• Local women in traditional nón lá conical hat at market, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

    Vietnam

    Limited independent travel, annoying people, horrors of Vietnam War

  • Devastated Mosul neighborhood with ruins and wreckage from heavy fighting, Iraq

    Iraq

    Kind people hosted me, protected me, and guided me around unique landmarks

  • King Fahd Road cityscape featuring Riyadh’s Kingdom Tower, Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia

    Transformation and liberalization, immense Medina mosque, huge Riyadh

  • Tilla-Kari Madrassah golden interior shining inside Samarkand’s Registan complex, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, 2020s travel

    Uzbekistan

    Superb cultural experience in Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara

  • Eagle hunter in Bokonbayevo, holding trained golden eagle, Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

    Kyrgyzstan

    Socialist architecture in Bishkek, lake Issyk Kul, horse trip to Altyn-Arashan

  • Seoul’s dense skyline with high-rise buildings, South Korea, East Asia

    South Korea

    DMZ, Seoul, Jeju Island; pleasant mix of tradition and modernity

  • Petronas Twin Towers glowing over Kuala Lumpur’s skyline at night, Malaysia, Southeast Asia

    Malaysia

    Impressive Petronas Twin Towers, a mix of cultures, peaceful National Mosque

  • Ancient Temple of Bacchus ruins in Baalbek under clear sky, Lebanon

    Lebanon

    Mix of Christianity and Islam, Roman ruins and serenity of Qadisha Valley

  • Marina Bay Sands illuminated over Singapore’s waterfront at night, Southeast Asia

    Singapore

    Success story, the opulent Marina Bay, exquisite Asian food, NO chewing gums

  • Traditional Omani daggers displayed in Nizwa souk showcasing intricate handmade craftsmanship

    Oman

    A perfect combination of traditions, culture and modernization