Greatwalk0's VirtualTourist Home Page

Traveling is one of the most significant elements of my life. Simply put - I love it.

Though I am currently posted in Washington, in my previous position, I traveled 2-3 weeks each month for work and have had the opportunity to visit some pretty backwoods locations, including locations in Central Asia, the Balkans, East and Southern Africa, and Eastern Europe.

My current job requires travel to many of these places, so continue to look for updates to my travel pages.

My job often took me to various Central Asian republics. While not always enjoyable, one does have the sense that they are on the completely opposite side of the planet when visiting this region. It's very easy to imagine what life was like behind the "Iron Curtain" when visiting Bishkek, Dushanbe, and even Almaty.

One of the stranger (and more remote) places I have visited while on assignment was Bishkek, Krygyzstan - where horse meat is a delicacy, most people -- young and old -- yern for the days of the Soviet Union, and you as a foreigner are never too far from the local and state police. Ahhhh ... Central Asia.

I recently completed a 1 1/2 year assignment in Kosovo and many of my past work-related travels have been to the Balkans - Albania, Kosovo, Romania, and Bosnia. Visiting the Balkans is always a treat because the food is excellent and the people are friendly. Additionally, locations in Montenegro and Croatia (and, now, even parts of Macedonia and Albania) are fantastic, though still largely undiscovered, tourist destinations!

Here is a photo of me on a cable car in Tirana coming down from Mount Dajti.

When they tell you that the people of the Balkans are friendly, they are not pulling your leg. The Balkans is an amazingly friendly place for tourists. Step off the beaten path, see a different side of Europe, and visit the Balkans!

It is always a treat to visit our offices' on that continent. In the face of extreme obstacles, I am always surprised by the resilience of the Africa spirit.

Here is a photo taken in Lusaka, Zambia at a crafts market.

Working in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, is a total hassle. The former-Soviet beauracracy is difficult to navigate and can be extremely frustrating. That being said, Eastern Europe's impact on 20th Century history makes it a very important place to visit and to understand.

So ... put your flexibility hat on, put on a perma-smile, and take a trip to Eastern Europe. You will certainly not be disappointed.

While my Middle Eastern travels are currently limited to Turkey, I have found this region to be, perhaps, the most exotic and exciting region that I have visited. From carpet dealers to water pipes to ancient Ottoman architecture, this is a part of the world that I need to explore more. Every side street of Istanbul held a new adventure! Definately need to go back.

I'm based in Washington and love this city! It's young, exciting, and never a dull moment. Divided into four very different quadrants, one minute you cana be staring at the beautiful capital and the next, find yourself up in Adams Morgan having a beer at a dive bar. Washington DC may not be the capital of the world, but it is a very nice place to call "home."

Georgia, Armenia, Azerbiajian - a region that is wrought with conflict and controversy, but equally as facinating and warm. Whether it is soaking in an ancient bath house in Tbilisi, dealing with beaurocrats in Baku, or wondering the streets of Yerevan, this region is truly special. Visit, eat some of the fine local flat breads, and enjoy.

Needless to say, I have never had a dull moment in this region.