Around The World

Here is the view from Tienmen Square in Central Beijing, China.  Host of pro-democracy riots in 1989, this square now symbolizes the bridge between the present and future of China.  The pure vastness of space in the Square is a testament to the vast challenges that face China in the new millenium.  An awesome sight to behold.

Here is a picture of three young girls I encountered in a Thai minority village outside of Hanoi, Vietnam.  Some of the most precious children I have ever seen reside here, but in rather poor conditions and completely reliant on the tourist industry.  A trip to Hanoi is worth it simply to meet the vibrant youth and enjoy the brilliant scenery. 

This is not the Berlin Wall, but the resemblences are astounding.  This is the wall seperating the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods in Northern Ireland.  Religious tensions still run strong in this community, and the peace process remains fragile.  I would love to come back someday and find this wall destroyed.

Here is a picture of one of the more lively neighborhoods in Dublin, Ireland.  I was struck by the youth and vigor of this energetic city, and by the beauty of the country.  It offers all of the modern amenities of any major metropolis, but is not overwhelming in size and remains true to its roots.  Just walk into a pub at night, buy a Guinness and enjoy some traditional Irish music.  A memorable experience.  Ireland remains right behind Italy on my list of countries that I want to make a return trip to.

Here is a shot from the Inishmor island off of the western coast of Ireland.  An absolutely remote location, there are only 800 inhabitants on this entire island.  It hosts some spectacular scenery and a nice trip away from the mainland.  Just hope you aren't intimidated being outnumbered by cows.

Here we have a look at the coast of Koh Samet, one of the many wonderful islands in the eastern Bay of Thailand.  It would be hard to find another country that offers such inexpensive tropical vacations.  The SCUBA diving is excellent, the people are nice and the food is delicious.  For anyone looking to kill off a year or two in a hedonistic paradise, come on down.  I've been to Thailand three times already and I can't wait to go back and do more diving!!!

I am not one to marvel at architecture, but taking a trip through the streets of Edinborough, Scotland, I was awestruck.  It is as if these structures have not changed in hundreds of years, giving you an awesome feeling for the history of this nation.  I must also say that I have never seen a more "centralized" city anywhere in the world, as the major rail station lets you off right in the middle of everything and manages to avoid damaging the wonderful scenery.

Here I am on a beach in Nassau, Bahamas.  The water is beautiful and the cracked conch on the menus in town is one of the more delicious dishes I have had overseas.  However, I must say that Nassau is outragously expensive and can only be really enjoyed if you dish out some serious loot ($$$).  Not to mention that downtown is downright scary after dark.  Much rather be in Thailand.

This is a picture of a wreath put up in memory of Baylee Almon, at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing.  The photo of Baylee in the arms of a rescue firefighter made the front pages of newspapers and magazines across the world, conveying the true horror of this terrorist act.  It was the story of this two-year old that made the loss of the bombing truly hit home for me, as a senior in college.  I vowed that someday I would visit to offer my support to the community, and I was able to go two years later, in 1998.  The community is recovering, but wounds like this will not likely ever heal.

Speaking of dark moments in U.S. history, here is the grassy knoll where John F. Kennedy was shot dead in Dallas, Texas.  Not to keep on a morbid tip or something, but a trip to the J.F.K. Museum, located in the building where Lee Harvey Oswald supposedly shot JFK, is a trip worthwhile.  You can also stand where Oswald is suspected to have been when he shot JFK.  At that angle?  Did somebody say conspiracy?