Last month, while I was driving down the Mississippi River on a magazine assignment, I had a curious experience in Rosedale, Mississippi. As I was eating lunch in a place called Leo’s Market, a waitress mentioned that Rosedale is the place where the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical genius (an event alluded to in — among other places — the Cohen brothers’ movie Oh Brother, Where … Read more »

Creative Writing Workshop at the Paris American Academy July 1st through the 29th, 2011

For the seventh year running, I’ll be teaching an intensive, month-long creative writing workshop at the Paris American Academy. This hands-on English-language writing program includes courses in:

Fiction Poetry Travel Writing Memoir Screenplays and dramatic writing Literary journalism Journal Writing Presentation and Performance

In addition to taking classes and amassing writing … Read more »

It’s once again winter holiday season, which means it’s time for me to tout my books as stocking stuffers for the travel lovers on your Christmas list. And, since I’m stateside this month, I’m able to mail out signed copies at a reduced price. Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn’t Go There are $15 each — and if you live in the U.S. I’ll mail them … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

Rolf ended up staying three nights in Bangkok before heading south to Malaysia on an overnight train. After a quick visit to Singapore (and the … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

Rolf spent a few days off the grid while on safari in Kruger National Park. While there, he created his own personal alternative list to the … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

After a few hectic days in Cairo, including getting an Egyptian straight-razor shave in 21 easy steps (one of the most popular videos so far … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

After time in Chefchaouen and Fes, Rolf headed to Egypt to embrace his inner tourist at Giza — including one camel ride from the most … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

After experiencing Madrid through tapas — in 9 dishes and 7 drinks — Rolf crossed the Straits of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco. A ‘lost in … Read more »

Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

Rolf spent 36 hours in Paris catching up on blog entries, shooting a video demonstrating his laundry routine, and touring familiar Paris sites in a vintage … Read more »

As announced last week, Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. Rolf and cameraman Justin left New York City for London on Saturday and are now headed for Madrid. Every few days, we’ll be updating Vagabonding with a recap of the latest to keep you up to date on the adventure.

Trip stats:

Days … Read more »