I was taking photos in downtown Snyder, Oklahoma, when a man approached me and said, “If you want to learn about the history of this town, go in that store and talk to A.J. He knows everything about this place.” The man proceeded to tell […]
All posts filed under: Travel
Luang Prabang in Photos
“What is your favorite place?” This is a question I get often, and at the risk of sounding pretentious, it is nearly impossible to answer. I have had the great fortune to travel all over the world, and for various reasons, I have dozens of […]
Is Uzbekistan Ready for A Tourism Boom? Or, #$%& This Stupid ATM!!!
Uzbekistan seems poised to the next great travel destination as word of the stunning Silk Road cities, mountain treks, and welcoming culture has gotten out. In recent years, the government has invested millions in infrastructure, set up an online visa system, and eased entry requirements. With […]
21 Photos of Samarqand, the Most Impressive City in Uzbekistan
Samarqand is the most impressive city in Uzbekistan. Indeed, with gargantuan mosques, ornate mausoleums, tree-lined streets, and sprawling parks, it is one of the most impressive cities anywhere. Yet, it was my least favorite city in Uzbekistan, mainly because it is spread out and quite […]
Railay Was My Least Favorite Thai Beach; Now I Love It
Twelve years ago, when I first went to Railay Beach, I was not impressed. (Yes, I am getting old.) I visited during high season on a day trip from Ao Nang, and I arrived to see the bay filled with noisy longtail boats and the […]
I’m Going to Japan for the 2nd Time, or Is it the First?
In June, the Bells are going to Japan! Before I go any further with this post, I need help settling a marital dispute.
What It Is Like Being a Tourist in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
My first day in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I walked out of my hotel with a camera around my neck and was immediately approached by a man who said, “Hello sir, what country?” “USA,” I replied. “Oh, very nice country,” he said. The friendly man fired off […]
I Was a Guest on the Limitless Living Podcast Discussing Seasonal Work and Travel in Alaska
I was recently a guest on the Limitless Living podcast hosted by Emily Bee Lee. Regular readers of this blog know that I spent 14 summers working seasonal jobs in the tourism industry in Alaska and used that money and time off to travel the […]
9 Tips for Photographing Markets When Traveling
I love photographing markets when I travel, even though people there must think I’m really strange. I have been known to spend a considerable amount of time photographing people unloading trucks or carving up chickens much to the delight and confusion of the workers. Artists […]
Life As An Expat in Bangkok – Part 4, Travel
One of the best things about living in Bangkok is leaving. My wife works at an international school and has several breaks and long weekends during the year. I am currently in the enviable position of being “funemployed,” so time off really isn’t an issue […]
I Like My Cities Gritty and Chaotic, But I Loved Singapore Anyway
Before going to India a few years ago my India-phile friend Joe said to my clean-freak wife, “You will HATE it. Hate it. HAAAAAAAAAAATE IT!!!!!” “Why?” she asked. “Because it is filthy.” Fast forward to last week. “You will hate Singapore. HATE it! HAAAAAAAAAAATE it!” […]
The Fascinating Culture of the Tana Toraja
We call them “National Geographic Moments.” They are the times we get to experience a unique and exotic culture, something you see in the pages of the iconic magazine but never expect to see in real life.
Planet Bell 