Otter's Outings

It felt like it took an exceedingly long time to get from China to Cambodia.  Several weather delays and laps around the airport and I was more than ready to get out of cold, rainy, challenging China. There is a fine anticipation in landing in a country where you have never been.  In theory you have no support, no reprieve if you make a misstep.  This is of course not true, but the feeling of freedom to roam anonymously is exhilarating.  Upon stepping off of the plane in Siem Reap, the first smell that hit me was of campfires.  The breeze was warm and the sky was fairly dark without a lot of light pollution.  Once through customs and immigration, I looked with hope for my name on a signboard.  There was Baong smiling and ready to take me to my hotel.  He would be with me for the next three days. View from the tuk tuk.  This form of transportation is far superior to a taxi, bus, donkey or any other transportation I've recently enjoyed. ...

What comes into your mind when you hear the word "Omaha?"  A week ago, I would have said flat, not much happening, boring, blue collar.  Well let me be the first to admit that I was 100% wrong.  It is certainly not flat, cue shots of long rolling hills....  There are all kinds of hip things going on here and the people are diverse and wonderful and seemingly pleasant.  Omaha not only boasts a serious music scene, but also has loads of cute bars, restaurants and attractions.  I even stumbled into a massive bocce ball tournament.  The zoo much be top notch as I've had multiple people mention it.  This will be on tap for a second trip.  More importantly, the Headquarters for the National Park Service Lewis and Clark Trail is here and there are hundreds of miles of bike trails and bike lanes. I stumbled across the National Park visitor center as I rode towards the river on my sweet rented bicycle.  I looked up to see the Department of ...