At a glimpse: Archaeologist, Arabist, sometimes rug dealer
Thank you for visiting my page. I’m a novel writer and activist. A travel blogger and part-time archaeologist. I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, Mexico, and the United States. Am currently based in Kansas City, Missouri and in the editing stages of my debut novel. .
It all began in 2011 with the Middle East on the brink of revolution, that’s when I thought it would be a good idea to book a one-way flight to Morocco and hitchhike to Egypt.
My Travel blog began here and has since introduced me to the wonders and generosity of people and the amazing cultures across our beautiful, yet sometimes tragic planert.
I’m always seeking new opportunities and feel it in my heart that I am here to help you.
Care to know more?: Let’s shatter that Fourth Wall, shall we?
I was born in the Texas Hill Country and raised by a family of German Romani’s chasing opportunity across the American South. We settled in Austin, the town which introduced me to the worlds of punk rock and literature. A town known for its nonconformity; its very existence an act of rebellion!
After high school I hit the road. A spontaneous bus ride to Mexico City led me into the hazy mountains, the deep emerald forests of Chiapas where I discovered the beautiful and heartbreaking world of the Maya (yes, they still exist) and found something deeply rooted, down in my heart of hearts: A need to be part of something greater, to commit myself to people less fortunate.
After some time in Chiapas I found my way back to the States, to Kansas City where I fell in with a strange batch of artists, painters and writers. Deepening my interest in literature and writing.
With the Middle East on the brink of revolution, mid-2011, I thought it would be a good idea to book a one-way flight to Morocco…
Your life must be very fun.
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Ah, smoke and mirrors. Mostly, i’m working 70+ hr. weeks and trying to finish my novels. Not as glamorous as I pretend to make it 😉 But I am extremely fortunate and thank you so much for visiting my page.
Sorry it’s taken so long to reply.
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Thank you for checking out my comment on Christer Petley’s West India research. Good luck on your projects.
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David, my absolute pleasure, and what an article that was –one I continue to reference.
Thank you for the positivity and for stopping by.
Ps. I must apologize for this absurdly late response.
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Interesting profile! What type of archaeology did you do?
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Sierra! I’m deeply sorry for this absurd delay in response. Believe it or not I️ just now received notification.
Preislamic Arabia, focusing on the Jordan valley. Specializing in a tribe called the Nabateans.
Tremendously exciting work but it doesn’t stand up to the energy I️ feel writing.
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And yourself?
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Hey Nicholas, you are indeed an adventurous guy. Thanks for stopping by and following. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
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Thanks for dropping by my blog and liking my post. Your blog is amazing. I just hope that ill set foot in Morocco and other parts of the MidEast. Again, shukran ya habibi wa yallah maasalam. =)
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Man, shukran. Thanks for the positive feedback. I have many questions to ask you about the MidEast, hoping to get back within the next few years. Until then i’ll just have to continue reading your site 🙂
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Hi, this is Sarah from Hen House. You gave me your card and I checked out part of your blog. I think it’s quite fascinating and I admire your independent nature in traveling the world to learn about other cultures and their history. Can’t wait to see more to come!
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OH MY STARS!!! You are my hero and your story is just awesome-sauce! I love the whole shoe theme and freakin’ want to get a pink pair if you ever go back *wink. I guess reading your work has formed a whole new traveler phase of worship and I love your lifestyle format. The way you explain and have humor/humbleness is refreshing. I also think that chocolate guy was sooo hot…ooppss getting off topic. Just raising my hand to you and waving a peace sign from the odd state of Michigan (I used to live in San Francisco so whatever). Loved your blog and thank you for the smile on my face!
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Your story is so inspirational. I am glad that I found your site!
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Thanks for liking my recent Blog Post at easternshorebrent.com. I look forward to following your work here. Hope you check in with me once in a while as well!
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I am trying to get out the word about WordPress’s campaign for internet neutrality. Thanks.
http://en.blog.wordpress.com/2014/09/09/fight-for-net-neutrality/
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Nicholas,
Thanks for following Yonderlist! I wanted to let you know that you can now login and instantly rate places you’ve been– no more delay! We also post your URL and provide ways for you to get more exposure for your blog. Just create an account and start reviewing! http://www.yonderlist.com/
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Thanks for your like on my post about a special “thank-you” portrait. I don’t know if you’re familiar with it, but there is a book, long out of print (1957) titled “Yallah” by Paul Bowles, and it’s a record of his one-man journey across Northern Africa and the Western Sahara. It’s chock full of wonderful black and white photos. He really knew how to capture the essence of the spare landscape and its occupants. If you ever run across an old copy, snap it up!
