1389 lines
No EOL
73 KiB
HTML
1389 lines
No EOL
73 KiB
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
|
|
<html lang="en">
|
|
<head>
|
|
<meta charset="UTF-8">
|
|
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
|
|
<title>WorldWander - A Year Around the World</title>
|
|
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;600;700;900&family=Open+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
|
|
<style>
|
|
:root {
|
|
--brown: #5C4033;
|
|
--brown-light: #8B6F47;
|
|
--brown-dark: #3E2723;
|
|
--green: #2E5339;
|
|
--green-light: #4A7C59;
|
|
--green-dark: #1B3A26;
|
|
--beige: #F5F0E8;
|
|
--beige-dark: #E8DFD0;
|
|
--sand: #D4C5A9;
|
|
--white: #FFFFFF;
|
|
--cream: #FAF8F3;
|
|
--text: #2C2417;
|
|
--text-light: #6B5D4F;
|
|
--accent: #C17F3E;
|
|
--accent-dark: #A0662D;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
* { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }
|
|
|
|
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }
|
|
|
|
body {
|
|
font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;
|
|
color: var(--text);
|
|
background: var(--cream);
|
|
line-height: 1.7;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {
|
|
font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;
|
|
line-height: 1.3;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* HEADER / NAV */
|
|
.site-header {
|
|
background: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
position: sticky;
|
|
top: 0;
|
|
z-index: 1000;
|
|
box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-inner {
|
|
max-width: 1400px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto;
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
align-items: center;
|
|
justify-content: space-between;
|
|
padding: 0 24px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-brand {
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
align-items: center;
|
|
gap: 10px;
|
|
padding: 10px 0;
|
|
text-decoration: none;
|
|
color: var(--beige);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-brand svg { width: 36px; height: 36px; }
|
|
|
|
.nav-brand span {
|
|
font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
|
|
font-size: 1.4rem;
|
|
font-weight: 700;
|
|
letter-spacing: 1px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-links {
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
gap: 4px;
|
|
list-style: none;
|
|
flex-wrap: wrap;
|
|
justify-content: flex-end;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-links li { position: relative; }
|
|
|
|
.nav-links > li > a {
|
|
display: block;
|
|
padding: 14px 14px;
|
|
color: var(--sand);
|
|
text-decoration: none;
|
|
font-size: 0.85rem;
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
|
|
transition: color 0.2s, background 0.2s;
|
|
border-radius: 4px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.nav-links > li > a:hover,
|
|
.nav-links > li > a.active {
|
|
color: var(--white);
|
|
background: rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.mobile-toggle {
|
|
display: none;
|
|
background: none;
|
|
border: none;
|
|
color: var(--sand);
|
|
font-size: 1.5rem;
|
|
cursor: pointer;
|
|
padding: 10px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* HERO */
|
|
.hero {
|
|
background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brown-dark) 0%, var(--green-dark) 50%, var(--brown) 100%);
|
|
position: relative;
|
|
overflow: hidden;
|
|
min-height: 70vh;
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
align-items: center;
|
|
justify-content: center;
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
color: var(--white);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero::before {
|
|
content: '';
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
|
|
background: url('images/chile_andes.jpg') center/cover;
|
|
opacity: 0.15;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero-content {
|
|
position: relative;
|
|
z-index: 2;
|
|
padding: 60px 24px;
|
|
max-width: 800px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero-globe {
|
|
width: 120px;
|
|
height: 120px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto 24px;
|
|
opacity: 0.9;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero h1 {
|
|
font-size: 4rem;
|
|
font-weight: 900;
|
|
letter-spacing: 3px;
|
|
margin-bottom: 16px;
|
|
text-shadow: 2px 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero .tagline {
|
|
font-size: 1.3rem;
|
|
font-weight: 300;
|
|
opacity: 0.9;
|
|
margin-bottom: 24px;
|
|
font-style: italic;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.hero .subtitle {
|
|
font-size: 1rem;
|
|
opacity: 0.75;
|
|
max-width: 600px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.scroll-hint {
|
|
margin-top: 32px;
|
|
animation: bounce 2s infinite;
|
|
opacity: 0.6;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
@keyframes bounce {
|
|
0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
|
|
50% { transform: translateY(8px); }
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* SECTIONS */
|
|
.section {
|
|
padding: 80px 24px;
|
|
max-width: 1200px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.section-alt {
|
|
background: var(--beige);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.section-dark {
|
|
background: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
color: var(--beige);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.section-title {
|
|
font-size: 2.4rem;
|
|
color: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
margin-bottom: 8px;
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.section-dark .section-title { color: var(--sand); }
|
|
|
|
.section-subtitle {
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
color: var(--text-light);
|
|
font-size: 1.05rem;
|
|
margin-bottom: 48px;
|
|
max-width: 700px;
|
|
margin-left: auto;
|
|
margin-right: auto;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.section-dark .section-subtitle { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); }
|
|
|
|
/* INTRO */
|
|
.intro-content {
|
|
max-width: 800px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto;
|
|
font-size: 1.05rem;
|
|
line-height: 1.9;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.intro-content p { margin-bottom: 20px; }
|
|
|
|
.intro-date {
|
|
color: var(--accent);
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
font-size: 0.9rem;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 1px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.intro-highlight {
|
|
background: var(--beige);
|
|
border-left: 4px solid var(--accent);
|
|
padding: 20px 24px;
|
|
margin: 24px 0;
|
|
border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;
|
|
font-style: italic;
|
|
color: var(--text-light);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* REGION TABS */
|
|
.region-nav {
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
flex-wrap: wrap;
|
|
justify-content: center;
|
|
gap: 8px;
|
|
margin-bottom: 40px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.region-btn {
|
|
padding: 10px 20px;
|
|
background: var(--white);
|
|
border: 2px solid var(--sand);
|
|
border-radius: 30px;
|
|
cursor: pointer;
|
|
font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;
|
|
font-size: 0.85rem;
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
color: var(--brown);
|
|
transition: all 0.2s;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.region-btn:hover,
|
|
.region-btn.active {
|
|
background: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
color: var(--white);
|
|
border-color: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* DESTINATION GRID */
|
|
.dest-grid {
|
|
display: grid;
|
|
grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(280px, 1fr));
|
|
gap: 24px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card {
|
|
background: var(--white);
|
|
border-radius: 12px;
|
|
overflow: hidden;
|
|
box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
|
|
cursor: pointer;
|
|
transition: transform 0.25s, box-shadow 0.25s;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card:hover {
|
|
transform: translateY(-4px);
|
|
box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-img {
|
|
height: 200px;
|
|
background: var(--beige-dark);
|
|
background-size: cover;
|
|
background-position: center;
|
|
position: relative;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-img .region-tag {
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
top: 12px;
|
|
left: 12px;
|
|
background: rgba(0,0,0,0.6);
|
|
color: var(--white);
|
|
font-size: 0.7rem;
|
|
padding: 4px 10px;
|
|
border-radius: 12px;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-body {
|
|
padding: 20px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-body h3 {
|
|
font-size: 1.2rem;
|
|
color: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
margin-bottom: 8px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-body p {
|
|
font-size: 0.9rem;
|
|
color: var(--text-light);
|
|
line-height: 1.6;
|
|
display: -webkit-box;
|
|
-webkit-line-clamp: 3;
|
|
-webkit-box-orient: vertical;
|
|
overflow: hidden;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.dest-card-body .read-more {
|
|
display: inline-block;
|
|
margin-top: 12px;
|
|
color: var(--accent);
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
