When I first began to travel in earnest, my goal was to see every country in the world. Given the restrictions of a full-time job and a middle-class income, however, that dream soon evaporated. Nevertheless, I’ve managed to visit a fair share of locations throughout the world. And no matter where I’ve been or what I’ve done — whether it’s hiking in the Andes, butchering the Icelandic language, or sipping a mint julep on the veranda of a Louisiana plantation house — my journeys continually expose me to the beauty of this world and, in the process, hopefully make me a better global citizen.
These are my stories.
Swiss Camels and an Exploding Snowman
While wandering around the streets of Zurich, the last thing I expected to see were a few camels being led by Bedouins. I also didn’t anticipate joining thousands of other people who were waiting to set fire to a straw and cotton wool snowman. But this was the Sechseläuten, and everybody loves a parade. Read more >
Venice Churches Without Masses
The Basilica di San Marco is stuffed to capacity from morning to night, and with good reason — it’s simply stunning. But once I ventured away from Venice’s main attraction in the Piazza San Marco, I found other houses of worship that are just as noteworthy. The best part? I had them all to myself. Read more >
Rancho de Chimayó
Halfway between Santa Fe and Taos, in the small town of Chimayó, New Mexico, I happened upon a family-owned restaurant that does everything right. Combining traditional and contemporary New Mexican cuisine, Rancho de Chimayó serves up just about the best meal you’ll find in the Land of Enchantment. Read more >
Blue Heron Inn
Situated on the South Fork of the Snake River in Rigby, Idaho, the six-bedroom log and stone Blue Heron Inn is the perfect place to immerse yourself in total tranquility. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot blue herons flying by, but you’ll always be guaranteed an inspiring sunrise and a delectable breakfast. Read more >
Five Favorite Bridges
Grand or humble, long or short, vehicular or pedestrian, steel or stone, bridges have long held an allure for me, with their promise of spanning a gap and leading me elsewhere. These are my five favorites. Read more >
In Rovaniemi, the 16th most populous city in Finland, straddling the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, you can visit the real Santa Claus, play with baby reindeer, watch the sun never set during the summer, sail down the Kemi River to an old island lumberjack camp for an outdoor meal, observe a craftsman as he creates knife handles out of reindeer antlers, or spend some time in Arktikum, the city’s leading museum — all of which I did.
Stephen Travels 