Archive for the 'Air Journey' Category
Final edit of Go-Pro footage of ArcticTropic’s exploratory voyage across Russia in early Summer 2014. Five days in Moscow , then to Irkutsk,Lake Baikal and Ulan Ude , before crossing into Mongolia.
For Adventures in Russia, CLICK HERE
Flying over the Ukraine , then later Afghanistan on Singapore Airlines SQ 25 from Frankfurt to Singapore on March 13, 2014, on ArcticTropic’s voyage to Myanmar. Flying over war zones is usually routine when the fighting units on the ground either do not have access to high altitude missiles or have no need to use them in their local conflicts. Eastern Ukraine is in a busy air corridor from Northern and Central Europe to South Asia. Obviously that has now changed.
From Europe,to Asia back to North America, British Columbia was the last stop on ArcticTropic’s Round The World Adventure. After a long flight from Tokyo,via Manila , we settled into Vancouver to readjust to North American life, then ventured North of the city.
Fjords begin just out of Vancouver and stretch thousands of miles up into Alaska.
Glaciers overlook the Pacific.
A young Miamian enjoys the summer snow.
Mysterious life forms in the rainforest.
Road signs in First People’s Native Language of Tsihqot’in.
Enjoying the northern sunshine.
Back across the Date Line.
And finally – Home !
For adventures in Canada, CLICK HERE
In order to save 50% on airfare from Tokyo to Vancouver, ArcticTropic flew on Philippine Airways via Manila. Other than the incessantly crying baby in the background,the first flight was quite pleasant. In the future we will explore those dense jungles in the mountains above Manila. The dense jungles are home to primitive tribes and until the 1980s hid Japanese soldiers who had no idea World War II had ended.
There are only two ways to fly to Japan from Ulaanbataar, either though Seoul or Beijing, Beijing was the cheaper option and one of our travelers had not yet been there.
China has recently instituted a 72 hour visa-free program. One must be flying from one country,though a major city in China with an international airport and then fly on to a third country. One may not leave that city in that time frame.
Unlike last year at his time,Beijing skies were incredibly clear on a beautiful very dry 90 degree day.
Distant mountains were visible ! Third time in Beijing and first time seeing them.
A two hour flight on our Round The World Adventure.
The East is Red. But Capitalist.
Snake For Dinner.
For adventures in China, CLICK HERE
On the morning of June 1 we arrived in Irkutsk after a 5 hour flight and a 5 hour time change.
The flight is longer than New York to Los Angeles but only crosses about a third of Russian airspace.
Irkutsk is 350 years old, settled by fur traders. The Trans Siberian Railroad grew the settlement into a city.
The Communists never bulldozed the old Siberian buildings.
However frost in Irtkutsk’ 50 below zero winters causes the buildings to warp.
A hot bowl of borscht is welcome on a chilly 40 F ( 4 C ) degree day in June.
FOr adventures in Russia, CLICK HERE
ArcticTropic arrived in Moscow at 12:05 PM yesterday. Customs was extremely quick. After checking into our apartment on Tverskaya, we were ready to explore. It was my first time in Moscow since 1992 and much has changed.
The internet connection is adequate, but not for heavy uploads from the GoPro. Video will have to wait.
The Kremlin – Power Center of Russia.
We were able to see volcanic peaks in Iceland and Norwegian fjords.
For adventures in Russia, CLICK HERE
Next week ArcticTropic departs from Miami to Moscow – then on to Siberia, Mongolia,China, Japan and British Columbia
After 12 days in Myanmar, ArcticTropic returned to the United States. There was an 8 hour layover in Singapore. Customs is very quick and a colleague gave a tour around the dynamic City – Nation.
The food is excellent – a combination of all Asian cuisines . For dinner we dined at the exclusive Tanglin Club, a bastion of Empire Days.
The next leg was 12 hours to Frankfurt, with great views of Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine in the middle of the night. A quick breakfast in Frankfurt then on to freezing New York. The temperature was 25 degrees ( -5 C) with a 40mph wind. I had no coat after being in Myanmar where it was 107 ( 43 C) . Finally there was a late night arrival in Miami and the Myanmar journey comes to an official end.
ArcticTropic’s next journey takes place in late May – to Moscow,Siberia,Mongolia,China and Japan.
For adventures in Singapore and the surrounding region, CLICK HERE
Now at Yangon Airport enjoying the fastest wifi connection in Myanmar.Singapore Airlines is rumored to have wifi on their A380s though it did not work on the flight to Germany and Singapore. Since they do have plugs at ever seat ( like all airlines should) I will begin editing video. Lot’s of incredible photos and video to come.



























