Welcome to where I chronicle my travels!

I am back home now after recently completing my capstone project for my Master of Arts degree and traveling on Amtrak across the United States.

 

Most Recent Posts

Déjà Vu?

by Oliver | Feb 15, 2016

Sunrise As Viewed From Train I keep hearing the words: “Russia again? Really?” Yes! People are surprised that I am visiting Russia again. Honestly, I am surprised too. There is so much out there to see that I have not yet laid my eyes on. Does it make sense to go back... read more

9,288 km

by Oliver | Dec 14, 2015

9,288 km…over 5,000 miles. This represents the distance between Moscow and Vladivostok. It approximates the distance I traveled over the past month within Russia. Traveled—Wow, I am sad to already be using past tense. This journey taught me more than just about... read more

A Russian San Francisco?

by Oliver | Dec 14, 2015

They say that Vladivostok is the San Francisco of Russia, an incredible comparison to make. San Francisco is one of kind. Usually when this association is invoked, it is to convey similar visual features such as being neatly tucked alongside a body of water on gently... read more

The Trans-Siberian Cities Of Irkutsk And Ulan Ude

by Oliver | Dec 10, 2015

Both Irkutsk and Ulan Ude are cities that rest on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. They share common elements of the cities I have visited so far along the way. There seems to always be a Lenin Street with a monument to him. Monument to Lenin in Irkutsk Monument to Lenin... read more

Lake Baikal: An Oasis In Siberia?

by Oliver | Dec 6, 2015

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Siberia any more…” – Dorothy from Wizard of Oz…At least this is what Dorothy would have said had she stumbled by Lake Baikal on her Trans-Siberian trip. After a while the harsh, barren, snow-covered land dotted with... read more