I have done a fair amount of traveling in my young adult life and almost everywhere I go, I experience some form of hassle and harassment. It happens in Europe where my skin tone blends better with the locals, but it tends to happen more in countries where I am obviously a foreigner. I don't blame these people who can instantly tell that my wealth vastly exceeds their own for asking/pressing/begging me to share it with them in exchange for whatever goods or services they offer, often at grossly inflated prices, and I was prepared for this in India, but…

India is a land of extreme wealth and abject poverty. On a global scale, the richest and the poorest coexist and the contrast is stunning. We wanted to experience all aspects of the country and as middle-class American tourists, we have felt very rich at times and out of our league in others. We flew from Mumbai to Cochin in Kerala where we had made a reservation at a super deluxe Taj resort that had been recommended for its superior class and service. While the price was cheap by Western hotel standards, it blew up our budget quickly. When we…

India. It has been calling me ever since I realized how vital world travel is to my life; it always seemed like the sort of place that would saturate my senses and bring me closer to the ultimate truth of reality I seek in my life. I crave answers to the Big Why of existence and while a one month tour of the Sub-continent could never possibly fulfill me, it is always enlightening to experience an alternate reality to the one I am accustomed. Boarding a plane and disembarking on the other side of the world is simple and easy,…

In a few hours, we bid adieu to Brooklyn and embark on a transcontinental adventure. Our first stop is Sydling St. Nicholas, Dorset, England to spend a week with G and Grand Buckland and the English side of Alaina's family. From there, we continue around the globe to India, where we will travel with Sarah and Eric for four weeks, exploring Kerala and the South first, followed by a trip to the North into the mountains. I have a basic sense of what we will be doing, but almost no idea what sort of experiences await. That is adventure! Unexpected…

What a wonderful reason to bring your friends together and have a party: for we are in love forever! Folks will travel great distances to be present for this official declaration and the ensuing celebration can be a transcendent joy. This past weekend featured an unfortunate conflict of lovefests: Dan & Tekela in Wisconsin or Dave & Kelly in Warwick (great place to get married!). Lake Geneva, WI was filled with boats, beaches, beer, blunts and buddies and we gorged ourselves on Chef Daniel's amazing appetizers, complemented by cheese and fried everything. And while we were forced to choose between…