font-size: 0.85rem;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* DETAIL MODAL */
|
|
.detail-overlay {
|
|
display: none;
|
|
position: fixed;
|
|
top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
|
|
background: rgba(0,0,0,0.6);
|
|
z-index: 2000;
|
|
overflow-y: auto;
|
|
padding: 40px 24px;
|
|
backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-overlay.active { display: block; }
|
|
|
|
.detail-panel {
|
|
background: var(--white);
|
|
max-width: 900px;
|
|
margin: 0 auto;
|
|
border-radius: 16px;
|
|
overflow: hidden;
|
|
box-shadow: 0 16px 64px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
|
|
animation: slideUp 0.3s ease;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
@keyframes slideUp {
|
|
from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(24px); }
|
|
to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-hero {
|
|
height: 300px;
|
|
background-size: cover;
|
|
background-position: center;
|
|
position: relative;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-hero::after {
|
|
content: '';
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
|
|
height: 120px;
|
|
background: linear-gradient(transparent, rgba(0,0,0,0.6));
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-hero h2 {
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
bottom: 24px;
|
|
left: 32px;
|
|
color: var(--white);
|
|
font-size: 2.5rem;
|
|
z-index: 2;
|
|
text-shadow: 1px 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.4);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-close {
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
top: 16px;
|
|
right: 16px;
|
|
background: rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
|
|
color: white;
|
|
border: none;
|
|
width: 40px;
|
|
height: 40px;
|
|
border-radius: 50%;
|
|
font-size: 1.2rem;
|
|
cursor: pointer;
|
|
z-index: 3;
|
|
transition: background 0.2s;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-close:hover { background: rgba(0,0,0,0.8); }
|
|
|
|
.detail-content {
|
|
padding: 40px 32px;
|
|
font-size: 1.05rem;
|
|
line-height: 1.9;
|
|
color: var(--text);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-content h3 {
|
|
font-size: 1.4rem;
|
|
color: var(--brown);
|
|
margin: 32px 0 12px;
|
|
border-bottom: 2px solid var(--beige-dark);
|
|
padding-bottom: 8px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.detail-content p { margin-bottom: 16px; }
|
|
|
|
.detail-content .detail-region {
|
|
display: inline-block;
|
|
background: var(--green);
|
|
color: white;
|
|
font-size: 0.75rem;
|
|
padding: 4px 12px;
|
|
border-radius: 12px;
|
|
text-transform: uppercase;
|
|
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
|
|
font-weight: 600;
|
|
margin-bottom: 16px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* ABOUT */
|
|
.about-grid {
|
|
display: grid;
|
|
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
|
|
gap: 48px;
|
|
align-items: center;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.about-text { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.9; }
|
|
.about-text p { margin-bottom: 16px; }
|
|
|
|
.about-stats {
|
|
display: grid;
|
|
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
|
|
gap: 20px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.stat-card {
|
|
background: var(--white);
|
|
padding: 24px;
|
|
border-radius: 12px;
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.stat-card .num {
|
|
font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
|
|
font-size: 2.2rem;
|
|
color: var(--accent);
|
|
font-weight: 700;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.stat-card .label {
|
|
font-size: 0.85rem;
|
|
color: var(--text-light);
|
|
margin-top: 4px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
/* FOOTER */
|
|
.site-footer {
|
|
background: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6);
|
|
text-align: center;
|
|
padding: 40px 24px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.site-footer .footer-brand {
|
|
font-family: 'Playfair Display', serif;
|
|
font-size: 1.8rem;
|
|
color: var(--sand);
|
|
margin-bottom: 8px;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.site-footer p { font-size: 0.9rem; margin-bottom: 4px; }
|
|
|
|
.site-footer .footer-links {
|
|
margin-top: 16px;
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
justify-content: center;
|
|
gap: 24px;
|
|
flex-wrap: wrap;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.site-footer .footer-links a {
|
|
color: var(--sand);
|
|
text-decoration: none;
|
|
font-size: 0.85rem;
|
|
transition: color 0.2s;
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
.site-footer .footer-links a:hover { color: var(--white); }
|
|
|
|
/* RESPONSIVE */
|
|
@media (max-width: 900px) {
|
|
.hero h1 { font-size: 2.8rem; }
|
|
.about-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
|
|
.dest-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(240px, 1fr)); }
|
|
.detail-content { padding: 24px 20px; }
|
|
.detail-hero h2 { font-size: 1.8rem; left: 20px; }
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
@media (max-width: 768px) {
|
|
.nav-links { display: none; }
|
|
.nav-links.show {
|
|
display: flex;
|
|
flex-direction: column;
|
|
position: absolute;
|
|
top: 100%;
|
|
left: 0;
|
|
right: 0;
|
|
background: var(--brown-dark);
|
|
padding: 12px;
|
|
border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
|
|
}
|
|
.mobile-toggle { display: block; }
|
|
.hero h1 { font-size: 2.2rem; }
|
|
.hero .tagline { font-size: 1.05rem; }
|
|
.section { padding: 48px 16px; }
|
|
.section-title { font-size: 1.8rem; }
|
|
.dest-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
|
|
}
|
|
</style>
|
|
</head>
|
|
<body>
|
|
|
|
<!-- HEADER -->
|
|
<header class="site-header">
|
|
<div class="nav-inner">
|
|
<a href="#" class="nav-brand" onclick="closeDetail(); window.scrollTo({top:0,behavior:'smooth'}); return false;">
|
|
<svg viewBox="0 0 100 100" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
|
|
<circle cx="50" cy="50" r="46" stroke="#D4C5A9" stroke-width="3" fill="none"/>
|
|
<ellipse cx="50" cy="50" rx="20" ry="46" stroke="#D4C5A9" stroke-width="2" fill="none"/>
|
|
<line x1="4" y1="50" x2="96" y2="50" stroke="#D4C5A9" stroke-width="2"/>
|
|
<path d="M12 30 Q50 25 88 30" stroke="#D4C5A9" stroke-width="1.5" fill="none"/>
|
|
<path d="M12 70 Q50 75 88 70" stroke="#D4C5A9" stroke-width="1.5" fill="none"/>
|
|
</svg>
|
|
<span>WorldWander</span>
|
|
</a>
|
|
<button class="mobile-toggle" onclick="document.querySelector('.nav-links').classList.toggle('show')">☰</button>
|
|
<ul class="nav-links">
|
|
<li><a href="#intro">Story</a></li>
|
|
<li><a href="#destinations">Destinations</a></li>
|
|
<li><a href="#about">About</a></li>
|
|
</ul>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</header>
|
|
|
|
<!-- HERO -->
|
|
<section class="hero">
|
|
<div class="hero-content">
|
|
<svg class="hero-globe" viewBox="0 0 100 100" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
|
|
<circle cx="50" cy="50" r="46" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.5)" stroke-width="2" fill="none"/>
|
|
<ellipse cx="50" cy="50" rx="22" ry="46" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.4)" stroke-width="1.5" fill="none"/>
|
|
<ellipse cx="50" cy="50" rx="38" ry="46" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.2)" stroke-width="1" fill="none"/>
|
|
<line x1="4" y1="50" x2="96" y2="50" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.3)" stroke-width="1.5"/>
|
|
<path d="M8 32 Q50 27 92 32" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.25)" stroke-width="1.2" fill="none"/>
|
|
<path d="M8 68 Q50 73 92 68" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.25)" stroke-width="1.2" fill="none"/>
|
|
<circle cx="50" cy="50" r="46" stroke="rgba(212,197,169,0.6)" stroke-width="3" fill="none"/>
|
|
</svg>
|
|
<h1>WorldWander</h1>
|
|
<p class="tagline">One year. Two backpacks. Every continent between.</p>
|
|
<p class="subtitle">In 1998, we quit our jobs, packed our bags, and set out to see the world. These are the stories from 365 days on the road -- from Angel Falls to Angkor Wat, the Pyramids to Petra, and everywhere in between.</p>
|
|
<div class="scroll-hint">
|
|
<svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="rgba(255,255,255,0.6)" stroke-width="2"><path d="M7 13l5 5 5-5M7 6l5 5 5-5"/></svg>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<!-- INTRO -->
|
|
<section class="section" id="intro">
|
|
<h2 class="section-title">The Road Behind</h2>
|
|
<p class="section-subtitle">A journey that began with a question: What if we just... went?</p>
|
|
<div class="intro-content">
|
|
<p class="intro-date">May 2006</p>
|
|
<p>It has been 6 years since Karen and I took a year off to travel and built the original WorldWander web site. One day I checked the access logs and was surprised to see the amount of traffic we get. It was time for a refresh so I ported everything over to a Wiki which will make it easier for Karen and I to edit and make changes.</p>
|
|
|
|
<div class="intro-highlight">
|
|
"Jordan -- We got up our courage and headed for Jordan. We were too close to miss the world wonder in Petra. It didn't help that the United States was bombing Iraq only four hours away!"