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Definitely looking forward to reading more that you have shared after reading this “about” .. stay blessed!
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Thank you, truly.
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Hey Nicholas! The bloggers of Unexpected Wanderlust really love your blog so we’re nominating you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can read more about it here: http://unexpectedwanderlust.com/2014/07/26/very-inspiring-and-very-inspired/ 🙂
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Delightful, the diamonds of travel, desserts just as enticing as the main course, colours, flavours, experiences, leave no time for remorse, Thank you Yallah Bye, from a native North Carolina girl, I’ll be checking back for more exciting peeks into your worlds.
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What kind words you speak. Haha, thank you. Truly encouraging 😉 That was lovely, poetry, well said!
I’m pleased to have discovered When Quiet-time to read more.
Hope all is well on the East Coast!
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Great blog Nicholas. Discover the birthplace of libraries while in the Middle East?somewhere in Iraq I think… Now that would be the dig of a lifetime for me. Thanks for visiting my blog and letting me discover your adventure!
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What an amazing life you have lead already! Good for you ! I look forward to reading more. . .
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Wow, that is some story, it sounds like you’ve been on a fantastic adventure! Can’t wait to read more 🙂 Also, thanks for the like! 🙂
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Hello Nicholas, thanks for stopping by @ trashbus and liking my post! Please do come back for the story I am about to publish – I’d be glad to have you as a reader! Your blog seems to be pretty adventurous and I am looking forward to exploring your world!
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Inspiring journey…👍👍👍😁
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It’s a wonderful world and more than anything I love sharing that reality. Thank you for joining me.
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Hello Nicholas, I chanced upon your blog following your like to discover this gem 🙂 Your experience and travels sound really interesting and inspirational – I look forward to reading more posts from you.
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Howdy from California, Nicholas. Thanks for the ‘like’!
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just WOW!
I do hope to find adventures like that soon (but more on wildlife aspect, I guess). 🙂
By the way, I’m curious on how you found out about one of my posts. Hope you don’t mind :3
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I know you traveled around the Middle East. Would like to hear your perspective on this new terrorist group invading Iraq.
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ISIS has gone apeshit and i’m frankly overwhelmed by their philosophy/actions. Clearly immature, judging by their tactics. Same old story, only with a whole other megalomaniac at the center.
I’m frustrated (an understatement) by these moments in which MENA finds itself in tune with a potential renaissance, if you will, only to be stunted by the next generation of extremists.
Since they’ve emerged I’ve taken a back seat. Focusing on my book and projects at hand and i’m sorry I can’t provide you with more information.
I can’t keep out of it much longer though and will surly be in touch.
Hope all is well Don
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Cool blog. I love your photos. Thanks for dropping by to NinjaRadio! I hope you find something there to your liking.
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Thanks for posting a “like” on my blog, mate.
Yallah, Lehitraot……
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All of this is so inspiring to me! I have always desired to travel, to see and experience how other cultures live. I started traveled to Costa Rica last spring (where I hope to return to one day) and now I am going to Spain this summer on a pilgrimage and moving to Italy in the fall for school. I’d love travel advice from you! Especially since over next winter break I hope to backpack in the Middle East, which you seem to know tons about! I can’t wait to read your book!
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You’re off to a wonderful start. Would like to see Costa Rica, myself 😉 The rainforest has always felt so raw and special to me.
Are you in Spain currently?
Then Italia! How damn cool. Another place i’ve yet to visit-i’ll have to follow your time there.
Absolutely. Any questions you may have, shoot my way. There’s much to be discovered, yet. The Middle East is famous for all the wrong reasons and i’m thankful to be part of the opposing view of that.
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Yes, the rainforest is the best! Yes I’m in Spain, on my last two weeks of the Camino de Santiago! Awesome! Thanks so much, that means a lot!
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Thanks for “liking” my post. So glad for that – your blog is about a region I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. Byzantium interests me to no end. Will follow you so I can continue reading. Cheers mate!
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Thanks for stopping by my blog, Nicholas. I gather you’re from Texas? So am I. I’ve been living on the West Coast for almost six years now and that’s about how long I’ve been hiking. All the best to you on your endeavors.
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Hi Nicholas, Thanks for stopping by my page. I am intrigued by your site and will look around. What a leap you took and what wonderful adventures. Looking to learn more about your memoir.
