Travel updates and occasional commentary
My fantasy of an Istanbul stopover involved a morning immersed in the history of the Hagia Sophia, followed by a brief stop to feast my eyes and nose in one of the city's famous markets. But as with many other parts of this trip, I had to adjust to a slightly different reality.
Read MoreMy surprise day in Vienna meant finishing travel to Bucharest on a Sunday morning, hence missing church. Fortunately, though, I still found time for both reflection and fellowship.
Read MoreThe morning after my youngest brother's wedding, I flew from Albania to Switzerland to start research on the global experience of singleness. Once I'd waddled off the last train, maneuvering probably close to 100 pounds of gear, I met the first of what will be doubtless many strangers to help with my research this next year.
Read MoreMy research on the global experience of singleness started with a wedding, providing a chance to use both my German and Spanish, test my anti-mosquito program and see if sourdough starter can survive lengthy air travels.
Read MoreMarie worked on Monday, so she took me to the train that morning for a day of exploring mostly on my own.
Read MoreSunday morning we started the day with church. On several past trips, I've attended services in other languages, so I was relatively well prepared for the experience. This time, though, the sermon held a surprise.
Read MoreMy third (!!) international trip of the year started on a Thursday, immediately after a week-long work trip to New Orleans. In fact, the two trips were so close that I pre-packed the Europe bag in case I needed help swapping luggage (I did, but my housemate's help actually made for a much more relaxed layover).
Read MoreMy last day in Rwanda turned out to be the day of President Paul Kagame's inauguration to another term (of seven years, I believe), so many businesses were closed for the holiday. Since the genocide memorial remained open, I took a car taxi there after lunch.
Read MoreDespite last-minute changes that almost prompted me to cancel my two-day Rwanda stop, I ended up spending my happiest day of 2017 in Kigali.
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