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
<p>What started as a dream over dinner became a year-long odyssey across six continents. From the waterfalls of Venezuela where a proposal was made, to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca; from sleeping in fairy caves in Cappadocia to tracking the Big Five in South Africa -- every day brought something we never could have planned.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>We traveled by bus, boat, train, tuk-tuk, camel, canoe, sampan, and our own two feet. We slept in five-star hotels and fraternity-house hostels. We ate at TGIF Fridays in Buenos Aires and from boiling kettles at Chilean fish markets. We learned that Yerba Mate explains everything about Argentine culture, that Chile closes after March 15, and that the secret to a successful restaurant in Chile is Saturday morning cartoons.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>These pages hold the stories -- the real, unfiltered, sometimes hilarious accounts of two people figuring it out as they went. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed living them.</p>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<!-- DESTINATIONS -->
|
|
<section class="section section-alt" id="destinations">
|
|
<h2 class="section-title">Destinations</h2>
|
|
<p class="section-subtitle">Click any destination to read the full story</p>
|
|
|
|
<div class="region-nav">
|
|
<button class="region-btn active" onclick="filterRegion('all')">All</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('south-america')">South America</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('africa')">Africa</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('middle-east')">Middle East</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('asia')">Asia</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('europe')">Europe</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('turkey')">Turkey</button>
|
|
<button class="region-btn" onclick="filterRegion('usa')">USA</button>
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
<div class="dest-grid" id="destGrid"></div>
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<!-- ABOUT -->
|
|
<section class="section" id="about">
|
|
<h2 class="section-title">About the Journey</h2>
|
|
<p class="section-subtitle">Two people, one year, and a world of stories</p>
|
|
<div class="about-grid">
|
|
<div class="about-text">
|
|
<p>WorldWander is the travel journal of Scooter and Karen, a couple from Boca Raton, Florida who decided to take a year off from their careers to travel the world starting in February 1998.</p>
|
|
<p>Armed with guidebooks, backpacks, frequent flyer miles, and a healthy dose of stubbornness, they traveled through South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe -- learning as they went that the best travel stories come from the plans that fall apart.</p>
|
|
<p>Along the way, Scooter proposed to Karen in front of Hacha Falls in Venezuela's Canaima National Park ("Karen was surprised to hear those words come out of my mouth and she was quick to respond with a very happy YES"), they survived overnight buses in Paraguay, navigated Egyptian customs with pencil-marked boarding passes, and discovered that the key to happiness might just be Yerba Mate.</p>
|
|
<p>The original WorldWander site was built during the trip itself, updated from internet cafes and borrowed phone lines around the world. This archive preserves those stories -- raw, funny, and full of the wonder that comes from seeing the world for the first time.</p>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="about-stats">
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">365</div><div class="label">Days on the Road</div></div>
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">40+</div><div class="label">Countries Visited</div></div>
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">6</div><div class="label">Continents</div></div>
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">7</div><div class="label">World Wonders</div></div>
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">1</div><div class="label">Proposal at a Waterfall</div></div>
|
|
<div class="stat-card"><div class="num">∞</div><div class="label">Yerba Mates Consumed</div></div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</section>
|
|
|
|
<!-- FOOTER -->
|
|
<footer class="site-footer">
|
|
<div class="footer-brand">WorldWander</div>
|
|
<p>A year-long journey around the world, 1998-1999</p>
|
|
<p style="font-size:0.8rem; margin-top:8px; opacity:0.5;">Originally published at worldwander.com · Archived and preserved</p>
|
|
<div class="footer-links">
|
|
<a href="#intro">The Story</a>
|
|
<a href="#destinations">Destinations</a>
|
|
<a href="#about">About</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</footer>
|
|
|
|
<!-- DETAIL OVERLAY -->
|
|
<div class="detail-overlay" id="detailOverlay" onclick="if(event.target===this)closeDetail()">
|
|
<div class="detail-panel">
|
|
<div class="detail-hero" id="detailHero">
|
|
<button class="detail-close" onclick="closeDetail()">×</button>
|
|
<h2 id="detailTitle"></h2>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="detail-content" id="detailContent"></div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
|
|
<script>
|
|
// Destination data
|
|
const destinations = [
|
|
// SOUTH AMERICA
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'argentina', title: 'Argentina', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/argentina_iguazu_falls.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'From the thundering Iguazu Falls to the passionate tango district of Buenos Aires, and a 22-hour deluxe bus ride through the grasslands.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<p>The area of Iguazu falls is bordered by Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay which provides for some interesting multiple country visits in a single day. I will try to start this section with our attempt to get to Argentina.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The International Bus Terminal in Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay is not something to put on your list of places to visit especially at 4:30 AM because that is when we arrived from Asuncion, Paraguay. The guide books were of little help because we knew we needed to catch a bus to the Argentina side of the falls and you would assume that you would do this from the International Bus Terminal. But after a few hours of frustration we got it narrowed down to the fairly simple task of catching a local city bus up on the corner. We had no idea what corner or what time the bus came so our only option was to stand on the corner and wait.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>After some time and standing on multiple corners we moved to our final corner destination and saw a bus labeled with Argentina, Puerto Iguazu. But it turns out the bus driver is early for his route and we would have to wait for the next bus. We then realize that we do not have the correct currency for the bus ride and scramble to change $20 US into Paraguay money.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>March 18</h3>
|
|
<p>Yesterday, was the first time in a month that the two of us separated to work on various projects. Karen set out to figure out our travel plans for Iguazu Falls and I worked on the computer. All the travel planning books warn the traveler to pick your travel partner well because you will either want to kill them during and at the end of the trip or you will want to spend the rest of your life with them. So far we are headed down the path of eternal bliss. However, a lot can change in the next 10 months of travel.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Argentinian side of the falls is definitely setup for tourists. They have put a lot of effort into building very nice walkways over the various waterfalls and down to the river's edge. Each waterfall is separated by a small island or patch of land that forces the river to divide into many smaller waterways. It is a surreal feeling to stand a foot above the drop off point of a roaring waterfall. I don't think Disney could have built a nicer waterfall for tourists to enjoy.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Brazilian Side</h3>
|
|
<p>The Brazil side of the falls has only one walkway from the top to the bottom of the falls. Karen and I walked up and could not believe the size and magnitude of the falls. It was truly impressive. Every corner and observation point yielded an even larger view of the falls. Taking pictures became a little difficult because water vapor is everywhere and covers your camera lens before you have a chance to focus. The end of the walkway takes you into the middle of the river and at the edge of a large horseshoe shaped fall.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Next stop was Bird Park. The park entrance was $8 US and at first we thought it would only take five minutes to see the birds in the various cages. As we got to the end of the bird house we went through a door that took us on a hour worth of bird habitats inside huge cages. This allows you to actually walk through and stand next to some beautiful birds of many different species. I think I enjoyed the Bird Park more than the waterfalls.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Buenos Aires</h3>
|
|
<p>Argentina is a large country but over 80 percent of the population lives in Buenos Aires. The first stop was Calle Florida a walking street in the middle of Buenos Aires. We sat out on our walk to Puerto Moreno only to find a restaurant Mecca. Buenos Aires had prospered in the early 1900's as a port town and a major beef and agriculture exporter to Europe. The waterway in Puerto Moreno consisted of at least four miles of beautifully restored four story brick buildings.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Upon arrival into Paraguay and our current travel into Argentina we noticed that everyone, and I mean everyone, was carrying around a thermos and a small silver cup. Yerba Mate is also called Green Gold and is mainly grown in Paraguay and Argentina but is exported all over the world. Based on my observations it got everyone happy and stoned and they really had no desire to eat so therefore the local economy could not support any nice restaurants.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>A word of caution to men who take their lady to Argentina; get ready to feel like a real romance looser. Every couple in the park was glued together at the hip, kissing, holding hands and trying to see if they could get anymore body parts to touch. I came away from Argentina wanting to hold Karen's hand a little more often and a little bit longer. I think the root for all the affection is in the Yerba Matte.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Bariloche</h3>
|
|
