I’m back in Bangkok — and Southeast Asia — for the first time in two and a half years. I’ve been indulging in my favorite Bangkok activities — eating pad kra prow on the street. Browsing the wacky clothing stalls in Siam Square. Buying fresh-squeezed orange juice and fruit shakes from my street vendors. Going to […]
The Southeast Asia Conundrum Read More »
Greetings from Istanbul! On July 5, Mario and I celebrated the one-monthaversary of the SOTM Tour. Back when I was traveling through Southeast Asia, I gave monthly recaps and real-time updates. I think this tour is the perfect opportunity to bring that tradition back. Behold the best of Month One! Countries Visited France, Switzerland, Italy, San
SOTM Tour: Month One of Twelve Read More »
It took several trips to Italy before I realized how much I enjoyed small town Italian life. Once you get out of Rome, Florence, and Venice, and even beyond my beloved Bologna, the atmosphere changes enormously — especially when you visit the cities that foreign tourists get to see. Not all of the towns pictured
Photo Essay: Small Town Emilia-Romagna Read More »
Let me tell you about Emilia-Romagna — an Italian region that is so dear to me. It’s not as famous as Tuscany. There isn’t artwork on every corner like in Florence, nor does it buzz in the way that Rome does, nor is it as picturesque as Venice. But there’s something so warm about Emilia-Romagna.
Magical Moments in Emilia-Romagna Read More »
I’ve had an ongoing fascination with tiny nations and semi-autonomous regions in Europe — Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands. How do their citizens define themselves? What’s it like growing up in a place where you’re one of, say, 30,000 citizens? I learned more about this on a day trip from Bologna to the tiny nation
San Marino: The Tiny Nation Surrounded by Italy Read More »
Wow. My trip had only just begun, and Geneva was well on its way to being a complete and total disaster — but in typical fashion, it turned out amazingly! Geneva isn’t a typical city for backpackers to visit. For starters, it’s expensive. How expensive? 10 CHF ($10) for two coffees at an outdoor cafe; 16
Geneva: Funny How Things Work Out In The End Read More »
I’ve decided to make a number of changes on this site. A huge reason for that is my most recent South Africa trip. I’ve raved about this trip so much already, but it was more than a fun time — it showed me exactly the kind of work that I need to be doing, exactly
Changes and a New Focus Read More »
I am thrilled to announce that starting in June, Mario and I are going on a journey around the globe! And we’re doing it with a purpose: we are telling the stories of people around the world through Mario’s portrait photography project of five years. We are spending a year on the road — just
My Next Adventure: Circling the Globe! Read More »
Montefalco, Italy. Likes: 41. It was a year and a half ago when I first started using Instagram and using my iPhone as a major source of photography. I love Instagram (you can follow me here!) and it’s especially useful as a traveler. No matter how beautifully you write, nothing transports you to a destination
My Shocking Evolution on Instagram Read More »
If you’re 26 or younger, I’ve got news for you: 27 is a scary age. Why? That’s the big year of marriage. Sure, people get married younger than 27, but those tend to be the couples who have been together for years and years, whom you expect to get married. At 27, your single friends
An Offbeat Wedding in Augsburg, Germany Read More »