The Slow Train to Beijing has arrived!!!

The Trans-Siberian Railway Experience. We arrive at a crowded, blazing hot train platform in Moscow around 9pm.  Our Mission: The Trans-Siberian Railway to Beijing, China.  We are being seen off by our Russian friends, Elena and Vikie.  The unwashed train pulls in...

A Slow Train To China….

A Slow Train To China….

We leave tonight on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing.  Holy cow!  The kids and I finally came to the conclusion that we should do it.  It's like extreme sports, I guess.  It is the longest railway on the planet.  We will be on the train for a full 6...

Twelve Observations From Russia

1.  The mullet is alive and well and featured on the heads of many Russian men (and a few women). 2. Most Russian women wear high heels… even when walking on century-old cobble stone streets.  And they do it flawlessly, I might add.  I think the trick is to...

Heading To Moscow!!!

Heading To Moscow!!!

It seems nearly impossible that we have been in St. Petersburg for 10 days.  It went by so fast.  We have had an extraordinary time working with Transit.  I’m so grateful to the amazing staff.  A special thanks to Olga Tumashevich for being the best interpreter a guy...

10 Things I’ve Learned So Far On My Travels.

1.  Alway pack an umbrella and water-proof shoes! 2.  Many, many people do not speak English. 3.  Kids are beautiful whatever country you are in. 4.  McDonald's is everywhere on the planet. 5.  Hair do's and shoe styles are not universal. 6.  Always pack tons of soap,...

To Russia With Love…

To Russia With Love…

The Eagle has indeed landed!  We have arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia.  We are staying at a hostel.  The experience, though a bit rough, is making me feel like a kid again.  Bunk beds and communal living... perfect for the whole Russian...

We are off and running!

We are off and running!

Finally... The amazing dream realized!  The boys and I are off and running. We left Charlotte, NC, this morning with perhaps a few too many bags.  We have arrived in New York City, safe and sound and will spend the weekend here. Very exciting.  We are staying with my...

One Week Until Lift-Off!

One Week Until Lift-Off!

A week away!  It's truly amazing to me that in 7 days, the boys and I will be heading out on the adventure of a lifetime, jumping into the void of the great unknown.  It's unsettling at best, but the possibilities of discovery are endless.  I know that my sons and I...

And The Blog Goes On….

It has been a tough couple of weeks.  The boys and I moved from our three-bedroom house in Plaza Midwood to a one-room efficiency apartment with no air conditioning.  That in itself was quite an adjustment.  We wanted to get everything in storage and get used to...

Chronology of the 2011 Lewis Expedition

This page is a continuous, chronological journal kept by J.D. Lewis in his year-long travels with sons, Jackson and Buck.

Scroll along and read through, or use the links below to jump to specific entries.