Travel stories

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Sarina Dahlan walking in front of South Park grafiti

A year in the circus

In 2018, I ran away and joined the circus. That’s what writing is. You spin and you twirl. You create ...
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The Closet Introvert travels alone

Traveling alone is easier than ever. Not because the smartphones have created countries of socially awkward people that would choose ...
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What to eat in New Orleans when you can’t taste a thing

This winter comes with a bad flu season. I was one such unlucky soul who had the flu that hit ...
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Genchi Genbutsu: “Go and see for yourself”

"While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one." - J.K. Rowling ...
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Joshua Tree National Park

It was two days after Christmas and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at Joshua Tree National Park. A clear azure sky and ...
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One people. One World. A 60-second video on SE Asia.

Nine countries. Eight weeks. Seven local beers. Six new elephant friends. Five times that I was certain I'd be "Taken" ...
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Waterworld: Ecotourism in Thailand

A story about how a little village in Thailand is using ecotourism to raise itself from the mud and teach ...
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How to save Sapa and places like it

Sapa, Vietnam. Why should we care to save it? The gorgeous valley of fertile land where bubbling brooks empty into ...
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Vietnam: Hanoi through the eyes of an Asian-American

How did it feel to be in a country where ‘Communism’ is not a bad word? Not that different. Vietnam ...
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How to travel Myanmar in 7 days

Myanmar is an old country with a recorded history that goes back hundreds of years. Its culture is complex and ...
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Myanmar: Phaungdawoo temple, Shwe Indein Village

In Myanmar, the levels of safety are categorized by color. Black (unsafe), brown (requires permission), and white (safe). A market ...
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Myanmar: Inle Lake, a poem

Long-tail boats with jewel colors Glide through the channel like lovers Stirring silts up the shallow water with reflection of ...
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Myanmar: Shan State, Pindaya Cave

Another sleepless night on the bus and Laurie and I rethought our decision on night buses. It was driven by ...
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Myanmar: Mount Popa

The drive to Mount Popa from Bagan took over 2 hours due to the bumpy, potholed roads. It threatened the ...
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Myanmar: Bagan sunrise

That first night in Bagan, I woke up to a weight at the end of my bed. My first thought ...
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Myanmar: Bagan – The ancient city

We took the overnight bus from Yangon to Bagan. Although technically we could have afforded plane tickets, we decided to ...
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Myanmar: Yangon – Botataung temple, fisherman’s village

My second impression of Yangon was of their breakfast. I can write an ode to the chicken noodles in coconut ...
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Myanmar: Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda is a must visit in Yangon. The ancient temple is a source of pride for the Burmese. From ...
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Myanmar: Yangon street food tour

My first impression of Yangon was that the city reminded me a bit of Thailand 30 years ago. When there ...
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