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
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
This man, as it turned out, is a tea house master and part time actor. Wanna hear a secret tip? I asked the photographer I’m assisting in Turkey, “How can I improve my portraits of locals while traveling? And how can I do it ethically?” Here’s your easy answer. Make eye contact. This man nailed … 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
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
After writing one of my favorite posts yet, WordPress failed to present my saved draft to me. Frustration is grating my writing mind. Thus, for now, I’m posting this. It’s a blur of photos that came with a thorough explanation as to why I found the Sahara disappointing. It speaks of tours, the hustle of … 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
As I reminisce over my last two years spent in Spain, and its abrupt end (within 30 days), I wanted to wrap up my emotions with this post. It’s dedicated to my first Spanish love, the city of Granada. With its flirty bohemian spirit, Granada lures many to it. Students, hippies, circus freaks (I did see … Continue reading
Today, in a decisive departing from my usual postings, I’m switching tactics. I’m posting about America. Not Spain, nor elsewhere in Europe, but my homeland. I could make excuses, claiming that it’s a prompt taken from Word Press’ weekly photo theme (#escape), but honestly, it’s not. I was simply feeling nostalgic for a trip I … Continue reading
Cut the Kitsch 