winter – VirtualWayfarer

BackpackingDecember 16, 2015

The Sound of Music, The Taste of Coffee and a Miniature Wonderland

Music It was the day after the Paris attacks and the world was still numb with shock. It was mid-afternoon after a fantastic day spent exploring and I found myself standing in the rain, surrounded by…

BackpackingDecember 2, 2015December 9, 2015

A Weekend Getaway Spent in Hamburg

As I felt gravity suddenly press against me, pinning me to my seat, I enjoyed one of my favorite sensations - the added …

BackpackingDecember 29, 2014

Fun Fact: The Day is 37 Minutes Longer in Southern Denmark

The dark depths of winter in the Nordic countries is a topic often discussed and in some ways synonymous with the variou…

BackpackingMay 16, 2013February 21, 2017

The Naked Truth – A Beginner’s Introduction to Austrian Saunas

My palms were far beyond clammy. They were completely committed now to downright slick and sweaty. As I grimaced and wi…

Friday Photo GalleryApril 26, 2013

Snowboarding the Alps – Weekly Travel Photo

A few weeks ago I took my first shot at learning how to ski in Obergurgl, Austria. It was an awesome adventure. It was also a smudge easier than I expected. Probably in large part due to the awesome private instructor…

BackpackingApril 19, 2013

Snow, Ice and Water – Obergurgl, Austria

This story begins high above the alps. It is a story of change. Of transition and of voyage. It is a story of simple contrasts, long trips, and the small details that define the world around us. It begins in the uppermost reaches of roiling clouds as they form along the border between the Austr…

Friday Photo GalleryFebruary 15, 2013

A Norwegian Sunrise – Weekly Travel Photo

We found our way to Oslo as part of a mini-cruise special. The cruise ship - and it was a cruise ship, not the ferry I expected - left Copenhagen at 4PM in the afternoon, steamed over night to Oslo and then disgorged …

Friday Photo GalleryDecember 14, 2012December 11, 2012

Winter in Copenhagen – Weekly Travel Photo

Winter has arrived in Copenhagen. After a week of light snow, the lakes have started to freeze over and the city center has traded slick paving stones for a clean layer of white snow. I captured this moment late-aftern…

BackpackingDecember 11, 2012December 14, 2012

Snow Covered Copenhagen

How do you take a picturesque city with beautifully colored buildings, elegant canals, and wide pedestrian streets and make it even more picture perfect? You add snow. At least, that seems to be the approach Copenha…

Friday Photo GalleryNovember 16, 2012

Polar Bears Touching Noses – Weekly Travel Photo

Not only is this week Polar Bear Week, it's also getting pretty darn cold here in Denmark. So, for today's Friday Photo I've selected these two polar bears giving each other a playful nose nuzzle mid-fight. Luckily the…