Welcome to my blog, where I document my lifelong quest to explore at least 100 countries around the world and join me as I share tales of my international adventures, from the early days of my military travels to unforgettable moments I’ve experienced around the world.
While childhood trips to Mexico and Canada planted the seeds of travel within me, it was my first international expedition to Panama that truly ignited my passion for global exploration.
Panama: Where My Wanderlust Began
My first international trip outside of North America took me to the breathtaking country of Panama and its untamed beauty.
As a member of the Infantry, I had the awesome opportunity to become certified as a Jungle Expert, immersing myself in the lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife. The jungles, teeming with exotic wildlife, served as a backdrop for my training.
As I honed my survival skills and navigated through dense foliage, I was captivated by the country’s untamed beauty and vowed to uncover more of the world’s hidden gems. The experience had ignited my wanderlust and set the stage for my future travels.
Jamaica: A Romantic Caribbean Adventure
Years later, I embarked on a romantic journey with my beloved Sweet Pea to the enchanting island of Jamaica.
Our honeymoon at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios was a dream come true. We basked in the sun-kissed beaches, relished in the vibrant local culture, and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Puerto Rico: A Week in Paradise
During my career, I won a prestigious award which included a week-long trip to Puerto Rico.
Our group stayed at the Condado Plaza Hotel, overlooking the ocean, with a 24-hour casino in San Juan. While there, we visited the San Juan national historic site, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We also rented jeeps, went to beaches, and enjoyed our time in sunny Puerto Rico back in the days when I would rather eat cheese than say it, so no pictures were taken.
While technically not an international trip since PR is part of the US, it was a unique experience on a tropical island.
A Caribbean Cruise—and a Near Backpack Disaster
One year during our life together in Virginia, my wife and I embarked on a remarkable journey aboard Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas.
Our journey began with a flight to Miami, where we planned to spend a day and a night before boarding the cruise ship. Upon landing, we headed to the airport rental car facility to pick up a rental vehicle to get to our hotel and explore the city a bit.
In those days there was no Uber, and cell phones and e-tickets were not as ubiquitous, so we carried all our essentials, including tickets, cash, camera, and passports, in a single backpack.
The Fast-Food Panic
After our 24 hour stay in Miami, we eagerly waited on the bustling sidewalk in front of the hotel, anticipating the valet to fetch our rental car.
When the valet finally arrived, we loaded our belongings into the vehicle and set off on the thirty-minute drive to the airport car return.
Having never been on a cruise, and not realizing it was a constant all-you-can-eat food-fest and recalling that our assigned dining time onboard the ship was not until 8PM, we decided to stop by a fast-food drive-through and order some food.
It was at the drive-through window that reality struck. I reached for my wallet, only to realize that it was securely tucked away in the backpack, along with all our valuable belongings. Panic ensued, and I quickly parked the car and hurried to the trunk, hoping against hope that the backpack would miraculously be there.
The backpack wasn’t in the car. We had left it on the busy sidewalk miles away, right in front of the hotel.
The Race Back to the Hotel
In a frenzy, we raced back to the hotel, desperately hoping that our backpack, with its precious contents, had not fallen into the wrong hands.
To our amazement, there it sat, untouched, as people walked back and forth obliviously. The relief washed over us, and we collected our backpack, grateful to have averted a potential crisis.
Majesty of the Seas: Our Caribbean Adventure
With the near disaster behind us, we boarded the Majesty of the Seas and set sail for a luxurious Caribbean getaway.
The cruise ship offered a multitude of entertainment options, including comedy and variety shows that had us in fits of laughter.
During our journey, I decided to capture the beauty of the Caribbean by purchasing a disposable underwater camera. While snorkeling, I snapped photos of vibrant tropical fish, explored submerged plane wreckage, encountered graceful stingrays, and even spotted a medium-sized brown shark.
Key West: A Taste of Island Life
Our adventure extended beyond the confines of the cruise ship as we disembarked in Key West and The Bahamas.
In Key West, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and laid-back atmosphere of the island.
The Bahamas: Atlantis and an Underwater Meal
The Bahamas treated us to the enchanting Atlantis resort, which was widely renowned at the time. We strolled through the resort’s grounds, indulged in an exquisite “underwater” meal beneath a giant aquarium, and relished every moment of our Caribbean escape.
