This past weekend I traveled to Gadsden, Alabama to take part in the Barbarian Challenge.  It was my third year to run in the race and I had the absolute worst finishing time ever for me, but it was also the most fun, most rewarding, and most moving race I’ve ever been a part of. […]

I’ve been on the road again, and this time, I decided to visit a very different part of the world.  I did a quick trip through southern Africa.  It was an amazing trip!  I’ve never been anywhere in Africa before, so a safari seemed like the perfect way to start. Preparations for my trip actually […]

When traveling, it is important to remain calm at all times.  When the airline has no idea who you are in the middle of a layover, remain calm.  When you must fly seated next to an irate, possibly alcoholic Pakistani princess, remain calm.  When men with machine guns lock you up, remain calm.  When you […]

Mac and Cheese Mashed potatoes Meatloaf Cookies Cake Fish and Chips Miso Soup Carbohydrates Deep Fried Goodness What is it about certain foods?  Why do some bring us positive feelings? Why do they remind us of home, even though we may not realize it, and they  they may not even have any real ties to […]

Question:  What do four Americans, a Taiwanese manicurist, an Aussie comedienne, a Tanzanian priest, a Mexican housewife, and an unfortunately named Austrian woman known as “Irmgaard” have in common? Answer: Not much. There we were, though, on the first day of language school.  Last week I was in Paris attending classes at the Alliance Francaise.  […]

It goes without saying that Paris is unique.  Yes, it’s beautiful, and special, and oh so French, but so are lots of other places.  Paris is different because of its melancholy nature.  The gray skies and stone buildings combine with the people- sullen looking men and women who have mastered the look of perpetual annoyance, […]

Recently it was announced that US Airways, the Charlotte, North Carolina based airline was going to merge with American Airways.  It’s been many years since I had flown on US Airways, and I was aware of its long history of financial problems.  It had declared bankruptcy, but managed to hold on.  The first time I […]

This is the first of a series of articles about the transformative power of traveling.  No one really knows the impact a trip is going to have on their lives.  It can be a restorative escape, educational, or thought provoking – often all at the same time.  Sometimes the experiences a person has while traveling, […]

Movie awards season is upon us once again.  This year I was struck by the diversity of the contenders for Best Picture as determined by the Academy.  The films take place in a rich universe.  Two films represent the Middle East (and it’s turmoil), two show 19th Century America, and others deal with France, India, […]

I’ve traveled to a lot of places.  Most of them, due to my being an American, were places that I certainly didn’t speak the language.  I’ve gotten by with the help of hand gestures and pantomime skills.  I don’t want to brag here, but I’m good.  Very good.  I’ve taught class to group of Russian […]