I just returned from an incredible adventure to south-east Asia. There is so much to see and experience in this part of the world. We flew into Hanoi, and started our exploration of Vietnam from the north to the south. Hanoi has a population of about 6.5 million and just about as many motor scooters! Most of the population drive a scooter and during rush hour they are site to behold. Hanoi is a very interesting city to visit. It was the capitol of French Indochina from 1902-1954, and the “Old Quarter” is a must see. With beautiful French architecture and specialized merchants and households in a particular trades such as silk, jewellery, clothing, etc. The area is famous for small artisans and merchants and local cuisine specialties.
Hanoi has a history dating back 3,000 years and has been the capital for over 1,000 years. Other sites to visit is the 900 year old Hanoi Citadel, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Hoa Lo Prison, known by American soldiers during the Vietnam war as the “Hanoi Hilton”.
While in the north we made a visit to the breathtaking “Ha Long Bay”. In 1994 UNESCO designated Ha Long Bay a World Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay literally means descending dragon bay and it features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. We also explored many of the grotto’s among the isles one of the largest being “Thien Cung Grotto”.
Discovery Expeditions & Adventures provided local specialists to guide us and take us away from the crowds and experience the local culture.
Since there is so much to see and talk about in Vietnam I will continue this blog as we traveled to the middle of Vietnam.
1 year ago
The journey to the bottom of the earth is on! Discovery Expeditions has teamed up with Quark Expeditions a leading Antartica specailist to bring you on this adventure of a lifetime! The dates are January 13-23, 2013. We will be instructed by the best available scientists on our journey. We will be given opportunities to cross country ski on the continent, as well as camping, mountaineering,and sea kayaking. We have 11 people already signed up for this rare opportunity. We will be on this expedition during the peak time to see wildlife of the Antarctic region, and enjoy the best weather.
To join us on this adventure contact us at 801-277-9186 or contact us on our website.
I am in Hong Kong today on our journey to Vietnam & Cambodia, and will be posting updates of our journey on the blog.
1 year ago
Jerusalem has been called the “City of Peace”. It is ironic since in its long history Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.
Beneath the city we see today is layers of destruction hiding the city the ancients knew. The ancient historian Josephus describes a different Jerusalem then the one we now see.
Archeologists have been uncovering this ancient city a layer at a time. Underneath Jerusalem is the foundations of a city that was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD when Jerusalem reached a peak in size and had a population of 200,000.
I an fortunate to visit Jerusalem several times a year. Just over the last decade so much of the ancient city has been uncovered. The majority of this work has been around the “Temple Mount”. Excavations around the western wall and south wall of the Temple Mount are amazing to behold. You can now walk along the ancient walls Herod the Great built, from the south west corner to the north west corner and Antonio Fortress. You will be shocked as you see the size of the stones used to construct this great building over 2,000 years ago.
Just recently archeologists have uncovered some ancient steps that go from the pool of Siloam to the south steps of the Temple. They have been working on these ancient steps for over 6 years, and now are allowing the public to see the ancient Herodian steps. It is absolutely amazing to walk those ancient steps that have been covered since the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD.
Since January of 2011 I have personally taken many small groups of people up those ancient steps now tunneled under the modern city. As recently as January 27, 2012 I was able to show these ancient steps and walkways to a small group of travelers wanting to see with their own eyes the paths walked in antiquity.
Discovery Expeditions & Adventures can arrange an adventure to Jerusalem for any size of group. I personally guide all the tours we arrange. Come and Discover the difference of small group travel!
1 year ago
This ancient city was lost to the western world for over 600 years! In 1812 it was rediscovered and western travelers have been returning ever since. This city of Petra carved into the red sandstone rock is located in the country of Jordan. It was featured in an “Indiana Jones” movie the “Last Crusade” which increased its awareness and attracted more visitors. It has recently been selected as one of the “seven wonders of the world”. I am very fortunate to visit this beautiful city many times a year, in guiding expeditions and working in archeological digs.
Through by work in Petra I have also been able to get to know the local Bedouins and better appreciate their culture and heritage. Just this past Christmas morning I was walking down the tall narrow slot canyon that leads to this ancient city with a small group of travelers. There was no crowds of visitors, and we were able to enjoy this amazing city almost to ourselves. We never rush through this ancient city, the large group travelers spend only about three hours in Petra, where I take you to all this ancient city has to offer. And to places that are off the beaten path. I always recommend two to three days just in Petra. And then there is Wady Rum and other interesting and beautiful sites the country of Jordan has to offer.
Many wonder if it is safe in Jordan. I just returned from there a few weeks ago and there is no concerns.
My relationship with all the locals allows those traveling with me to immerse themselves in the local Bedouin culture and I am able to arrange the use of their camels and donkeys to have a more adventurous experience.
Discovery Expeditions & Adventures always has a scheduled visit to Petra on our Website. If you want to schedule a private adventure we are always able to accommodate your needs.
1 year ago
For almost 5,000 years the Great Pyramids of Gisa have amazed the world! I have taken many people to see this inspiring man made structure. In January of 2011 there was a revolution in Egypt. Temporarily the tourism in Egypt, especially Cairo was shut down. We had a group ready to visit the Pyramids just days after the revolution started. We had to cancel that tour, and had many disappointed travelers. In June of 2011 I brought a group of young people back to see this Great Wonder of the ancient World. There was no safety concerns and all had a great experience. In fact this is a great time to see Egypt and all its wonders! I brought another group in November of 2011 and just recently as two weeks ago was once again in the “Land of the Pharaohs.” As you can see from this photo posted there are no crowds in Egypt.
Once again we will be going back to the land that is older than time. We have scheduled trips to Egypt in November of 2012, which is the best time of the year to experience an adventure to Egypt. We also do custom tours for any time or amount of people. For those that want to experience the adventures up the Nile River to the treasure cities of Karnak and Luxor and the “Valley of the Kings” we can arrange those for you. Prices will never be lower than they are now. Now is the time to see and experience Egypt!
1 year ago
