This post is for the birds

So, I have become more active with birding and identifying birds during the past year during the pandemic, but it's been recently to look back on now birding adventures and see where birds fit in.

In my memories from 9 years ago, a picture of me holding a falcon in Dubai at a desert experience outside of the city popped up. Additionally, I came across images and a story from a Saudi Prince who booked 80 seats on a commercial flight for his falcons. Did you know that they all have to have passports?! 

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/saudi-prince-bought-airplane-seats-for-80-falcons

And, if you are like me and wondered why falconry is so important in the UAE, take a look at this article.

https://www.emirates247.com/lifestyle/falconry-an-ancient-tradition-report-2017-09-29-1.659646

As for me, I'm just excited for this weekend's Great Backyard Bird Count to help round out some Northeast US winter weather quarantine.

Faroe Islands

Roundabouts.

Something I hate in the US because no one really knows how to drive in them. Though...I did get used to them driving in Iceland.

Faroe Islands.

Something no one really knows where they are. 😆

So here is a post about an underwater, roundabout in the Faroe Islands because it is simply that beautiful.

Faroe Island Roundabout

And, if you look at the links to the other article recommended at the bottom of the post about roundabouts on the BBC you will not be disappointed.....hashtag man living in a roundabout

Pandemica

Hello, can you hear me?
I'm in Pennsylvania dreaming about who we used to be
When we were younger and free
I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet

Hello from the other side.

...well, not quite the other side yet, but that Adele song is so appropriate.

I have been heartbroken. I lost my travel job back in March 2020. After over 13 passion filled years in the industry, and seeing what my peers in tourism are going through has me gutted beyond belief. Even though I am happy in my new career, there is still a little nagging twinge knowing that I am not returning to the industry. 

My resolve to go back through and finally post all of my past adventures while having the opportunity to not be distracted by an upcoming trip didn't happen. 

That being said, I'm finding ways for new adventures, local excursions and still travel thievin' on a much smaller scale. I've always been an advocate for people to get out and travel or explore on any scale and now it's time to practice what I preach - We don't all have to be nuts and spend less than a week in a country on the other side of the globe (like my trip to Myanmar: Over 50 hours total flight time in just 7 days).

Today, a year past my last plane trip, I start my new relationship with travel.

The Remote Resort, Fiji