Peaks and Valleys

Snapshots of my Geographic Experiences

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Some photos I took in Mestia, Georgia, one of the highest villages in Europe. 

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Exploring Kampong Ayer (the Water Village) in Brunei. Despite it’s first impression, it is not a poor village and the “shacks” are actually quite comfortable and well-built, with all the modern amenities. 

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A herd of horses running wild in Kyrgyzstan.

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Heading to the campsite in Kyrgy, one of our favorite spots. 

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Our riverboat on the Mekong in Laos.

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Camping in Kazakhstan, six years ago. 

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Bamberg, Germany

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Petronas towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Stopping for lunch on the roadside in China.

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Potala Palace, traditional home of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa. 

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Saigon, Vietnam, and a little resort on the beach in the Vietnam countryside called Jungle Beach. There was a phenomenon called “phosphorescence” in the water at night, where the water sparkled with tiny lights when disturbed by our swimming, it was beautiful. If you’re curious, I did a quick Google search to find out what causes the phosphorescence:

“Microscopic algae in the ocean emit light when they're disturbed by the waves of an arm, paddle or boat. These algae are called dinoflagellates. All sorts of factors play a part in their lighting, but conditions are most favorable when there is intense sunshine during the day and calm seas at night.”

-http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101101/VISIT/302239853/2130/FEATURES

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Semi-wild horses, an ancient monastery, and wine tasting in Georgia.

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From the top of Dom Cathedral in Cologne.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

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Istanbul was a truly amazing city. Had a great few days here back in 2010 and got some really nice photos. Hope to go back someday.  

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Getting ready to climb on a bus (truck?) with some strangers and head for Singapore! (April 18th, 2010)

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Koh Phangan, a small island in Thailand where I’m relaxing for a week or so before rejoining the Odyssey Overland group in Bangkok. There’s so much to do here that it feels really like a big adult playground.