"Don't you ever get tired of going to markets? It's soooo boring. It's like going to a grocery store. You know they are all the same, right?" I have heard this from Brad on a weekly basis.

Well, to answer that first question, no, not really. How I ever enjoy markets, and if the past tells anything, I will never tire from them. I usually go through the motions of writing a "grocery list" for Brad's sake, but in reality I'm just using it as my admission ticket, showing the "need" to go. Lists are useless anyways. I don't think I've ever been to a market that had everything I was looking for, or that didn't have something that I'd never seen before. As frustrating as it may be sometimes, that is the beauty of them. They are regional and seasonal, with a continuously changing mix of produce, flavors, spices, textiles and faces. I always have the overwhelming desire to go to every stall, upturn every bag of unknown, unwrap every banana leaf to reveal its hidden contents, and sample every fruit and vegetable. My senses are overwhelmed and I can only image that this is what it's like for a child going to Disneyland for the first time. Even if I have nothing to buy, I still want to go merely for the visual exploration. It is for many, the closest they will get to interacting with the locals while watching their daily routine and way of life.

Brad and Sheena are driving around the world in "Nacho", their Volkswagen Vanagon.  Read their stories and follow their adventure at Drive Nacho Drive [link]

That storage container you bought from a big-box store might have looked waterproof—and durable at first glance. It might have even looked perfect to haul all of that gear you couldn't fit inside your truck on your roof rack—you may have even saved some money. Or at least I hope you did, because you'll need that cash to replace the gear that was just ruined. Buying sub-par equipment to protect your expensive kit is a mistake you'll make exactly one time.

Growing up in Texas brings with it a different outlook on life. You learn to appreciate certain things that many people take for granted. Hills and any color other than brown for example are rarities in the Lone Star State. If you've ever driven through West Texas you'll know what I'm talking about. Needless to say when I received an invite to travel the Casner Mountain trail through one of the most beautiful sections of Northern Arizona, I accepted.

Okay, so I'm sure everyone is about to ask what kind of chopped and stretched Land Rover I've unearthed today. Admittedly when I initially saw this truck I couldn't believe someone would cut apart a Defender 130 like this, but a little research revealed that it wasn't in fact aftermarket, but a rare factory built truck. After the Defender 90,110,130,145 and finally 147, Land Rover decided to really go all out and install a bed onto the 147 adding an additional 10 inches to the overall length. Thus, the Defender 157 was born. This particular one features six doors, a fiberglass truck cap, racing seats, and in case you're feeling too reserved... zebra stripes.

Touratech-USA’s General Manager, Paul Guillien, and Chief Riding Officer, Iain Glynn, compare two BMW boxers: The 2011 oil-cooled R1200GS and the new 2013 water-cooled R1200GS.

In our opinion, there’s really no better way to compare two things, than to put them side by side. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe obvious differences and to note the things they have in common. So when BMW introduced their new water-cooled R1200GS motorcycle, naturally we wanted to compare the new bike with the one it would be replacing, our much loved 2011 R1200GS. For the comparison test we headed south to the lonely roads and back country byways of Utah to spend a week riding the bikes both on and off-road. There was only one rule for the week-long comparison, we had to switch bikes each time we filled the gas tank.

Part one

Part two

The arrival to Caracas started with the monstrous disappointment of the laptop being gone. The morning was pretty much spent with the complaint process, but sure enough, there was nothing that could be done at that point. However, my day was instantly brightened when I was served a big hot welcome plate of cheese fingers at the Dal Bo Hostel.

Looking for a day pack that will match your Jack Pine just perfectly? Luckily Hammarhead Industries (the same people who make the beloved Jack Pine) also have a killer line of high quality motorcycle inspired clothing and accessories. Their Day Pack ($290.00) is made to order from waterproof waxed cotton, black leather, and parachute hardware. It's stylish, durable, and has a spot to hold a 15" laptop, your iPad, or your kindle. The roll-top closure also helps to keep your gear dry if you get caught in a random rainstorm.