trans-Pacific flight from Chicago to Tokyo, then backtracked to Guam, and then a quick flight to Yap. I arrived in the middle of night in a thick thunderstorm. But, it was worth it. I spent four days in Yap enjoying both the land and the ocean. Yap has an interesting culture and was able to explore some local villages, the local stone money, and some of the WWII history. I spent three days on a boat, snorkeling some of the most amazing reefs and hanging out with sharks. I hope to make it back! Exploring the island of Yap Snorkel [...]
Yap – Remote Pacific Paradise
Yap - Remote Pacific Paradise. Yap is remote, real remote. Only three flights a week connect to this miniscule Pacific Island. Yap is one of the least visited countries in the world, click here to see the other least visited places. Yap is one of the four islands that makes up the Federated States of Micronesia. But Yap (FSM) is one of 193 sovereign countries that the UN recognizes. For interesting cocktail chatter, the other three islands are Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. A total of 607 islands make up FSM as they are spread over a longitudinal distance of 1,678 miles just north of the equator. FSM was discovered by the Portuguese, colonized by the Spaniards, and sold to the Germans in 1899. During WWI it was captured by the Japanese. Following WWII, the US administered the islands until FSM declared independence in 1986. Today, FSM maintains a close relationship with FSM under a Compact of Free Association. This means FSM citizens can serve in the US military and do not require a visa to visit the [...]
Special Report – Turmoil In The Travel Community – The William Baekeland Controversy
[Download .mp3] Special Report - Turmoil In The Travel Community - The William Baekeland Controversy William Baekeland, a former guest, on Counting Countries is allegedly Jesse Simon Gordon. The travel community is alleging malfeasance on William’s part. William has been accused of being a con man who has been preying on members of the travel community. Purporting to be a young British aristocrat who is a heir to a plastics fortune; he ingratiated himself over several years within the travel community. William presented himself as an elite and accomplished traveler, who then began to organize exotic and unique expeditions with fellow travelers. On this episode, I spoke with four travelers who have all interacted with William over the past several years. The four guests are Harry Mitsidis, Mike Kendall, David Langan, and Dominique Laurent. Each shared unique stories with different perspectives. Harry and Mike joined from the UK. David called in from Ireland and Dominique from France. I was recording in both Boston and Las Vegas. A number of allegations have been made against William Baekeland by [...]
