After a red eye flight from PDX, I arrived early on a slightly delayed flight to Chicago. Just as with my last visit to Chicago, I was immediately reminded of the kindness of Chicagoans. From my seat at the back of the plane I could see the bags being unloaded from the plane and happened … Continue reading Chicago, for Foodies
First stop: Hanoi. It was 11pm by the time I made it through the customs line in Vietnam and set foot for the first time in the country my uncle had fought in years ago. It left an unmistakable scar on him as it did everyone else involved in the war. I was eager to … Continue reading Scooters and Snails: Vietnam
The plane cruised over vast forest and flooded fields as Cambodia is suffering from extreme monsoon waters and the government has issued warnings to those living out in the stilt houses. It poured rain my first evening there. I secured my eVisa online in advance, the approval took about a day before I received my … Continue reading Of Tuk Tuks and Dancing Kings – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I was tasked with creating an all-inclusive great American Road trip for myself, my partner Brent and my good friend visiting from Germany. It should include Page, Arizona and Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon and Sedona wine tasting. Beyond that, I was free to share whatever aspects of my beautiful home state I wished. In … Continue reading Best Road Trip Ever: Arizona
Apache Junction may not seem like much, but for history buffs like myself, this little nook of Arizona has a slew of history to be uncovered. Shadowed by the eerie Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction sits at the intersection of the Apache Trail and U.S. Route 60, which runs roughly parallel to the better-known Route 66. And … Continue reading Visiting Arizona’s Historical Superstition Mountains
It was midnight in Alaska when I arrived. The trip was a last minute whim. I could see the sunset on the horizon. "Why is it light outside?" I joked to the women sitting beside me on the plane, both Anchorage natives. Aliza, with whom I'd be staying, met me at the arrivals in her big … Continue reading Anchorage after the breakup
I buried my toes in the sand and peered off into the foggy mist that hovered over the Kite Festival in Long Beach, Washington. It was cool, but not cold for an August afternoon. My hair whipped madly against the ocean air that was tickling the show kites every which way. Kite festivals draw an interesting crowd; … Continue reading To the beat of the foghorn
Even on the clearest of Seattle mornings I can often see the fog rolling away over the ocean, while the smell of fresh fish still lingers on the morning dew. I live near Ballard and the docks where the Deadliest Catch boats tie up, and gruff fisherman unload their loot. Mornings when I wake up with the windows open, I'm … Continue reading No time for sleep in Seattle
Planning a trip to Washington, D.C. can be a complicated endeavor, especially when 56 students from 12 different countries are involved. When the plans for the trip began some time last October, we began by reaching out to the museums, the White House, Pentagon and the like, explaining our unique group of travelers that would … Continue reading What does it mean to be an American?
County Clare, Ireland - Wednesday, September 2010 “I won’t be giving you a ride deary, but I’m happy to give you a lift!” I blushed, immediately realizing what I had just said to the older gentleman bus driver. He was about 5'5 with sparkling blue eyes and wirey gray hair. He had a sharp twinkle in his eye. The passengers … Continue reading A hitch-hikers guide to Ireland
Poesie Sans, Souci 