It seems a little counterintuitive to start regularly blogging months before a proper trip. The fact is, the last few years have been rather dry when it comes to international traveling - save a tequila fueled night in Tijuana and a week at a Dominican Republic resort. There have been  many domestic trips though. Two years ago my wife and I spent two weeks in Arizona and New Mexico. I’ve taken several trips to California and Chicago for various reasons. What I missed was an adventure. I’ve had some really amazing experiences in different places in the past and missed the excitement that comes with new experiences and being out of your comfort zone. I am incredibly jealous of people who sell everything and live out of a suit case and passport for years at a time.

I will be taking a solo trip to a few places in January. The plan right now is for Istanbul, Florence, Marrakesh, and a few one nighters in between. All three are crossroads for major cultural developments, whether artistic, religious, or colonial. If there is anything I love more than food it is the study of culture, especially in a historical context. Everything is important when traveling. From the interactions between people to the way in which they eat and drink, the small things you notice in new places can almost become as important as the great monoliths of achievement that draw us to a location. Cultures evolve and change while keeping relics of the past as sacred or intuitive actions. Even having lunch in a traditional community can be as interesting as visiting a museum if you watch for these things.

I’m looking for authentic experiences wherever I go. From the restaurants of DC to a street cart in Istanbul I want to find something new.

Will write more about this trip soon - and even where to find a great place to stay for cheap.