<p>Bariloche is an Alpine Ski town both tourist and business oriented. It is very quaint and situated on a large lake surround by mountains. The town is famous for its chocolate stores and every chocolate kitchen you walked by almost knocked you out from the overwhelming smell of fresh chocolate. The chocolate stores our actually large chocolate supermarkets with every kind of chocolate you can imagine. The only exception to this was the combination of chocolate and peanut butter; haven't they every heard of Reeses Peanut Butter cups.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'bolivia', title: 'Bolivia', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/bolivia_lapaz.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'From the world\'s highest navigable lake to La Paz at 12,000 feet, through Bolivian customs that frisk everyone.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<h3>Goodbye Peru -- Hello Bolivia</h3>
|
|
<p>The catamaran was modern and looked like a living room inside with lounge chairs and windows. Unfortunately, it was rainy and foggy. A guide filled us in on the details of Lake Titicaca--the world's 11th largest, world's highest navigable, very deep, trout fishing, Inca ruins, etc were the highlights. Basically, once you have seen 10 minutes of the lake you have experienced the next 5 hours of the cruise. The sun came out and we had a lovely crossing but I would definitly not do it again because it is boring and expensive ($150 per person).</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Once again, we were arriving to a town with no lodging preferences so we followed another couple to the Gloria Hotel in downtown La Paz. The hotel was disappointing since we thought we were splurging for $65-small noisy rooms with drab outdated rooms. Scooter thought is looked like a 1970's junior high school.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>La Paz is a very high city, 12,000 feet and is home to many of the world's highest records. The city itself is in a large hole surrounded by hills and is quite striking. It is also safe to walk around the city day or night.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>March 16</h3>
|
|
<p>Up at 4AM out the door at 5AM to the La Paz International Airport--not a direct flight of course, but to Santa Cruz, Bolivia first. This area is very rich in farming and is attracting farmers from Japan, Canada, and US Mennonites.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Scooter stopped in one of the many barber shops on the street for a haircut. The men in South America are very well trimmed and the barber shops were always busy. The barber who cut Scooter's hair was truly and artist and made sure it was a perfect cut--especially because we video taped him. Cost of haircut-$4.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>We seem to have to learn our travel lessons repeatedly: Secure a taxi price before getting in the car. Look at the hotel room before paying for it. Do not believe everything your guidebook tells you. Make sure you know the price of your phone calls.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Bolivian customs is tough departing and arriving. When checking in all baggage is X-rayed, hand luggage is manually checked and everyone is taken in a small room and frisked. Then upon arrival in Paraguay, our luggage was sniffed by dogs on the floor of customs.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'chile', title: 'Chile', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/chile_andes.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'A Korean sewing machine rental car, headlights that enraged truckers, and the discovery that Chile shuts down after March 15.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<h3>March 25</h3>
|
|
<p>After one relaxing day in Bariloche, Argentina we are on the road, or rather on the bus to Osorno, Chile. The border crossing in Chile was a little bit more complicated. The livelihood of Chile is its fruit and vegetable exports, so they take very seriously any little bugs or small creatures entering their country.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Budget office was a small lot that consisted of four cars and three or four people sitting inside. After everything was added up the price came to around $68 a day plus a $140 drop off fee. Karen pleaded with him to let us rent the car now and he quickly pointed out to come back at 3:00 PM. Karen was not happy and she had no problem pointing out, "I was so mad I could have spit in his face." Chile was not being kind to us.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>My head fills with thoughts of opening up a store that exclusively sells coolers. I returned to the supermarket and found Karen still having a great time walking around. Karen had me pull the car over because she saw a gift shop that might have a cooler. She returned a few minutes later with our $18 US cooler.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Five Star Campground</h3>
|
|
<p>We pulled into our campground to find thirty spots surrounded by huge trees. Each camp site was bordered by nicely trimmed hedges and rose bushes in full bloom. Sitting in the back corner of each little piece of paradise was a fire pit, running water and a covered picnic table with electricity. Things had finally started to click in Chile.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Chile Hates Us</h3>
|
|
<p>I have provided enough supporting evidence for me to build my case, Chile sucks after March 15. We found a closed campground overlooking the ocean, took a couple of deep ocean air breaths, finally admitting we had been defeated. We had chicken and beer in the cooler and no place to cook it.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>As the cars and trucks approached from the opposite direction every other vehicle would flash their lights. This Korean sewing machine was equipped with the new extra white headlights. I couldn't take it anymore and we pulled over in the next town to check into a hotel. I hate Chile.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Saturday Morning Cartoons</h3>
|
|
<p>Every trucker in the place had their eyes glued to Saturday morning cartoons. Each cup of coffee approached the trucker's lips without even a momentary glance away from the Spanish version of Tom and Jerry. We paid our check laughing to ourselves that the secret to a successful restaurant in Chile is Saturday morning cartoons.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'ecuador', title: 'Ecuador', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/chile_flame.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Taco Bell in Quito, armed bank guards pointing the way with machine guns, and the quest to find the Galapagos.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div><p>After seeing an amazing 100% Solar Eclipse we are on our way to Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos. We arrived in Caracas around 7:00 AM and before we knew it we had our bags and were wandering around trying to find our flight. "WE ARE ON THE STREETS OF BOGOTA, COLUMBIA WITHOUT GOING THROUGH CUSTOMS." I now no longer cared about the flight to Quito.</p><p>"Transit, Transito, Transito" combined with the very special pencil marked boarding pass in my possession -- she shrugged her shoulders and let us go through.</p><p>Then before my vary eyes appeared a mirage or a hallucination. We could not believe it -- yes they have TACO BELL in Ecuador. Karen and I are both addicted to Taco Bell and eat it at home at least twice a week.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'peru', title: 'Peru', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/chile_camp.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'From the coastal charm of Miraflores to the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu, via pisco sours and an ingenious boy on hairpin turns.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<p>The Avensa flight did not arrive to Lima until about 1:00 AM and we still had to go through customs and locate some lodging. Our buddy Cam had recommended that we stay in the Miraflores area rather than downtown Lima and that proved to be excellent advice. Our room was beautiful, big, fresh, with a great bathroom that was a welcome change after showering on a boat for the last 8 days.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Miraflores is a lovely city on the coast of Peru, it appeared to be very safe and a great place to walk around--down to the beach to check out those Lima surfers, lots of sidewalk cafes, parks and all the services that travelers need.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Machu Picchu</h3>
|
|
<p>The ruins of Machu Picchu are believed to be the remains of a spiritual retreat, where leaders of the Inca civilization made pilgrimages--supposedly a very secret place built amazingly high on a mountain with only one path leading into the city. Forty percent of the ruins have been reconstructed and sixty percent is original stonework. Machu Picchu was discovered by an American archeology professor, Hiram Bingham, in 1911.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>On the bus ride down we were treated to an ingenious income earning scheme. At the top of the mountain, a young boy dressed in native clothing shouts good-bye to the bus and waves furiously. We think nothing of it until we get to our first of many hairpin turns and the same boy is there waving and yelling "gooooodbyyyyyyyye." This ritual is repeated at least a dozen more times at every turn--it takes the bus almost 30 minutes to reach the bottom and the young man runs straight down barefoot. At the last turn, the bus driver lets him on the bus where everyone applauds and gives him coins. We thought he earned it.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Lake Titicaca</h3>
|
|
<p>The floating islands are semi-islands that continue to be manually refurbished with reeds. The islands are nothing but mud and reeds but are stable enough to have villages and cattle. The people living on these islands are Uros and Aymara Indians who fish, hunt, and live off lake plants. They have lived this way on floating islands for thousands of years.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'venezuela', title: 'Venezuela', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/venezuela_angel_falls.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Angel Falls, a proposal at Hacha Falls, and Tomas who lived under a rock for ten years in Canaima National Park.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<h3>Friday February 13, 1998</h3>
|
|
<p>We arrived into the international Caracas Airport at 2:00 PM. We exchanged $200 US and used the Tourist Information counter to make a hotel reservation. The people working the Tourist counter did not speak English so communicating was by trial and error.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Canaima National Park</h3>
|
|
