Author Archives: chrisgarske

Hi – thanks for checking in. The condo is on the market, and we start a trip tomorrow, so I’ve been busily packing up and storing what few possessions I still possess. I’ve done pretty well paring down, but I’m … Continue reading →

“I have a big favor to ask you, my friend,” the young Russian guy said. “Can you arrange for us to meet some of the American girls?”    I was working at a kibbutz called Ein Dor, in northern Israel … Continue reading →

“Hey, Yank! Yeah, you.” His tone was challenging and ugly. Snarling. He was pretty drunk – I had just served him his seventh pint. His mates laughed, glad of the entertainment. “Yes, sir?” “Damned Yank. Why don’t you go get a … Continue reading →

After dinner the young German boat captain motioned to me. “At midnight we will open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the new year – would you like to join us?” “Sure, sounds fun. Thanks.” “Just one thing – we’ll … Continue reading →

Damn, amusement parks are popular. This is a list compiled by Forbes in 2007. It seems pretty unreliable and subjective to me – in some cases they use gate receipts, in others, guesstimates. For example, if 76 million people come … Continue reading →

“Tourists don’t know where they have been. Travelers don’t know where they are going.” – P. Theroux. Meaning, I suppose, that a true “traveler” has no set itinerary and is open to unexpected experiences and the possibility of personal growth, … Continue reading →

For several years, Australian nurse Bronnie Ware cared for the dying, in their homes, during their last days of life.  “When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.” Here … Continue reading →

India is an assault on the senses – especially your sense of smell. Next, though, and in some ways worse, is your sense of hearing. The NY Times reports that many Indian cities sustain a background noise level of 105 … Continue reading →

Flying into Katmandu, I was seated with the upper crust – a former cabinet minister from Delhi, and an American college professor from Seattle.  I described some of my disturbing experiences in India to the politician.  “Are India’s leaders concerned … Continue reading →