These are dark days for the native currency of the Russian Federation (RUB). With Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and retaliatory sanctions employed by nations across the world, the ruble has lost over 40% of its value. The US and its allies have banned Russian oil imports, revoked the country's favored trade status and cut … Continue reading Analyzing Russia’s Ruble
Author: bryces21
Hood Things: Climbing Mt. Hood
Climbing Mt Hood's South/Palmer Glacier Route
Mt Rainier: Climbing The Big One
Making the decision to climb Mt Rainier is a serious undertaking that requires honest consideration and elaborate planning. It is difficult for climbers who have climbed (hiked) other peaks in the lower forty eight states to grasp the magnitude and scope of Mt. Rainier's terrain. Mt Rainier, standing at 14,411, is the most heavily glaciated … Continue reading Mt Rainier: Climbing The Big One
Trekking Through China’s Tiger Leaping Gorge
Overlooking Naxi Villages and Rice Terraces in The Tiger Leaping Gorge It was late August of 2017 and I had spent the last couple days wandering around the culturally vibrant city of Lijiang in China's northern Yunnan province. Resting in the foothills of the Himalaya, Lijiang is the ethnic home to Naxi people who have … Continue reading Trekking Through China’s Tiger Leaping Gorge
Dingle, Ireland; The Last Port of Call…
The Dingle Peninsula, reaching out of the northwest side of County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland, is one of the most rugged, majestic and ancient places in all of the North Atlantic. The Peninsula is home to over 2000 identified archeological sites, dating all the way to the Mesolithic era; 4000 BC and before. … Continue reading Dingle, Ireland; The Last Port of Call…
Luang Prabang; Explorer Shot
Luang Prabang in north central Laos is an ancient town resting on the Banks of iconic rivers; The Mekong and Nam Khan. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a location where western colonial and traditional Lao Buddhist influences combine to form a truly historic and culturally unique city in Southeast Asia. French Colonial … Continue reading Luang Prabang; Explorer Shot
Gamla Stan
Snap from Swedish Archipelago (July 2010) The following is an Excerpt From My Book "Stranger In The Village of The Spiritual" “Shit that was close!” I yelled after almost barreling into a car head on and nearly killing Lydia and I. Oh my god, why did I let you drive?” Lydia yelled in my ear … Continue reading Gamla Stan
Meandering Through Lijiang
I arrived in Lijiang with fatigue and an upset stomach. After spending the previous week, battling a horrendous stomach that probably came about from consuming unfiltered water, I was still a bit queezy and sleep deprived. The Outskirts of Lijiang I stepped off the crowded bus onto the streets of the prolific Yunnan city and … Continue reading Meandering Through Lijiang
The Explorer’s Guide to Edinburgh
Location:Great Britain; The United KingdomPopulation:482,005 (2020 est)People:92% White British (1 in 7 born in England)Largest Minority Group:Chinese NationalsCurrency:Pound SterlingReligion:Non-Affiliation/Atheist (60%), Church of Scotland/Roman Catholicism (33%), Other (7%) The City of Scots The City of Edinburgh is one of the top places to visit in the North Atlantic for the cultural traveller. Edinburgh is the Capital … Continue reading The Explorer’s Guide to Edinburgh
Stranger In The Village of The Spiritual
"What the hell is the point of this?" I said while hopping out of my car in a black paved parking lot of a rather skuzzy looking apartment complex. I was verbalizing a response to another rush of existential thoughts that had been for a few months now, flooding my mind. It was early November … Continue reading Stranger In The Village of The Spiritual