<p>We loaded up our bags into the back of the four seater Cessna and strapped ourselves in. We had also taken our malaria medicine for the first time. This is not a good thing to do before you get on a small plane. The plane was also filled with a bag of onions and tomatoes so the smell only added to the nausea.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Tomas came to this area as an airline mechanic for Avensa. After one year Tomas quit his job and found a new home in the park between Sapo and Sapito falls. His new home was under a rock overhang that overlooked the runoff of two waterfalls. Tomas lived in this open air cave for ten years sleeping in his hammock, exploring the national park and living off the land.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Karen and I were the only two guests in the camp. After lunch, Tomas and his girlfriend took us on a very nice canoe trip. We paddled for a short distance and walked to Ara-meru falls which is located next to the field of jade. We swam in the waterfalls and then canoed to Sapo and Sapito falls.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Angel Falls</h3>
|
|
<p>The river was very low but our guides Jose and Jeime are masters at their work. The boat is carved out of a single tree and is over thirty feet long and powered by a Yamaha 48hp outboard motor. One guide sits on the front of the boat with a very large paddle for steering and signals to the other guide the location of oncoming rocks.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Tepuis on the way to Angel falls are without compare to anything we have seen. Angel falls is located at the top of a Tepuy and the water falls 980 meters or 3280 feet which makes it the tallest waterfall in the world.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>When we reached our first vantage point the sun came out and the clouds opened and before us stood Angel Falls. Marlon could not believe our luck and asked us if we are usually this lucky and I told him that we have been very lucky in the past.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p><strong>For those of you reading this closely I proposed to Karen in front of Hacha falls on Sunday the February 15th in what I thought at the time was the prettiest and most romantic spot on earth. Karen was surprised to hear those words come out of my mouth and she was quick to respond with a very happy YES.</strong> Little did I know that the next two days would bring us sights and sounds that took us to another level of beauty and appreciation for the things around us. Our future looks very bright together filled with happiness, love and a little bit of luck thrown in when you least expect it.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'paraguay', title: 'Paraguay', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/argentina_government.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'A transit stop between Bolivia and Argentina, with midnight buses and customs hassles.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'galapagos', title: 'Galapagos Islands', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/bolivia_catamaran.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Eight days aboard the Sea Man with blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and scuba diving on the equator.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">South America</div>
|
|
<p>We are meeting Arnie from Norway at 6:30AM on a street corner to share a cab to the airport. The three of us had met the day before at a small sporting goods store, while purchasing mask/snorkel, and found out we were taking the same eight-day Galapagos tour on the Sea Man.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Galapagos Islands are located on the Equator, 970 kilometers off Ecuador. There are six larger islands and 12 small islands and approximately 10,000 people live there. At first glance, the group appeared to be very likeable, friendly and international. There were 16 of us, mostly between the ages of 25 and 40 from Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Japan, Norway, Canada, Denmark, England and Scooter and I.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Sea Man is a motor yacht about 65 feet long, not too glamorous but functional and fast. The majority of our travel was done at night--all night. Most of the guests selected this particular boat because of its extensive itinerary.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The flora and fauna we were able to be up close and personal with included: Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Sea Lions, Blue-footed boobies, Red-footed boobies, Giant friggates, Galapagos penguins, Flightless cormorants, Marine iguanas, Land iguanas, Pelicans, Galapagos hawks, Flamingos, Galapagos land tortoise, Sea turtles, Dolphins, and many tropical fish.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>We fell into a pattern each day of eating breakfast at 7:00AM after the boat arrived at its location for the day. Attire is very casual, in fact we all wore basically the same clothes for 8 days. When we returned to the boat it was usually a 10 minute turn around to get your suit on and get in the water for a snorkel. AHHHH, the water feels so good in the heat of the day.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>There were a couple notable diversions: Scuba diving with the sea lions--fantastic. Evening at the discoteca in Puerto Ayora trying to learn the mirange. The last supper on the boat was very special. My birthday night rum party -- I was wished happy birthday in several languages.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'trinidad', title: 'Trinidad', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/venezuela_tepui.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Carnival, rum, and the hectic pace of island life in the Caribbean.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'curacao', title: 'Curacao', region: 'south-america', regionLabel: 'South America',
|
|
img: 'images/curacao_bridge.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'A solar eclipse on a Dutch island, laying on cactus to film it, and winning $40 at blackjack.',
|
|
},
|
|
// AFRICA
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'southafrica-safari', title: 'South Africa Safari', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_elephant_charge.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Big Five in one drive, a kill in the middle of camp, and butt shots around the campfire at Honey Guide.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Africa</div>
|
|
<p>We arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa at 10:00 AM via Air France from Paris. The American Embassies in Sudan and Nairobi had just been bombed the day before and South Africa was seeming a bit scary.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>My sister's Kris and Kim and their husbands Ed and Keith are arriving today for the start of their two week vacation. The six of us had heaps of fun ahead of us.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Honey Guide Safari</h3>
|
|
<p>We selected Honey Guide camp for several reasons. Our daily rate included three delicious meals, refreshments, two game drives and walking trails. Our adventure began shortly after departing the airport. On the way to the camp we spotted warthogs, giraffes, cape buffalo, and elephants--incredible, we knew we were in for an authentic adventure.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>"The big five" -- this term quickly becomes part of your vocabulary on a game reserve. Lion, leopard, cape buffalo, rhino, and elephant make up the list. This evening's game drive completed our 'big 5' sightings -- lions yesterday, elephants and cape buffalo everyday, rhino this morning and finally the elusive leopard tonight with the added bonus of 2 leopard cubs.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The beer and wine flowed until the butt shots started and the sambuca made an appearance. For those unfamiliar with the term 'butt shot', they are brandy snifters filled with sambuca, lit on fire, and then extinguished by placing the glass on your bare butt cheek of choice.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Kill in Camp</h3>
|
|
<p>There was a kill right in the middle of camp -- outside tent 5. It seems that Ginny-T, a lioness with 2 cubs killed a waterbuck antelope just after everyone went to their tents. The family in tent 5 watched the entire thing happen ten feet from their bathroom. How would you like to wake up to the housekeeper saying "be careful, lions in the camp this morning"!</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Big 5 in 1 Drive</h3>
|
|
<p>This evening's drive was epic. Philip and Donovan outdid themselves tonight. First, we came across the lioness, Chip and her 3 cubs. A few minutes later in total darkness, Philip thinks he sees a rhino. Sure enough, moments later a rhino walks out of the thick bush. Not too far down the road are cape buffalo. Then another leopard crossed the road right in front of us. Donovan mentioned that this was only his 3rd or 4th time to see THE BIG 5 IN 1 DRIVE.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Later that night, about 2 AM, I woke to a distinct munching sound, I peeked outside over the bathroom wall to see a giraffe, so close I could have touched it, just enjoying a late supper.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'southafrica-garden', title: 'South Africa Garden Route', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_mokoro_ride.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Driving the stunning coastal route from Johannesburg to Cape Town.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'southafrica-capetown', title: 'South Africa Cape Town', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_nata_camp.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and the vibrant waterfront.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'namibia-dunes', title: 'Namibia Dunes', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_tornado.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'namibia-etosha', title: 'Namibia Etosha', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_tracking.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Self-drive safari through Etosha National Park and its salt pan.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'zimbabwe-ruins', title: 'Zimbabwe Great Ruins', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_delta_camp.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'zimbabwe-wedding', title: 'Zimbabwe Wedding', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_hippo.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Attending a traditional Zimbabwean wedding celebration.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'zimbabwe-zambezi', title: 'Zimbabwe Zambezi', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_elephant_fire.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'botswana', title: 'Botswana Okavango Delta', region: 'africa', regionLabel: 'Africa',
|
|
img: 'images/botswana_mokoro_ride.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Mokoro rides through the world\'s largest inland delta, tracking elephants on foot.',
|
|
},
|
|
// MIDDLE EAST
