The Joshua Tree and this special park have been a iconic feature in music, film, and television over the years, but it is also one of the most unique and beautiful parks you can visit in the United States. In todays episode our virtual podcasting road trip continues as we head south to deserts outside of Palm Springs and explore the stunning flora and geology that make this park special. I share the story of my first visit to the park and how it’s stark beauty won me over so quickly, and I talk about the history of the park as well as the difference between a national park and national monument. I also share some inside tips about camping at or near the park, and which hikes and views are my personal favorites.
This park has been described as the “crown jewel” of the National Park System by the one of the most famous naturalists and outdoorsmen John Muir. In todays episode I share what my first experience was like in this breathtaking place, some of my favorite hikes and views, and some insider tips for fellow backpackers/backcountry campers. I also talk a little bit about the historical importance of Yosemite to the national park system, and why the park has so much to offer geologically.
Breathtaking bluffs, beautiful beaches, and the ever present sound of the great pacific ocean are a few of the many reasons to visit Point Reyes National Seashore. The first stop on our virtual podcasting road trip around the western united states, we head north from San Francisco to the only National Seashore on the Pacific Ocean. In this episode I share some of the history of the park, the flora and fauna you can expect to see, a few interesting facts, and the reasons why growing up with this park in my back yard was so special to me. I also discuss where to hike, what to see, and I break down what to expect from camping in this park.
The open road, breathtaking National Parks, and endless wilderness are a few of the things that make the United States a special place to visit. The next section of the Moore to Explore podcast will be focusing on the american road trip, and will take us on a podcasting tour of many of the best and finest wild places in the American west. Wether you grew up in the states but had never explored our countries majesty, like me, or if you have never known where to start when planning your trip to the United States then this is the podcast for you! In this episode I talk about how some of the long road trips I have taken through the states have shaped so much of who I am, why I think the parks and wilderness are so important to visit, and I give a little preview of where we will be going on our podcast road trip.
This is the last and personally most important episode of the European section of the Moore to Explore podcast. Obviously in these trying times travel for fun or to learn or expand your horizon is no longer possible. My own return to Berlin is now no longer possible, and I don’t know when I will be able to return to this city that has started to become like home. But we look to the future, for things that can inspire us, and things that bring us hope of better days to come. So todays travel review is my love letter to a city that has inspired me, and one that I dream of someday returning to. So dig into this lengthy and in depth review of one of my favorite places I have ever lived, Berlin, Germany.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* The final chapter in my first journey to Europe comes to a close. I record one final #patchat from my parents home in California. I look forward towards another season of commercial salmon fishing in Alaska and the excitement/dread that it brings up for me. I also reflect on my last week in Germany, castle hunting in the Rhine valley, and saying goodbye to all my new friends in Berlin. Finally I talk about saying goodbye to the person who brought me to Germany, my partner, and how hard that always is.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* As my final week in Europe approaches I reflect on my time, and how badly I would like to stay. I also talk about the luxurious life of train travel, and a new creative endeavor I have been pursuing. I break down my return to Switzerland to visit the picturesque town of Lucerne and to dance late into the night on a shipping boat in the river Rhine in Basel. I also reflect on some interesting things I learned about Swiss culture on my second trip to visit my friend in her home country.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* A whirlwind week of celebrating the first of May, getting to explore Berlin with one of my best friends, and visiting the beautiful city of Potsdam. In this episode I break down the protest vs the party in Berlin’s famous May Day celebration, and talk about a delightful experience at a heavy metal bar. I also discuss my friend and I’s journey out to Potsdam, and our ill fated Saturday morning attempt to get into the infamous Berghain.
One of the most historically and culturally significant places in the world, London is the subject of this travel review. In this episode I talk about the city’s early start as a part of the Roman empire, and share some interesting facts including about some of the wildlife that calls the city home. I also discuss the one thing that stood out as both quintessentially London AND a personal highlight of my time in the city. In addition I break down some of the major tourist spots and give some dining recommendations.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* The beauty of meeting strangers and the freedom to wander wherever you like were juxtaposed against the loneliness of traveling alone during my trip to Amsterdam. I discuss this experience as well as give an in depth play by play of my time in both Amsterdam and London. I talk about my image of Amsterdam in my head as a part of my stoner bucket list, how inspiring it was to visit a city with such a strong bike culture, and my first ever mugging experience. I also dive into how much better it is to visit places where you know someone, and why I think you should always follow up with people you met traveling.
