Author Archives: jimboyce44

Land of The Midnight Sun

I will get back to the pig farm in my next post. Still some more stories there. Norway is a beautiful country shaped by valleys, rivers and mountains. Due to its latitude it experiences the midnight sun in the Summer months. When I was there 37 years ago, the tradition was to go sit byContinue reading “Land of The Midnight Sun”

Entry 2 From The Norwegian Pig Farm

Arriving on the farm in Norway was an abrupt change from a rather whimsical life of travel. When I arrived on Brekke Gard as the farm was named, I had been on the road almost seven months. While traveling I made plans as they came up. I would always buy a big paper map ofContinue reading “Entry 2 From The Norwegian Pig Farm”

How did I end up working on a pig farm in Norway?

In September, 1982, I set out on a journey. I left home and when asked when I would return, I could honestly answer, “possibly never.” My whole life had been planned up until that point with school, work, etcétera always being predictable. I wanted for one time in my life to have a blank pageContinue reading “How did I end up working on a pig farm in Norway?”

Trip to Japan with Students and Colleagues

I would like to dedicate this post to two inspiring Emirati women who have encouraged my blogging. Ms. Reham Al Nuaimi recently received her Master’s degree in Engineering. One of the kindest people you will meet. Ms. Maitha Almahri is an undergraduate student that made my day ever time I saw her with her fancyContinue reading “Trip to Japan with Students and Colleagues”

Qasr al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi

The Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi is a wonderful 11 day event that celebrates the Heritage of the UAE. The UAE works hard to preserve its cultural Heritage. Before oil in the 60s, life was hard living in the desert. Fishing, the pearl industry and dates are a big part of that history.Continue reading “Qasr al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi”

Iftar at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi with my father-in-law

One of the things I miss most about Abu Dhabi is the month of Ramadan and the nightly iftars. I will not go into great detail about Ramadan here, but it is the month of fasting for all muslims. The timing of the month changes by about 11 days per year if I am notContinue reading “Iftar at Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi with my father-in-law”

Tbilisi and Borjomi, Georgia

Looking back on our trip to Georgia (the country), I can’t help but think we were pretty brave to take our four month old twins on such a trip. It is like a military maneuver. Milk, bottles, diapers, double stroller and much more. An hour taxi ride to the airport, 3 hours waiting in theContinue reading “Tbilisi and Borjomi, Georgia”

Chengdu, China

My trip to Chengdu was one of those serendipitous things that occur in life. I was turning 60 and wanted to travel to celebrate. I had some frequent flier miles available on Etihad Airlines, so I searched what destinations I could reach with the miles I had. The only place that fit exactly was Chengdu,Continue reading “Chengdu, China”

Robbed in Santo Domingo

So finally I was going somewhere out of town since Covid 19 hit. I took a bus to the Capitol, Santo Domingo and was waiting in the office area to board the bus. It was a little strange to be on the road, but I was hoping it would be another positive travel experience. IContinue reading “Robbed in Santo Domingo”