Jack’s Travels

I have been lucky enough to have traveled to I believe 33 countries and within most, if not all, I had ample time to explore. Within many locations I spent days taking in the culture, the people, the architecture, museums, fine restaurants, and sometimes if I was lucky the street food vendors. Twice I circled the globe.

On one trip alone I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Taipei, Beijing, Xi’an (to see the terracotta warriors), Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Bangalore, and Seoul (in that order).

I walked six miles of the Great Wall in an area four hours by car north of Beijing where Americans are rarely seen, returning to Beijing five hours on an old wooden train.

Spent five days exploring Hanoi and an absolutely amazing overnight on Halong Bay aboard the Dragon Pearl Chinese junk. I learned that within Hanoi, street numbers are not assigned based on where on the street the building is located, but rather based on which building on the street was built first. But I did finally find the restaurant I was looking for and enjoyed two large bowls of pho along with two large cans of beer, all for the equivalent of just over one U.S. dollar.

I ate chicken face and pig heart in the Asakusa district of Tokyo — and loved it until when re-ordering I found out what I was really eating. I had ordered chicken and beef skewers through an interpreter who happened to be sitting at the bar next to me. Later I asked the same gentleman, who luckily was still sitting there, to order me another plate of chicken and beef skewers. And he responded by saying, “No beef. I just ordered you another plate of chicken face and pig heart skewers.” And yes, I did enjoy the additional four skewers.

My two December nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, three hours by train northwest of Munich, was something I wish every American could experience, as I gained a whole new perspective on “history”. The hotel I stayed within was built in the 1400’s. During a walking tour with the Night Watchman, I learned of a home that was converted to a pub called “Hell” that was built in the 900’s. So after the tour I had a drink (or two) with the Night Watchman. So I guess I can say, I went to Hell, had a couple drinks, and returned home.

I wish I could talk about all my amazing travel experiences, however, if I did, this page would never end. Below are a few photographs I took during my travels. Pics are not for sale. Enjoy!