WANDEROUS

This week, I visit the legendary Dakshineswar Kali Temple and experience something I’m still trying to put into words. Standing before Kali, I had a strange, ineffable moment that felt like an initiation.We also explore the temple complex, including the 12 Shiva shrines that line the river, each one containing a shiva lingam illuminated with neon blue light. The atmosphere is surreal and intense.I wrap up with reflections on couchsurfing in India, along with some grounded advice and insights for Western travelers navigating the country for the first time.India continues to surprise me in the best ways, and I can’t wait to share more stories in the weeks ahead.Show Notes🛕 Dakshineswar Temple overview on Wikipedia🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now FREE (10+ hours of immersive storytelling)💌 FOR SUPPORTERS: 20 Exclusive Dakshineswar Kali photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon📸 PATREON PERKS: Member-only episodes, behind-the-scenes photos, & exclusive videos: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (free to follow) 📚 READ FOR FREE: A new edition of my Tropical Sci-Fi novel The Truth Beyond the Sky is now available on RoyalRoad for free. Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

My first days in India were… eventful. From food poisoning to waking up to a dead MacBook, things started off rocky. But my couchsurfing hosts made it unforgettable—such incredible people (and food!). I got my shoes repaired on the street, wandered Kolkata’s vibrant streets, and anxiously waited to see if the local tech wizard could bring my expired-warranty MacBook back to life. Tune in to see how the India saga begins!Show Notes🛂 Indian Government eVisa Website – where I got my visa🏠 Couchsurfing.com – for my first few weeks of accommodation🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of immersive storytelling)💌 FOR SUPPORTERS: Exclusive India photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon.📸 PATREON PERKS: Member-only episodes, behind-the-scenes photos, & exclusive videos: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow!) 📚 READ FOR FREE: A new edition of my Tropical Sci-Fi novel The Truth Beyond the Sky is now being released to RoyalRoad every Monday and Friday, free! Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

We wrap up my time in Sauraha and Pokhara, Nepal, exploring the far side of the elephant center suspension bridge and stumbling on some unforgettable souvenirs and photogenic moments. Then, M and I part ways, and I catch a wild bus ride back to Pokhara — just in time for an unusual Christmas and an epic New Year’s Eve.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: Souvenir Shopping & Suspension Bridge in Sauraha Village (plus the infamous “cow with a boob in the front and the back” 😆 — one of my favorite looping shorts I’ve ever made)🎥 YouTube Short: Badminton in the street & other funny Nepal moments🎥 YouTube Short: A Taste of New Year's Eve in Pokhara, Nepal! 🎆🎥 YouTube Short: The bus ride back to Pokhara — complete with a dramatic burn pile for my receipts 😆🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of immersive storytelling)💌 FOR SUPPORTERS: 22 Final Sauraha and Pokhara photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon.📸 PATREON PERKS: Member-only episodes, behind-the-scenes photos, & exclusive videos: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow!) 📚 READ FOR FREE: A new edition of my Tropical Sci-Fi novel The Truth Beyond the Sky (now with over 450 ratings on Amazon) is being released to RoyalRoad, with new chapters every Monday and Friday, free! Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

Today, we venture across Phewa Lake and up the hill to the Shanti Stupa, one of only two peace pagodas in Nepal. We also talk about the fascinating backstory and the Japanese sangha that was behind building it!Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: A Funny Summary Video of this Magical Day to the Stupa🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of pure storytelling)If you’re curious about my upcoming tropical Sci-Fi novel, The Kaleidoscopic Universe, follow for updates on my website.Also you can start reading the new edition of The Truth Beyond the Sky, new chapters posted to RoyalRoad, for FREE, every Monday →FOR SUPPORTERS: 20 Gorgeous Peace Pagoda photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon.📸 PATREON PERKS: Visit my Patreon for member-only episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow.) 📚 READ MY BOOK FOR FREE: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free (for a limited time) on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

On International Mountain Day, I joined the 7th annual mountain festival in Pokhara, Nepal — a lively celebration of mountains, culture, and adventure. From geology exhibits to festival games, it’s a must-see if you’re visiting Pokhara in December. Plus, my review of Annapurna Bhanchha, a great small diner in Pokhara.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: Geology Exhibits & More at the Mountain Festival🎥 YouTube Short: I almost hit the bullseye at the Mountain Festival🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of pure entertainment)FOR SUPPORTERS: 30 Gorgeous Pokhara photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon.📸 PATREON PERKS: You can follow my Patreon for member-only episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow.) 📚 READ MY BOOK FOR FREE: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free (for a limited time) on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

