Who Am I Anyway?

In 2011 I quit my job, sold my car, and purchased a one-way ticket to Africa. This is what happened next:

Photo by Tomáš Malík

I have been gifted with a passion for adventure, teaching, and most importantly, a feverish love of writing. And so it goes that this is a passion project, to seek out the farthest corners of our world, from the strangest and most curious animals fluttering about our diverse regions to the foods that inspire, and the folklore that give us humans that special dash of spice which connects every last one of us to a heritage as great as the universe itself.

With a passion for anthropology, ecology, food, and folklore this blog is meant to inspire, awe, and encourage.

Thank you for joining me as we uncover the nature that make us human, what makes us animal, and most importantly what make us US!

Like what you’re reading? Feeling suddenly compelled to throw donations wildly into the ether? Consider aiming your support towards my Patreon! and become a champion for the democratization of science journalism and free speech.

Poet:

Journalist:

Archaeologist:

Game writer and Narrative Designer: video games, board games, and Role-playing storylines. I ensure your stories play out harmoniously, leading to player comfort and cognitive consonance. Your player deserves a world worth fighting for. I will help you design such a universe with storylines, mythologies, mechanics, and physics that lead to a fully fleshed out experience with a high level of replay.

Instructional Designer: having orchestrated courses online and in person, I discovered an interest in Instructional Design and learning/teaching strategies through various media. As of 2023 I am studying Instructional Design and Learning Technology at the University of Missouri Columbia in the School of Information Science. Special topics of interest include serious games, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual field trips. Not to mention the various systems possible through simulated environments.

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Comments

223 responses to “Who Am I Anyway?”

  1. Karina Pinella Avatar

    Thanks for visiting and liking Published Again. It’s a challenge trying to write and working full time, among other things going on in life. But, I’ve decided to go with the flow and write when I can or feel like it. Gone are the days of stressing over putting in time to write. Otherwise, what’s the point? My overall objective is to enjoy life and if I get a novel published during my lifetime, that will be gravy. Happy day!

    Like

  2. polaserra Avatar
    polaserra

    Thank you for liking my post Skeleton Lake on sofiavelezcalderon.com. I wanted ask you, are you an archaeologist?

    Like

  3. little crazy Avatar
    little crazy

    Your life must be very fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Ah, smoke and mirrors. Mostly, i’m working 70+ hr. weeks and trying to finish my novels. Not as glamorous as I pretend to make it 😉 But I am extremely fortunate and thank you so much for visiting my page.

      Sorry it’s taken so long to reply.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. David Ryden Avatar
    David Ryden

    Thank you for checking out my comment on Christer Petley’s West India research. Good luck on your projects.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      David, my absolute pleasure, and what an article that was –one I continue to reference.

      Thank you for the positivity and for stopping by.

      Ps. I must apologize for this absurdly late response.

      Like

  5. Sierra Michaels Avatar

    Interesting profile! What type of archaeology did you do?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Sierra! I’m deeply sorry for this absurd delay in response. Believe it or not I️ just now received notification.

      Preislamic Arabia, focusing on the Jordan valley. Specializing in a tribe called the Nabateans.

      Tremendously exciting work but it doesn’t stand up to the energy I️ feel writing.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Today, You Will Write Avatar

    Hey Nicholas, you are indeed an adventurous guy. Thanks for stopping by and following. I look forward to reading more of your posts!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. thelonetravelercarl Avatar

    Thanks for dropping by my blog and liking my post. Your blog is amazing. I just hope that ill set foot in Morocco and other parts of the MidEast. Again, shukran ya habibi wa yallah maasalam. =)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Man, shukran. Thanks for the positive feedback. I have many questions to ask you about the MidEast, hoping to get back within the next few years. Until then i’ll just have to continue reading your site 🙂

      Like

  8. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Hi, this is Sarah from Hen House. You gave me your card and I checked out part of your blog. I think it’s quite fascinating and I admire your independent nature in traveling the world to learn about other cultures and their history. Can’t wait to see more to come!