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-cairo', title: 'Egypt - Cairo', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: 'images/chile_fish_market.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Egyptian Museum, the chaos of Cairo, and riding camels at sunset past the Pyramids of Giza.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-pyramids', title: 'Egypt - Pyramids', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: 'images/chile_cattle.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The ancient Greeks considered the Great Pyramids one of the original seven wonders. They have survived 4,500 years.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Middle East</div>
|
|
<p>From a world wonder standpoint our decision to include Egypt on our travels was an easy one. Our taxi driver/tour guide feels that we should see the Pyramids at sunset by camel. We reluctantly agree. The pyramids were incredible especially by camel back.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Looking down the road and seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza on the horizon is surreal, you just can't quite believe that the image you have seen so many times is real. We bumped along over the desert for an hour and a half checking out the Sphinx which looks minute compared to the size of the three large pyramids. These were the massive tombs built for 3 pharaohs from the 4th Dynasty; Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The road to the pyramids was built in the 1860's so that the Empress Eugenie could travel the 11 km from Cairo, but not paved until President Jimmy Carter visited. The ancient Greeks considered the Great Pyramids to be one of the original seven wonders of the world. They are currently Egypt's most visited monuments. The pyramids have survived 4,500 years.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Saqqara was the necropolis for Memphis when it was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom period. We saw Zoser's Step Pyramid, maybe Egypt's oldest. The step-style pyramid was constructed by Imhotep, King Zoser's chief architect, at the time, it was the largest stone structure ever built.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-luxor', title: 'Egypt - Luxor', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Karnak Temple, the granddaddy of temples, and basketball with the locals.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-nile', title: 'Egypt - Nile Cruise', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Cruising the Nile with armed convoys, camel markets, and surreal desert vistas.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-aswan', title: 'Egypt - Aswan', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Club Med on an island, the High Dam, and the Temple of Kalabsha.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-redsea', title: 'Egypt - Red Sea', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Advanced PADI certification in some of the world\'s best diving waters.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-valley', title: 'Egypt - Valley of Kings', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Ancient tombs, Nefertari\'s restored tomb, and sheesha pipes with the locals.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'egypt-alex', title: 'Egypt - Alexandria', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The site of the ancient Lighthouse and the Suez Canal wonder.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'jordan-petra', title: 'Jordan - Petra', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: 'images/venezuela_falls_boat.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The lost city from Indiana Jones, carved from rose-colored sandstone, explored during Ramadan.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Middle East</div>
|
|
<h3>Across the Gulf of Aqaba</h3>
|
|
<p>Take the ferry if you can figure out what time it departs. We arrived at 10 AM thinking that we would be leaving at noon. We purchased more expensive fast ferry tickets, but we were here and the fast ferry did not leave until 3. We chose to keep moving.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Once we had our passports returned and tried to pay our Jordanian visa fee. Standing in front of the immigration officer was when we were told that it had been increased to 33 JD (50$) each -- we told him that we did not have enough money! We dug in every nook and cranny of our backpacks, looking for any forgotten currency in pockets and purses. After unpacking our backpacks in the immigration office much to the delighted but unsympathetic officer we still came up 3 JD short. We asked a fellow traveler who we had met minutes earlier to borrow the money. One hour and one hundred dollars later we were in Jordan.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Petra</h3>
|
|
<p>Currently, we're in the town of Wadi Musa, 5 km from our today's destination, Petra, a formerly lost city. 8th century BC Edomites started this ancient town on the trade route then taken over in the 6th century BC by the Nabateans who carved temples and monuments out of the cliffs. It was home to 20-30,000 people. You may think you have seen it before, because it was featured as the lost city in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Sami Moammar is a super guide, speaking excellent English that he claims he picked up watching too much American TV. He is actually a student of English literature and archeology. He was knowledgeable about Petra, his country, and his religion. Scooter spent the afternoon grilling him on all the above topics.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>One of the most spectacular views is right at the start. A 1.5 km walk through a narrow gorge with a magnificently carved mausoleum at the end made out of rose colored sandstone. As the Brits would say 'brilliant'. The rest of the day took us to the 7,000 seat Roman theater, many huge tombs, and up to the Ad-Deir, the monastery. Then we had to hurry back, so that Sami could get home by sunset for his family's Ramadan dinner celebration. Scooter and I fasted all day too, just to see what it would be like. It is not as hard as you would think because no one around you is eating or drinking.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>This evening we made plans to travel with Mark and Shivana through Jordan and into Israel. Celebrated Ramadan with a big dinner followed by special sweets. Sami brought over small pancakes filled with cheese or nuts and covered in syrup.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'jordan-aman', title: 'Jordan - Amman', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Roman ruins at Jeresh, McDonald\'s cravings during Ramadan, and crossing into the West Bank.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'israel', title: 'Israel', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Exploring the Holy Land amid tensions and gas mask distributions.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'palestine', title: 'Palestine - Christmas', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Christmas in Bethlehem -- the birthplace of Jesus during a time of conflict.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'abu-simbel', title: 'Abu Simbel', region: 'middle-east', regionLabel: 'Middle East',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Huge stone figures of Ramses on the banks of Lake Nasser, a wonder moved piece by piece.',
|
|
},
|
|
// ASIA
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'cambodia', title: 'Cambodia & Angkor Wat', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: 'images/cambodia_angkor_wat.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Killing Fields, a "NO GUNS ALLOWED" hotel, and the magnificent temples of Angkor in 100-degree heat.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Asia</div>
|
|
<p>Several years ago I read an article in Traveler Magazine about Angkor, some ruins in Asia and it looked totally exotic. Cambodia has had a long history that has seen many changes in the last 800 years. The main attraction of Cambodia for a tourist is Angkor Wat, considered a modern wonder of the world even though they are over 800 years old.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The place we checked in, Soriya Thimey hotel, doubles as a massage parlor and had a sign at the front desk "NO GUNS ALLOWED INSIDE." The place is brand new complete with cable and clean bathrooms. Outside the small hotel is a different story. Looking out the window to the right is a bombed out building with several people living in it.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Killing Fields</h3>
|
|
<p>The Killing Fields of which the movie was named is located 45 minutes outside of town. The monument is a tall glass pagoda structure filled with crushed skulls, bones and collected clothes. Everywhere you walk you can see human bones in the ground. It was very sad and gave me a new understanding of why the United States Government gets involved in world wide peace keeping.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Angkor Wat</h3>
|
|
<p>Angkor Temples are one of the seven modern wonders of the world. They are located in northwest Cambodia outside Siem Reap. They are over 1,000 years old and too big and intact to be called ruins. The whole area is 400 Sq.Km., there are 100 monuments including 24 major temples.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Ta Prohm, a temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its discovery by French Archeologists. Its hallways have been overgrown by tremendous old banyon tree roots. This temple is my favorite - wild and mystical looking.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Scooter's tuna sandwich comes to the table in a bun. Looking inside the sandwich Scooter finds a 3 inch fish complete with skin, fins and bones soaked in a red sauce along with five greasy fries. Scooter politely explains to a waitress that speaks no English that this is a local fish and not canned tuna.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>We headed to Angkor Wat the largest temple in the world. It is unlike the other temples in that it faces west and was built as a Hindu temple. Angkor Wat symmetrical towers are on the Cambodian flag. It has been continuously occupied by Buddhist monks and is very well preserved.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'hongkong', title: 'Hong Kong', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The YMCA hotel, jade markets, Saturday morning dim sum, and a city of mechanical crickets at 4AM.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'india-bangalore', title: 'India - Bangalore', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Silicon Valley of India, monsoon hunting in Goa, and St. Frances missing his big toe.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'india-delhi', title: 'India - Delhi', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Fleeing Delhi in 120-degree heat and learning the Indian travel prayer.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'india-palace', title: 'India - Palace', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Lake Palace of Jaipur and the opulence of Rajasthan.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'india-udaipur', title: 'India - Udaipur', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Venice of the East, with lake palaces and sunset boat rides.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'malaysia', title: 'Malaysia', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Perhentian Islands paradise, tiger beer smuggling, and discovering that Malaysia is wonderful.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'nepal', title: 'Nepal', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: 'images/venezuela_two_falls.jpg',
