Posts about travel and traveling. Maybe to different places. Maybe the same place.
“Authentic.” What does that word even mean? Part of the reason we travel is to have an “authentic” experience. We want to see what the “real” locals look like. What is “authentic” daily life for the people in the countries we’re visiting? All too often, this quest for the “authentic” is framed through centuries of […]
An “Authentic” Hill Tribe Trek in Chiang Rai, Thailand Read Post »
The Oriental Pearl Tower is arguably the most iconic representation of Shanghai’s skyline. It may be the most iconic representation of modern China. Huge reddish-purple spheres held up by three massive cement columns tower over the Pudong River. The tip of the tower reaches up into the sky like it’s trying to reach the future.
The Oriental Pearl Tower – Yesterday’s Future, Today! Read Post »
My first-time scuba diving, my stomach churned like a typhoon. I sat on the edge of the boat breathing in and out slowly, trying to hold back the tsunami of vomit that was building up in the bottom of my gut. Why the hell had I turned down that seasickness medication? Trying to be macho,
First Time Scuba Diving, Try Not To Drown! Read Post »
The beach at Da Nang is considered by some to be the best in the world. We think of many things when we envision our perfect beach. Long stretches of smooth sand between our toes. The gentle rhythm of clear blue water. Miles of skyscrapers blotting out the sun. The pounding of jackhammers. The diesel
Da Nang was dang disappointing. But also, it wasn’t? Read Post »
Thick stalks of bamboo tower overhead. The tops sway back and forth in the breeze. Birds are chirping. The air is brisk and refreshing. An old tractor, possibly built before the revolution, putters down the mountain pulling a trailer of freshly cut bamboo stalks. Stalks of vegetables lay on the stone walls alongside the road,
Moganshan – Prepare to Meet your new Auntie Read Post »
The thing about Beijing that struck me the most was how gritty it all was. Gritty to the point that you could taste it when you walked outside. There’s a constant layer of dust that settles in to your mouth with each breath. I don’t say this to disparage Beijing in any way. It’s a
Beijing: Surprisingly Gritty and Interesting Read Post »
We met a tour guide in Hoi An, Vietnam who was born and raised in the nearby city of Hue. We told him we were staying there for two nights. He frowned at us. “Most people spend four hours in Hue,” he said. “Even a full day is too long.” This seemed to be the
Hue, Vietnam is tragically underrated. Read Post »
Linhai is a small city that seems to be off the radar of most Westerners. It’s a mere three hours on the fast train outside of Shanghai, between Ningbo and Taizhou. The summer rainy season left the surrounding mountains full of bright vibrant emerald green that stood out against the grey sky. So much green,
Linhai and the Pretty Good Wall of China Read Post »
Humanity piled on top of humanity. Stacks of human beings in concrete towers, some of which look like they’re on the verge of collapse. There is a bright and shiny Hong Kong. This is the Hong Kong that most people think of. Glitzy glass towers where billions of dollars are traded back and forth in
Hong Kong: the Human Race in Concrete Read Post »
Ah, Suzhou, the Venice of the East. Or maybe that’s a bit Eurocentric? For all we know, Venice is the Suzhou of the West. Either way, Suzhou is only a half an hour away from Shanghai and makes a pleasant weekend getaway.
Suzhou: The Pleasantest Place in China Read Post »