Hiking Sarangkot Hill is one of the best things to do in Pokhara, Nepal! In this episode, I share my trek to the top, why the gondola isn’t worth it, and the breathtaking views you’ll see along the way. Plus, a little behind-the-scenes from writing my upcoming Kaleidoscopic Sci-Fi series. Annapurna Range was so magical, and I even found cool companions along the way.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: My Hike to Sarangkot Hill🎧 My Hawaii audiobook on YouTube, now free! (10+ hours of pure entertainment)FOR SUPPORTERS: 20 Exclusive Sarangkot photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon.📸 PATREON PERKS: You can follow my Patreon for member-only episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow.) 📚 READ MY BOOK FOR FREE: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free (for a limited time) on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

After an 8-hour bus ride from Kathmandu, my time in Pokhara got off to a rocky start, including one of my weirder Couchsurfing stays. But I did meet a Gurkha soldier and experienced rural Nepali life! 😅 In the end, I visited 7 hotels before choosing one for my long-term stay. Hear why and how I made the final call.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: Live music at Vegan Way Café — with a gorgeous view of Phewa Lake.🧭 Travel Tip: Outlined in this episode, my spontaneous hotel-hunting technique in unfamiliar cities.🪖 Background Info: In case you’re not sure what Gurkha is and why meeting one was quite interesting, here’s some info.FOR SUPPORTERS: 30 Exclusive Pokhara photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon, including secret lookouts, local street life, and behind-the-scenes of hotel scouting.📸 PATREON PERKS: You can follow my Patreon for member-only episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow.) 📚 READ MY BOOK FOR FREE: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free (for a limited time) on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

We venture to Swayambhunath, the ancient hilltop temple overlooking Kathmandu. From vivid art to serene moments beneath the massive stupa, this site radiates myth and meaning. Revered as one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage spots, it invites deep reflection, but don’t expect enlightenment. In the final segment, we explore what humility (and noisy inner voices) can teach us during meditation.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: The intense moment I mention where people feed the monkeys… and almost get bitten!🎭 Masks & Mythology: A YouTube Short of the wild, colorful masks I found near the stupa.✨ Temple Cleanse: A short video of the temple being lovingly cleaned and a glimpse of the huge vajra in front of the stupa. This one really captures the golden late-afternoon ambiance.🪷 Temple Walk: A lighthearted video of me exploring the temple grounds and explaining the myth of the giant lotus that formed the hill itself.🧘 Spoken Dharma: A video of a serene Buddha statue while someone nearby explains Buddhism basics, a cool and spontaneous moment.🚗 Rideshare Tips: Use Pathao or InDrive to get around Kathmandu affordably. That’s how I got to Swayambhu, quickly and cheaply.🛝 FOR SUPPORTERS: Exclusive Swayambhunath photos drop Wednesday (30 of them!) on my Patreon. Expect close-ups of mani wheels, hand-carved art, monkey mayhem, and panoramic Kathmandu skyline views.📸 PATREON PERKS: You can follow my Patreon for member-only episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe (It’s free to follow.) 📚 READ MY BOOK FOR FREE: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free (for a limited time) on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

Why October is my favorite time to visit Nepal and how I stumbled upon one of the country’s most heartwarming (and airborne) traditions.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: Watch the big Dashain swing (linge ping) in action! Although I think the TikTok version has better music! (The mountain backdrop in Kirtipur is absolutely stunning.)✨ We explore the beliefs behind Dashain (when good triumphs over evil) and why Nepalis believe you should leave the ground at least once per year. The swings are one joyful way they do that.🛏️ TRAVEL TIP: I keep mentioning Couchsurfing.com because it really shaped my Nepal trip. Great connections, warm homes, and unforgettable experiences.🛋️ Give Back: If you use Couchsurfing, try to give back. Cook a meal, help tidy up, or fix something (ask first! lol). Small gestures go a long way.🚰 Water Warning: Don’t drink the tap water anywhere in Asia. It’s not worth the risk.🥙 Gut Health Tip: Street food can be tempting, but be careful. If you're new to a region, stick to cooked foods and consider taking probiotics (lentils help too!).📱 Quick eSewa Review: I tried Nepal’s QR-based, cashless payment system, eSewa. In the episode, I discuss why I stopped using it after a few days.🛝 FOR SUPPORTERS: Exclusive Dashain Festival photos drop Wednesday on my Patreon! Expect vibrant countryside vistas, Linge Ping swing moments, and colorful festival moments from Kirtipur.📸 PATREON PERKS: You can follow my Patreon for free to submit questions for future episodes, get member-only exclusive episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe📚 BONUS: My Hawaii travel memoir Ten Thousand Hours in Paradise: Arrival is now free on Kindle Unlimited → Start reading for free here →🎧 SUBSCRIBE: Follow WANDEROUS for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube & more so you never miss an adventure! All links here →