    Like

  9. Heather Deogracia Avatar

    OH MY STARS!!! You are my hero and your story is just awesome-sauce! I love the whole shoe theme and freakin’ want to get a pink pair if you ever go back *wink. I guess reading your work has formed a whole new traveler phase of worship and I love your lifestyle format. The way you explain and have humor/humbleness is refreshing. I also think that chocolate guy was sooo hot…ooppss getting off topic. Just raising my hand to you and waving a peace sign from the odd state of Michigan (I used to live in San Francisco so whatever). Loved your blog and thank you for the smile on my face!

    Like

  10. marycheshier Avatar
    marycheshier

    Your story is so inspirational. I am glad that I found your site!

    Like

  11. easternshorebrent Avatar

    Thanks for liking my recent Blog Post at easternshorebrent.com. I look forward to following your work here. Hope you check in with me once in a while as well!

    Like

  12. Don Royster Avatar

    I am trying to get out the word about WordPress’s campaign for internet neutrality. Thanks.
    http://en.blog.wordpress.com/2014/09/09/fight-for-net-neutrality/

    Like

  13. yonderlist Avatar

    Nicholas,

    Thanks for following Yonderlist! I wanted to let you know that you can now login and instantly rate places you’ve been– no more delay! We also post your URL and provide ways for you to get more exposure for your blog. Just create an account and start reviewing! http://www.yonderlist.com/

    Like

  14. Alli Farkas Avatar

    Thanks for your like on my post about a special “thank-you” portrait. I don’t know if you’re familiar with it, but there is a book, long out of print (1957) titled “Yallah” by Paul Bowles, and it’s a record of his one-man journey across Northern Africa and the Western Sahara. It’s chock full of wonderful black and white photos. He really knew how to capture the essence of the spare landscape and its occupants. If you ever run across an old copy, snap it up!

    Like

  15. xwnklmnx Avatar

    Definitely looking forward to reading more that you have shared after reading this “about” .. stay blessed!

    Like

  16. Lucia Avatar

    Hey Nicholas! The bloggers of Unexpected Wanderlust really love your blog so we’re nominating you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. You can read more about it here: http://unexpectedwanderlust.com/2014/07/26/very-inspiring-and-very-inspired/ 🙂

    Like

  17. whenquiet Avatar

    Delightful, the diamonds of travel, desserts just as enticing as the main course, colours, flavours, experiences, leave no time for remorse, Thank you Yallah Bye, from a native North Carolina girl, I’ll be checking back for more exciting peeks into your worlds.

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      What kind words you speak. Haha, thank you. Truly encouraging 😉 That was lovely, poetry, well said!

      I’m pleased to have discovered When Quiet-time to read more.

      Hope all is well on the East Coast!

      Like

  18. Louise Feeney Notley Avatar
    Louise Feeney Notley

    Great blog Nicholas. Discover the birthplace of libraries while in the Middle East?somewhere in Iraq I think… Now that would be the dig of a lifetime for me. Thanks for visiting my blog and letting me discover your adventure!

    Like

  19. annetbell Avatar

    What an amazing life you have lead already! Good for you ! I look forward to reading more. . .

    Like

  20. todayisabrandnewday Avatar

    Wow, that is some story, it sounds like you’ve been on a fantastic adventure! Can’t wait to read more 🙂 Also, thanks for the like! 🙂

    Like

  21. trashbus Avatar

    Hello Nicholas, thanks for stopping by @ trashbus and liking my post! Please do come back for the story I am about to publish – I’d be glad to have you as a reader! Your blog seems to be pretty adventurous and I am looking forward to exploring your world!

    Like

  22. aniwdekim Avatar

    Inspiring journey…👍👍👍😁

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      It’s a wonderful world and more than anything I love sharing that reality. Thank you for joining me.

      Like

  23. Agnes Chew Avatar

    Hello Nicholas, I chanced upon your blog following your like to discover this gem 🙂 Your experience and travels sound really interesting and inspirational – I look forward to reading more posts from you.

    Like

  24. GrinningDwarf Avatar

    Howdy from California, Nicholas. Thanks for the ‘like’!

    Like

  25. Frances Tenorio Avatar
    Frances Tenorio

    just WOW!
    I do hope to find adventures like that soon (but more on wildlife aspect, I guess). 🙂

    By the way, I’m curious on how you found out about one of my posts. Hope you don’t mind :3

    Like

  26. Don Royster Avatar

    I know you traveled around the Middle East. Would like to hear your perspective on this new terrorist group invading Iraq.

