Welcome to North Macedonia! We’ve been here for three weeks now and it’s starting to feel like home. It’s impossible to put into one word the experience of moving somewhere completely new, so I thought I’d give some of my first impressions of this fascinating country we are learning to call home: Kindness is everywhere…
The Great Sand Dunes
By Jarek Two days and three nights at Great Sand Dunes National Park was our first road trip as a family of four. We were excited but a little apprehensive, and sure enough there was a steep learning curve. Thanks to Kaylee and two forgiving children, we pulled through in the end to have a…
Climbing the Dragon’s Back
Longji titian—the “dragon’s spine rice terraces”—are one of the most impressive sights we ever found in China.
Watchman on the tower
The idea of the diaolou, some 1,800 of which are still standing, has been around for centuries, but most were built during the 1920s and 1930s. At that time, China was full of bandits and warlords, so many overseas Chinese sent money home to build fortresses for their families. The diaolou are built to withstand assault; with barred gates, iron shutters, and many stories of stone, they are imposing structures.
First of the 14ers: Pikes Peak
Our dream of hiking all 58 CO 14ers was merely aspirational… until June 26 on Pikes Peak. That is where the rubber hit the road (or the boots hit the trail, I should say).
Coldest Quandary of My Life
Hiking Quandary Peak on December 19 was probably the most physically demanding thing I have ever done in my entire life. I don’t speak for Kaylee in this since she has given birth, but for me, I think it tops the list.
Where Red Meets White: A Chinese Wedding in 2020
Seven years ago Jarek and I were just married and living in Xi’an China as exchange students. One evening as we sat studying in our cramped, dusty apartment, we heard a knock at our door. We opened it to see a bright-eyed Chinese girl with beautiful high cheekbones and a contagious smile. “Hello! My name…
Camping with Chinese Characteristics
Not your usual “Way out West” experience.
38 Hours: A chronicle of our grueling journey home
Home. What would you give to keep it? Your comfort? Your peace of mind? Your DNA? We chose to give all three of those things in order to get back to our home in China. We did all we could think of to prepare mentally and physically for the trip back home, yet at some…
The Vale of Tumladen, a.k.a. the Cirque of the Towers
One of the best hikes ever. Period.