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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Joshua Tree National Park
It was two days after Christmas and 70 degrees Fahrenheit at Joshua Tree National Park. A clear azure sky and ...
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" ...
Waterworld: Ecotourism in Thailand
A story about how a little village in Thailand is using ecotourism to raise itself from the mud and teach ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Myanmar: Mount Popa
The drive to Mount Popa from Bagan took over 2 hours due to the bumpy, potholed roads. It threatened the ...
Myanmar: Bagan sunrise
That first night in Bagan, I woke up to a weight at the end of my bed. My first thought ...
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 ...
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 ...
Myanmar: Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda is a must visit in Yangon. The ancient temple is a source of pride for the Burmese. From ...
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 ...