- bio:Some eat, others try therapy. I #travel. Cultural enthusiast. #HoliDaze ǝʌıʇɔǝdsɹǝd ɹǝɥʇouɐ ɯoɹɟ sƃuıɥʇ ǝǝs oʇ ǝʌol ı ''I'm a traveler, not a tourist.'' #TTOT ✈
- location:¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I'm wanderin'!
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Contact Derek Freal

What, you want to contact me? Oh, well hehehe I'm honored. It doesn't matter whether it is a question, suggestion, or complaint -- I read them all. So please, feel free to give me a shout using the form below or harass me on any of my social accounts ;)
Or if you'd like to know more about me, please take a look at my profile page, which features additional information including a bio and my most recent writings. And of course, as you can see to the left is my recent Twitter activity. Am I currently online? Then give me a shout and let me know what's on your mind!
Thanks again for stopping by...I hope to hear from you soon!
A Few Of My Favorite Writings
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Outdoor Fun In Ohio's Hocking Hills
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Recently I had the pleasure of discovering a refreshing new side to Ohio, the hidden gem known as Hocking Hills. Nestled in the southeastern portion of the state, this area is known for its rolling hills and glacier-carved valleys. As a result of these iconic valleys the region is also home to a surprising amount of migratory fauna and even several types of flora that are usually only found in the cooler climates of Canada. In addition to offering a wealth of outdoor activities, the nearby towns provide several interesting sightseeing opportunities and tours that cover a variety of interests… -
Harajuku: Fashion Capital Of The World
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You Don't Have To Like Fashion To Love Harajuku! Harajuku is located in the northern portion of Shibuya ward and even though I don't care for fashion or shopping, this is still is one of my favorite districts in all of Tokyo. Two things I appreciate most while traveling are uniqueness and art. If you had to describe Harajuku in any two words except for the obligatory 'fashion' and 'shopping,' well it would undoubtedly be those. Absolutely anything goes fashion-wisein this wild district! The district, its spirit, and of course its original and indescribable street fashion is why the area… -
Exploring The Venado Caves Of Costa Rica
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If you should find yourself near Arenal Volcano, I recommend that you visit the Venado Caves, which are located about a 45-min van-ride south of La Fortuna. Officially known in the cave registry under its original local Indian name, Caverna Gabinarraca (well, what has been explored so far) consists of over 2,700 meters and is believed to have been formed about 20 million years ago. Believe it or not these caves were not discovered until 1945, although it was almost 30 years later before any extensive exploration was done. Even to this day there are still unexplored portions, as you… -
Clubbing In Tokyo
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Tokyo Clubs Far Surpass All Forms Of American Nightlife Wow. That's all I can say. You cannot even begin to imagine what the clubs are like in Tokyo. They are absolutely incredible, like nothing we have over here in the west! It figures that as much as the residents of Tokyo love to drink, they should have some damn cool places to do it. For starters, the biggest difference is the sheer size of the clubs there. Every single one is designed to span several floors, usually with different themes and different styles of music for each. Rather than have… -
Are You Addicted To Traveling...?
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You Might Be, Depending On Your Answers To These Questions... But no worries, even if you are addicted to traveling, there is plenty of help out there for you. No, I'm not talking about rehab, that wouldn't work anyway -- "Um, hi, yeah, I'm addicted to traveling..." Cue the Bob Saget cameo in Half Baked. Yes my friends, there are many of us. Some pride themselves for being backpackers, others describe themselves as vagabonds or feel they are suffering from wanderlust. Personally, I like to think of myself as a "cultural enthusiast," because that most accurately describes not only why… -
Nonbeiyokocho ("Drunkards' Alley")
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Translated as "Drunkards Alley" or "Alley Of The Drunkards," Nonbeiyokocho is two parallel alleys that contain a grand total of somewhere around 50 miniature bars, although sometimes it is mistakenly cited as having 200-250 (I certainly did not count anywhere near that many). What do I mean by mini bar? Well, each one measures at most ten feet by ten feet, hardly enough room for more than a small bar with bartender and 4 or 5 barstools. Many actually feature a narrow staircase and an upstairs as well, which will hold a couple tiny tables to fit a few additional…