How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
Author: Franklin Foer
Who knew you could learn so much about globalization, economics and politics from soccer? Great read.
Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Author: Julia Cameron
One possible path to re-discovering the creativity you never knew you had.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, New Edition
Author: Jared Diamond
An admirable crack at explaining why the world is the way it is by way of an anthropological macro-history. This book probably comes up the most in conversation as we travel.
The Cathedral Within: Transforming Your Life by Giving Something Back
Author: Bill Shore
Inspiring profiles of social entrepreneurs and projects we all can learn from and hopefully replicate to give back to community.
Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation
Author: John Carlin
Although the storyline is built around the South African rugby team and the 1995 World Cup, this book is more about Nelson Mandela and how he was able to unite a divided country. Inspiring.
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown
Author: Paul Theroux
The author re-visits Africa and re-assesses the place he once knew... and judges it once and for all. Well written, poignant observations of the thumbprints left by career politicians, aid workers, and everyday people.
Outliers: The Story of Success
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
A look at the internal and external factors of how extraordinary people got to be, well, extraordinary. One of those books that challenges assumptions and makes you think differently.
Shantaram: A Novel
Author: Gregory David Roberts
Administering first aid in a Bombay slum, selling fake passports and running guns to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Technically a novel, but closely linked to the Author's own experiences. Fantastic read.
Some of you weighed in on our decision to go to Antarctica. We don’t want to leave you hanging any longer.
So what did we decide? What did the process look like and what did we learn from it? Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Antarctica, Travel by: Audrey Scott
28 Comments | 23 February 2010
The other day we were chatting with some friends over dinner about travel and the topic of Antarctica came up. Perhaps it was the martini and red wine combination (it was a long day), but I got fired up as I considered the possibility.
Until now, Antarctica seemed like a far off dream, the stuff of speculation only. But could we – or rather, should we – try to make it a reality? Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Antarctica, Travel by: Daniel Noll
46 Comments | 18 February 2010
The folds of Bolivia’s beauty – and its contradictions and struggles — defy a story line.
– Our thoughts in Bolivia, First Impressions
Bolivia may defy a story line, but it sure does beg a visit.
Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Bolivia, South America, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
4 Comments | 17 February 2010
I don’t know how you guys do it.
– Many of our readers
Sometimes, we don’t know either.
– Us
On Valentine’s Day, couples around the world are thinking of ways to spend more time together. Then there’s us: almost not possible.
Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Personal Growth, Travel by: Audrey Scott
61 Comments | 14 February 2010
All the best stories are but one story in reality – the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape.
— A. C. Benson
It had never occurred to us to ask, “Where do conspiracy theorists go for early retirement?”
Then we visited Vilcabamba, a little town in southern Ecuador. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Ecuador, South America, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
28 Comments | 9 February 2010
Maybe you’ve seen the photos coming out of Peru over the last week or two: raging rivers, washed-out bridges, mud-buckled railroad lines, and tourists being airlifted from under the shadow of Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes.
We’re here to suggest — despite it all — that you keep Peru on (or consider adding it to) your travel bucket list.
Why?
Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Peru, South America, Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
23 Comments | 5 February 2010
You took the San Martin city train? Foreigners usually just take taxis here.
– A local porteño, eyes wide, expresses shock at our opting to take one of Buenos Aires’ grittier public transport lines during our first week in town.
Taxi cabs are easy: they get you from point A to B directly and with relative efficiency. In a taxi you don’t have to deal with people leaning on you and accidentally hitting your head with a shopping bag; there are no unnecessary pauses, no large-crowd odor issues, and no long waits at stops.
But inter-city public transport does have its advantages. More often than not, we choose it over taxis whenever we have the chance.
We confess: we have a love affair with public transport. And here’s why. Continue Reading »
Filed Under: Travel by: Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
30 Comments | 3 February 2010
