I’ve been busy; lately, I’ve swirled, sipped, and delighted in copious cups of good wine (and as you can see above, tea). All, I’m telling you, in the name of ahem, research. From further afield, my insight: A guide to Turkish wine, plus wineries to visit in Turkey’s enchanting land of fairy chimneys. You must try it, … 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
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
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
Before I arrived, my friend told me, “it’s magical”. Even if she wasn’t Islamic, (nor Christian or Jewish), the call to prayer, as she was referring to, brings out one’s spiritual side. I didn’t know if I should cry, pray, or simply carry on, she told me. I wasn’t dubious, but as someone who has become … 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
Yesterday I turned a quarter-of-a-century-old. Or as we usually say, 25. At first, admittedly, the idea of that number as my age terrified me. Twenty-five, it’s the sudden shift from your young twenties to ahem, not so young. Yet, as I ease into this new step, this new age, I’m realizing being older has its … Continue reading
It’s the question I’m asked constantly. “How do you travel so often? You’re always going somewhere interesting.” My quick answer: location, Ryan Air, a flexible job, and research. But there are a few tricks to the art of traveling cheap (and sometimes for free!) that every vagabond should know. 1. Couchsurfing Most people know about … Continue reading
I’m on Facebook ( on.fb.me/XzMane ) and Tumblr ( bit.ly/15gtQBS ), find me! As I scour the web and create more of what Cut the Kitsch is, I’d like you to join the journey! There are some exciting changes to come on here… As my blogging continues, I want to say each “like” motivates me to create … Continue reading
Cut the Kitsch 