Blogs
A Japanese tourist hailed a taxi in downtown Delhi, asking to be taken to Indira Gandhi Airport. Along the way, a car swiftly passed by, and the tourist exclaimed, “Ah, a Toyota – made in Japan! Very fast!” Another car then overtook the taxi, and the tourist remarked, “Ah, a Nissan – made in Japan! Very fast!” Soon after, yet another car passed them, and the tourist said, “Ah, a Mitsubishi – made in Japan! Very fast!” The taxi driver, who was 100% Indian, grew a bit annoyed as Japanese cars kept overtaking. Finally, as they approached the airport, another car zoomed past the taxi, and the tourist exclaimed, “Ah, […]
What does isolation at Antarctica’s poles feel like? One day, a video cassette of the Polish version of “Big Brother” arrived at the Antarctic research station. The narrator’s concerned voice explained, “The participants have been confined together for these 90 days.” We exchanged looks. It was the 281st day at the Arctowski base. The above memory is a story I heard from a friend, but I hope it helps you understand what isolation at the poles truly means. Personally, I’ve conducted four expeditions at the Polish Henryk Arctowski Antarctic Station, two of which were winter overs (year-round observations). Usually, a ship departs from Gdynia Harbor in October and, after a […]
Living in the Middle: Living somewhere in the middle, what’s it like? I live somewhere in the middle. Going a step further, I’d say at one point, my family was one of the most isolated families in North America, perhaps even one of the most isolated in the world. Building an igloo in the spring of 1980 (though that was my brother, not me, for clarification). Would you believe it? Keep reading. Here’s a map of the United States taken directly from Google Earth. As you can see, it’s quite a vast area. Now, some of you may not be aware, but just north of the United States, there’s another […]
Which country boasts the most delicious mangoes? Look no further than India. India and mangoes are synonymous. The cultivation of mangoes in India dates back over 4,000 years, making it the birthplace of these luscious fruits. Even today, India proudly holds the title for the highest mango production in the world. Let’s embark on a journey through India, exploring the world of mangoes. Here’s a list of mango varieties harvested in each state of India. Quite an impressive array of flavors, isn’t it? While wine tours are famous worldwide, I highly recommend embarking on a mango tour in India. It’s a delightful and enjoyable expedition. First, let’s go through the […]
The allure of living off the grid, you ask? In essence, I lead a life devoid of monetary transactions. I secure sustenance and shelter by dedicating five hours of labor, five days a week, and I do so without spending a dime. Most of our food is grown on-site, and whatever is not cultivated is procured through purchases, primarily fruits, beans, and occasionally bread. While my host covers the cost of groceries, last week’s shopping list only amounted to $3, consisting of lentils, canned tomatoes, and oregano. Furthermore, we cut firewood for heating the home, warming water, and cooking, thereby bypassing expenses like gas and the like. We reside in […]
The Amish lead a lifestyle that may seem stark to many, yet what they gain surpasses what they relinquish by far. Electricity, cars, indoor phones, computers, and average American attire are all forbidden. However, it’s crucial to note that not all Amish communities are identical. Their primary language is Pennsylvania German, pronounced as “Ich” (with a long “i” for Dich), hence sometimes referred to as Dutch despite not being so. Various German dialects exist across regions, making the language barrier perhaps more challenging to adapt to than off-grid living itself. Clothing must adhere to specified patterns and materials, often handmade. Women wear distinctive hats, intricate and demanding in ironing, a […]
I found myself headed towards Skurbuchan Gonpa. The rickety bus departed from Leh town and followed the Leh-Srinagar Highway relentlessly. At a junction along the way, the highway either crossed a bridge towards Lamayuru or continued along the Indus River towards Dah Hanu. Without crossing the bridge, the bus proceeded towards Dah Hanu, passing through Skurbuchan Gonpa along the way. Gradually descending in altitude while glimpsing the Indus River on the left, every green-covered stretch of land along the Indus River was a village. From Dongkar to Skurbuchan, Achinatan, Sanjak, Dah Hanu, to Garkun, this area would soon be adorned with trees bearing juicy, orange fruits in about a month […]
Running for an hour continuously is truly challenging, don’t you think? The Appalachian Trail stands as the world’s longest hiking trail, spanning a staggering 3,523 kilometers. This trail traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine, navigating through rugged terrains from Springer Mountain in Chattahoochee National Forest to Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. If the trail were flat, covering the 3,523 kilometers would be the ultimate test of endurance. Spanning 14 states, the Appalachian Trail cuts through alpine regions and rocky terrains, presenting a formidable challenge. With over 150 kilometers of elevation gain, those who embark on this trail typically dedicate five to seven months to complete it. Scott […]
Minimalism has been my way of life, involving quitting my job with less than $3000 in my bank account, embarking on the “challenge of reducing possessions to fewer than 100 items,” turning off my cellphone, booking a one-way ticket to Europe, and living self-sufficiently in the mountains of Spain, exchanging necessities for volunteer work. What did it require? Unraveling much of what I had been taught about pursuing the American Dream. When I first set foot in Spain in February 2015, I volunteered for five hours a day at an animal shelter in exchange for three meals a day. And a free room with wifi. My daily routine included: […]
Explore the Pacific Crest Trail with expert preparation insights and gear recommendations. Discover firsthand experiences and valuable tips to enrich your hiking adventure on this iconic trail. I would divide preparation into four domains: self (mental/physical), food, gear, and other essentials. Self (Mental+Physical): As others have noted, minimal walking prep is crucial to acquire trail legs in the initial weeks. We adjusted our packs repeatedly to find the optimum comfort and weight distribution. Practice walking 5-12 miles in Brooklyn wearing the pack. Mountain Education’s Winter Skills Course surprised me with the need for an ice axe, enhancing directional/navigation skills crucial amidst 500 snow-covered miles. Mountain Ned (instructor Ned Tibbits) even […]
