echo park travel mart

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One-of-a-Kind LA Keepsakes

The Time Travel Mart offers unusual gifts and souvenirs that let you take a piece of Los Angeles back home. Support local students while you shop.

826LA Souvenirs

To Do in Echo Park

• Visit 826LAs Time Travel Mart
• Stroll around Echo Park Lake
• Take a ride on the Echo Park Swan Boats
• Grab coffee or a snack or even a meal on Sunset Blvd.
• While you're on Sunset stop at the nearby shops (including the Time Travel Mart)
• Walk through Angelino Heights neighborhood to see the beautiful Victorian homes

The Time Travel Mart

Find us at:

1714 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Mon - Sun 12p-6p

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Echo Park Time Travel Mart

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Time Out says

At first glance, the inside of this storefront resembles any other market in the area—but look closer and you’ll find a collection of “time travel” curiosities that one might need in order to visit the distant past or future. For example, Robot Toupees, Barbarian Repellent, Primordial Soup In a Can and vast collection of books. What gives? The place is a cover business: While everything in it is indeed for sale, the store is actually a front for 826LA, a literary nonprofit founded by author Dave Eggers. Enter through a secret door in the back of the shop, and you'll find a classroom, where free tutoring and creative writing classes are offered to kids ages 6 to 18; in fact, all the books in the store are written by those kids. (Many are even professionally published and sold on Amazon). Another inside tip: If you come up with a cool idea for a product to sell in the mart, employees will help you design it for sale to the public. Which might spur others to drop some dough and thus contribute to this awesome nonprofit. The Time Travel Mart is one of seven themed stores from 826 National, including Brooklyn's Superhero Supply Co. and DC's Museum of Unnatural History.

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Time Travel Mart and 826LA in Echo Park

Ever since I first heard about this place, I have wanted to check it out. I mean, how can you not love a store that tells you it is selling to all eras of history as an official time travel mart? When I walked into the store I got even more excited because I was greeted by the man behind the counter telling me “hello again, I saw your future self in the store today, he told me you would be coming in.” That inherent cheesiness is what makes the Time Travel Mart such a success. Also, once you get to know them, you realize it is merely a front to provide funds for 826LA , their center for reading and writing that helps all the neighborhood children to succeed, which is awesome. Read on for my full review.

Based on what the man working behind the counter told me, they have multiple stores like these in cities like Chicago and San Francisco. Chicago’s is a spy shop called The Boring Store, and San Francisco’s is a Pirate shop. The story goes like this: the man who started the first reading center in San Francisco was told by the city that he needed a storefront, so he set out to create the silly pirate shop that has become the flagship for their stores so that he could continue his nonprofit. This was such a success that he tried other ideas for his different locations.

The store itself is part of 826LA — a non-profit tutoring center for students and budding literary enthusiasts ages 6-18. It specializes in after-school tutoring, workshops, and programs. The kids are encouraged to be creative, and once a month, one of their stories gets published and put into the store for people to purchase. They also taught the kids skills like music and created a CD of original lyrics the kids wrote. These songs have been performed by bands like Cold War Kids, Fiona Apple, and She and Him. This is such a cool idea that makes me like the store even more.

Shop Online

If you are interested in helping out the store/nonprofit but aren’t in the area, consider shopping for all of their fun gifts online here . Who doesn’t need a “ what happens in the tar pits stays in the tar pits shirt ” added to their wardrobe?

The Time Travel Mart

Now that we have gotten the history and awesome non-profit stuff out of the way, we can talk about the epic store that is The Time Travel Mart. I fancy myself to be somewhat of a nerd, and I could just as easily have a blog that debates the subtler points of the new Batman comics as a travel blog, so I am a fan of things that are unique like this. The store itself is pretty small, but from the moment you walk up to it and see a caveman shaking hands with a robot you know, it’s going to be fun.

The three small aisles are broken down into different time periods, catering to their time traveling customers. The oldest section has barbarian, chain mail, and dinosaur stuff.

A middle ages section has gems like medical leeches, cause who wouldn’t want those?

The future section has robot milk and ray guns. There is also a section dedicated to the work the kids have been creating in their program.

Every detail of this store is thought out. The employee of the month program spotlights people from all periods of history, and the surveillance camera in the corner shows cavemen, robots, and Victorian people all walking the store on its four screens.

This is one of those places you just keep laughing at. My personal favorite was the shade tree with directions that stated: “take the seed, travel back in time, plant it, return to the present and relax under your tree.” It is the little things in life.

The guy working behind the counter said almost everything in the store is made by the people that work there, and while the prices seem high, all of the proceeds go to the nonprofit. This makes it easier to spend your money on an “I would rather be tricking cavemen” bumper sticker or a new can of barbarian repellent.

Lastly, they have a “wanted ads” section in the back of the store that has everything from volunteers to solve the bubonic plague to a future message about finding a cat, which is a possum, super fun.

As you can tell, I loved this store. It is small in size but big in heart, and I was happy to purchase something that benefited the kids they were working with. I recommend you check it out for yourself, you can get directions below, and if you are from the future, you can shop online as well.

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The Quirky Market In Southern California Where You’ll Find Terrific Treasures

Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California.

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If you’ve lived in Southern California long enough, you already know it’s filled with some pretty weird, wonderful and wacky destinations. Perhaps one of the wackiest of all is this unique market that sells everything under the sun for the seasoned time traveler. Yes, you read that correctly — time traveler . Here’s a closer look at this quirky market you can explore right here in Southern California.

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Have you ever visited this quirky market? You can check out the Time Travel Mart at 1714 W Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park in Los Angeles.

For more unique stores and SoCal experiences, head to our homepage at Only In Your State to find all sorts of ideas for things to do and places to explore in Southern California.

