Radiovagabond

I denne episode, er jeg i den amerikanske hovedstad, Washington DC, og går en tur i "The Mall" sammen med en lokal. Og vi taler ikke om et indkøbscenter.

Denne episode blev udgivet for første gang i oktober 2018.

Tag med til Canada, hvor jeg besøger en idyllisk gård med heste, der bruges til terapi.

Denne episode blev udgivet for første gang i maj, 2021.

Jeg er tilbage i Connecticut USA, hvor jeg deltager i endnu en CouchSurfing Couch Crash, som de kalder "ConnectiCouch". Derfor vil jeg i denne uge dele en episode, som jeg optog for fem år siden i august 2018, da jeg var her første gang.

Links til de to episoder (med masser af billeder) her og her.

I denne episode er jeg i Hong Kong.

Denne episode blev udgivet første gang i januar 2017.

If you're frustrated with the lack of unique and diverse experiences in Liechtenstein, despite your efforts to explore, you are not alone! Many tourists find themselves visiting the same popular attractions, missing out on the hidden gems that truly showcase the beauty and culture of this tiny country.

Instead of experiencing the vibrant local traditions and breathtaking landscapes, you may find yourself stuck in crowded tourist hotspots, unable to fully immerse yourself in the authentic Liechtenstein experience. But fear not, there are countless activities and attractions waiting to be discovered, and with the right guidance, you can unlock the true essence of Liechtenstein and create memories that will last a lifetime.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Explore the captivating geography and intriguing attributes of Liechtenstein.
• Dive into the lucrative dental industry and the art of crafting false teeth in Liechtenstein.
• Peek into the affluent, yet ordinary lifestyle of Liechtenstein's own royal family.
• Unravel the unique dynamics between Liechtenstein's monarchs and their subjects.
• Discover some of the must-visit attractions and activities in Liechtenstein.

My special guests are Louise Hansson from the tourist office in Vaduz, The Radio Vagabond's Senior Royal Correspondent, Paul Rosner

Louise Hansson is a bona fide blend of Swedish origin and Liechtenstein upbringing, making her a trusted source for all things Liechtenstein. She's lived most her life here in this enchanting European enclave, so her knowledge about the region is as vast as its stunning alps. Louise's father was among the few dentists operating in Liechtenstein in the '70s, and he served the local community for over 30 years! Now, she passionately showcases the charm and unexpected surprises this tiny nation has to offer.

THE KEY MOMENTS IN THIS EPISODE ARE:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Liechtenstein, 00:03:08 - Facts about Liechtenstein, 00:08:39 - Exploring Schaan, 00:09:33 - Driving to the Capital, 00:10:13 - Interview with Louise Hansson, 00:17:19 - The Russian Offer to Liechtenstein, 00:18:08 - The Wealth of Liechtenstein's Monarchy, 00:19:11 - Tourist Attractions in Liechtenstein, 00:21:18 - Liechtenstein's Princely Family, 00:26:54 - Liechtenstein's Unique Monarchy, 00:33:42 - Living in Liechtenstein, 00:34:28 - The Beauty of Liechtenstein, 00:34:38 - Things to Do in Liechtenstein, 00:36:37 - Recommendations and Gratitude, 00:37:54 - Poem written and read by an AI.

EPISODE LINK:

Læs den fulde artikel og se billeder på Radiovagabond.dk/322-Liechtenstein.

Denne episode er delvist sponsoreret af Hotels25.dk.

I denne episode er jeg i Florida og møder Cynthia for første gang. Senere blev hun min rejsemakker og siden dette møde har vi været i ni lande sammen.

Denne episode blev udgivet første gang i oktober 2021.

Kender du det, at man har nogle få venner fra ungdommen, som bare er bedste venner for evigt – selvom man ikke snakker sammen så tit.

Og når man så snakker sammen, kan man snakke om alt som om tiden har været frosset. Man kender hinanden ind og ud og kan grine af de samme ting, og sige alt til hinanden.

Sådan en ven havde jeg i Lars.

Han boede i Atlanta i USA med sin familie, og da jeg var derovre i 2017, besøgte jeg dem og boede hos dem i en uge.

For en måned siden mistede jeg min ven. Marianne mistede sin mand og Alberte og Max mistede deres far. Lars sov stille ind efter længere tids sygdom i en alder af bare 56. Det er så urimeligt tideligt og siden jeg fik nyheden, har jeg været meget ked af det.