A historic town, set against the enchanting background of a deep blue lake encircled by the inspiring peaks of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne is the subject of this travel review. As always I talk a little bit about the history of this city, as well as share some of my favorite places I visited while I was there. In addition I share why this is such a budget friendly place for travelers, and what it was about Lucerne that made me fall in love with it.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* I open todays episode by saying a bunch of different names in a new segment where I just say names that I know. I also discuss how my time in Europe already feels like it is running out, and my mixed emotions about the effects of my nomadic life style. In addition I spend some time talking about the differences between grocery stores in Germany and the United States, as well another night of clubbing in Berlin’s fabulous night life. I wrap up by talking about some relaxing and fun times in several of the best parks in Berlin, and what makes these parks so great.
One of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, criss crossed with canals and countless bridges, the “venice of the north” Amsterdam is the subject of this travel review. In this episode I talk a little bit about the history of the cities founding, It’s rise to power and importance in the 17th century, and some of the important people who have called it home. I also share some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city as well as which ones were my favorite. In addition I also discuss some of the things I wish I had known before I had visited, and what I would do differently the next time.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* This week I visited the island of Cofu, in Greece. I break down the budget expenses of a five day trip to the island, and share some of the experiences that made the trip special. Including going skinny dipping for my first swim in the Mediterranean Ocean. I also discuss the joy of spontaneity with a Saturday night dance party at home, and I talk about the wonders of the famous MauerPark Flea Market in Berlin.
Breathtaking bluffs, stunning beaches, underrated hiking trails, and quaint villages are a few of the things that make the island of Corfu so special. In this travel review I talk about the ways in which the islands history is intertwined with Greek mythology, the important military role it played historically, and what it is like geographically. I also discuss some of my favorite views and beaches, as well as why I think its so important to rent a car there. In addition I break down what kind of budget you will need for your trip to Corfu, and why I think the shoulder season holds so many opportunities.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* Spring has arrived in Berlin and the city is coming alive. I discuss watching the city come to life, and why I find taking the public transport so thrilling. I also talk about digging into the tourism options around Berlin. Including taking a Sandemans free walking tour, and making my own art walk through the city to photograph all of the incredible street art. In addition I share my experience visiting the concentration camp Sachsenhausen, outside of Berlin.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* The reality of long term travel isn’t always glamorous. In this episode I talk about my struggle being rejected from a flat share I applies for and my anxiety about trying to find my way and place in Berlin. I also discuss my first Berlin club experience, the ways it fulfilled the image in my head so beautifully, and how it helped me to feel more connected to the new community I was making.
Beautiful architecture, interesting history, cheap accommodations, and good beer are some of the many reasons that made me fall in love with the city of Prague. In todays travel review I share some of the history of the cities founding, and it’s more recent political uprisings. I also break down some of my favorite places to visit in the city, a few favorite dishes (shout out Johnny’s pizza!), and I share what kind of budget you can expect to need for a visit to this majestic city.
*This is a unreleased #Patchat from Spring 2019, my first time in Europe* Today’s episode is “live” from Berlin! I talk about my first impressions of the city, and realties of catching up on the business of life after several months of travel. I also discuss my interview to volunteer at a hostel, and what it was like turning 29 in Prague. Finally I muse about the beauty of the fact that often times the best experiences in life are things that were never apart of the plan.
In today’s cultural exchange I am joined by my friend Eshan, who grew up in Tehran, Iran. We met through mutual friends while I was staying in Berlin. The city that Eshan studies in and calls home today. In this episode we dive into our respective countries tenuous relationship with one another, and Eshan helps to dispel some of the assumptions I had about Iran from growing up in the United States. We also discuss what his childhood was like growing up in Tehran, the real impact of economic sanctions on a country, and what it was like for him to transition to life in Germany.