First stop – Philadelphia

Back in 2002 i used to run semi competitively back in Phoenix, Arizona. It was a bunch of strangers all thrown together for the sport. Many friendships were formed. One friend, Sarah, whom I’ve managed to keep in contact with lives in Philadelphia. So with a 4 hour layover planned I of course wanted to see Sarah, a fellow traveler. Last time I caught up with Sarah was when she was living in Las Vegas. Since then her and her husband has moved a few times. Good talks were had over breakfast and travel stories exchanged. She now has me determined to go to Japan soon. And I think she may be up for some exploring of Colombia with her husband. No Kilimanjaro for her though. People still think I’m crazy.

I write this as I am sitting on my flight about to leave Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar. I booked all my international flights using (hard earned) frequent flier miles. And why not travel in style? Business class it is. I kindly asked the gate agent to block the seat next to me. I bet that few hiking backpacks get their own cold towel, Pajamas, comforter, lie flat bed, and business class seat.
Off to Doha!

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Off to Africa

Starting the adventure in 3 hours.
All packed for 23 days of: 8 days of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame route, 3 days of safari at the Ngorongoro Crater, a week of Scuba diving and kite surfing on the island of Zanzibar, and wrapping up with dune bashing in Qatar in the Middle East for a few days.
All this, and all the gear packed and ready to go, including scuba gear in my Deuter Carry On and my North Face Summit series Duffel bag.

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