For at ære mindet om en sjov, klog og hjertevarm mand, genudsender jeg et sammenklip af to episoder, jeg optog da jeg var på besøg hos min gode ven Lars i Atlanta. Du kan tage med os i bilen, hvor vi har en lang snak om vores fælles fortid, om at bo i forskellige lande og deres rejse som familie.

Vi mistede Lars Hedegaard i midten af juni. Jeg vil savne dig og vores snakke, Lars. Og hvis jeg kender dig ret, vil du sige, at det handler om at leve livet, mens vi kan.

I denne episode er jeg i Siem Reap i Cambodia, hvor jeg har en snak med en ung mand, der gik fra at være en fattig dreng til at være direktør på det hotel, jeg bor på.

Denne episode blev udgivet første gang i juni 2017.

This is part two of my days visiting a gorilla family in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. If you haven't heard part one, you should listen to that one first. Then you will know that I've just had lunch in the forest with the group and we were reflecting on the unique experience.

GETTING SLIPPERY

But the day wasn't over: we still had to get down to civilization. And the descent proved to be a bit of a challenge for your trusted vagabond.

After witnessing these magnificent creatures chow down on their leafy delicacies, it was time for us to refuel. So, in a cozy clearing right next to where we mingled with the gorillas, we sat down, ready to tackle the most important meal of the day – a good ol' sandwich and a trusty bottle of water.

But hold on to your hats, dear listeners, because the day was far from over. We still had a mission ahead of us: the grand descent back to civilization. Now, you may think, "Oh, going downhill, that's a piece of cake!" Well, let me tell you, it wasn't all smooth sailing for this intrepid traveler.

PRIDE WOUNDED, BUT NOTHING ELSE

The descent turned out to be a bit of a challenge for me. It was like nature threw a curveball just to keep things interesting. Steep slopes, slippery terrain, and unexpected obstacles tested my balance and agility. It was an action-packed descent that would have made any adventure movie director proud.

Picture this: a not-so-rainy day in the muddy forest. Sure, it had poured the day before, transforming the tracks into a slippery mess. Now, here's where the fun begins. The rest of the hiking group, oh so clever, pranced along with their sensible hiking shoes, with so much pattern on their outsoles that they could probably scale a vertical wall. And then there was me, the fashionably clueless one, strutting my stuff in regular sneakers that might as well have been made of banana peels.

With every step I took, it was like walking on a tightrope of terror. The mud clung to my shoe soles like a clingy ex, turning each step into a slippery slide of pure comedy. I was the star of my very own slapstick show, slipping and sliding like a cartoon character on a banana binge.

Don't get me wrong – I had my two trusty walking sticks in my hands, ready to conquer the treacherous terrain. But even with those in my arsenal, I was no match for the slippery mud monster. It was like having roller skates with wheels that had minds of their own, doing pirouettes and cartwheels whenever they pleased. Who needs a theme park when you have Mother Nature's amusement park right under your feet?

And let me tell you about my grand finale: In slip number fourteen, I went tumbling down the mountainside, a graceful descent worthy of a gymnastics routine. Well, not so much.

In the midst of an acrobatic extravaganza, executing somersaults, my glasses, those trusty companions, were rudely knocked off my muddy face. In a moment of sheer brilliance, as my spectacles soared through the air like a bird, I summoned my lightning-fast ninja reflexes and plucked them right out of thin air. With the grace of a swan, I snagged them mid-flight and twirled around for a few additional elegant turns.

Luckily, no rocks were waiting to give me a big, bruised surprise. Nope, just a bed of soft vegetation, nature's way of saying,

"Hey buddy, don't take yourself too seriously."

As the two guides rushed to my rescue, I couldn't help but chuckle. Pride wounded, but nothing else. It was a laughter-filled reunion as they pulled me back up onto the slippery track, like the heroes of a B-grade comedy.

And when we finally reached the bottom, my transformation was complete. I was a masterpiece of mud, a walking canvas of earthy tones. I tell you, mud on my shoes, mud on my jeans, mud even on my face – fashion statement of the century. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But hey, who needs a day at the spa when you can have a mud makeover in the great outdoors?

So there you have it, my misadventures in the muddy forest. Lessons learned: invest in some sensible shoes and always be ready for a comedy routine when nature decides to play a little joke on you. Life's a stage, my friends, and I'm just the clumsiest actor in the cast.

WE DID IT

After the trek, we returned to the starting point to pick up our certificates as a sign of the successful tracking of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This encounter with the mountain gorillas was nothing short of transformative and a reminder of the connection between humans and apes.

If you go, consider contacting my friends at Eco Adventures Safari. And please tell them I sent you.

