Posts Tagged ‘Erin Michelson’
Affordable Africa: the pros & cons of overland truck tours
One of the most cost-effective ways to explore Africa is via an overland trucking tour. This all-inclusive travel option takes care of all the details for you: 3 meals a day, camping equipment and camp site fees, a guide and driver, and transportation around the region, including truck maintenance, tolls, and petrol.
Tips for Cruising on the Cheap
I admit it — I like to cruise. And I’m not a senior citizen, or a newlywed, or a BINGO champion (well, not yet anyway!). I’m on my third cruise this year and my first Trans-Atlantic crossing: 2 weeks of relaxation, 5 islands, including 3 Caribbean ports, and 5 consecutive sea days = Bliss!
Erin eats exotic animals
Last week I ate zebra…and I liked it! It tastes like a steak actually. In Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, there’s an (in)famous place called Joe’s that serves up all kinds of safari fare. So I went with my friends to be serious carnivores for the night. As it turns out, I was the tame one! Just look at all the other animals my friends ate:
Not Eating Abroad: Global Fasting Traditions
Two major world religions are marking their traditions with fasting this month. Muslims worldwide are observing the month-long Ramadan and Orthodox Christians are honoring Saint Mary with 16 days of fasting. Since I’m in Ethiopia right now (80% Orthodox Christian and 20% Muslim), that means I’m fasting too. In fact, most local restaurants are only serving a “fasting” menu for the next several weeks: no meat, eggs, fat or dairy. Basically, I’m now a vegan.
Nine Italian Cities = 1 Month of Madness
80,000 people live in Venice, which is a lot for a city with no real streets. But you’ll find the canals charming as you get endlessly lost among the narrow alleys and bridges. Besides, you’ve got to love a place like St. Marks that is the roost for both the house of Chanel and pooping pigeons.
Visiting the Vatican: 7 Splendid Ways to Spend an Afternoon
Ever fancy in their full regalia, the famous Swiss Guard cut an impressive figure. The Swiss Guard (in general) is the name given to Swiss soldiers who have served as bodyguards and palace guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century.
Amsterdam: Rules of the Red Light District
Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a tiny 500 square meters, but it delivers a big punch, with women from around the world openly selling their bodies in store-front windows. Known as The Wallen, you can search it out by walking the streets with “wal” at…
Exploring the Splendors of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious building in the world. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, it comprises both Hindu and Buddhist temples (and combinations of the two, with a little Animism thrown in for good measure). Angkor Wat has become the icon of Cambodia, even appearing on their national flag.
My 36 Hours in Abu Dhabi
Last week I spent 36 hours and about $834 in Abu Dhabi. I had to leave after a day and a half – I couldn’t afford to stay any longer! Since I knew I was there for only a short time, and because I didn’t necessary think I’d be back, I had to…
Hiking with the Hmong
My guide Yia, is Hmong, 36 years old and a mother of 4. She is also one savvy business woman (even though she can’t read or write). She learned her English by selling handicraft souvenirs to tourists. Before she became a tour guide several years ago, she never walked more than 3 hours beyond her home village.