Tajikistan: A New Chapter in My Travels
Fast forward over a decade, and my travels took a different turn as I embarked on assignments to Tajikistan. As part of a small team of dedicated servicemen, our mission was to train American allies. We worked through challenges and learned to adapt in unfamiliar climates.
The journey involved crossing through Munich and Istanbul before arriving in the vibrant city of Dushanbe. The experience underscored the importance of cooperation with local partners and distant allies. We documented lessons from the field and prepared for subsequent rotations.
Looking back, these assignments shaped my understanding of regional dynamics and the value of disciplined teamwork. They also reinforced the need for cultural sensitivity, clear communication, and steadfast commitment to shared aims. Such lessons travel with me in every new role I undertake.
I shot some video way back in 2009 and 2010 during my trips to Dushanbe:
Where I Stayed During These Trips:
Jamaica — Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
In Jamaica, we stayed at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, one of the island’s largest all-inclusive resorts. The property offered an enormous selection of dining and entertainment options, making it possible to spend days at the resort without ever running out of things to do.
The resort featured numerous restaurants and bars, including swim-up bars, along with multiple swimming pools and whirlpools. We could also enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, glass-bottom boat excursions, tennis, scuba diving, and they offered golf at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.
One of the biggest advantages was the all-inclusive setup. Meals, snacks, drinks, entertainment, water sports, and even airport transfers were included, making it an easy place to relax and enjoy Jamaica without constantly worrying about the cost of every activity.
The Ochi Beach Club provided another beautiful setting along the water, while the resort’s evening entertainment and restaurants gave the property plenty of energy after the sun went down.
Puerto Rico — Condado Plaza Hotel
In Puerto Rico, I stayed at the Condado Plaza Hotel in San Juan, an oceanfront property located in the popular Condado district.
The hotel offered a combination of beach, pools, dining, and recreation, making it easy to enjoy the Caribbean without being far from the attractions of San Juan. The property featured multiple pools, including a saltwater pool with panoramic ocean views, as well as access to the beach and Condado Lagoon.
The oceanfront location also made it possible to enjoy water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. The hotel had an on-site restaurant, fitness center, lobby bar, concierge service, and a 24 hour casino, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay.
One of the best aspects of the Condado Plaza was its location. It was close enough to Old San Juan to easily explore the historic streets, while still providing a resort-like atmosphere where I could relax and enjoy the ocean.
Dushanbe — Hyatt Regency Dushanbe
In Dushanbe, Tajikistan, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, a luxury hotel situated along Lake Komsomol in the center of the city.
The hotel offered spacious rooms with modern bathrooms, large windows, and views toward the lake, mountains, or Presidential Palace. The property also featured a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, sauna, steam bath, hot tub, and relaxation areas.
The dining options included Focaccia Grill, which served international and Mediterranean cuisine from a theatrical show kitchen with a wood-burning oven, along with a pastry shop, lounge, and bar.
The Hyatt was also conveniently located for exploring Dushanbe and was only about a 10-minute drive from the airport. For a visit to a country as unfamiliar and intriguing as Tajikistan, having a comfortable international hotel as a base was especially welcome.
The Hyatt Regency Dushanbe provided a surprisingly luxurious contrast to the adventure of exploring Central Asia and made a memorable base for my time in Tajikistan.
From Military Missions to a Love of Travel
From the jungles of Panama to the sandy shores of Jamaica, I set out on early travels. Tajikistan joined later as a rugged landscape that helped shape me in many ways.
Traveling as part of my military career gave me opportunities to experience places and cultures I might never otherwise have encountered. Each journey added something new to my perspective and strengthened my desire to keep exploring.
What began with a few international trips gradually evolved into something much bigger—a lifetime quest to visit 100 countries.
My Journey to 100 Countries
Embarking on a lifetime quest to visit 100 countries has been a transformative journey, and through this blog, I share my experiences, insights, and passion for travel, inspiring others to embrace their own wanderlust and embark on their own extraordinary adventures.
As I continue to explore new territories and seek out the next passport stamp, I invite you to join me on this thrilling voyage and discover the world, one country at a time.
So cool