Untitled

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN SCOUTING NEW TRAVEL DESTINATIONS? I look for the hidden gems, located off the beaten path, that offer unique access into cultures that remain untouched by mainstream tourism. I search for family-owned and operated properties like Ogyen Choling, in Bhutan's upper Tang valley. By travelling with Alternative Escapes, your stay at this 16-century fortress-turned-farm-guesthouse will help fund it's historical preservation, while also helping support the local community. Alternative Escapes is working with the owner of Ogyen Choling to provide scholarships for local children in the village - so if you travel here you will get to meet them! If you are ready to give alterantive travel a try, we invite you to explore this unique piece of living history. #untourist #alternativeescapes

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

WATCH ME ALMOST BEAT THE WINNER OF THE WORLD'S HARDEST BIKE RACE! To be honest, this competition wasn't really fair because I was filming one handed with an iphone and I don't own a mountain bike. But perhaps more important is the fact that my cycling partner ST (Sonam Tshering) is way, way faster than me. Both uphill and downhill. I imagine he should be considering that he won the 2011 Tour of the Dragon - considered by many to be the world's hardest race. I certainly believe it after driving the entire course - all 166 windy, bumpy, and barely miles , with over 17,000 feet of total climbing - all done at altitudes over 5,000feet! So next time I will be much smarter by challenging ST to a time trial road race at sea level, using aero-bikes - and I will make him film the darn thing! Thank you ST and the Simba Bhutan Club for hosting me on the first team ride of 2015 - it is always an honor for me to ride with champions - even when I loose. #tourofthedragon #worldshardestrace #bhutan2015

[ianandrewnyc]

YOU CAN'T ACHIEVE IT UNTIL YOU BELIEVE IT. Nine months ago I didn't even know the country of Bhutan existed. By this point I've seen more of this land than most of the people who live here - and most likely anyone who will come visit hereafter. Serendipity and good fortune definitely played a role, as with any any successful endeavor. But the audacity to believe in the unseen possibilities in life, while embracing the constant reality of failure, carries with it a manifesting force that is only revealed well after the fact. To accomplish the unbelievable...you must be the first to believe, regardless of what happens next. #trongsa #bhutan #becomewhatyoubelieve

[ianandrewnyc]

BEAUTY AWAITS NO ONE BUT THOSE WHO SEEK IT. Up before dawn. Still chasing my dreams. #transformativetravel (at UNDISCOVERED BHUTAN)

[ianandrewnyc]

LIKE THE YOU I REMEMBER. Somewhere between now and then. #transformativetravel #nofilter

[ianandrewnyc]

YOU ONLY MAKE NEW FRIENDS WHEN YOU TAKE NEW RISKS. Different is good. At least when it comes to keeping an open mind and always learning. Feelings are facts. They may be true - or they may be mistaken. But the sooner you learn the difference between the better. #truthbeyondwords

[ianandrewnyc]

DON'T WORRY, WE TOTALLY GOT THIS ONE. So maybe this explains why no western travelers ever visited Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park. But we aren't your typical travel company. No, not even close. #comeawaywithus

[ianandrewnyc]

ANOTHER WORLD ALTOGETHER. Its just waiting for you to come find it. #icantakeyouhere

[ianandrewnyc]

TRAVELING ON THE EDGE. When it comes to exploring the unknown, you must be willing to travel the bumpy, unpaved roads in life. Luxury can be bought for a price - but true adventure must always be earned. #transformativetravel (at #Untourist Zone Unknown)

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

TASTE OF THE DRAGON. This could be the beginning of the hardest battle of your life. But if you can conquer this mountain, you will get to meet the King of Bhutan! #totallyworthit

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

A TASTE OF THE DRAGON. Part 2. Now you are about 120 miles into the race with still another 4,000 feet yet to climb. And no, the course will NOT be closed to oncoming traffic. I later confirmed it with race organizer. So whatever comes your way...your just going to have to deal with it - the same in racing as in life. #bringyoursafetygoggles #dealwithit (at Sucking Wind In Bhutan)

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

A TASTE OF THE DRAGON. Part 1. Is this really the "most unfinishishable" bike race in the world? Based on my recent calculations, and having driven up the final hill, which stretches over 20 miles and climbs 6,000 feet, I would say yes. Oh yeah, and most of the road is unpaved. And the top of the hill lies at over 10,000 feet elevation. And the course is not closed to traffic. I invite you to have a taste...#tourofthedragon #theworldshardestrace (at Sucking Wind In Bhutan)

[ianandrewnyc]

A LOCALS ONLY SCENE. Well, except for us. Because that's how we roll. #untourist

[ianandrewnyc]

THINKING OF YOU. As if I needed any more reasons... #lovefromafar

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT NEW YEARS EVE? It could look a lot like this...if you really want it to. #untourist #paradise #punakha #buthan

[ianandrewnyc]

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. If it's life changing adventure you are after, there really is no other option. #rulestoliveby

[ianandrewnyc]

View this post on Instagram

CAN SOMEBODY TRANSLATE THIS FOR ME? ANYBODY?? There are over 20 distinct dialects and 4 different languages spoken in Bhutan, which makes learning to speak with locals a near impossibility. Fortunately, children communicate in the same basic language everywhere in the world - before they grow up and get taught any different. It's a wonderful language that uses smiles and gestures instead of words for meaning, which is surprisingly effective - once you learn just a little bit of it, you can start making new friends just about anywhere in the world - even the small villages and remote reaches of still untouched Bhutan. #lostintranslation