My Interests

The rudder that steers my meanderings has the following two parts: persuit of spiritual growth and my curiosity about a few select themes. The themes include the following:
 
The theme of "Andean culture" is what links Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.

The theme of "Indo-European culture" is what links Thailand, India, Iran, and parts of Europe.

Mountains - I love to experience strong mountain culture in all of its forms ... and oh, I like the mountains too.

Indigenous culture - as US American from the state of Illinois (where little more than vaguely understood place names stand as monuments to displaced local native cultures) I look to understand current native culture's strengths and challenges around the globe. As I am beginning to understand.. EVERY country on this planet has its marginalized native peoples. One of my goals is to connect with local community leaders to learn from them and see if I can help in any way with cultural or economic struggles. I visit not as an observer, exploiter, theif or missionary: but rather as a student & friend.
 

My World Music Picks to Bring Down the Gods

What I'm Reading
 
Here is a great site that is working to promote and develop sustainable tourism for independent travellers and backpackers: