About

What is this all about?

This blog is designed to summarize a trip, which is designed to answer that very question; what is this (life, the universe, and everything) all about?

My mission is to explore this strange world, to seek out new life and civilizations, to boldly go where I’ve never gone before.

About me in particular… I’m Andrew Weiss*, a thirty-something American taking a hiatus from the routine. I spent my formative years in the suburbs of New York City and then went off to to study architecture and urban planning while living throughout New York State. My career began with interior design but has predominantly been in university campus planning, with my last six years in Boston. I haven’t left North America in over a decade. Now it’s time to take it a smidge further while making sure that my lapse in international travel does not remain a regret.

My motivation in setting my itinerary and charting my course stems from an interest in seeing the extraordinary, those far from my ordinary, or of some significance to me based upon my ancestry, whim, or interests. Of particular interest to me are architecture, urban spaces, universities, art, food, beer, wine, music, humor, mountains, beaches, nature, and culture(s) as a whole.

Having an advanced degree in Planning, I can’t help but continually research and rewrite my itinerary. As I go, my intent is that these thoughts and routes and notes-to-self will remain a guide while I leave space for spontaneity and serendipity. I’m excited by it all, including the challenges I expect to face. For example, I only speak one language. I’m cataloging this for both myself and to share with you what I see, think, experience, and eat! You’re feedback on what you want to hear more about is welcome (until it’s not).

For some additional information about this whole thing, please see my first post.

* I find word etymologies interesting. As a native English speaker, when I learn snippets of new languages, I sometimes try to understand how these foreign words are related to the roots I recognize (see: widdershins). My name is no different. Take my first name, Andrew: it’s Greek for ‘man’ or ‘one of the guys.’ My last name, Weiss: German for white (although I’m paternally of Polish ancestry). Add in my middle name, Scott, which pretty literally in English means Scottish or Gaelic speaker. However – in Gaelic, Scott can mean wanderer. Still with me? My full name equates to: wandering white guy. Thus I have no choice but to wonder, was I destined to wander? Was this trip fated long ago? Or was it my being named Andrew Scott Weiss which subconsciously led me to this globe-trot? Mom and Dad, I bet you didn’t realize any of this when you named me, but nicely done!