Ko Samui and Ko Tao are two tropical islands that hang out in the warm tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The tourist websites flaunt the islands as the ultimate tropical paradise, for those who want to wash away their cares on palm-fringed beaches. Are these Thai islands worth it, or is the praise […]
Ko Samui and Ko Tao: Island Paradise or Overrated and Full of Lice? Read Post »
On June first at the stroke of midnight, Shanghai officially lifted its two-month lockdown. Two very long months of not leaving the apartment, thousands of daily COVID-19 cases, and boredom, so much boredom. But now, praise Mao and Buddha, the lockdown is over. Kind of.
Shanghai Ends the Lockdown, But Will it Ever be Normal Again? Read Post »
Historical ruins aren’t typically on the list of reasons people travel to Thailand. Especially considering that nearby Cambodia is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat. However, Thailand has its own set of ruins. They aren’t as magnificent or impressive as its neighbor’s, but the ruins of Sukhothai are still totally worth a visit.
Sukhothai: You Should Visit Thailand’s First Capital Read Post »
So, you’re thinking of learning Chinese, are you? Great idea. Not only is it a fascinating language, but it’s also spoken by over a billion people. Learning Chinese will give you insight into the enthralling, large, sometimes beguiling nation of China. Get ready to open the doors to one of the world’s great, historic cultures.
How I learned Chinese (and So Can You) Read Post »
Everybody says to avoid Bangkok if you’re traveling to Thailand. This mega-city is portrayed as a dirty, crowded, perverted cesspool. Okay, so it’s true that Bangkok is crowded, and some parts might be a little dirty and perverted, but overall, the city is actually quite a pleasant place to spend a few days. The capital
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Bangkok Read Post »
Shanghai is under lockdown. As I write this, I’m sitting in my apartment, awaiting the call to go downstairs and take my twelfth COVID-19 test. These nucleic acid tests are the only time I’ve been through my front door for eight days straight. I haven’t left my apartment complex since… sometime in March? The days
The Great Shanghai Shutdown Read Post »
Just when you thought it was safe to take off the mask and go outside, COVID-19 is back with a vengeance in China. This time, though, it’s the highly contagious Omicron variant running amok and causing havoc in the Middle-Kingdom. That means travel restrictions, lockdowns, and mandatory testing. Is this the virus’s last gasp? Or
COVID-19 Strikes Again in China: This Time it’s Omicron Read Post »
China is a country of rule breakers. It’s a nation of criminals, scofflaws, delinquents, lawbreakers, and ne’er do wells who are constantly engaged in a convoluted game of cat and mouse with the authorities. This flagrant disregard for the rules and regulations was one of the biggest things that shocked me about China. Don’t believe
Breaking the Law in China Read Post »
Here’s the problem with visiting beautiful places: we’re limited by language to using cliché descriptive words and awkward metaphors. I can write about some scenery that is beautiful, dazzling, exquisite, gorgeous, handsome, magnificent, marvelous, and still not quite describe my actual feelings. This is how I feel about Yangshuo, China.
Yangshuo China’s Awe-Inspiring Awkward Metaphors Read Post »
The world has many fascinating cities. Grand amalgamations of humanity that bustle with culture and energy. When I first visited Beijing, I was somewhat underwhelmed. It was only after going back that China’s capital revealed how awesome it was. Here’s why I think you should give Beijing a chance.
Why Beijing is One of the World’s Awesomest Cities Read Post »
