Middle East

Jeddah to Al Ula – 7 Manic Days Traveling Glossy Saudi Arabia

Often the glossy tourism overshines along one of the Middle East’s most breathtaking journeys. Discover Saudi Arabia from Old Jeddah to Madinah’s holy mosque, to Al Ula desert scenery and ancient Hegra.

One Month Without Alcohol in Iran

I backpacked one month without alcohol in Iran, but now in Armenia, I drink red wine and contemplate life with and without alcohol.

Arrested as a ‘Spy’ in Saddam’s Iraq

Backpacking Saddam's Iraq in 1989 brought endless police hassles, and ultimately, we were arrested in Kurdistan - accused of being "spies."

Travels in Lebanon – as Israel Bombs

"Last week, a guest was kidnapped," said the hotel receptionist ... Impressions of travels in Lebanon during the Gaza War (2024).

Syria (1989) – Distant Memories of Peace

Talking my way to a Syria visa on the border, exploring ancient sights, visiting a military zone on the Israeli border, and other youthful backpacking blurs.

Kang Village: 3000 Years of Settlement – Iran

Kang village climbs the mountain in a stack of earth walls, balconies and roofs and this settlement, in northeast Iran, has been inhabited for over 3000 years.

Bizarre Masked Women of Minab Market – Iran

Looking at the women of Minab Market reveals the ancient trading routes that once connected southern Iran with the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and beyond.

Iran – Navigating Chaotic Tehran

First impressions of traveling in Tehran - Iran, in 1990. Racing across the city in a taxi amid chaotic streets that seemed asking for accidents every minute.

afternoon light facades of petra tombs 1989

Petra – 3 Nights Under the Stars Alone

Back in 1989 ... I camped in a cave tomb inside beautiful Petra - for 3 nights alone, exploring the silent sights by day.

Protected: Crazy in Yemen

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

Al Hajjarah Village – Hiking Yemen’s Magical Haraz Mountains

Perched on a crag the ancient tower houses of Al Hajjarah village - and the jagged Haraz mountains, evokes an Arabian Nights mystique that amazes.

Police Hassles in Saddam’s Iraq

Entering a desert town in Saddam's Iraq seemed a quiet and friendly place - until trouble found me.

kaluts desert sculptured formations iran

Kaluts – Iran’s Strange Desert of Sand-Castles

Within the Kaluts region, you could be forgiven for wondering if you've stumbled into a lost city - as miles of eroded sand towers & blocks stick out of the desert.

jaded traveler blues crazy travel stories

Jaded Traveler Blues in Cairo – Egypt

Sometimes travel is not always that great. Musings at the end of a trip, broke and confused, amid the woes of an awful hostel dorm.

Houses Of Palagan Village Kurdistan Iran

Palangan – a Kurdish Village Climbing the Mountain

Visiting the Kurdish village of Palangan, its houses stacked on top of each each other while stepping up the mountainside.

Ellusive Peace Jerusalem Israel & Palestine 1989

Elusive Peace – Jerusalem

Surreal artwork based on my experience of being caught amid a riot in East Jerusalem during the first Palestinian Intifada in 1989.

Luxor - Egypt The Modern Beast Amid an Ancient Beauty

Luxor – Egypt: Modern Beast Amid An Ancient Beauty

Luxor can be painful beyond the ancient beauty - hawkers, gigolos, and inflated prices. Read my crazy stories laced with cool travel tips to minimize the hassles.

syrian men halabiye euphrates river 1989

Protected: Syria – Kindness of Strangers

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

full moon rising sanaa yemen art panorama by Michael Robert Powell

Arabian Nights in the Ancient City of Sanaa – Yemen

Old Sanaa is an Arabian Nights vision - straight from the tales of the 1001 Nights. And it's one the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world.