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The Top Things to Do and See in Echo Park, Los Angeles

A diverse and low-key neighborhood in central Los Angeles , Echo Park is a secret gem that often gets passed over by its hipster neighbor, Silver Lake. This area is completely walkable and home to many prospering artists, writers and musicians. Oh, and Leonardo DiCaprio grew up here. Do we really need to know anything else? Here are 10 fun things to do the next time you’re passing through Echo Park.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Check out our US trips , or browse our collections of Epic Trips , Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to discover the world like never before.

See the local art

One of the first things to grab your eye when you enter Echo Park is the colorful mural welcoming you at the corner of Echo Park and Sunset. Walk around a little and find even more beautiful murals on various neighborhood walls. The owner of the Gabba Gallery , Jason Ostro, recently started the Alley Project, an ongoing public art event around LA One of the alleys he chose happened to be in Echo Park, where he’s been recruiting 20 local artists to paint animals in the alley behind Bob Baker Marionette Theater (check that out too!).

Check out the Echo Park Time Travel Mart

Shop at cookbook.

What’s even better than a good restaurant? Cookbook is Echo Park’s greengrocer. This tiny grocery store has it all. Meat, cheese, milk, eggs, fresh produce, spices and even freshly prepared foods. How does it all fit into such a small space? You don’t really need a large selection when you have the quality products that this artisanal grocery supplies. Cookbook ensures that all of the products they stock are responsibly grown, which makes for extra tasty food. Every meal made with Cookbook ingredients is delightfully scrumptious!

Rent a pedal boat at Echo Park Lake

At the area’s namesake, Echo Park Lake , you can find locals walking on the path around the lake or enjoying a picnic or a book on the grass. Of course, if you forgot your picnic, there are always sidewalk vendors selling something delicious, and the Beacon Café has drinks and pastries too. After you’re full, now comes the fun. Echo Park Swan Boats by Wheel Fun Rentals has made a comeback since the lake reopened after the big renovation. Not only can you rent swan pedal boats during the day, they also offer one-of-a-kind night ride rentals .

Browse and hang out at Stories Books and Café

People say that bookstores are dying and technology is taking over. However, in the artistic oasis of Echo Park, Stories Books & Café has been luring in local writers, readers and artists since 2008. Not only do they buy, trade and sell books, but this shop also hosts diverse literary events, including book release parties, live music and comedy shows. The café at the back of the shop serves fair-trade coffee and locally baked goods. With a patio out back, this is the perfect place to hang out and read that new book .

Hike in Elysian Park

In Los Angeles, we’re lucky to have amazing weather all year round, and beautiful parks where we can enjoy the greenery and the beautiful views. So, while you’re in Echo Park, take a hike. The highly underrated Elysian Park has some of the best views the city has to offer. It isn’t cluttered with tourists like Griffith Park, and you can even bring Fido. A hike around the park gives you views of the iconic Dodger Stadium, and Angels Point offers a beautiful view of the Downtown skyline.

Catch a Dodgers game

Home of Los Angeles’ beloved baseball team, Dodger Stadium is the third-oldest major-league park in the nation, only behind Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Take the family to a Friday-night game for fireworks in the park, or go to one of the many themed games throughout the season. You can even watch a movie in the park after some of the sporting events. If you can’t come for a game, you can always stop by for a stadium tour to hear about the stadium’s legendary past.

Update your wardrobe at Lemon Frog Shop

A fashion lover’s delight, this quirky vintage bazaar’s storefront is blossoming with colors and patterns, the display luring you in with its promise of hundreds of items under $10. Lemon Frog Shop is flourishing with clothes, shoes and accessories from the 1950s through the 1990s. Their selection of shoes is to die for – you’ll want all of them. After the hours you’ll spend looking through their selection, stop by Tierra Mia Coffee next door to caffeinate for the rest of your day.

Take a drive in Angelino Heights

San Francisco might have its row of “Painted Ladies,” but Angelino Heights, one of Los Angeles’ oldest neighborhoods, has its own Victorian beauties. Carroll Avenue has been registered in the National Register of Historic Places with having the highest concentration of Victorian homes in the city, and the breathtaking beauty of the 19th-century homes is really a sight to see. If you want to learn about the historic area, take a walking tour with the Los Angeles Conservancy .

See a live show at the Echo and Echoplex

One of the hippest nightclubs in the city, the Echo & Echoplex features nightly music events. Entry prices are reasonable, which makes this the perfect place to find new bands on the LA music scene. These two music venues are known for their eccentric bookings and embrace indie groups of a ranging talent base, from well-known musicians to those new on the scene.

For a more complete experience of the art scene in LA, we recommend this curated selection of art-themed tours and an art-filled hotel .

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Parks

Parks in moscow.

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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• District Central (TsAO)
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• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
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• Good for Couples
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• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kuskovo Estate

2. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

3. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

4. Sokolniki Park

5. Victory Park

6. Patriarch's Pond

7. Neskuchny sad

8. Izmailovsky Park

9. Hermitage Garden

10. Park Zaryadye

11. Serebryanyi Bor Park

12. Filevskiy Park

13. Sad Baumana

14. Boulevard Ring

15. Yekaterininskiy Park

16. Meshherskiy Park

17. Ostankino Park

18. Park Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo

19. Park Vorontsovo Estate

20. Troparevsky Forest Park

21. Kuzminki Park of Culture and Leisure

22. Park 50th Anniversary of October

23. Park Novodevichi Prudy

24. Nature Historical Park Bitsevskiy Wood

25. Presnenskiy Park

26. Golosov Ravine

27. Timiryazevskiy Park

28. Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park

29. Landscape Park Mitino

30. U Lukomor'ya

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.