Chris Backe's Blog, page 74

April 2018 book reviews: around the world by bicycle, an epic African adventure, travel as transformation, and life in motion

Once a month, I put together the books I’ve read into a single review post. See plenty of previous book reviews over here, or see how I rate books.

Also, a quick disclaimer: review copies are typically provided or downloaded for free, and links may be affiliate links. These reviews cover the version of the book I read, not necessarily the version that’s currently available. If it’s been awhile since this review, a newer or updated version may be available – check for yourself using the links...

Random pictures: the Belgrade, Serbia edition

As always, random pictures posts are a chance to see the photos that wouldn’t have been used in other posts.

Belgrade has had no shortage of street art

Aww…

Multiple generations of street art, though it definitely looks like there’s enough room for both pieces…

Just one of the many panels outside the Belgrade zoo — sometimes it’s obvious what animal they’re after, but for some it’s a guessing game.

Ballerina, hip-hop dancer, or both? You decide – either way, it’s a impressive multi-story...

Things I Wish I Knew About Belgrade Before Arriving

Between Becoming a Digital Nomad and behind-the-scene game projects, I’ve neglected this blog for too long. Almost all of our stay in Belgrade, actually. Awkward…

(Much like other Things I Wish I Knew posts, this one’s focused on the lessons learned, in the hopes that they help you on your own trip.)

When you hear Belgrade has around two million citizens, you might reflexively brace for the impact of super-crowded sidewalks or public spaces. Instead, they’re fairly spread out throughout the c...

9 Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Nomads (and oh, hey, my next book, Becoming a Digital Nomad)

Quick note: Becoming a Digital Nomad is available to pre-order now, and will become available on March 22nd, 2018 — 10 years to the day that I left the US to teach English in South Korea.

So this one’s a bit different…

After dozens of guidebooks (and others I could still write), I’ve been seeing a lot of questions related to the digital nomad lifestyle. We’re several years into being digital nomads, and that’s after five years of teaching English in South Korea. I began answering questions wh...

Saving money in Australia while traveling or doing the digital nomad thing

Most people that have traveled or road-tripped through Australia will tell you about the many awesome places without mentioning the country’s price tag… Let’s keep the price tag down, shall we?

Sleep under the stars.

Camping’s a great way to connect with nature while saving some money. This won’t work for everyone, of course, since there’s a sizable investment of gear, and camping isn’t necessarily free or legal everywhere you go.

Get the city cards.

iVenture’s cards for Sydney, Gold Coast,...

The Basics of Rewards Credit Cards: 12 Questions Answered

I never really paid much attention to credit card rewards, but then I don’t currently have a credit card. The whole world of credit cards seemed confusing as hell, and quite frankly never seemed worth the time or effort. Just pay in cash, the thought has been for much of the last decade. That may still be the case personally, but a good rewards credit card is a tool to have in your wallet.

What is a rewards credit card?

A credit card that gives you rewards for charging transactions to it in s...

10 Lesser Known Cultural Tips For Korea If You’re Going To The Pyeongchang Olympics?

Heading to Korea for the Olympics? Pick up some pointers on life and culture from a guy who lived there for five years.

The country has had some experience holding large events — the Seoul Olympics in 1988 have been considered one of the country’s breakout moments in entering the world stage. Thirty years later, the country still has some… idiosyncrasies… that visitors have to know about.

If at all possible, go out to eat with other people.

People flying solo can have a more awkward experienc...

Sofia’s walking tours: from Bohemian to graffiti to food and treasure — a complete review

OK, so Sofia hasn’t exactly had the highest variety of weird places ever. In fact, there’s really been very little to write about. Out of curiosity, we have gone on several guided tours to see a different side of Sofia. My wife Laura went on a couple of the tours and wrote about them as well.

The Free Sofia tour

Laura went on this tour and called the “Cliff’s Notes version of Sofia,” and I’d tend to agree based on everything I’ve read. It’s listed first here mainly because it’s considered a...

Random pictures: the Sofia, Bulgaria edition

It’s been a busy sort of winter here in Sofia behind the scenes. There hasn’t been a whole lot of weird stuff found in Sofia… but naturally there’s been a few random pictures!

So if you work here, are you a ‘Batman’ or ‘Batwoman?

Just the first of several fun street art shots.

Creepy or Illuminati? You decide.

Seen as you head down the Vasil Levski Stadium — it’s not really clear whether they’re playing football or some really weird dance sport going on.

And all this time I thought the K...

Life as a Nomad: Jodphur, India

The ‘life as a nomad’ series returns! ‘Life as a Nomad‘ is an occasional series that focuses on the nomadic life and where nomads have lived it. Read the whole ‘Life as a Nomad’ series, including guest posts from fellow nomads.

So, tell me about Jodhpur, India?

Jodhpur is an old-fashioned Indian town tucked away in the Thar desert in India’s Rajasthan state. It’s home to one of the most regal structures in the nation, the  Mehrangarh Fort, which you may recognize from Dark Knight Rises. Prev...