Hear me out. I loved Butterfly Valley, see my previous review here. But after a quick visit to Kabak Valley this past weekend, I’m singing a different tune. It may be a hymn played by a long-haired hippie on a traditional Turkish guitar, not the familiar Spanish one, while I sunned on the beach. Or, perhaps … Continue reading
China. Zhōngguó. 中国. It’s the Kingdom of extremes, and one that’s utterly baffling to most outside of it. For me, however, China allures as strongly as the poignant smell of Chòu dòufu (or, stinky tofu). If you haven’t been to China before, trust me on this one, it’s powerful. This country, frankly put, is like nowhere else I’ve … Continue reading
Before I came to Turkey, I didn’t know that I had entered into some variation of Eden. In Fethiye, fresh food abounds, but not only in markets, street corner stalls and larger chain grocery stores; the seeds of sustenance sprout up in city gardens. Chickens run amok, corn stalks shoot up, goats tend to unmowed grass, and … Continue reading
Three years later, I’m posting about my summer spent summiting Everest (or uh hem, Base Camp). If you trek to Everest Base Camp in the monsoon season, expect rain (an obvious) and few crowds. We ambled on without the luxuries of trekking season (i.e. ample apple pie) and gained an onward journey that didn’t include … Continue reading
Dip into Turkey and you’ll taste more than its stereotypical kebab and baklava. For starters, Turkey’s Spanish-style mezes, similar to tapas as some menus allude, are so refreshing I truly wish this took over as Turkey’s mass export to the world. My personal favorite, the yogurt dip, which is often flavored just right with fresh … Continue reading
Cut the Kitsch is hitting the road! After a nearly sleepless night on a bus from Madrid to Barcelona, I’m fleeing the Iberian Peninsula via El Prat Airport. My first stop: 4 days exploring a city that straddles two continents. My itinerary is quite lax. Except to say, I’ll be treating myself to a Turkish … Continue reading
Warning! Before you read this, quell your grumbling stomach. This post will have you craving an Italian feast. Italians do eat a lot of pasta. We began each meal, lunch and dinner, with an antipasto. This slow, but filling pace continued with a first plate (almost always a tantalizing twist on pasta), a second plate … Continue reading
The first time I visited Italy, I learned little Italian but two words, due cappucini. I was traveling with a friend on the usual itinerary, (Roma, Firenze, Milano), and my survival Italian, if you will, reflected my motives.I was in Italy, I would drink a cappuccino, or 4, everyday. Judge me not. One year later … Continue reading
Four weeks ago, I was selected as a blogger for Play your Tuscany, which means for 4 days I’ll be touring the best of Tuscany’s sea and nature! As I fall asleep, I’m already envisioning the delicious Italian dinners and other fortuitous moments that Italy will inspire. If you’ve read the itinerary (on the site), you’ve notice … Continue reading
At 25, I still don’t have a smartphone. It’s alarming to some, astonishing to others, and truly a first-world problem to all. For me, it’s something that just “sort of happened”. After a stint in Chile to China to Spain, I couldn’t rationalize the purchase, especially with my constantly changing zip code. In my head, … Continue reading
Cut the Kitsch 