Memoirs of a Wandering Viking is an ongoing collection of firsthand travel stories from years spent exploring different parts of the world — the memorable, the chaotic, the beautiful and the completely unexpected.
New chapters will be added here as the series grows.
Chapter 1: Stranded in the Sundarbans
A journey into India’s Sundarbans Tiger Reserve turns into a chain of missed tigers, arguments, fireflies, remote villages and an unforgettable night far from the comforts of home.
Read Chapter 1: Stranded in the Sundarbans →
Chapter 2: A Recreational Haven
The story moves back about a month, to Goa in 2007 — beach life, nightlife, youthful excess and the strange mix of freedom and recklessness that shaped the early part of the journey.
Read Chapter 2: A Recreational Haven →
Chapter 3: The Bus Ride from Hell
From the peaceful Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling to a punishing overnight bus journey toward Kathmandu, a disastrous roadside meal turns an adventure into an unforgettable ordeal.
Read Chapter 3: The Bus Ride from Hell →
Chapter 4: From Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park
From Kathmandu’s temples and a bewildering search for a bowling alley to canoe safaris, rhinos and unexpected wildlife encounters in Chitwan National Park.
Chapter 5: Life in New Delhi
Back in India after a few weeks in Nepal, a bizarre room-service encounter in a New Delhi hotel becomes an enduringly funny memory, before a stay with a local friend reveals the stark contrasts of life in the city.
Read Chapter 5: Life in New Delhi →
Chapter 6: My Brief Bollywood Career
In Mumbai in 2007, an unexpected invitation to work as an extra leads from a Levi’s commercial to a Bollywood film set, a fashion show and an encounter with actress Bipasha Basu.
Read Chapter 6: My Brief Bollywood Career →
Chapter 7: Adventures in China
My journey continues to Shanghai in December 2007, where a remarkable hotel-room view, towering skyscrapers, a tea ceremony and an unexpected act of kindness make for an unforgettable first visit to China.
Read Chapter 7: Adventures in China →
More chapters from Memoirs of a Wandering Viking will be added here as they are published.