Visa Process – Central African Republic (République Centrafricaine) Visa? A whole post just about CAR’s visa? How difficult could it be? Oh are you in for a treat! To start things off – I tried to get a normal visa from the CAR embassy in Paris, but they asked for an invitation from the ministry […]
Brandon Niles Cox
Lesotho, Sani Pass – Self driving one of the world’s most dangerous roads, winding from Lesotho down into South Africa
First: Don’t do what we did! In retrospect, its insanity! At the Roof of Africa lies the narrow Sani Pass, an infamously steep “4×4 only” winding high mountain pass connecting the eastern edge of Lesotho and South Africa. With names like Devil’s Corner, Hairpin Bend, and Suicide Bend, the route’s treacherous conditions, narrow winding hairpin […]
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
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 […]
Afghanistan – Reflections on Afghan Resilience Amidst Conflict
Afghanistan is on a heartbreaking journey to stability though the price is often freedom. People showered unimaginable kindness during my travels through a county oversaturated with incredible sights yet overshadowed by decades of war and violence. Despite this troubled past and years spent living under a cloud of fear, stress and uncertainty they rise above to exude a palpable warmth and love on a traveler they have just met.
It completely breaks my heart imagining what changes will come in the next ten years as the world chooses to mostly ignore Afghanistan. A time when the country will fight its most important fight – the struggle to come to terms with a generational and ideological crossroads which will define success or set a path towards failure for future generations.
Afghanistan – Bamyan. The Buddhas and the City of Screams
As we drove from Kabul to Bamyan, the road was new and perfect….except for every quarter mile or so there are small sections missing, or torn up. These are where roadside bombs, IEDs, or missiles hit the road during the war. Its crazy to see, and there are so many. A sad reminder of where you are visiting what daily life must have been like.
Bangladesh – Independent Travel Guide and Top Tips
Independent Travel in Bangladesh: Routes, Safety, and Cultural Depth This report details how to independently travel in Bangladesh. I was exploring the Sundarbans years ago in 2011 and, across the mangrove delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges was the country of Bangladesh. We returned to Calcutta, a city which I had grown to […]
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!
North Korea, a trip from Pyongyang to the DMZ
North Korea. The most isolated country exists in a world of its own. However, lets back up a bit. In 2003 I took my first solo trip to South Korea and somewhere along the way discovered my passion for conflict resolution. My trip to South Korea was my first time travelling alone….something I never realized until writing this post. […]
Afghanistan – Torkham border crossing to Pakistan. Independent travel
It’s a beautiful windy road through canyons along the river to the border crossing with Pakistan, and I was about to cross the most chaotic stretch of land between two countries in all my travels.