Author Archives: chrisgarske

There are 40,000 Americans sailing boats around the world right now, I’m told. There are lots of awesome places you can’t see any other way. For a few years, it was my big dream. I bought a starter-boat, a cheap … Continue reading →

For me, one lure of travel is eating like the locals. Usually delicious and cheap, often surprising and only occasionally revolting, local food connects you with other cultures. If you go to South America and stay in a nice comfy … Continue reading →

Iconic minimalism. The great travel writer Paul Theroux, on meeting a buddhist monk on a train in Myanmar: “Do you have another bag?” I asked, because the smallness of this one seemed an improbable size for a long-term traveler. “No, these … Continue reading →

For a small fee you can ride on top of a cargo boat down the Mekong river in Laos for a few days.  It’s a gas. There I met two middle-aged women traveling together. “We’ve been traveling almost eight months,” … Continue reading →

See the cub peeking out? It was such a relief – I was worried there might not be any animals left. Not only are there a lot of animals, they put zoo animals to shame. Do you remember that spectacular “Circle … Continue reading →

Cocky bugger, glad to be done with college. Crete 1980. The travel-bug is an addiction. Like a disease. Once you get it, your eyes will always be on the horizon, and restlessness will gnaw at you. There is a tribe … Continue reading →

Coming in for a landing, I fell on my ass like a clumsy clown. Standing at the plane’s open door, the person before you steps out and just…disappears. Your brain can’t comprehend how something could be right here, then instantly … Continue reading →

Well, yes, actually, New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world. You saw “Lord of the Rings.” It really looks like that.  A country the size of California with only 4.5 million people (compared to California’s 30+ million), … Continue reading →

People have often asked me which places are my favorites. Here’s how I answer: if you could take four 2-week trips, I’d recommend (not in any particular order): Two weeks in Italy Two weeks in a tropical paradise (Polynesia, the … Continue reading →

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that there are several things on my “Life List” that I could do right now (or at least begin this week) if I just got off my ass. Some can be done anywhere. Many are … Continue reading →