The Ultimate Train Challenge Finale: China, Vietnam [Video]
With some of the most dramatic and beautiful footage yet, please enjoy Part 3 of the Ultimate Train Challenge video trilogy.
The Ultimate Trans-Manchurian [Video]
Imagine a week solid on a train from Moscow to Beijing, in small quarters with no showers and two people you’ve just met. Welcome to the Trans-Manchurian train!
The Ultimate Train Challenge through Europe [Video]
In the first 17 days of the Ultimate Train Challenge, I covered 6 European countries and passed through 4 more. Here’s a video of my European UTC adventures!
29 Trains in 30 Days: The Ultimate Train Challenge Finishes
During September, I took 29 trains from Lisbon, Portugal to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam. Here are some highlights from this 25,000km journey!
13 Random Experiences on Asian Trains
3 of our 6 nights from Beijing to Saigon are on trains, so I have time to see Asian travel culture, make friends, and bide time. Here are some random experiences.
Guilin: River Culture and New Tourism
Guilin is a beautiful city with a thriving river culture, from morning meditations to touristy Li River cruises. Oh yeah – and rice noodles. Yum!
Beijing – Then and Now
Visiting Beijing and the Great Wall of China is an amazing “full circle” experience for me; China was my 1st overseas trip – 18 years ago. Here’s my experience.
A Week on the Trans-Manchurian Railway
The Trans-Manchurian is 8,986km (5,623 miles), and involves 145 hours and 37 minutes of straight train travel. Give or take. Here is my account of the trip.
Flat in Moscow
Despite the roller-coaster of Ukraine leaving me higher than lower, I roll into Moscow (literally “roll”) feeling pretty flat, and with a huge task-list.
The Very-Fast Train is 1 Hour Late (and Other Ukrainian Paradoxical Experiences)
Ukraine is a paradoxical roller coaster that takes me on a three-day ride I won’t soon forget. Come along!
Naked in Prague at Night
I’m disoriented, unprepared, confused, slightly drunk, slightly scared, and without a purse to clutch on to for security. I feel totally naked. This is my Prague at Night.
Zurich Switzerland: Rural Urbanity
What little I saw of Switzerland and Zurich is all those cliches: quaint, charming, etc. What surprised me most was how refreshingly rural life in Zurich can be.
Staying off the Tourist Trail (or Not) in Barcelona
I try to discover the “real” Barcelona, devoid of tourists and tourist traps.It’s a naive mission that proves harder than it looks, but reveals some interesting insights.
Tapas, Mountains, Flamenco, and Siestas: This is Granada!
Tapas, Mountains, Flamenco, and Siestas. It’s a tough life in Granada!
Leaving Lisbon
Ah, the food, the people, the ambiance, the life. In Leaving Lisbon on September 1st to commence the Ultimate Train Challenge, I have already vowed to return. (It’s just a matter of when).
Sleeping on Trains, Sleeping in Beds
Find out where we’re sleeping – and how – during the Ultimate Train Challenge!
Ultimate Train Challenge: Planning the European Leg
I’m planning how I’ll travel from Lisbon to Moscow by train, with the help of Eurail. But I’m also departing from my usual ways….read on for more!
Ultimate Train Challenge: Planning for the Trans-Siberian Railway
Amidst the huge effort of planning for the Ultimate Train Challenge lies a section of our trip that includes the world’s longest railway: the Trans-Siberian. Here’s how we’re planning it!
Announcing: The Ultimate Train Challenge!
Here’s the next big step in my full-time travels; an adventure of epic proportions – the Ultimate Train Challenge. Check it out!