Ben Murray » Travel

Sunrise from Sunset

benmurray — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:57:48 +0000

With a view like this, I think I could convince myself to move to LA. If only for a moment. Taken from my hotel room on Sunset Blvd as the sun rose over downtown Los Angeles.

Off to the slopes

benmurray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:55:27 +0000

We hit the slopes in West Virginia this weekend for a surprisingly successful ski trip. After a stormy Saturday with ferocious snowmaking, Sunday was a perfect 52 and sunny. It’s no mountain, but it’ll do.

A time-lapse of “Heaven on Earth”

benmurray — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:59:51 +0000

My brother sent this to me today. Yosemite in HD. In awe.

Celebrating a little

benmurray — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:11:17 +0000

Today, we graduated with master’s degrees from the London School of Economics. What a relief it was to stand together with classmates in celebration after reaching the end of what seemed to be a very long road. It’s been many months since we completed our coursework, and many have moved on to other countries and taken jobs in various fields. It was a reminder that the most valuable thing gained in our time at LSE was the friendships and connections we made.

Noodles, temples and walls

benmurray — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:21:56 +0000

Before starting work, I skipped to China to visit my friends Kyle and Jamie, who live in Shanghai and run their own tour company (which is amazing – visit it). I had intended to stay there for a month, but 10 days would have to suffice and we made the most of it.

We spent several days in Shanghai and then went to Beijing to visit our friend Dave, who works in the American embassy.

I’m moving to London

benmurray — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:09:46 +0000

I’m pretty excited. In September, I will move to London to begin a master’s program at the London School of Economics. The year-long program, MSc Politics & Communication, addresses the changing relationship between politics, the media and global communications. What interests me the most is the impact of technology and the Internet on political discourse and citizen engagement.

Leaving DC after 7 years won’t be easy. I love my friends here and have enjoyed the collegiate and professional life. Transitioning from my nice apartment to a tiny dorm room may also have its challenges. But, it’s time for an adventure and I’m thrilled to take it in Europe.

September may seem a litte far off, but I figure it will come rather quickly. I will continue in my current job through much of June before taking some time off for all that “personal exploration” stuff, to master my skills at eBay and Craigslist, to travel home for a big family reunion, and, of course, to start studying. I will also try to find some source of income so my roommate doesn’t kick me out.

As for after LSE, I’m not there yet. Right now, I’m just focusing on this Visa…

Photo: MSH* on Flickr

Off the Grid

benmurray — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:47:53 +0000

I spent last week in the Pemigewasset Wilderness with my brother. It had been 10 years since I last went backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I wish I had better access to mountains like that. I sorely miss the serenity of New England’s wilderness areas.

I may have left the Internet and any form of modern communication behind, but I did read Tim Wu’s Who Controls the Internet. It’s been sitting on my shelf for over a year. I learned a lot about the origins of the DNS and resulting legal battles that had previously been pretty fragmented in my head. Great read. I need more nature in my life.

Philly Happenings

benmurray — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:21:56 +0000

I spent the weekend in Philadelphia with Dave and Paul, celebrating Paul’s first year of teaching with Teach for America. He finishes classes this week and the TFAers are all giddy about a summer of freedom.

Dave and I toured Philly on Saturday, stopping in Rittenhouse Square to reenact The Happening from the night before. BBQ at night, a genuine sloshfest ensued with teachers acting very un-teacher-like. Couldn’t helpe me think what my teachers from elementary school did after hours. Haha.