CROSSING THE EQUATOR

On the way back, we cross the equator and make a stop. I can get the typical picture of standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other foot in the Southern Hemisphere, a unique experience that captures the essence of being at the center of the Earth. It's like standing in two places at once without moving a muscle.

But wait, there's more! They've got these quirky demonstrations that mess with your mind. Water swirls in different directions just because you're a few meters on one side or the other. It's like the equator has its own magical water show.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

Something not so good happened on this trip. Something that would affect my life as a digital nomad for months. At the end of this episode, I tell you what this is all about and what happened after that. But you have to listen if you want to know.

My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.

Join me as I trek through Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to find a family of mountain gorillas and experience the magic of observing these incredible creatures up close. Don't miss this thrilling episode of The Radio Vagabond.

Also, you get to know Charles and Amos, both with a deep knowledge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and its enchanting mountain gorillas.

Charles is an experienced driver and tour guide from Eco Adventure Safaris dedicated to providing visitors with an unforgettable trip through Uganda's stunning scenery. Amos is an experienced ranger guide with a vast knowledge of the forest's ecosystem and a gift for recounting engaging stories about endangered mountain gorillas. Both Charles and Amos are passionate about wildlife and environmental conservation, offering wildlife enthusiasts an extraordinary journey that will leave a lasting impact.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the wonders of gorilla trekking in Uganda while venturing into the majestic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Gain fascinating insights into the lives of mountain gorillas and their awe-inspiring habitats.
• Learn about silverback gorillas' crucial roles and behavior in their social groups.
• Acquire essential information on permits and costs for mountain gorilla visits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:00 - Introduction I'm in Uganda, waiting for a driver to take me on a three-day tour to the jungle to see the mountain gorillas. 00:02:20 - Eco Adventures Safari Charles from Eco Adventures Safari picks me up, and we spend 10 hours driving to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Charles explains the itinerary, including community walks, gorilla tracking, and the journey back. 00:05:10 - Rolex SnackCharles introduces me to a popular Ugandan street food called Rolex. The snack consists of an omelette rolled up in a chapati and has become a symbol of Ugandan entrepreneurship. 00:08:08 - Bwindi Impenetrable National ParkI describe the national park, which covers an area of 320 square kilometres and is home to almost half of the world's mountain gorillas. UNESCO also recognizes the park as a World Heritage Site due to its many different plants and animals, including the Batwa Pygmies, one of Africa's oldest indigenous communities. 00:12:36 - Trekking to See GorillasWe arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guides. After a performance from the Rushaga Community Handicraft Association, we begin our trek to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. 00:17:14 - Gorilla EncounterI talk to the ranger guide, Amos, about the magical experience of encountering a family of mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We talk about the social structure of gorilla families, the role of the silverback, and how trackers locate the gorilla groups. 00:23:33 - Gorilla Behaviour The conversation revolves around gorilla behavior, including how the silverback protects the family from predators and other gorilla groups. We discuss how females leave their families and join new silverbacks when they are soon to conceive and how gorillas engage in friendly interactions with other groups. 00:26:08 - Reflecting Over lunch, the group reflects on our hour-long encounter with the gorillas, talking about how natural the gorillas were around humans and how close we got to the silverback. We also discuss the incredible acrobatic skills of the gorilla kids and how human-like their behavior was. 00:28:30 - Permits and Costs I provide information on the cost of permits to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo and recommend Eco Adventure Safari for those considering gorilla tracking. 00:30:48 - Part Two PreviewI tease the second part of my Uganda gorilla trip episodes, where I go on a slippery and muddy adventure, falls multiple times, and teach you some important words in the local Luganda language. I also hint at something terrible that happened on this trip.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Book a tour with Eco Adventure Safaris for responsible, eco-friendly gorilla trekking tours and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania.
• Try a Ugandan-style omelet rolled up in a chapati called a Rolex.
• Follow The Radio Vagabond on Instagram and check out my photos from the trip.
• Spend the night at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, nestled in natural surroundings and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere – and a stunning view.
• Consider visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during June, July, August, September, or December for drier weather and better gorilla trekking conditions.
• Ensure your camera is fully charged and has enough space for photos before embarking on the gorilla trek with Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guides.
• Support the Rushaga Community Handicraft Association by purchasing their handmade crafts when visiting the national park.
• Donate to organizations supporting mountain gorillas conservation, such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund or the International Gorilla Conservation Programme.
• Visit Hotels25.com for the best hotel prices worldwide.