|
|
excerpt: 'Mt. Everest by scenic flight, the Royal Trek with 9 porters, and drinking with Irish climbers in Kathmandu.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Asia</div>
|
|
<p>It was time to head to the hottest place on earth New Delhi, India and we were not looking forward to it. I managed to calm her down and convinced her that we were leaving for Nepal today, this morning, as soon as possible.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Karen quickly responded we are also going to fly because we hate taking buses. They both laughed over the travel guilt applied by fellow backpackers when you mention that you are going to fly instead of take a bus. No longer, we formed our own high speed, get there as quick as you can, and at all cost avoid a long uncomfortable bus ride group.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Kathmandu</h3>
|
|
<p>The Kingdom of Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries by financial standards but we soon would learn that it is filled with riches beyond your wildest imagination. The people are very relaxed, friendly and happy. It was fun just walking down the streets taking it all in.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>A kid approached me on Themal St. and he politely asked me where I was from. He told me he knew the capital of every country in the world. I named off easy ones at first but then started with hard ones that I didn't know the answers for. He even knew that Antarctica did not have a capital and laughed at me trying to trick him. This kid was sharp.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Royal Trek</h3>
|
|
<p>The Royal Trek got its name because Prince Charles and the Royal family of Nepal trekked this route with an entourage of 90 people. Mick Jagger was also able to do it so we figured it could not be too hard. The trek is described as a 5 day, 4 nights and the highest elevation is around 5000 feet. For a total of $100 a day we had 9 people making sure we could camp in the woods.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Mt. Everest Flight</h3>
|
|
<p>We board a new turbo prop airplane and after a few minutes warming up we take off and head to the Himalayas. The day is gorgeous and once we are up past the cloud line the skies are vivid blue and the snow capped mountains are close and clearly in view. They are tall and steep and we are heading straight for the biggest one.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Irish Climbers</h3>
|
|
<p>It didn't take long to get in the spirit of drinking and we knew that Nepal was going to be fun. We ended up on the roof top of our new Irish friend's hotel. They had just spent 60 days trying to climb to the top of the world's third tallest mountain. They did not make it to the top because of weather and two Japanese climbers died on the mountain. They invited us to come visit them and we may show up on their doorstep.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'nepal-kathmandu', title: 'Nepal - Kathmandu', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Monkey temples, meditation masters who only drink milk, and candle-lit Mexican food during power outages.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'nepal-trek', title: 'Nepal Trek', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Tea house trekking through the Annapurna region with four-star lodge views.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'nepal-royaltrek', title: 'Nepal Royal Trek', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Following in the footsteps of Prince Charles with porters and campfire cooking.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'singapore', title: 'Singapore', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The cleanest city on earth that ships its laundry to Malaysia.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'thailand-north', title: 'Thailand North', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Northern hill tribes, night markets, and the temples of Chiang Mai.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'thailand-south', title: 'Thailand South', region: 'asia', regionLabel: 'Asia',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Island hopping, full moon beaches, and Thai cuisine at its finest.',
|
|
},
|
|
// EUROPE
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'greece-athens', title: 'Greece - Athens', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Acropolis, radioactive swimming holes, and a philharmonic concert under the stars.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Europe</div>
|
|
<p>Our departure from India could not come soon enough. We had just spent a long and challenging five months traveling through South America and Asia. We were ready for the comforts of Europe but a little worried about the cost.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Arriving in Athens was uneventful but very chaotic. The Hotel Astor worked out well, our view was of the Acropolis. For some reason Scooter could not sleep long and decided to venture out for food. He went on a very long walk and was gone a couple of hours. He came back telling me he really liked Athens.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Acropolis</h3>
|
|
<p>The Acropolis is an incredible sight sitting on a high plateau surrounded by the modern city of Athens. There are several monuments: Propylaia, Temple of the Wingless Victory (Athena Nike) of the athletic shoe fame, Erechtheion, Porch of the Maidens and of course the Parthenon. Just below the Parthenon is the Theater of Dionysus where Sophocles, Aristophanes, and Euripides first presented their immortal works.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Today is July 4th and we asked around for any American bars celebrating Independence day. We managed to find a Brooklyn Pizza that had an all you can drink beer special. However, it was not American beer so it didn't seem appropriate.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Radioactive Swimming</h3>
|
|
<p>Not too far from our hotel is a fresh water lake on the edge of the ocean. We swam, sunned and read our guidebook. It really does pay sometimes to read the guidebook first because we found our swimming hole was actually filled with naturally radioactive water. It is rumored to cure all kind of ailments and probably explained the oversized clientele.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>We had lunch -- fresh bread, Tzaziki, Greek salad, watermelon and sipped retsina (wine flavored with pine resin) in an open air cafe. My idea of a perfect afternoon and at that moment, life was good.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Mom and Dad are coming today and I can't wait. I can't believe how excited I am about seeing my parents and the thought of going on a cruise. We are starting a two week vacation from our vacation. I think Scooter and I are actually excited about a diversion from each other. We have spent the last five months together with hardly more than an hour apart. We are still best friends and more importantly still in love.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'greece-islands', title: 'Greece - Islands', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Cruising the Cyclades: Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, and the lost city of Atlantis.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'greece-camping', title: 'Greece - Camping', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Paradise Beach camping on Mykonos with margaritas and moonlit swimming.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'greece-crete', title: 'Greece - Crete & Rhodes', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Island hopping through ancient Minoan ruins and medieval towns.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'greece-olympia', title: 'Greece - Olympia & Pink Palace', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The original Olympic grounds and the legendary Pink Palace hostel.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'spain-barcelona', title: 'Spain - Barcelona', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Gaudi\'s fantasy church, Picasso\'s museum, and midnight Mojitos on the boardwalk with a new friend.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Europe</div>
|
|
<p>We have become increasingly casual about our travel plans. From Avignon, France we make a reservation but our train is very late, so we jump on the first train that comes through. I sat on the floor in a first class car and Scooter went to the bar car for a stool.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>The Talgo train pulled into the Sants Station in Barcelona about 8 PM. We asked Michael from California to join us. While we were waiting our turn in line we witnessed our first theft attempt--a man was also in line scoping out potential victims.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>It was Saturday night at 10:30, perfect timing for Spain's late nights. We walked the waterfront to Ramblas, the main drag. There were incredible crowds of people strolling up this huge boulevard. I ducked into a tropical style bar serving Mojitos -- crushed ice, pile of fresh mint leaves, sugar and rum. Unlike at home, all ages of people were mixing and mingling, the older generation in Spain are not at home after eating the 'early bird special'. You could see grandparents and grand kids dancing in the street and it was after midnight.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Sagrada Familia</h3>
|
|
<p>Coming out of the Sagrada Familia subway station is shocking, seeing this fantasy church looming over you. It is definitely a sight and will be spectacular when it is completed although maybe not in our lifetime. The foundation stone was laid in 1882. The designer, Antoni Gaudi, a devout Christian worked on this creation for 40 years. Everywhere you look Antoni Gaudi has placed a statue or a carving that invites you to stay. If Salvador Dali had to design a church it would look like Sagrada Familia.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Picasso Museum</h3>
|
|