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      ISIS has gone apeshit and i’m frankly overwhelmed by their philosophy/actions. Clearly immature, judging by their tactics. Same old story, only with a whole other megalomaniac at the center.
      I’m frustrated (an understatement) by these moments in which MENA finds itself in tune with a potential renaissance, if you will, only to be stunted by the next generation of extremists.
      Since they’ve emerged I’ve taken a back seat. Focusing on my book and projects at hand and i’m sorry I can’t provide you with more information.
      I can’t keep out of it much longer though and will surly be in touch.
      Hope all is well Don

      Like

  27. Ninja Avatar

    Cool blog. I love your photos. Thanks for dropping by to NinjaRadio! I hope you find something there to your liking.

    Like

  28. Alan in Australia Avatar

    Thanks for posting a “like” on my blog, mate.
    Yallah, Lehitraot……

    Like

  29. collegeworldtraveler Avatar

    All of this is so inspiring to me! I have always desired to travel, to see and experience how other cultures live. I started traveled to Costa Rica last spring (where I hope to return to one day) and now I am going to Spain this summer on a pilgrimage and moving to Italy in the fall for school. I’d love travel advice from you! Especially since over next winter break I hope to backpack in the Middle East, which you seem to know tons about! I can’t wait to read your book!

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      You’re off to a wonderful start. Would like to see Costa Rica, myself 😉 The rainforest has always felt so raw and special to me.
      Are you in Spain currently?
      Then Italia! How damn cool. Another place i’ve yet to visit-i’ll have to follow your time there.
      Absolutely. Any questions you may have, shoot my way. There’s much to be discovered, yet. The Middle East is famous for all the wrong reasons and i’m thankful to be part of the opposing view of that.

      Like

      1. collegeworldtraveler Avatar

        Yes, the rainforest is the best! Yes I’m in Spain, on my last two weeks of the Camino de Santiago! Awesome! Thanks so much, that means a lot!

        Like

  30. annathrax Avatar
    annathrax

    Thanks for “liking” my post. So glad for that – your blog is about a region I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. Byzantium interests me to no end. Will follow you so I can continue reading. Cheers mate!

    Like

  31. hikerg1rl Avatar

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, Nicholas. I gather you’re from Texas? So am I. I’ve been living on the West Coast for almost six years now and that’s about how long I’ve been hiking. All the best to you on your endeavors.

    Like

  32. marthaschaefer Avatar

    Hi Nicholas, Thanks for stopping by my page. I am intrigued by your site and will look around. What a leap you took and what wonderful adventures. Looking to learn more about your memoir.

    Like

  33. Yaz Avatar
    Yaz

    Stumbled on your blog randomly! Nice to see someone so interested in Arab culture! I’m also a student of Archaeology and Ancient history (in my final year!). If you need any help or have questions about Bahrain don’t hesitate to contact me! Best of luck (Allah ywafgek!)

    Like

  34. thepicturesofmysoul Avatar

    Hey Nicholas.. i find your blog extremely interesting! you have been on places that i’m dreaming of visiting, shooting photos, blending in and tasting everything that the surroundings has to offer… I’m gonna read every story that you have written… wishing you all the best in your adventures

    Like

  35. jpc14 Avatar
    jpc14

    Your story sounds very inspiring. One of my most memorable experiences was climbing Mount Sinai through the night to watch the sunrise over the desert, truly unforgettable. Thank you for visiting my blog and I am very glad I have found yours. Joanna

    Like

  36. Being Spontaneous Avatar

    Thank you Nicholas for stopping by my blog…
    Looking forward to read about your adventures…

    -BS

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Thank you, my friend. I’m enjoying your blog at the moment 😉

      Like

      1. Being Spontaneous Avatar

        Oh, I’m glad to know that… 🙂

        Like

  37. Niko Avatar
    Niko

    A very nice blog, Nicholas 🙂
    _Nicola from Italy_

    Like

  38. whereintheworldischarlene Avatar

    this is so beautiful , well done you. Its always so inspiring to find people who take the plunge and immerse themselves into what they really love

    Liked by 1 person

  39. yayoubetcha Avatar
    yayoubetcha

    I like your adventures. Sorry, nothing else clever to say other than we loved exploring Wadi Rum.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. The Smiths Avatar

    Nicholas, you liked some of our writing while we were still in NZ and I didn’t really get a chance to check out your blog until coming back to the states. I really like your blend of history, art, food, etc. It’s a full cultural take on a location, not just the Lonely Planet version. When do you think you’ll be publishing your book? Self publish or are you going through a house?

