If you were a regular reader here before, you may be curious, why the sudden silence despite my enviable location in South America? If so, it’s an understandable one. Despite the stories that could be, I’ve felt consumed by other duties. Over the past few months, I’ve applied for a Masters program in London (and … Continue reading
Have you been to Greece or Santorini? If so, what did you think? It’s certainly super luxurious and well watered by the tourism industry! In fact, in the midst of Europe’s continuing economic crisis, there’s little evidence that it’s affecting Greece, if you only take a trip here. Despite the hoards of honeymooners and cruise … Continue reading
The hike to El Misti begins with little pomp but a simple sign that subtly warns–you’re starting at 3,415 meters. For a new arrival to Arequipa, like me, it was an omen of what was to come. Of course, as a seasoned hiker and climber, I didn’t take heed–as I should have. At 3,415 meters, … Continue reading
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
Stalk this namesake valley, located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and you’ll soon discover its iconic butterflies are missing. No matter, this picturesque cove named Butterfly Valley will hold you in fervent rapture nonetheless. To discover this somewhat hard-to-reach valley, you must first hop a bobbing boat or scramble down a mountain from a connecting highway. Taking … 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
Hello! Here’s a quick update from the beautiful and deeply mysterious land of Cappadocia. Beyond hiking through mushroom-like rocks and exploring underground cities, I saw the end to a deeply coveted wish. See below for your hint. In Cappadocia, it’s still not cheap. However, in comparison to expected prices, it’s worth the small investment (around … 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
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
Cut the Kitsch 