This week’s guest on Travel Nuggets is … my dad!!! My dad is my travel inspiration (I’ve copied SO many of his trip ideas) and he also loves history like me. In this episode, we completely nerd-out on the history, topography, architecture and culture of the heart of Tamerlane’s empire.

Also, I recommend checking out this book: Tamerlane: Sword of Islam, Conqueror of the World by Justin Marisa

Guv-i Amir Mausoleum (Tashkent)

Tamerlane Statue

Arc Citadel (Khiva)

Cher Minor Madrassa (Bukhara)

Shah-i Zinda Necropolis (Samarkand)

Plav

Notre Dame de Paris. Photo Credit; Image by 139904 from Pixabay

In this episode of Travel Nuggets, siblings Erin and Eric Morgan tell us about the Manaslu Base Camp Trek, sharing their stories of Snickers wontons, broken sneakers and using mustard oil to lure a bug out of Erin’s ear (“An adventure is something that while it's happening you wish it wasn't.”—Mark Twain)

Here are some helpful resources:

Himalayas Facts (PBS.org)

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/the-himalayas-himalayas-facts/6341/

4 Things that Might Surprise you about Teahouse Trekking in Nepal (Himalayan Wonders)

https://www.himalayanwonders.com/blog/4-things-might-surprise-teahouse-trekking-nepal.html

Manaslu Trek: An Ultimate Guide to Most Popular Tea-House Trek:

https://www.nepalsanctuarytreks.com/manaslu-trek-guide/

Manaslu Trek (Wikitravel)

https://wikitravel.org/en/Manaslu_Trek

In this episode of Travel Nuggets, Jordan Bruneau tells us how to ride out an economic recession — go to Dubai to teach tennis!

And, while you’re there … take a road trip to Muscat, Oman. Why not?

Seasoned traveler Tanvi Ajmera tells us about her …. unique visit to the Giza Pyramids: to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers! And, Tanvi offers up a special travel nugget by telling us about a lesser known island in Italy: Ischia.

Tanvi at Giza!

Tanvi at Giza_2

Ischia, Italy

Ischia, Italy_2

Travel writer Rick Antonson joins this episode of Travel Nuggets to discuss Full Moon over Noah’s Ark. In the book (and in this podcast!) Rick tells us about his adventure reaching Mount Ararat’s summit, while shedding light on local culture and history in Turkey, Armenia and Iraq. Rick is an amazing storyteller!

Get the book on Amazon! Full Moon over Noah’s Ark: An Odyssey to Mount Ararat and Beyond

Mount Ararat_Cover for Full Moon over Noah’s Ark by Rick Antonson: https://www.amazon.com/Full-Moon-over-Noahs-Ark-ebook/dp/B01D22Z8GS

Nomad Camp

Cyrus Cylinder

Mount Ararat behind Yerevan, Armenia

This year, I went to the End of the World to celebrate the New Year! Torres del Paine National Park in the Chilean Patagonia was breathtaking, challenging, and a great way to ring in 2019!

Shout out:

ChileTour Patagonia

Beautiful Torres del Paine National Park

Grey Glacier

Beautiful Torres del Paine National Park

An avalanche happened behind us when we were taking this photo.

Lake Nordenskjöld in Torres del Paine National Park

Lake Nordenskjöld in Torres del Paine National Park

Torres Del Paine

Alexandra hanging out!

John taking a break for a photo.

Erin’s trip to Magdalena Island

Erin’s on Magdalena Island. Notice she’s wearing a life jacket on land. Safety First!

I love when people light up when they talk about an experience. That’s what happened when Lauren started telling me about her love of scuba diving in Belize.

Many travel websites tell you about the incredible biodiversity of Belize but most focus on what’s on the ground and in the air. In this episode of Travel Nuggets, Lauren takes us on a deeper dive into Belize and explains why we MUST go scuba diving in Belize!

Take a listen…

Lauren’s Shout-outs:

Chuck & Robbie’s Scuba Diving & Instruction

Victoria House Resort & Spa

The Phoenix Resort

Chan Chich Lodge

Curio Collection