    Anyway, keep it up. Hopefully our blog gives you fulfilling distraction as you write and not a waste of time!

    Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

  41. kennethjlim Avatar

    Would love to have an ‘About me’ story like yours someday. I’ve always been fascinated by the Middle East – the history, culture, people. I will have to go through your blog in detail and read about your experience.

    And I’m glad you enjoyed some of my pictures. Thanks for the likes! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  42. bytetime Avatar

    Thanks for liking my post – your blog looks really interesting and i look forward to your updates 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  43. larktalk Avatar

    Thanks for liking my blog and wow, what an adventurer.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. Trish Korous Avatar

    A man that follows his heart. We have something in common. 🙂
    Nice to meet you!

    Liked by 1 person

  45. mickdawson Avatar

    Thank you for the likes on my latest novel, Nicholas …Mick Dawson

    Liked by 1 person

  46. Gretchen Fogelstrom Avatar

    Nicholas,

    Thanks for finding my blog! Your adventures sound amazing. Looking forward to learning more.

    Liked by 1 person

  47. leblackrabbit Avatar

    A Texan in Turkey…? Just had to post a little howdy from an American who left Texas in 2006 to live on the south coast of Turkey. Lived there for 4 years, lived in the north of France for 5 years and is now back on a ranch in Texas planning my escape with my Dutch wife back to our former village on the south coast of Turkey. You made it to Istanbul, but if you did not spend time on the Mediterranean coast, then you need to return. In the meantime, enjoy each and every day to the fullest.

    Yavas yavas
    Ken Curtis
    http://www.southcoastofturkey.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      What a great platform to receive a howdy 😉

      Haha, I have many return trips planned for Turkey. I’ve been toying with the thought of getting involved with a dig at some point. My original plans were to hike through Syria and Turkey back in 2012, until the obvious happened… the day will come however.

      Great website by the way. I’ll absolutely get in touch next time I head out that way.

      Have you reacclimatized to Tejas? I struggle with that every time, specially after attempting to walk like a local for months on end… but years! Can’t imagine. Anyway, the Turkish bug already has your attention 😉 Haha, it’s quite the mistress.

      Ken, thanks for stopping by and dropping a message.

      -Andriani

      Like

  48. purpletiger Avatar
    purpletiger

    Just curious, how did you come across the post?

    Like

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      I came across your blog while searching for like-minded artists out there on the web. I’ve enjoyed your writings thus far, so keep them coming 😉

      Like

      1. purpletiger Avatar
        purpletiger

        Hey Nicholas, just seeing this. Great!! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  49. purpletiger Avatar
    purpletiger

    Thanks for liking my very first post 🙂 It’s very encouraging! And what an interesting story you have. Congratulations on your book and keep up the great work!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Cheers! Right back at you. Every “like” I receive keeps me rolling right along. And WordPress is an extremely supportive community for us artists. I’m happy to have come across your blog and look forward to your work and growth in the future.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. Embody Abundance Avatar

    Thanks for stumbling upon my site recently, Nicholas-I spent some time in Morocco about 10 years ago so it’s been fun to read a bit about your experience there. Cheers!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nicholas Andriani Avatar

      Wow, I imagine Morocco would have been in a more exotic, less traveled state, at that time! Must have been quite wild 😉 It remains wild, and so damn lovely. I never had planned on returning to the locations along my route, in order to see other parts of the world, but I became obsessive… In a healthy way! And, I feel I must return.
      I admire your work and truly enjoy the uplifting qualities of your articles that remind me that spring is here. And it’s about time I begin my own organic garden!

      Like

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