About

Welcome to my website, www.globe-trekking.com. This site is directly related to a pastime which I have become completely in love with and am very passionate about . . . travel.

This passion begins long before I even came into existence with the great migration of both of my families throughout and their journey to their present locations. Whether in Nederland, Ireland, Germany or Australia, my family has always felt the need to move fluidly around the world, but no matter their location, we all have great respect for its people & their cultures.

My first solo travel experience happened just one-month after the 11-September-2001 attacks on the United States. When much of the world was afraid to get on a plane I found myself, a little apprehensive I admit, thrilled to be heading out. It was a very interesting experience. On a plane which on a normal day would hold well over 200 people, there were only 35. But as soon as the captain announced our arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, Caracas, Venezuela, something surged through my body and from that moment I have not been able to stop.

There has been nothing better in life than the ability to see and experience the world. Whether you are tasting, seeing, smelling or hearing; something is bound to touch your senses. Whether you are walking through an open-air market in Vietnam, hearing the call to prayer in Egypt or walking out of the jungle only gaze upon one of the most beautiful, ancient sites of Peru. Even trekking through the jungle for 5 days in extreme heat and humidity only to gaze upon an ancient city that less than 500 people a year visit in the northern region of Guatemala (only to lose 10 pounds on the journey) or riding a camel across the Giza Plateau at sunset, gazing at the amazing Pyramids or sitting on a plane chatting with someone who happens to be from the other side of the world. All of these experiences are what make the experience.

Of the hundreds of experiences over the years, the one that I will always remember comes from the tiny village of San Rafael de Mucuchies (S.R.M.) in the Andes Mountains of Venezuela. I had traveled by local bus to this tiny town, deep into the mountains to see a tiny little church built by the hands of one man, completely out of stones. As it was the wet season, the weather had been prone to change quite rapidly. As I was walking back to the bus stop, in S.R.M. (which wasn't expected to arrive for another 2-hours) it began to rain quite hard. As I was approaching the area a young kid (of about 16 years of age) motioned to me to come to his house. It was here I found a family of great warmth and curiosity, offering me a warm sheltered house and hot drinks and treats to go around. We talked about where it was I came from, why it was I traveled to Venezuela. We talked of the great destruction which had occurred not to long ago and we talked of life in the Mountains. I learned a lot from this family, including some of the local traditions of this region. It turned out that this family performed traditional music, dance and told of local folklore; which they were happy to share with me. Even dressing me up as a devil and having me play the violin. It was this kindness that shows me that there are still those who care for others, unconditionally.

The most common question I am asked is: What has been your favorite place to visit? From which I can answer, "Well, there really isn't any one favorite." The people, cultures and sights of the various regions of the world all provide something unique. I have enjoyed all of the places that I have visited and would happily return again. But if I really had to choose one, it would have to be Jordan. The people are truly amazing and very friendly. On the streets they would often greet you and say "welcome to my country, I hope you are enjoying yourself." It was for the friendliness of the people and the richness of the culture that really made it special. After Jordan would come Turkey, particularly Eastern Turkey, where so few Western travelers venture. Again, the people there were so friendly. Finally, it would probably be Vietnam that comes in next. A very interesting culture, with friendly people and a varied landscape.

Dank je wel en veel plezier, Daniël