India Food Journal: Paneer at 37,000 Feet and Other Choices I Regret

The Indian food tour began somewhere above Greenland at 37,000 feet.My tray table became the first stage of a culinary adventure—one that began not in Delhi’s crowded markets, but in a metal tube hurtling across the Atlantic. With three meals spaced over the flight, each one brought its own take on India’s regional flavors, and …

Emojies Can’t Handle My Stoke (Send a Photo, Or Wait, Take Me With You.)

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Oolin Note: this was published in 2016, before the emoji revolution. But, you know, its the SPIRIT that counts. Friend at home: “How’d the day go, boys? Friend on trip:“Sdfghaiodfubadjnfgl!@dwgnwfghwfH!!njsfkgjb wrn!! DDAAAAAAaaaAA!!!!” Friend at home:”Is Joey Icelandic?”  Friend#2 on trip: “No dude, he’s Stoked. “ I send a lot of …

Something Calls You: A Poem

Something calls you… Your ears can almost here it but instead they catch only the wind as it passes. Instead, your heart feels it’s whisper like the promise of a distant embrace. Something calls you, and at first, it’s only a calling. Like your pride beckoning you to the hunt. It floats between each heartbeat, as if …

How to Find the Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

“¡¿Que hay todavía?!” a voice shouts from the ghoulish black van rolling down the street beside us.  The man at the grill behind the taco stall—his greasy apron glaring white under the cooking lights—calls back, hands waving in emphasis, and— ¡Vaya! — EEERRREEEEEEE!!!!! The vehicle abruptly skirts to the curb, parking at the corner of …

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Great Conversations with Anyone

Google search: “S-o-l-o  T-r-a-v-e-l” Google:” Oh-My-Gawd it is SO GREAT. You should totally F***ing do it.” Feel free to try it yourself at home.  You’ll get thousands of hits. Google: The 10 Benefits  of Solo Travel, 6 Advantages to Solo Travel, 8 things you learn about yourself while Solo Traveling, yadda-yadda-yadda. There is one unexpected thing you might …

The Carreterra Austral: Finding the Spirit of Chilean Patagonia

“If every country was a cocktail, Chile would be a skinny margarita, served in a champagne flute.  It’s a long, slender country.  It’s green, it’s tangy, and it leaves you wanting more.” Of the two bikes we shipped to Chile for our bikepacking trip, both were detained by customs officials in Santiago.  Following their interrogation, …

How to Get Around By Car in Alaska – A Trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks

Alaska is a gorgeous place, and it makes for wonderful road trips.  Alaska is also a massive state, and driving times can be long, so you should be prepared with a few tips for getting around safely.    Below are a few tips for how to be prepared for driving in Alaska and how to …

Be Outlandish: 3 Easy Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your First Burning Man

There are plenty of articles on how to prepare for burning man, and what to bring, and what to expect (pssst! you’ll still be surprised =)). There were some takeaways for me, that I didn’t find on any of the other articles, so here you go, check them out! 1. Volunteer for the Black Rock …

Burning Man Gear Guide: What Items Did I love, What Did I Regret Not Having?

I’m a minimalist.  I like to travel light and simply.  That’s why it is important for me to find the best bang for the buck items that REALLY carry their weight in a suitcase or duffel bag.  Before going to my first Burning Man, I didn’t know what to expect, and I brought one duffel …

6 Ways to Make Friends while Traveling in Patagonia

Do you want to travel to Patagonia but you’re worried you’ll be lonely? Don’t worry!!! Check out these pro tips on how to make friends while traveling in Patagonia! Remember, travelers are often out of their routine, and open to meeting new people and trying new things.  How exciting!  1. Visit a Patagonian hot spring, …

Here’s Why You Should Give Some Love to Your Travel Friends

1. Travel friends give you insights about your own culture, and how weird it is. There are alot of habits ingrained in us through our culture, and through traveling and meeting people from different places we can gain insight into those habits and learn about new ways to live our lives as our best selves.  Let’s …