The third phase of my travels has begun. A month spent in Brazil for Carnaval was great. Backpacking through Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East was unforgettable. But that was just the beginning.
The latest leg of the journey brings me to Southern Africa where I will be spending over a month in Malawi working for Coaches Across Continents, a non-profit organization that uses the beautiful game of soccer/football as a vehicle for education and health awareness for children. But before I get down to that real work, I'm spending a few days in South Africa to enjoy the Confederations Cup in South Africa, an international football/soccer tournament that is basically a precursor to next summer's World Cup.
Right now I'm in Pretoria, South Africa, about to head out to watch a match between the US and Egypt. We Yanks need to redeem ourselves after a very poor showing against Brazil.
More updates soon! And if you have a chance, definitely check out more information about the work I will be doing at coachesacrosscontinents.com
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Random Observations and Anecdotes (2)
If you ever find yourself in Egypt, climb Mt. Sinai at midnight to reach the summit before sunrise. If you are feeling like a true champion, try and make it to the top in under one hour and thirty minutes.
Also, there's a reason why the pyramids are world famous. Believe the hype. And don't forget your camera.
Finding references to the small island nation of Jamaica is extremely easy in any and all countries - even in the most remote of places.
If you find yourself in Jerusalem and in need of a good line up, head to the Arab quarter in the old city. Quality barbershops full of history abound.
If you're hostel hopping and know that you snore, be aware. Some people get irrationally angry when they can't get a good night's rest. Also, if you're a light sleeper - invest in earplugs.
The main square in Marrakech, Morocco (the Djemaa El Fna) looks like a scene straight out of Arabian Nights - monkeys on chains, snake charmers, cross-dressing story tellers, music and smoke emanating from the evening food stands. But if you take a picture, someone's probably going to ask you for some dirhams (money.) If you are looking for good value for money in the city, check out the three dirham orange juice stands (delicious) and the scarves sold by market vendors (quality.)
I saw an incredible amount of University of Michigan paraphernalia while traveling throughout Israel.
While traveling, always make an effort to be aware of local customs, especially religious observances and holidays. For example - arriving to a small town in Israel at the beginning of Shabat (Friday evening) on an empty stomach and without pre-arranged accommodations is not a great idea.
Also, there's a reason why the pyramids are world famous. Believe the hype. And don't forget your camera.
Finding references to the small island nation of Jamaica is extremely easy in any and all countries - even in the most remote of places.
If you find yourself in Jerusalem and in need of a good line up, head to the Arab quarter in the old city. Quality barbershops full of history abound.
If you're hostel hopping and know that you snore, be aware. Some people get irrationally angry when they can't get a good night's rest. Also, if you're a light sleeper - invest in earplugs.
The main square in Marrakech, Morocco (the Djemaa El Fna) looks like a scene straight out of Arabian Nights - monkeys on chains, snake charmers, cross-dressing story tellers, music and smoke emanating from the evening food stands. But if you take a picture, someone's probably going to ask you for some dirhams (money.) If you are looking for good value for money in the city, check out the three dirham orange juice stands (delicious) and the scarves sold by market vendors (quality.)
I saw an incredible amount of University of Michigan paraphernalia while traveling throughout Israel.
While traveling, always make an effort to be aware of local customs, especially religious observances and holidays. For example - arriving to a small town in Israel at the beginning of Shabat (Friday evening) on an empty stomach and without pre-arranged accommodations is not a great idea.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Random Observations and Anecdotes (1)
I was not overly impressed by women in Spain. I was particularly unimpressed by Spanish fashion. Mullets and flood pants? Really?
If you arrive in the port town of Tangier, Morocco after taking a ferry from Spain and find yourself in an "art school," being offered the "best" panoramic view of the city, a glass of mint tea, and being pressured into buying a rug for 600 euro and various other souvenirs and trinkets within your first 15 minutes in the country...don't worry. You are not alone.
Quote from a hustler in Tangier after I declined his services as a guide: "F*ck you. You are a Jew" Welcome to Norther Africa.
Radio stations in Portugal are obsessed with hilarious American 80s music.
If you arrive in the port town of Tangier, Morocco after taking a ferry from Spain and find yourself in an "art school," being offered the "best" panoramic view of the city, a glass of mint tea, and being pressured into buying a rug for 600 euro and various other souvenirs and trinkets within your first 15 minutes in the country...don't worry. You are not alone.
Quote from a hustler in Tangier after I declined his services as a guide: "F*ck you. You are a Jew" Welcome to Norther Africa.
Radio stations in Portugal are obsessed with hilarious American 80s music.
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