Latest Posts

  • Malaysia, part 2

    I’d slept through another pause in travel for mechanical issues in the night but woke before breakfast. My jeans were only a little damp from the day before, so I dressed in my other pair of jeans and a t-shirt.… Continue reading

    Malaysia, part 2

  • Malaysia, part 1

    Vishnu, the steward, had told me the day before that breakfast would be around 8-8:30 am, but the train had had a small mechanical issue in the night and we were delayed in getting to Merapoh, Malaysia. Breakfast was therefore… Continue reading

    Malaysia, part 1

  • Singapore, part 2

    Though I mentioned my reasoning briefly before, some more explanation of why I chose to go to Singapore is in order. I had to get from Amman by air since the silk road trains travel thru Russia or thru Russian-aligned… Continue reading

    Singapore, part 2

  • Singapore, part 1

    On April 7th, I got up after having slept for nearly twelve hours; I had not realized that I was that tired. I knew my knee was not in shape for a lot of walking so my plan was to… Continue reading

    Singapore, part 1

  • To Singapore

    We returned to Amman long after sundown with my apologies to Anas and his family for keeping him away from their evening Ramadan meal. April the 4th had to be a rest day. I had an early morning flight out… Continue reading

    To Singapore

  • Amman, part 2

    I had a really marvelous day on the 3rd. Anas, my driver arrived a bit before 8 am as I was finishing breakfast in the hotel. It was a long drive from Amman to Petra – over 3 hours long,… Continue reading

    Amman, part 2

  • Amman, part 1

    April 1st was a rest day. I had a trip to Petra scheduled for the 2nd so it only made sense to rest and recover from my activities in Egypt. I was just tired and my leg was in need… Continue reading

    Amman, part 1

  • To Amman

    My flight to Amman was scheduled for Monday evening on March 31st. I’d slept well after the Pyramids tour day, but I was still a bit tired and my knee had not completely recovered. The morning started slow and easy:… Continue reading

    To Amman

  • Cairo and Giza

    I spent Friday the 29th just resting from all the Istanbul walking and sightseeing. After breakfast, I returned to my room and spent the time writing, reading, and some just sitting on the balcony soaking up some sun and relaxing… Continue reading

    Cairo and Giza

  • To Cairo

    I arranged for a late morning ride from the hotel to the airport on the 28th for an early afternoon flight. This time I was able to see more of the city: It’s crowded with people in narrow streets and… Continue reading

    To Cairo