About Brooke

Brooke is a thrifty traveler and experience collector with a love for language learning, history and cannoli. She is the creator of the female travel focused FTU Newsletter and Her Packing List website. Other thrifty travelers can gain from her years of worldly travel experience by subscribing to the RSS feed. See also: Twitter, Facebook, Google+.
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pat biking in cappadocia

Cappadocia was NOT meant for Bicycles

By on May 21, 2012 in Turkey

The third day of our Intrepid Travel tour in Cappadocia involved bike riding… and let’s just say that Pat and I are not bike people. It was an experience that I’m glad we attempted, but during those few hours, I’m sure we said once or twice that we would never get on a bike ever again!

May 21, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 2 }

Sunday Snap: Absinthe

By on May 20, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

Just another night in Sydney: heading to the AbsintheSalon. First time tasting absinthe as done properly with louching and sugar cubes. Much better than I expected! Share if you enjoy.
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May 20, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 2 }

Saturday Snap: Warsaw Old Town Landscape

By on May 19, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

The old town areas of European cities have so much charm, and the old town in Warsaw is the same. Ever walked along these cobbled streets? Share if you enjoy.
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May 19, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 0 }
manas

I’m Chasing the Magic… What Keeps You Traveling?

By on May 15, 2012 in China, Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

Central Asia, the lands of the ancient Silk Road, and the route of much trade, war, and magic, has been my obsession for a long time — only I haven’t explored that much of it beyond my beloved Kyrgyzstan… until now.

May 15, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 9 }

Sunday Snap: Lublin Graffiti

By on May 13, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

Wet and dreary set the tone for my short stay in Lublin, Poland. Always addicted to graffiti, I took a few shots of this wall on a rainy day. Share if you enjoy!
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May 13, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 0 }

Saturday Snap: My Saviour

By on May 12, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

One of my favorite things to see when I travel: the sign that leads me to a toilet. Nothing worse than being caught in the middle of your travels wondering where to find a bathroom. It just makes it less enjoyable when you have to worry! Taken in Poland.
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May 12, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 0 }
salim and pat walking

The Tour That Changed My Mind

By on May 9, 2012 in Turkey

I’ve always been an independent travel type of girl — tending to shy away from big organized tours for the love of saving a couple bucks and having more free time, but… this tour really helped me see them in a different light.

May 9, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 17 }
pat bazaar skyscanner bag

The Time I Sent Pat to Get a Loaf of Bread in Bishkek

By on May 7, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan

So, I sent Pat to get a loaf of bread for breakfast — only I didn’t send him to the big grocery store down the street where everything is easy to grab. I sent him to the little convenience stand in our complex where you basically have to talk to the worker, or point as I expected would be the case.

May 7, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }

Sunday Snap: Pat Doing What He Loves

By on May 6, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

Pat and I are not beach people. We don’t go to the beach on our days off to swim or catch some sun. Practically the only way you’ll definitely catch Pat at the beach is if he’s doing what he loves: fishing. This is a photo of Pat having a fish down near Merry Beach, in New South Wales.
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May 6, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 1 }

Saturday Snap: Yurt Advert in Bishkek

By on May 5, 2012 in Weekend Snaps

Although few people in Kyrgyzstan still live in yurts, they are a great symbol for the country. I loved how this bank used double and triple-decker yurts in their ads. Ever slept in a yurt?
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May 5, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 2 }