The Northern Territory is an extreme environment. The climate is harsh; the wildlife is dangerous. The people who have survived here before modern development and technology are truly warriors, because this environment can kill you quickly — whether it’s through heatstroke or dehydration, a snake bite or a croc attack. While looking through my Northern […]
Australia’s Northern Territory in Black and White Read More »
Just a rock in the middle of the desert? No way. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is so much more than that. Without a doubt, it was one of my favorite destinations in all of Australia. You probably already know Uluru is smack dab in the middle of Australia and that the desert is scorching
10 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Uluru Read More »
“It’s man-made, and it’s croc-free!” The voiceover announcer seems to beam with pride at this statement as we ride past a lake surrounded by palm trees. “Croc-free? Do they actually have to mention that?” It’s a Sunday afternoon in Darwin, the city that sits at the very top of Australia. I landed at 3 AM
It’s Always Croc Season in Darwin and the Top End Read More »
Ever since I’ve started visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites more conscientiously, I’ve discovered that there’s something that makes these destinations special: they might not be the best known attractions in the world, but once you learn a bit about them, they are incredibly impressive. I didn’t know much about Kakadu beyond that it was one
The Brutal World of Kakadu National Park Read More »
Korea is easy in lots of ways — English is spoken in major destinations, public transportation is high quality, free wifi is everywhere. But the culture? That’s something else. My friend Tom, who lived in Korea for years, often says that Korea is a tough culture to get to know unless you know someone who
Korea: A Tough Cultural Nut to Crack Read More »
One of the ways Korea surprised me was that it’s home to an amazing cafe culture. Koreans love their coffee, and you’ll find excellent independent coffee shops — all of them wired with lots of plugs and excellent wifi — throughout the country. And that’s not all — Seoul is home to several dog and
Puppy Playtime at the Bau House in Seoul Read More »
Tokyo is a sleek city of chrome, neon, and crowds — particularly in Shinjuku. This modern neighborhood is home to tall office buildings, high-end department stores, endless traffic, bright and colorful signs, and some of the busiest railway stations in Tokyo. But hidden on a narrow grid of side streets in Shinjuku is Golden Gai:
Golden Gai: Tokyo’s Coolest Bar Neighborhood Read More »
Since leaving Japan, I’ve been asked several times what my favorite place in the country was — and I honestly can’t put my finger on it. I loved Japan, but I think I loved the country overall more than any particular destination within the country. Tokyo was a great city, and it would be a
Bright, Brash and Funky Osaka Read More »
How do I even begin to describe what it’s like to travel in Japan? It is an experience. It surrounds you. Every moment of every day is filled with new discoveries and cultural difference and utter delights. I can’t describe it beyond that, but everyone who has been knows exactly what I’m talking about. If
What’s It Really Like to Travel Japan? Read More »
Out of the corner of a narrow Kyoto alley, she appeared. A woman in a traditional kimono, her skin like alabaster, her lips a perfect crimson bow. Her hair defied gravity in perfect lacquered waves decorated with floral ornaments. She was the marshal of her own inadvertent parade. Behind her a crowd of Japanese and
And Then We Saw Her Read More »