Asia
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The Best Place for Laos Waterfall Trekking
Laos Waterfall Trekking My foot sank deeper into the mud, I could feel it oozing through the small holes in the mesh of my running shoe. The same synthetic material used for breathability was ironically choking itself in the soft earth below. There were a small group of us, two other hikers and our two guides so there was no problem for the group to wait as I wriggled myself free. I twisted my ankle out slowly as to not completely loose my shoe in the muck, like a suction cup with a pop I released my imprisoned extremity and quickly moved to more terra firma. It had been raining…
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A Love Letter to Luang Prabang, Laos
The bike bell chimed, initiated by the weakened wooden boards running along the rickety bridge, I bounding along towards the other side of the river, trying to focus on the path ahead while simultaneously keeping tabs on the precarious situation below me. It was a cool morning, my linen pants flapped faster than the speed at which I was cautiously crossing the Nam Khan. Bouncing along my eyes squinting as they adjusted to the low light at dawn, trying to avoid the flattened bike tire from spending too much time within the joints of the adjoining boards. Wobbling over the threshold, I breathed an unintentional sigh of relief immediately as…
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Hidden Paradise in Vietnam; Phu Quoc Island
A Vietnamese island, off the coast of Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand, it sounds like Phu Quoc is having a bit of an identity crisis. With the beautiful beaches and off the beaten track location, it’s easy to loose yourself here. There are enough things to do in Phu Quoc, however the serenity of ocean front living will tempt you to do just about nothing. Ahhhhh, island living, it’s quiet and beautiful. Phu Quoc is the place to retreat and relax. Aside from exploring the national park jungle the spot to be here is with your toes in the sand at the beach. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities…
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15 favorites of 2015
Ok, so it’s a good thing the years keep getting bigger in number because my opportunities and experiences keep getting better. The end of the year is the best time for me to reflect on what I’ve worked for each year, and look back on the opportunities that make me feel the most thankful and happy. Up, up, up AND away in Myanmar, Spain AND Turkey The first 31 years of my life I had lived without stepping foot into a hot air balloon and just like that, I got the chance to take not one, not two, but three incredible rides. Each overlooking a different landscape, iconic and unique…
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Snapshot Sunday: Women of Vietnam
Girls run the world. If Beyoncé sang it than it must be true. I just returned from a phenomenal trip to Vietnam and while there I uncovered a country where women are the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. They have participated in revolutions and wars, they farm, row boats, run businesses and raise families all with a quiet strength and a smile. The ladies we encountered were the friendliest people who taught us their skills, shared with us their stories or welcomed us into their homes and I was truly inspired by not only their work ethic but overall happiness.
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Culinary Chariots: A Bangkok Street Food Tour
The city of Bangkok is a lot like your first ride in a tuk tuk. She’s a unique, speedy vessel that isn’t always glamorous but will whiz you around, showing you one wild ride. It’s a fitting vehicle then for a tour exploring food stands and iconic dishes of the city, whipping you around on a wonderful journey. Buffalo Tours offers a great Bangkok street food guided tour in Thailand that takes you on an evening ride through town that you and especially your stomach won’t soon forget. Seeing how locals live and more importantly eat with a small group is the best way to truly experience how “foodcentric” Bangkok…
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Snapshot Sunday: Halong Bay Sunset
While in Vietnam, we had the opportunity to spend a few nights on a Junk (Asian sailing ship) leaving from Halong Bay and heading further out to the less visited Bai Tu Long Bay. I’m excited to get to share many more photos and the full experience soon but here is a little taste of the last few days on Dragon Legend Cruises.
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Snapshot Sunday: Flower Market of Bangkok
The powerful fragrance of the Jasmine flowers masks the scent wafting from the bustling streets that run along Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s famous flower market. With a liveliness parallel to the rest of the city, the workers and passer-byes throng the heaps of flowers like swarms of pollinating bees. Because the venue is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week there is an amazing amount of quotidian activities surrounding the business exchanges around them. Even something as simple as playing a quick game of Makruk, or Thai chess can be an interesting event to observe and I find it’s markets like these that offer a fantastic glimpse into…
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Snapshot Sunday: Borneo Stilt Homes
I’m getting excited about my upcoming destination to Vietnam. In doing research and preparation for my trip, I keep finding similarities of Malaysian fishing villages when I spent time in Borneo, especially these stilt homes in Sabah. Simplistic design in impoverished communities, these families rely on the water running below their floorboards for their livelihood. I’m looking forward to learn and experience first hand about Vietnamese life on the water.
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Underwhelming Travel: How to Escape Travel Disappointment
I woke up well before daylight to meet with my group. Climbed out of bed, changed in the dark and lazily grabbed my camera for what I thought was going to be a peaceful morning. I didn’t realize how further from the truth that would be. Online, Angkor Wat depicts an iconic sunrise you see gracing travel websites with tips on touring Cambodia. Angkor Wat is one of those attractions that is a “must see”, and the magic of photography has prepared you. An experience you have anticipated for years before arriving. Sometimes these can’t miss bucket list sights and experiences while traveling don’t always live up to the hype…
