My 2022 travel adventures
Scroll down this long web page to follow my journey country-by country.
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A short summary of the major stops along the way, country flag and location. Most of the better details and stories are in my blog or Instagram feed.
Let me know if you read or see anything you find interesting. Sharing is half the fun.
Jordan
Jordan is my first jump adventure for 2022.
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I fly to Dubai, UAE direct from Orlando, Fl. - then transfer to Amman.
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Amman, then to the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, back to Amman, the Jerash and Ajun.
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A short, fast one week visit. A true adventure. Petra was a magnificent sight to witness. And the history, deserts and interesting people made this adventure a hit!!!
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Jordan is a walk to ancient times. I loved it
United Arab Emirates
UAE, A Dubai visit.
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Wow!!! endless amazement !!! Makes an embarrassment of all the US and European cities.
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Burj Khalifa dominates the downtown district. I am overwhelmed by the Huge mall of hundreds of restaurants and hotels. All immaculate.
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And the night light-show with fountains in downtown is a wonder !
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I explored their Metro, and traveled to their Expo 2020. A huge Epcot-like experience. A fun day outside of Dubai.
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Taxi's, and abras (water taxi's) added to the local experience. The Gold Souq and Al Fahidi district gave me a better feel of normal like here in Dubai.
Mozambique
The road less traveled applies to Mozambique.
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I tour Maputo, the capital of this huge, struggling country. Learning its history, meeting their people. A city that still fighting to hold this country together.
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The onto Tofo for 2 weeks of diving. Adventurous diving in the Indian Ocean. Tons of sea life, photos and real-life in the 3ed world. It wasn't enough time. If you want to challenge your limits. This is the place.
So much to adjust to traveling here. Exploring a few areas of Inhambane district. TIA.
Lots to blog about from Moz. Read more
South Africa
South Africa : Finally. I should have visited here long ago.
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I start in Cape Town, a fantastic city. Table Mountain, city streets and Cape Point. A live'able city. Wow, I just want to stay.
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I push onto a Kruger Safari. And its a first rate experience as you might expect. Animals, game drives and 1000 pictures. I love Safari's.
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A few days in the Drakensburg mountains. Then pushing onto another African country!! Zim and Zam are next.
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I will return to Cape Town and retrieve my dive gear for onward adventure. But not yet there!!!
Zambia
Dr. Livingstone I presume!!!
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I arrive in Livingstone Zambia. Traverse their chaotic immigration and border crossing into Zimbabwe.
Not sure if this really counts as a visit. but the short stop was an education!!! I do get a Visa and another passport stamp.
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I need to learn more of this country and give it more time on my next African visit !!
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe exploring !!!
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Starting at Victoria Falls, and a perfect hotel to catch my breath for travel. Finding a safe haven in this small town adjacent to a world Icon.
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No tourists again. Empty hotels and no-one at the Falls. Ahh, the people are fighting to survive here.
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I visit a local Village next. A fun day, watch the funny video some time.
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Then a Zim Safari at Hwange. An authentic, very cool experiance. The real deal. No pets here! But again, no tourists. I loved my flight there, on a small plane again. In the co-pilot seat.. fun stuff. I spent more time here then originally planned. But 100% worth it. I learn a ton!!!
Maldives
Male, Maldives - a new island!!!
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Just a few hours here, then another tiny plane to Dhanavandoo and the Baa Atolls. I dive these reefs for 10 days - a relaxed pace, but plenty of diving. Day and Night, its a comfortable stay. Great hotel and dive shop. I explore this small island, discovery their pace of life.. I hope to return one day. Nothing but great memories from here.
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After my resort diving, I jump back to Male, and a live aboard dive boat. 10 days of diving, packed with photos and new friends that live aboard's always include.
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Just exploring the Central and North Atolls on this visit to the Maldives... I'll need to return on day and discover the Deep South islands.. and time it with the Manta Ray season. So very very many dive sites to explore here, endless.
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I add a short day in the city of Male, walking about and getting feel for this city. Interesting after time on the out-islands. Indian-like culture and dress, Muslim beliefs, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Boats, tourists.. This isn't a 3ede world country, Not like to poor nations of Africa or the South Pacific. Another patch !!!
Sri Lanka
Oh My!!! Such a difficult time to travel to Sri Lanka.
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They are in an economic crisis. Fuel, food, civil unrest. The damage of Global Lockdown and no tourists, dropping trade, mismanagement ... its a struggle here.
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I Travel about day to day. Negombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Nilavelli Beach, Nuswara Eliya, Udawalawe, Galle, Colombo. Finding taxi and bumping along its small roads.
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I dive the Northeast, hike mountains, visit Tea Plantations, go on a Safari. Struggle to find food and transportation. Wow, this is an adventure.
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Lots of experiences to blog of here!! I pray for these people. The world has no idea the damage lockdowns have done.
Thailand (again)
I travel back to Thailand. My third time visiting. My other visits, I just explored Bangkok.
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Diving the Andaman Sea aboard the Phinisi live aboard dive boat was fantastic. Joining friends from home.
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Then exploring Phuket, Phi Phi, Railay and more.
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Amazing polite people, outstanding food and culture. So very much to explore and blog about here.
Philippines - (again)
Back to the Philippines for my second visit.
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I'll be stopping in Manila , then onto Palawan.
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I explore Palawan, then join a dive boat.
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Turkiye
Turkyie history adventure.
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Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Izmir, Ephesus, Hiepolis - cities and culture and food!!!
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Archeological sites and cities.
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I love Turkyie!
Egypt (again)
Egypt for a second look!
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I go to Hurghada to dive the Red Sea.
Another Live aboard.. Wreck diving,,
Back to my element!
Morocco
Morocco. Such a popular tourist destination I had to take a look around. Marrakech and Casablanca. And a tour of the Atlas mountains and desert.
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Bonaire
Back to Bonaire. My second home!!
I'm booked in for a long'ish stay here. Diving each day, Windsurfing between.
Friends and family. Fantastic food. Warm beautiful Caribbean waters...with reefs made for diving.
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So many corners of this island to explore, and I have visited most!!
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Maybe this visit,,I'll get around to blogging about Bonaire. :)
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My favorite island.
Smoky Mountain Camping and Road Trip, USA
A few weeks in the Appalachian Mountains.
Starting as a road trip, and touring NC, Ga and parts of SC. But this adventure was mostly about backcountry camping and hiking in the Smoky Mountains - in the perfect Fall season. Leaves and color everywhere.
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I visited 5-6 great mountain towns along the road trip, stayed at a friend's cabin and visited cousins.
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I've camped many times, but it was the first time blogging about it. I love these ancient mountains.
A great American vacation!