The road to Shatili

Into the heart of the Caucasus mountains

Shortly after a midnight arrival to the Republic of Georgia, I wheeled my duffel bags and backpacks out into the crisp midnight air and found a taxi driver. To my surprise, he understood my broken Georgian and English combination, and we loaded my gear into the back of his Jeep and headed into the heart of Tblisi to a small family-style guesthouse…

Bengal to Maharashtra

a glimpse into train travel in India

I’m staggering around the blazing midday heat and chaos of the Esplanade district in Kolkata, India. In my right hand I hold a fat jug of (hopefully) purified water.  In my left hand I’ve packed a used rice sack full of snack food, a few books and a change of clothes. On my back a beatup rucksack contains my important possessions: cash, wallet, camera and passport.  I’m looking for a bus to get me across the Hoogly River...

Easter in Ethiopia

Exploring ancient traditions

It’s 3:00 a.m.  I’m in a church built entirely of stone. One single electric bulb illuminates the entire room. With me there are over a hundred worshipers who have been fasting for the last 72 hours, some without water. They are here to celebrate the rebirth of Christ.  I’ve been following the devotees around the rock-hewn churches here in Ethiopia for two weeks getting ready for this moment....