After a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, we made our way to the town of Orchha. While it was still hot, arid, and dusty, it was smaller and less crowded than the larger cities of Delhi and Jaipur. It reminded me much more of Southeast Asia. There were six beautiful palaces in Orchha,Continue reading “Orchha, India”
Category Archives: Asia
A Passage to India
Arriving in Delhi was a shock to to senses. The air was hot, thick, and smelled of burning wood. The streets were bustling with cars, tuk-tuks, pedestrians, cows, and trucks overflowing with unidentifiable cargo. The electrical wiring hung twisted and dangerous over the walkways. Chickens lay ill and stacked in their cages, and merchants soldContinue reading “A Passage to India”
From British Columbia to Bangkok to Bali
One of the most magical things to me is standing in the international terminal of an airport and looking at all the departures on the screen, knowing the world is at my fingertips. Some of the cities I’ve been to, and others are on my list. I watch each name sparkle and think of theContinue reading “From British Columbia to Bangkok to Bali”
Good Night Vietnam
Vietnam is absolutely beautiful. I have enjoyed parts of it immensely. It is more expensive than the other SE Asian countries, but it is still about half U.S. prices, and there are much more luxurious options than in Laos or Cambodia for spas, dining, etc. Vietnam has a strange contrast. Its beautiful beaches and wonderfullyContinue reading “Good Night Vietnam”
What is it good for?: Stories of the Vietnam War
I remember the first time I truly understood what “war” meant. I was eight years old and went on a family trip to Washington, D.C. My mother was somewhat out of sorts and insisted that we visit the Vietnam War Memorial. I’m not sure what I was expecting of the memorial, but I was confusedContinue reading “What is it good for?: Stories of the Vietnam War”
It’s No Holiday in Cambodia
Until the last two days, our trek through Southeast Asia has been full of water-gun fights, blessings from Buddhist Monks, and cruises down the Mekong (and of course: cockroaches and squat toilets). Presently, our trip has taken a darker turn down the tumultuous road of this region’s violent past. This is a journey I haveContinue reading “It’s No Holiday in Cambodia”
Rolling on the River: A Journey through Laos
We crossed the border into Laos a few days ago. The border crossing was really interesting. First, we received our departure stamp from a little booth in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Next, we took a canoe across the river and receive our visas through the window of another small booth on the Laos side. We spentContinue reading “Rolling on the River: A Journey through Laos”
I heart shanghai
Shanghai has been my favorite city so far on the trip. The bright lights, high fashion, and metropolitan feel make this a wonderfully international city. In some ways it reminds me of Vegas with lots of neon lights illuminating the roadways and high-rises. The streets are full of sightseers and partygoers at night. It isContinue reading “I heart shanghai”
When in Peking, try the duck!
Wow, I’m not in Kansas anymore and it’s incredible. The pollution is so bad here – you can see the particles in the air as you breath them in. It’s like LA times 1,000. But it’s so cool too: the outdoor markets, the architecture, the style of dress, etc. It’s all so very different andContinue reading “When in Peking, try the duck!”
solo female traveler, part-time loner
I remember my first solo international flight to Rome. I was meeting up with a tour group at a hotel just outside of the city. I was so nervous to navigate my way from the airport to the hotel all alone in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language. My dad gave meContinue reading “solo female traveler, part-time loner”