FarZak: Global Unity & Travel

“La Peregrina Pearl, the most expensive pearl ever sold, was auctioned in 2011 for a whopping $11.8 million. An oyster slowly turned one speck of sand into a gem over the course of years.

Centuries ago, fishermen worked together to create self-sustaining systems. They learned to capture fresh water and grouped floating houses between karsts (small islands) to ensure calmer waters. Instead of living off the land, they evolved to live on the water.

How is the jewelry-making process carried out? Trained experts locate and destroy undetonated devices.

These pieces, borne from the ashes of conflict, are melted and skillfully crafted into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and accessories.

Cafes, renowned for people-watching, take on an even more enchanting quality when infused with feline interactions. Despite being staunch ‘dog people,’ accustomed to befriending local dogs and amicable strays, the allure of pet therapy drew us toward the feline residents. Entering the world of cats turned out to be a serendipitous decision.

The Multifunctional Trunk
With a mind-boggling 40,000 muscles, this powerhouse appendage puts the human body’s 600 muscles to shame. An elephant can pluck a tree out the ground as if it were a carrot. But it’s not just about flexing; the elephant trunk is a Swiss Army knife in the animal world. From gracefully drawing up water for a drink to manipulating objects with surgical precision, emitting warning trumpets, and engaging in heartwarming greetings with fellow giants, the trunk is a true multitasking marvel.

African giant pouched rats (cuter than they sound) are trained to sniff out TNT explosives hiding underground. These rats are wicked smart, and must pass IQ tests before entering the training program, which takes about two years. It costs abut $7,000 to train each rat, after which they use their amazing sense of smell to bring safety to the Cambodian people. 

At first glance, crossing the street looks riskier than jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.

Impossible is the only word that comes to mind as you face the onrushing motorbikes, weaving Tuk Tuks, and colossal buses, in a relentless battle for a mere inch of space on the unforgiving asphalt expanse.

In 1875, he set out from on a journey that would etch his name in history. Battling challenging tides, which delayed him for five long hours, and enduring the sting of a jellyfish, Webb finally emerged victorious after 21 hours and 45 minutes in the water.

Webb’s triumph inspired others, and over the years, nearly 80 failed attempts followed. It wasn’t until thirty-six years later that Thomas William Burgess became the second human to defy all odds.

Too embarrassed to ask what he meant by “quid,” I later researched the term through Google University. As it turns out, the UK police force does not require sea creatures as a form of payment. Rather, quid is just another name for pounds. Just as Americans call their dollars “bucks” all the time, the British use “quid” as slang. It’s as common as tea and crumpets. 

Imagine you stroll up to a vending machine, your tummy rumbling for some Swiss goodness. This machine isn’t slinging chips; it’s dishing out the holy grail of Swiss cuisine. Craving some fondue to melt your heart? You got it. How about raclette that’ll have you singing in cheesy bliss? The machine’s got you covered. But hold on, the feast doesn’t stop there. You can snag the freshest bread and perfectly-sized potatoes. What about dessert? There’s always room, right? Do not fret. Push the right button and you will get…Meringue with double Creme.

As you look down, your heart races, thumping a staccato rhythm in the chest. Each shallow breath is a reminder of vulnerability, a sensation akin to holding one’s life in a fragile bubble. The fear, rooted in survival instincts, urges you to find solid ground.

Instead of seeking safety, you push your amygdala’s warnings aside. 

Why!? 

In Switzerland, the hills are alive with the sound of… cow bells. It’s like nature’s very own jam session. The musical sounds enhance every countryside walk, and bike ride. The constant reminder us of their presence. And somehow, the sound is ridiculously soothing. You could say they play the role of community emotional support animals.

Switzerland is consistently ranked among the top 3 countries in the world when it comes to quality of life. 

“Why?,” you ask. 

Is it the yodeling? Alpine lakes? Happy cows producing delicious cheese, milk, and ice cream?

Check. Check. Check.

Not to be confused with Kegel exercises, “Kegeln” is a German sport that translates into “pins.”

If you enjoy bowling, you’d love the nine pin version of the game.

“What the heck is a Schwebebahn?,” you ask? 

It translates to “floating railway,” and it’s the main form of transportation in Wuppertal, Germany.

At the tender age of eight, Mozart unleashed his first symphony upon the world, leaving everyone scratching their heads and wondering what they had been doing with their lives.

There’s an even bigger noteworthy downside to living in Venice: Many homes flood with some frequency. In fact, many first floors of structures in Venice are uninhabitable due to salt water damage and corrosion. 

Baguettes and croissants, flaky and divine, will transport your taste buds to cloud nine.

Looking out into the sea, you’ll see an impressive labyrinth of waterways bustling with ferries, yachts, and sailboats. They gracefully glide through the crystal-clear turquoise waters.

if you were to explore the streets of Mostar, you’d likely see bullet holes and scars from conflicts stemming from the not so distant past.