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Stumbled on your blog randomly! Nice to see someone so interested in Arab culture! I’m also a student of Archaeology and Ancient history (in my final year!). If you need any help or have questions about Bahrain don’t hesitate to contact me! Best of luck (Allah ywafgek!)
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Hey Nicholas.. i find your blog extremely interesting! you have been on places that i’m dreaming of visiting, shooting photos, blending in and tasting everything that the surroundings has to offer… I’m gonna read every story that you have written… wishing you all the best in your adventures
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Your story sounds very inspiring. One of my most memorable experiences was climbing Mount Sinai through the night to watch the sunrise over the desert, truly unforgettable. Thank you for visiting my blog and I am very glad I have found yours. Joanna
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Thank you Nicholas for stopping by my blog…
Looking forward to read about your adventures…
-BS
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Thank you, my friend. I’m enjoying your blog at the moment 😉
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Oh, I’m glad to know that… 🙂
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A very nice blog, Nicholas 🙂
_Nicola from Italy_
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this is so beautiful , well done you. Its always so inspiring to find people who take the plunge and immerse themselves into what they really love
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I like your adventures. Sorry, nothing else clever to say other than we loved exploring Wadi Rum.
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Nicholas, you liked some of our writing while we were still in NZ and I didn’t really get a chance to check out your blog until coming back to the states. I really like your blend of history, art, food, etc. It’s a full cultural take on a location, not just the Lonely Planet version. When do you think you’ll be publishing your book? Self publish or are you going through a house?
Anyway, keep it up. Hopefully our blog gives you fulfilling distraction as you write and not a waste of time!
Cheers!
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Would love to have an ‘About me’ story like yours someday. I’ve always been fascinated by the Middle East – the history, culture, people. I will have to go through your blog in detail and read about your experience.
And I’m glad you enjoyed some of my pictures. Thanks for the likes! 🙂
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Thanks for liking my post – your blog looks really interesting and i look forward to your updates 🙂
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Thanks for liking my blog and wow, what an adventurer.
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A man that follows his heart. We have something in common. 🙂
Nice to meet you!
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Thank you for the likes on my latest novel, Nicholas …Mick Dawson
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Nicholas,
Thanks for finding my blog! Your adventures sound amazing. Looking forward to learning more.
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A Texan in Turkey…? Just had to post a little howdy from an American who left Texas in 2006 to live on the south coast of Turkey. Lived there for 4 years, lived in the north of France for 5 years and is now back on a ranch in Texas planning my escape with my Dutch wife back to our former village on the south coast of Turkey. You made it to Istanbul, but if you did not spend time on the Mediterranean coast, then you need to return. In the meantime, enjoy each and every day to the fullest.
Yavas yavas
Ken Curtis
http://www.southcoastofturkey.com
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What a great platform to receive a howdy 😉
Haha, I have many return trips planned for Turkey. I’ve been toying with the thought of getting involved with a dig at some point. My original plans were to hike through Syria and Turkey back in 2012, until the obvious happened… the day will come however.
Great website by the way. I’ll absolutely get in touch next time I head out that way.
Have you reacclimatized to Tejas? I struggle with that every time, specially after attempting to walk like a local for months on end… but years! Can’t imagine. Anyway, the Turkish bug already has your attention 😉 Haha, it’s quite the mistress.
Ken, thanks for stopping by and dropping a message.
-Andriani
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Just curious, how did you come across the post?
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I came across your blog while searching for like-minded artists out there on the web. I’ve enjoyed your writings thus far, so keep them coming 😉
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Hey Nicholas, just seeing this. Great!! 🙂
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Thanks for liking my very first post 🙂 It’s very encouraging! And what an interesting story you have. Congratulations on your book and keep up the great work!
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Cheers! Right back at you. Every “like” I receive keeps me rolling right along. And WordPress is an extremely supportive community for us artists. I’m happy to have come across your blog and look forward to your work and growth in the future.
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Thanks for stumbling upon my site recently, Nicholas-I spent some time in Morocco about 10 years ago so it’s been fun to read a bit about your experience there. Cheers!
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Wow, I imagine Morocco would have been in a more exotic, less traveled state, at that time! Must have been quite wild 😉 It remains wild, and so damn lovely. I never had planned on returning to the locations along my route, in order to see other parts of the world, but I became obsessive… In a healthy way! And, I feel I must return.
I admire your work and truly enjoy the uplifting qualities of your articles that remind me that spring is here. And it’s about time I begin my own organic garden!
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