Planning a trip to Spain's Pueblos Blancos? Here are some towns to put on your itinerary (and a few useful links as well)

Ronda, seen from across the valley

Arcos de la Frontera

The Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia are not a destination to be seen, but rather a location to be experienced.  These small, white towns, perched high on clifftops and hillsides promise both unforgettable views and an unforgettable experience. Today these ancient villages' narrow streets rumble with the sound of rubber tires on the stone cobbles.  The ancient architecture, and long history combined with a culture that moves to it's own gentle pace offers a wonderful blend of food, culture and sights to their visitors. 

If you are planning a trip the Pueblos Blancos of Andalusia, here are a few towns you might want to put on your itinerary:

Tales from the Road: Experiencing Tajikistan

Where in the world is Tajikistan?!

With fewer than 200,000 visitors in 2012, Tajikistan is not on the average traveler's list of destinations.  The short time I spent in Central Asia's poorest country, however, was filled with countless opportunities for unexpected adventures, awe inspiring landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.


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Five popular hikes from Almaty (and links to some online hiking resources)

The view from the Three Brothers, one of several popular hikes in Almaty

The city of Almaty is situated at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains in the southern part of Kazakhstan.  This location makes it perfect for day hikes into the mountains with several summits within a one-day hike of the city.  Here are a few of the more popular day hikes from Almaty and some resources to assist you in your planning:

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Tales from the Road: A Night at the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory

Big Almaty Lake, as seen from the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory

The collection of wood and cement buildings that make up the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory sit perched on a grassy plateau above Big Almaty Lake, a mere 30km outside of Almaty, Kazakhstan.  There are several observatories in the region, but as far as I know, this is the only one with guest accommodations.

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Packing List for a Lake District adventure

What do you need for your trip to the Lake District in Northwest England?  Here's a list of essentials based on my own delicious experience.