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El Fanoos: June 2009

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A light in the dark. 17 June, 2009. Egypt Then and Now: A 5-Year Hiatus. Looking across the Nile Valley to Giza. Walking through the crowded streets the following day I was forced to eat a few of my words. In preparation for the trip, Melissa had half-jokingly asked about wearing a niqab. Muhammad 'Ali Mosque, Cairo. Minarets of al-Azhar and Al-Hussein mosques, Cairo. Islamic Cairo, looking towards Sultan Hassan and Muhammad 'Ali mosques. Train arriving for Luxor. River Taxi in Luxor. West Bank, Aswan.

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El Fanoos: February 2009

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A light in the dark. 22 February, 2009. Uruguay: A Genuine First Impression. Life is full of first impressions—meeting some one for the first time, visiting a new place, fresh culinary experiences—but it’s become harder and harder to encounter a genuine first impression while traveling. Uruguay was just that. Never before had I talked to a friend or acquaintance who had been there, watched a travel special about the small country, or even seen an article in Natty Geo. Statue of Artigas in Plaza Indepencia.

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El Fanoos: October 2008

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A light in the dark. 03 October, 2008. I’m sitting here in another hotel room, the third in two weeks. It’s raining outside. Last night I stopped at the climbing gym before checking in. It feels more like home. less confining. with social contact, the climberhood of the rock. After driving several hours, in the rain, it was nice to spread my wings and boulder. All activities where in the moment nothing else matters. I’m here on this earth having a good time. Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. This American Life,.

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El Fanoos: April 2009

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A light in the dark. 11 April, 2009. Breadbasket of the Andes. Andean Farmland, near Sucre. Like a giant accordian, parallel valleys stretch into the distance, each cradling a waterway. A wider valley containing several plots of land. The Andes fade into the Lowlands, dumping out dozens of rivers to slowly wander the fertile plains. Maize is the most popular crop in the areas surrounding Sucre. A farmer delineating his or her squash field with brambles. The kiwi-like fruit of a local cactus. This argumen...

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El Fanoos: August 2008

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A light in the dark. 22 August, 2008. The Latest Blunder: de-Sunnification in Iraq. I usually try to steer clear of political commentary. For the most part the field is filled with intellectual masturbators whose specialties are rhetoric and debate rather than intellectual, informed, and, most importantly, logical discussion. However, an article posted today on NYtimes.com has infuriated my senses and led to a feeling of utter frustration. I had to comment. 20 August, 2008. A Walk On The Wild Side. Our s...

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El Fanoos: May 2009

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A light in the dark. 29 May, 2009. The Land of My Dreams". 8220;This is unbelievable,” Melissa uttered half whispering. 8221; I replied. 8220;This. All of this. It’s like something from one of my dreams.”. As I looked around, I was suddenly more absorbed into the scene—dozens of colonial-era steam engines abandoned and rusting on a dead end track. 8220;You’re right,” I said. “It’s incredible.”. 8221;), and skirting deep gorges—we opted for a 35 minute flight to the lowlands versus the 16-25 hour bu...

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El Fanoos: September 2009

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A light in the dark. 13 September, 2009. The Tunnels, a dive site on Kaua'i's north shore. Spanish Dancer, an appellation given by the sea slugs movement as it swims. Green Sea Turtles at Sheraton Caverns, on the south shore. Green Sea Turtle at Sheraton Caverns. Among the islands many eels, you'll find the White-Mouthed Moray wedged in the volcanic rocks. The Bandit Angel Fish, one of the islands many species of angel fish, is named for the black streak covering the eyes. Subscribe to: Posts (Atom).

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El Fanoos: September 2008

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A light in the dark. 02 September, 2008. From Quest to Quandary: Buddhism and Islam. Shortly after arriving in Korea I was made aware of a “temple stay”. Program that’s promoted and run by the Templestay Division of the Jogye Order. Of Korean Buddhism. Perhaps because it’s one of the few things a tourist can do in South Korea, and partially because it’s also a good cultural experience, it’s touted as a “must-do” for visitors and expats alike. The revered lotus flower. First we formed lines with small mat...

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El Fanoos: The Sacred Valley

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A light in the dark. 28 July, 2009. It's easy to see why they call this the Sacred Valley: rich farmland, crystal clear mountain streams, and white-capped peaks. Here are a few of the pics… Enjoy. Quechua women in Quisuarani village. Clouds opening to reveal a glaciated peak. Looking down into the second valley. Pack mules crossing the stream. Camp 1 in Cuncani village. Sacred alpine lake above Cuncani. Thought to be an Incan-era sanctuary for locals traversing the valleys. Labels: Lares Valley Trek.