The Danikil Depression... what an experience. Salt flats, unworldly colorful landscapes, and hiking to the rim of a volcano is quite the adventure. We are jumping back to February 2020, before so many borders closed due to COVID and before Ethiopia's civil war in the Tigray region began. This is in the remote Afar region that many countries advise their residents not to travel to due to safety. So I debated visiting, but my curiosity won out. Leaving from the town of …
What to do in Mexico City
It's been a while since I posted anything. Returning to the States in March 2020 and jumping back into work (at a lab, lots of COVID testing) slammed a door on my momentum. Jumping back in with my last minute trip to Mexico City. Mexico City boasts one of the highest populations in the world. As of 2022, over 22 million people live in the metropolitan area! It has a rich history including it's independence, the Spanish rule, and the prehispanic cultures prior to 1500. The city offers up …
Tribes of South Omo and Konso
In Southern Ethiopia, tours are offered to visit tribes of South Omo and Konso. I visited villages of the Aari, Mursi, Karo, Dasanech, Konso, and Dorze tribes. I also visited a market of the Hamar tribe and saw Lake Chamo. Over all it was an interesting though sometimes strained experience. Day 1: Aari Tribe and South Omo Research Center I arrived at the tiny airport of Jinka and found my driver waiting outside. After dropping off my bag and having a quick lunch, we headed out to meet …
Kenya: City, Safari, and Beach!
Kenya is a well known safari destination and for good reason. There are multiple national parks to visit for safari and the tourism industry is well established. Many people know English and provide great service. But there's more to this country. Nairobi is a modern city with lots of amenities. There's also a stretch of coast that has beautiful beaches to check out. City of Nairobi: The main part of Nairobi is a modern city with businesses, restaurants, malls, and …
Qatar Stopover
I took advantage of a stopover and spent a couple days in Doha, Qatar. This city seems to be in the process of a transformation and I’m excited to see how the it changes over the next few years. In 2022, the World Cup will be held in Qatar. The country seems to be developing new areas, buildings, and prepping for the tourism that this event will bring. Doha has an incredibly beautiful skyline. Within the downtown there appears to be large businesses, …
Colombia for the Holidays
Colombia is a fun, festive country to visit during the holiday season of Christmas through the New Year. Throughout the towns, strings of Christmas lights hang from homes, restaurants, and along streets. Each park shines with colorful lights and decorations. And many Colombians have time off to celebrate the season. Holiday Lights in Lleras Park in Medellin Holiday lights in Laureles neighborhood of Medellin Laureles neighborhood Medellin: I was in …