To celebrate the 100th WanderLearn episode, I'm thrilled to announce that we are close to passing 100,000 cumulative downloads! 

This 100th episode is dedicated to my Patrons! 

Watch it on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/DdJN3xQ-Mz8

Ask Me Anything!

I answer your questions, such as:

Tamy, who wrote: "I had no idea Swaziland had changed its name to eSwatini. Do you have a point of reference as to why or were you aware of it?"

Ryan: "Do you have book recommendations?"

I start by recommending The Body by Bill Bryson.

If you've read, "A History of Nearly Everything" (another good book), then you'll like his "Body" book. It'll keep you busy for a while - it's big.

I've heard great things about "The Gates of Fire" - it's on my list.

Lastly, I'm a huge space fan - yeah, I like to travel. 
I'm nearly done reading this fun book by Zubrin.
amzn.to/3eKIQ4c

Another person wrote:

Hey Francis, hope all is well. I was wondering how do you prepare/train for mountain climbling/hiking? I am a overweight, done mostly day hikes( highest point I have reached is 8,750'). I was strolling through youtube and saw Tour de mont blanc which I though was really nice but not sure about how to handle these kinds of journeys since they seem pretty strenous for a beginner. Ive been trying to do lifestyle modifications( Diet/exercise), wondering if you have any tips/thoughts. Camino primitivo is on my list as well. Do you do any workouts/preparation(physically) before you go for your treks/climbs?

YIDA wrote:

I look forward to reading more chapters of the Unseen Africa. From your experiences, how safe would major African cities be for a Western tourist to wander around in unescorted? Most guides say things like never walk around Kinshasa or Nairobi at night alone.

From most of the travel literature I've read, it advises tourists to soak in the vibe and atmosphere of the people, streets and markets rather than go on a sightseeing tour of landmarks, galleries, and museums like you do in Europe. The tourism formula of stopping at multiple sites and attractions doesn't work for most African cities.

Henry wrote:

My name is Henry Ensley, I’m graduating from college this month and I have a couple of questions regarding Africa. I already have a trip planned and booked to 7 European nations this summer, but, I have some questions about Africa. In my life, I hope to visit all the countries in Europe and Africa, but my knowledge about the two is more heavily favored towards Europe for whatever reason. With that being said, what are your 5-10 most favorite destinations in Africa? Not to get too specific but as you like to say they destinations should be “beyond the beaten path”. Without mentioning common destinations like the Marrakesh Market in Morocco, the pyramids in Egypt, Kenya, etc. I want to know your favorite destinations in Africa, the countries that some people may not even know exist. Thank you.

1. Mauritius
2. Namibia
3. Rwanda
4. Mauritania
6. Algeria
7. Lesotho
8. Cameroon
9. Sudan

 

More info

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.

If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 

On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:

• http://facebook.com/ftapon


• http://twitter.com/ftapon


• http://youtube.com/user/ftapon


• http://pinterest.com/ftapon


• http://tumblr.com/ftapon

My Patrons sponsored this show!

Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon

Rewards start at just $2/month!

If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at [email protected]

If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ftapon.substack.com