"Traveling the World with Zrim" zrim's Profile

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Sunset on the plains of Bagan in central Burma

Photo Du Jour

All photos on all of my VT pages were taken by me (except my wedding photo which is buried deep in the boondox of my VT world). I don't use postcards or copyrighted material. Everything is in my own words unless specifically marked with " ". I don't mean to be a curmudgeon, but VT is only fun if we share our own experiences and insights.

I love to shoot photos of wildlife. I can't always get out to the woods. But I always have the camera ready at home in case an interesting bird (or woodchuck) ventures into the backyard.

But I am also interested in trying to capture culture on film. This is very difficult because I am generally shy about approaching people. Therefore, I am armed with telephoto lenses when I venture out to find my human subjects.

Animals

Galapagos, a trip of a lifetime

One of my travel passions is to find wildlife in its natural setting. Birds, bears, alligators, coyotes, turtles....it doesn't matter, they are all fantastic to observe.

Unfortunately, animals are losing out as people continue to encroach and cut down their habitats. A world without wildlife would indeed be a lonely place.

Architecture

Shwedagon Paya one of the wonders of the world

I'm always amazed by the craftmanship in older structures. It used to be that cathedrals, castles, bridges, temples, capitals and palaces were built to last. Now it seems as if we are content to build something and tear it down a few decades later.

I never tire of exploring old castles and cathedrals or wandering about the "old towns" of European cities. The best is when the castle or abbey has a beer garden and the weary travelor can sit down with a pint and reflect on the wonderments just seen.

Food and Wine

Becky: my best friend and wife

Some of the best times I have while traveling are the meals I share with my wife Becky at the end of a long day. We try to find a nice cozy restaraunt. Not a place that overwhelms, but a place where the food is good and the atmosphere is intimate. Eating well and drinking the local wines (or beer if in the tropics) is the perfect way to wind up a day of travel.

Compassion

youngsters already beginning the eightfold path

Quoting Joseph Campbell:

"But if we do go somewhere, we should learn as much as we can about the place, including the language, the arts, the myths. That's how we learn to see past the artificial divisions of nations and cultures. When we discover what we have in common with others we learn how to demystify the stranger--and may even stop turning our neighbors into enemies. Eventually, we learn compassion, which is the real teaching in all of the ancient traditions."

Home

the current pack: Buddy, Max, Pepper

I spend a lot of time plotting new travel adventures and I thoroughly enjoy all my travels. However, for me, the best part of any trip is the return to my home. I am most content when I am at home puttering around with Becky and the dogs close at hand.

Books

a small part of my library

When I am not updating my VT pages, I am reading. I manage to work through about three books a week. That is peanuts compared to Becky, also known as the book monster, who averages about a book a day. I enjoy American regional writing. I am going to build a book album on this page to honor my favorites.

Zrim's Den

my space

This is where 98% of my VT pages get written (every once in a great while, I'll add a tip or two at work). This room has developed into one of my favorite hangouts.

Immediately over the desk is an ink drawing of Venice. On the left is an Escher print mounted on wood. To the right (and out of sight) is the sunporch which definitely is my favorite springtime hangout.

Intro Updated Dec 30, 2006
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Comments (286)

Suet Jan 12, 2012 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

Happy Happy 2011 birthday!
MalenaN Jan 11, 2012 at 11:19 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday Phil! Have a great day!
pieter_jan_v Jan 11, 2012 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Phil, Happy Birthday greetings from the Netherlands. PJ
Parisforless Jan 8, 2012 at 5:20 AM Report Abuse

Early Birthday wishes, health, happiness and many travels in the new 2012
Svetlana Bellon
new_hope30 Jan 12, 2011 at 1:05 PM Report Abuse

Warm wishes from Texas for a very happy birthday!! ~ Camille
janetanne Jan 12, 2011 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Phil! Happy Birthday where every you may be:):) Janet
hundwalder Jan 11, 2011 at 4:49 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday Phil. Come back and pay a virtual visit soon.
yooperprof Jan 12, 2010 at 5:16 AM Report Abuse

01-12-10! Happy palindromic birthday!
Nathalie_B Jan 12, 2010 at 1:45 AM Report Abuse

A very happy B-Day to you, Phil! Best wishes from Tel Aviv.
globetrott Jan 11, 2010 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Happy birthday, Phil & best regards from Vienna!