Favorites

Favorite Cities

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul takes multiple days to even get a feel for the city and its diversity. There are Muslim women in full burkas next to thriving capitalist markets and everywhere locals stop to talk to you... most of whom have a relative who owns a carpet shop.

Krakow, Poland

Youth rules this city's vibrant and artistic atmosphere from its history as Poland's capital, to its modern night life hidden beneath towering gothic churches, in the basements of renaissance palaces, and alongside the wondering Wisła river at the foot of Wawel castle.

Kazbegi, Georgia

The freedom of the mountains and difficulty to reach this destination make its beauty more impressive, its people more outgoing, and it atmosphere more isolated.

Madison, Wisconsin

Lakes, outdoor activities, and young life are the pulse of the city, which has everything a big city offers, but with a small community feel.

Favorite Countries & Culture

Georgia

The food is addicting, the mountains both figuratively and literally breath-taking, and the people welcoming.

Turkey

An entirely Eastern feel, however with the knowledge, understanding, and history of the west; this country is a bridge between the best of both worlds.

Ukraine

Chaotic, bureaucratic, and intimidating, however forgotten by most of the world and quickly curious local people offer their kindness and hidden gems.

U.S.A.

Home, and hence a bias, however more diverse than anywhere and while identity conflicts reign high among some, others fail to see differences; the world's most racist and accepting country.

Favorite Architecture

Agra, India

Home of the Taj Mahal, however the architecture only evolved from that of the Baby Taj among other buildings; both of which are unique.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Hidden mountain village, which boasts a winding river, castle, narrow roads, and too many Austrian tourists.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The marble city reflects its residents after a rain and appears more as a painting created from one's imagination than reality.

Ephesus, Turkey

The city of the Ephesians dominated much of the world of antiquity. While the city is no longer home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it still exemplifies the best of Roman and Greek architecture.

Kotor, Montenegro

Every building is identical: white stone, but instead of monotony, the village on the bay offers a feeling of another age, another time, a life of piracy and adventure.

Rothenburg, Germany

A city stuck in poverty for hundreds of years prevented growth, but also destruction of the old for new architectural styles; Rothenburg is every positive of stereotypical German Architecture.

Venice, Italy

The city of canals offers engineering wonders and exemplifies the power and wealth of the city from St. Mark's Cathedral, to a single gondola on a lonely, hidden canal.

Favorite Scenery

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada & Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.A. in the Rocky Mountains

Glacier melt water sifts through the fine rock and sand to find home in lakes, filled with crystal clear water in the valley of every mountain pass and at the end of every glacier valley.

Goreme, Turkey

Rock formations cause awe, but the people's ability to turn these natural wonders into homes, shops, and schools make the scene more impressive.

Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus

Untouched Mediterranean Sea coast for miles rotates between sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.

Kazbegi, Georgia & Mt. Elbrus, Russia in the Caucus Mountains

Large, almost rolling hills the size of mountains covered in grass grow into the Caucus mountains, which pinnacle with sharp jagged rocky mountain faces covered with glaciers and snow above the green valleys below.

Northern Tanzania

The vast plains traverse from bush country and low shrubs to savanna, while the landscape is dotted with volcanoes such as Mt. Kilimanjaro and wildlife clings to life at every stream and lake.

Favorite Stories

Katowice, Poland: A Love Story

Katowice is hated by many, but after getting beyond her hideous surface, I quickly fell in love.

Omar in Azerbaijan

By 11:00am, this Azeri "businessman" was already drinking and gambling, but kind enough to give us a six-hour ride to Baku and proud enough to share every bit of knowledge with us.

Tamara & family in Georgia

Aimlessly wondering the street of Kazbegi led us to an invitation into a family's home filled with homemade cognac, wine, and desserts plus a second day climbing the mountains with the locals.

Tartar in Bakchasarai, Ukraine

A victim of Stalin's mass deportations; fifty years later this Tartar returned to his ancestral home of the Crimea.

Uva, Russia

Russian family who's doors were open for anyone willing to avoid speaking English for a weekend led to sleigh rides, street fights, and dancing to "Lady in Red."

Favorite Events

Brat Fest

Over 100,000 brats eaten in three days, how can you not go?

Golden Shuttlecock Tournament

This local tournament boasts the best badminton play in Delafield, Wisconsin.

NCAA Basketball Tournament - 2002 Sweet Sixteen, 2003 Sweet Sixteen, 2008 Final Four

I think I'm good luck for Kansas fans: two of the three times I went Kansas won the bracket, the one time Kansas wasn't in the bracket they they knocked off the team that won the bracket, which I watched.

NCAA Hockey - 2006 National Championship

It helps that the game was in town and my team was playing for everything.

Olympics - 1996

Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia included tons of events including the Opening Ceremonies.

Rose Bowl - 1994 & 2000

I'm two for two.

Favorite Meals

Bananas after a marathon

After you run 26.2 miles, nothing tastes better than a banana.

Kebab in Canakkale

Kebabs are a favorite, however this local shop offered chicken and lamb kebabs on a half bread with fresh ingredients and topped with oregano.

Meze in Nicosia, Cyprus

Sixteen courses in four sets, each set of foods became heavier, bolder, and more satisfying.

Sashlik in Yerevan, Armenia

A seemingly male-only restaurant that welcomed my female friend in served the most tender and perfectly seasoned pork and beef steaks.