Travel Journal
Hiking the Longji Rice Terraces in China
Hiking the Longji Rice Terraces in southern China is something I would recommend for everyone to add to their bucket list. And I think you’ll agree with me once you read this China travel guide explaining this incredible place. The area covers over 16,000 acres, with their creation beginning during the Yuan Dynasty. If you…Read more...
13 Lessons Learned From Visiting Different Cultures and Countries
No matter where I travel to, from rural villages in Thailand to picturesque mountain-towns in Switzerland to laid-back islands like Aruba, I always seem to make some philosophical and personal revelations about travel, life, and myself. Here are some of my top lessons learned from other cultures and places during my travels. Ghana, Africa…Read more...
Having Lunch with Anthony Bourdain at LAUT in New York
This week, I got the chance to attend a Singapore tasting menu and Q&A with Anthony Bourdain, celebrity chef of the hit shows No Reservations and The Layover. The event was held at Laut near Union Square in New York. After attending, not only am I head-over-heels in love with Singaporean food; I’ve also learned…Read more...
Elephant Trekking in Chiang Mai, Thailand…Is it Moral?
Update: Since originally writing this article in 2011, I have formed a very different opinion and firmly believe elephant trekking is not something tourists should participate in when visiting Thailand. I highly recommend reading Wildlife Tourism In Thailand: An Elephant-Sized Controversy and Irresponsible Tourism: 7 “Attractions” Promoting Animal Cruelty from my own online magazine, Epicure…Read more...
Language Lessons of Aruba: 15 Phrases in Papiamento
While it’s true that most locals in Aruba know how to speak English, as well as Spanish and Dutch, it’s still always appreciated when tourists know at least a few words in the local language. Here is a short tutorial to help you at least make small talk in the local language of Papiamento (spoken…Read more...
Butterfly Valley, China: Where Visitors Become Family
“Mom, I can’t take it anymore! I need to get out of here!” I cry into the phone. I have just found three humungous spiders in my room, one of which was apparently an Olympic sprinter in a past life and thought it funny to chase me around the room until I squashed it with…Read more...
My Unwanted Paparazzi Moment on Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
I’d been teaching English in rural Thailand for three weeks and had gotten used to the small villages, the wooden bungalows, the tiny market stands and children playing soccer in the dirt. Then I got to Cat Ba Island, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. Cat…Read more...
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