Sun, Sand, and Serenity: This gem in Southeastern Europe was the secret sauce for our recovery after coming down from the Albanian Alps.

As you hike through the terrain, you’ll enjoy rugged summits, glittering glacier lakes, and mystical forests with lush green trees. As you gain elevation, you’ll find stone cafés nestled among the mountain tops.

Considering Spain’s longitude, the country should be on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), along with England and Portugal. It was in fact in the correct time zone until 1940 when Spain changed to the Central European Time (CET).

If you find yourself in Central or South America, it’s worth hopping on a colectivo for a true taste of the culture. 

The cuy (pronounced coo-ee) has served as a traditional and important source of protein in the Andes region for centuries. 

Fifty miles. Five days and four nights. Maximum elevation over 15,000 feet. Total elevation gain of 11,663 ft. Every day was leg day and cardio day. The Salkantay Trek is a less crowded and more challenging alternative to the classic Inca Trail.

Your amazing human body can acclimate pretty darn well in just 48-72 hours according to most experts. What’s the key? Gradual, incremental increases.

The normal routine for buses, boats, trains, tuk-tuks, and off-road transportation. Somehow, it still shocks me every time they fill vehicles to what feels like 300% capacity.

En route to Jardin, Columbia: As a passenger, you travel along steep, narrow, winding two-lane road. As a natural result, you experience constant jerking motions from the repetitive braking and accelerating.

About ten minutes into a long bus ride, a young father stepped onto the packed bus. Baby boy in arms. He surveyed for open seats and found none.

WELCOME TO 2-2-2 TUESDAY Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by Medellín, Columbia 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1. Columbian Fútbol Fun: There’s nothing quite like foreign fútbol matches. Tens of thousands of fans chant and sing at the top of their lungs. They jump up and …

April 4: Columbian Fútbol Fun Read More »

welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Atitlan Lake, Guatemala 2 cultural highlights 1.The Deepest Lake in Central AmericaTomorrow, we fly to Columbia, but not before finishing one last Guatemalan swim at Atitlan Lake. Atitlan Lake, an endlessly impressive body of water, …

March 28: The Mom & Daughter Tortilla Team Read More »

Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday!   Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Antigua, Guatemala 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1.What’s Your Money Worth?:How do you keep your math skills sharp while traveling? Calculate currency exchange rates. Here’s a quick look at a few funny examples we’ve encountered up …

March 21: The Ultimate easter Celebration Read More »

Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday!   Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by Ramate and Tikal, Guatemala 2 CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 1. A Bit of Mayan Magic.  Last Sunday, Farah and I arrived in Flores, Guatemala prior to starting another medical trip. With our new friend, Olivario, …

March 14: A bit of mayan magic Read More »

Sloths set impressive records. On average, sloths travel less than half the length of a football field on any given day. I dare Usain Bolt to attempt such a feat.

Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday!   Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Brief Stories for you to enjoy.Inspired by Granada and Ometepe, Nicaragua 2 cultural Highlights: 1. Sharks and Swordfish in Lake Nicaragua:A really nice European young couple invited us to explore the islets of a unique freshwater lake of Granada. Lake Nicaragua …

Feb 28: Uber Eats For Dogs Read More »

Welcome back to 2-2-2 Tuesday!   Here are 2 cultural highlights, 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. Inspired by El Salvador (Santa Ana & San Salvador) 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. The Best Food US Dollars Can Buy!? We discovered PUPUSAS this week as we entered El Salvador. We’re hooked! What are pupusas? …

Feb 21: Buy Pupusas with US Dollars! Read More »

Welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday and Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are 2 brief stories, 2 cultural highlights, and 2 quotes for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Don’t flush the toilet paper: To prevent clogging In Central/South America, ALL soiled hygiene products go in the trash. Many bins lack lids, and sit without being emptied …

Feb 14: Chicken Buses & Toilet Paper Read More »

Welcome to 2-2-2 Tuesday! Here are 2 cultural highlights, and 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Underserved Guatemalans Appreciate Healthcare: Esmeralda was my first patient last week. An absolutely charming woman full of smiles and colorful clothing. Turns out, she got up two hours before the sun came up …

Feb 7 2023: “Babies Need More Than Bananas and Water!” Read More »

Welcome to the FIRST edition of 2-2-2 Tuesday!  Here are 2 cultural highlights, 2 quotes, and 2 brief stories for you to enjoy. 2 Cultural Highlights: 1. Guatmalens LOVE Fireworks.  It’s not uncommon to hear their explosions at all hours of the day and night. Guatemalans light fire to the sky to celebrate birthdays, quinceañeras, …

Jan 31 2023: En Fuego In Guatemala Read More »