Author Archives: matthew

Walruses, Droughts, and Robo Mortgages

Posted on July 30, 2020 by matthew

Walrus as a metaphor for selfishness. Continue reading →

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Can I live in a Palm House, please?

Posted on July 12, 2016 by matthew

Once I lived in Washington DC.  When I needed to see palm trees, I would visit the US Botanic Garden next to the Capitol.  When I lived in Ohio, I could go to the Franklin Park Conservatory.  But I cannot … Continue reading →

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I am a native

Posted on July 9, 2016 by matthew

I am not sure why people ask me directions wherever I go. I like to think it’s because I look like I belong. Continue reading →

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Pre-thoughts on the Arctic

Posted on July 8, 2016 by matthew

I wanted to arrive in the Arctic confused because I wanted my senses to feel everything. These are pre-reflections on an exotic journey. Continue reading →

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The Northernest place

Posted on July 7, 2016 by matthew

Reasons to visit the arctic circle, with walrus commentary. Continue reading →

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Pyramiden: An Arctic Ghost Town

Posted on June 22, 2016 by matthew

I am at a ghost town in the Arctic called Pyramiden. For decades, over a thousand Soviets worked here mining coal, raising families. Now I wonder why we like ghost towns so much Continue reading →

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An attempt to capture majesty on an Arctic cruise

Posted on June 22, 2016 by matthew

I am on a 5-hour cruise northward from Longyearbyen.  Northward toward the 80th parallel. Out of the boat windows, it looks like the Alps after the great flood.  If we could pull the drain plug, we may find Zermatt down … Continue reading →

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A day in Longyearbyen

Posted on June 18, 2016 by matthew

I am in Longyearbyen because I haven’t been here.  And because I will never be here again.  I am here because it is Midsommar, the summer solstice (although the solstice doesn’t really matter when the sun won’t set again for a couple … Continue reading →

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A spot of Dutch tea

Posted on July 17, 2015 by matthew

I buy aardbei black tea every time I visit Amsterdam.  And that is not a code word for another dried leaf that Amsterdam is known for.  I bring an extra empty duffel bag, stashed in my suitcase, to fill up … Continue reading →

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My French Fry Limit

Posted on July 13, 2015 by matthew

In the French Fry paradise of Bruges. Or, maybe I mean Flemish Fries. Continue reading →

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