Brando shares how he visited Turkmenistan on a semi independant itenerary, seeing the major sights, in one of the world’s most mysterious countries.
Conflict Research and Travel
Lebanon
2013-4-21 Lebanon: Beirut, Tripoli, and Byblos A wave of emotions swept over me as my flight from Saudi Arabia descended into Beirut, Lebanon. Undeniably, there was a lot of excitement. For years I had dreamed of the day I would be able to walk the streets of Beirut and Byblos. I met many Lebanese in […]
Dakar, Senegal – a complete traveler’s guide to discover this fascinating city
All in one Dakar city guide covering transportation, lodging, day trips, and Covid testing.
On the western horn of Africa, Dakar is a massive bustling city which for years served as a melting pot of Portuguese, French, West African, Saharan and Islamic influence. great food, diverse architecture, fascinating people with a unique history, great beaches and sights – Dakar has it all!
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Mostar, Stari Most bridge Jump
2010-10-11 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina 1991 saw the deterioration of Yugoslavia following the pressures of economic hardship, ethnic conflict, and incendiary Serbian President Milosevic. Bosnia declared independence in 1992 and the region disintegrated into a bitter civil war for the next three years. In 2010 I spent several months traveling through Kosovo, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia […]
North Korea – Pyongyang, Mysteries & Secrets of a Reclusive Nation’s Capital
Pyongyang Subway Mysteriousness A surprising highlight of our journey was the Pyongyang subway, which was both exciting and mysterious. Only in North Korea is the subway thrilling. At 110 metres (360 ft) it’s one of the deepest in the world, apparently designed to double as a bomb shelter. The station was bustling with people as […]
North Korea – An American travels to Pyongyang
Brando Cox shares how he visited North Korea as one of the first American allowed into the country following Madeleine Albright’s US State Department visit
Stuck in Somalia! (and getting kicked out of Ethiopia for refusing to pay a bribe)
Stuck in Somalia! (and getting kicked out of Ethiopia for refusing to pay a bribe) The first surprise, prior to visiting Somalia in 2008, was when I collected my tourist visa from the Somaliland consulate in Addis Ababa. You know you are going a bit off the beaten tourist track when your visa number is […]
Belarus! Top 5 things to experience in this unique country in 5 days!
Getting in. For a long time, Belarus was one of the most difficult countries to visit. Even more so for curious Americans! Once requiring an arduous and expensive visa dance, with a lot of steps, and a high level of rejections. Belarus would complete my visit of every country in Europe! For years, I had […]
When to buy Duty Free?!
When to buy Duty Free?! Rules for saving money: buying Duty Free, and when you should not. You just landed in a foreign airport. Experienced travelers aren’t worried about simple things like getting money- use an ATM (who seriously still uses currency exchanges?!) Transport is generally a no brainer. Go through immigration; grab your bags, […]