In which I go to a Turkish bathhouse that’s over 560 years old and get covered in foam. Was it relaxing? Weird? Unforgettable? All of the above. This episode is all about Ağa Hamamı (the oldest working Turkish bath in Istanbul) and why you should definitely make time for one, too.Show Notes🎥 YouTube Short: My Review Video of Ağa Hamamı (foam, heat, marble slabs — it's all here)🕌 TRAVEL TIP: Visiting a Turkish bathhouse is a must-do in Istanbul. Get a package that includes a massage. 10/10, would steam again.📍 TRAVEL TIP: Want a killer (& free) rooftop view of the city and Galata Tower? Check out Galata Konak Cafe. Here’s a Google Maps link.🔭 TRAVEL TIP: Sometimes the best views aren’t from the top of the monument, but from nearby vistas. This applies worldwide.Oh, and here’s the website for Ağa Hamamı Bathhouse. Apparently it’s the oldest one in Istanbul that’s still functioning. Wow!SUPPORTERS: Stay tuned for some eye-popping photos of Istanbul at night, as well as a few photos I snuck of the interior of the bathhouse, coming on Wednesday to my Patreon, of course.📸 You can follow my Patreon for free to submit questions for future episodes, get member-only exclusive episodes, plus exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoe🎧 Subscribe for Free: Remember to subscribe to this show for free on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube, and more. All links to subscribe are here, so you never miss an adventure! →

After being ghosted and left for dead (okay, not literally) at the historic Bomonti Beer Factory during Oktoberfest, I ended up meeting three lovely women who invited me to join them. Things were going fabulously. We even headed to a cozy pub across the street. But I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming!Show NotesThe very silly YouTube short of my $2 falafel sandwich. Yes, you can find very cheap food in Istanbul, but don’t expect much. As I sad, this particular sandwich looked vaguely sad.Me in front of Galata Tower, one of the most famous structures in the city. This video actually did a lot better on TikTok, with over 170 likes and over a thousand views!But apparently YouTube felt that this one deserved over 2,000 views… “NO TRUMPETS” lolAnd finally, here’s a video glimpse of the music of the Beyoğlu Street Festival and the Oktoberfest concertTRAVEL TIP: When you go to Istanbul, visit the Bomonti Bear Factory area. It’s part of the Populist (or maybe the other way around, it’s not clear). Anyway, more info on their website.TRAVEL TIP: If you’re in the area, I do recommend you checkout Galata Tower. It’s a stunning structure and in future episodes I’ll share a rooftop cafe with an excellent view.TRAVEL TIP: Take the ferry across the Bosphorus strait. It’s inexpensive (less than $1) and quite beautiful.You can follow my Patreon for free to submit questions for future episodes & get member-only exclusive episodes & exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoeRemember to subscribe to this show on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and more. All links to subscribe are here, so you never miss an adventure! →

The hour+ extravaganza! In which I go to Komodo Island, the verdant Padar Island, see MASSIVE mantas, and sort of (but not really) almost drown. I really feel like this episode gets better the longer you listen, with a fun finale. Also, this is a review of the fast boat tours you can take from Flores Island. Be safe! 😆Show NotesMe swimming with 100 Dolphins at 2-Step, the video on YouTube that I mention.Vagabonding, the Rofl Potts book I mention about the world being safer than you think. (affiliate link)TRAVEL TIP: Just do the fast boat. It’s better.Regarding a vulnerable share: It’s okay to only invest your time in people who are actually staying nearby. I’m curious on your thoughts about this in the comments!You can follow my Patreon for free to submit questions for future episodes & get member-only exclusive episodes & exclusive photos and video: https://patreon.com/hellocrusoeRemember to subscribe to this show on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and more. All links to subscribe are here, so you never miss an adventure! →

Slightly embarrassing and silly story of the time I ended up on stage after midnight dressed as a silver ALIEN! (Plus an embarrassing admission and a surprising connection to Ukraine.)Show NotesRight after I recorded this, I came down with a bad throat virus, so I’m not full of energy to make the most amazing show notes this time. Maybe I’ll edit this later.Forgot to mention that I kept my shorts on under the silver spandex which was one of the weirdest feelings in a long time lolOh, and two YouTube Shorts: Facepainting video got over 1K viewsAnd the ONLY footage of this crazy moment of going on stageThe Truth Beyond the Sky my first book, that I mentionAlso, sign up for email updates to be sure to know about upcoming giveawaysYou can also subscribe to this show on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and more. All links to subscribe are here, so you never miss an adventure! →