<p>The Picasso Museum containing one of the world's best collections of the world's most prolific artists. The entire life and artistic development of Picasso is on display. Picasso became famous for his odd and controversial drawings but it looked like he could master any art form. His last few years were spent drawing naked women with an emphasis on the child bearing equipment of the female anatomy. You would think at 70+ years old he would have other things on his mind.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'spain-gibraltar', title: 'Spain - Gibraltar & Morocco', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Crossing from Europe to Africa and back in a single afternoon.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'spain-granada', title: 'Spain - Granada', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Alhambra, the Parador de Ronda, and a city with no street signs.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'spain-madrid', title: 'Spain - Madrid', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The capital city, the Prado, and navigating Spanish dinner at midnight.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'spain-seville', title: 'Spain - Seville', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Flamenco, tapas, and the heart of Andalucia.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'austria', title: 'Austria', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'A brief stop in the land of Mozart and alpine scenery.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'czech', title: 'Czech Republic', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Prague and the beauty of central Europe.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'england', title: 'England', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Big Ben, the Channel Tunnel, and a proper cup of tea.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'france-normandy', title: 'France - Normandy', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'D-Day beaches, the rudest information clerk in France, and Beaujolais Day.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'france-mtstmichele', title: 'France - Mont St. Michel', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'A monastery on a tidal island, built on pillars around a sacred peak.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'germany-berlin', title: 'Germany - Berlin', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Post-reunification Berlin and the remnants of the Wall.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'germany-bathroom', title: 'Germany - Bathroom', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'A very specific German experience.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'netherlands', title: 'Netherlands - Amsterdam', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Canals, Rembrandt, and the unique Dutch culture.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'italy', title: 'Italy', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Art, pasta, and the eternal city.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'portugal-sintra', title: 'Portugal - Sintra', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The fairy-tale palaces of Sintra outside Lisbon.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'switzerland', title: 'Switzerland', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Alpine perfection at alpine prices.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'channel-tunnel', title: 'Channel Tunnel', region: 'europe', regionLabel: 'Europe',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The modern wonder connecting England and France under the sea.',
|
|
},
|
|
// TURKEY
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-istanbul', title: 'Turkey - Istanbul', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar with 4,000 shops, and belly dancing at the Orient House.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">Turkey</div>
|
|
<p>The city of Istanbul located on the edge of Europe and Asia was once known as the capitol of the Roman Empire, Constantinople. It has survived as the capitol of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottomans. Istanbul bridges Asia and Europe and has the feeling of any major western cosmopolitan city with a flair.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Hagia Sophia</h3>
|
|
<p>Hagia Sophia is one of the most magnificent buildings ever constructed, has been both central church to Christianity and the major inspiration for Mosques of Islam. Hagia Sophia is 15 stories tall and is capped by a 32 meter dome. When the Church was constructed the building of such a massive size was capped by the largest dome ever built and was considered impossible. The structure was so overwhelming for that period the locals were scared to enter because they felt the dome would collapse. When the Turks conquered Constantinople the church was converted to a Mosque and the beautiful Christian mosaics that covered the grand church were plastered over.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Blue Mosque</h3>
|
|
<p>Across a large park is the Blue Mosque. It was built by the Sultan Ahmet and was a copy of the Hagia Sophia, constructed to prove that the Islamic was on scale with the Christian Religion. The inside of the Mosque is covered with blue mosaic tiles.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>The Grand Bazaar</h3>
|
|
<p>Istanbul has the Grand Bazaar and it is legendary in the field of local markets. With 65 streets jammed with 4,000 shops and restaurants making it the largest mall in the world. The shopkeepers are very interested in your business but they are not annoying. These guys are real pros and probably can figure out how much money you have in your wallet by the way you walk. The result of two hours of tough shopping was a couple of pillow cases and 40 silk scarves.</p>
|
|
|
|
<h3>Our Guide Gurken</h3>
|
|
<p>Our Turkish tour guide, Gurken was a story all to himself. He ran away from home and joined an Islamic extremist group. He became disillusioned and one day decided to walk into a Bible mission. One night he went to sleep with the Quran in one hand and the Bible in the other. He prayed looking for a sign. That night he had what he calls a modern day miracle in the form of a dream where Jesus came to him and told him to choose Christianity. He was only the second person in Turkey to officially change from the Islamic religion to Christianity.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-cappadocia', title: 'Turkey - Cappadocia', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Sleeping in fairy caves, underground cities, and a landscape that looks like the Flintstones.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-ephesus', title: 'Turkey - Ephesus', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-bodrum', title: 'Turkey - Bodrum', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The Turkish Riviera with its castle and coastal charm.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-bursa', title: 'Turkey - Bursa', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The first Ottoman capital and its historic mosques.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'turkey-bath', title: 'Turkey - Turkish Bath', region: 'turkey', regionLabel: 'Turkey',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The full hamam experience -- steam, scrub, and culture shock.',
|
|
},
|
|
// USA
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'grand-canyon', title: 'Grand Canyon', region: 'usa', regionLabel: 'USA',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'One of the seven natural wonders of the world.',
|
|
content: `<div class="detail-region">USA</div><p>The Grand Canyon -- one of the natural wonders of the world. A place that photographs cannot do justice to, where the sheer scale of geology laid bare takes your breath away. Standing on the rim, looking out across millions of years of Earth's history carved by the Colorado River, you understand why this is on every list of wonders ever made.</p>`
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'big-bend', title: 'Big Bend', region: 'usa', regionLabel: 'USA',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'The remote wilderness of West Texas on the Mexican border.',
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
id: 'bay-of-fundy', title: 'Bay of Fundy', region: 'usa', regionLabel: 'USA',
|
|
img: '',
|
|
excerpt: 'Home to the world\'s highest tides -- a natural wonder.',
|
|
},
|
|
];
|
|
|
|
// Image mapping
|
|
const defaultImages = {
|
|
'south-america': 'images/venezuela_arameru.jpg',
|
|
'africa': 'images/botswana_elephant_charge.jpg',
|
|
'middle-east': 'images/curacao_market.jpg',
|
|
'asia': 'images/cambodia_scene.jpg',
|
|
'europe': 'images/argentina_buenos_aires.jpg',
|
|
'turkey': 'images/curacao_cruise.jpg',
|
|
'usa': 'images/chile_andes.jpg'
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
let currentFilter = 'all';
|
|
|
|
function filterRegion(region) {
|
|
currentFilter = region;
|
|
document.querySelectorAll('.region-btn').forEach(b => b.classList.remove('active'));
|
|
event.target.classList.add('active');
|
|
renderGrid();
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
function renderGrid() {
|
|
const grid = document.getElementById('destGrid');
|
|
const filtered = currentFilter === 'all' ? destinations : destinations.filter(d => d.region === currentFilter);
|
|
|
|
grid.innerHTML = filtered.map(d => {
|
|
const img = d.img || defaultImages[d.region] || '';
|
|
const hasContent = !!d.content;
|
|
return `
|
|
<div class="dest-card" onclick="${hasContent ? `openDetail('${d.id}')` : ''}">
|
|
<div class="dest-card-img" style="background-image: url('${img}')">
|
|
<span class="region-tag">${d.regionLabel}</span>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="dest-card-body">
|
|
<h3>${d.title}</h3>
|
|
<p>${d.excerpt}</p>
|
|
${hasContent ? '<span class="read-more">Read the full story →</span>' : ''}
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
`;
|
|
}).join('');
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
function openDetail(id) {
|
|
const d = destinations.find(x => x.id === id);
|
|
if (!d || !d.content) return;
|
|
|
|
const img = d.img || defaultImages[d.region] || '';
|
|
document.getElementById('detailHero').style.backgroundImage = `url('${img}')`;
|
|
document.getElementById('detailTitle').textContent = d.title;
|
|
document.getElementById('detailContent').innerHTML = d.content;
|
|
document.getElementById('detailOverlay').classList.add('active');
|
|
document.body.style.overflow = 'hidden';
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
function closeDetail() {
|
|
document.getElementById('detailOverlay').classList.remove('active');
|
|
document.body.style.overflow = '';
|
|
}
|
|
|
|
document.addEventListener('keydown', e => {
|
|
if (e.key === 'Escape') closeDetail();
|
|
});
|
|
|
|
// Initial render
|
|
renderGrid();
|
|
|
|
// Smooth scroll for nav links
|
|
document.querySelectorAll('.nav-links a').forEach(link => {
|
|
link.addEventListener('click', function(e) {
|
|
const href = this.getAttribute('href');
|
|
if (href.startsWith('#')) {
|
|
e.preventDefault();
|
|
document.querySelector(href).scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth' });
|
|
document.querySelector('.nav-links').classList.remove('show');
|
|
}
|
|
});
|
|
});
|
|
</script>
|
|
|
|
</body>
|
|
</html> |