Asia

Mini Scallops and Ark

Git In Mah Belly, Living Sea Creatures!

I’ve been no stranger to eating fish here in Mui Ne. Before sexy Russians in small bikinis and, well, travelers like me arrived, the town was a thriving fishing village. The fish are still abundant, with many now digested by yours truly. On the outskirts of Mui Ne’s busy stretch […]

Smile!

Smile and the World Will Smile With You

My first night in Hanoi, we sat at a sidewalk bia ho’i, a local hangout favored for drinking lots of home-brewed beers while perched on minuscule plastic stools a mere 6 inches off the ground. We were a bit puzzled by bia ho’i protocol, but decided to roll with it […]

We Wish You a Merry Vietnamese Christmas!

We Wish You a Merry Vietnamese Christmas!

After a whirlwind trip to a local supermarket on a mission to make merry, Ayaz and I have decorated our bungalow for the holidays. It’s lovely to spend the holidays in a bathing suit, but really I miss my family and friends tremendously, and want to wish you all the […]

My Crack Team of Masseuses and the Hot Russian Next Door

My Crack Team of Masseuses and the Hot Russian Next Door

“Madame! Madame!”Their pleading cries (sounding like “Ma-DOM”) greet me like clockwork every morning, within minutes – but more often seconds – after I set foot outside my bungalow door. And more often than not, I smile and shake my still bleary-eyed head, “No, thank you.” First, it’s the fruit vendors. […]

To Build a Home: A Traveler’s Guide to Place, Self & Sweeping

To Build a Home: A Traveler’s Guide to Place, Self & Sweeping

I took out a broom and swept the floors of my beach bungalow in Vietnam yesterday. It was the first time I’d done any real manner of cleaning in 2+ months – the gift, I suppose, of living out of hotels and guesthouses. And yes, I’m still staying at a […]

Scary Yet Alluring … Like Communism

Scary Yet Alluring … Like Communism

There I was, dangling upside down, at least 20 stories above the South China Sea at Vinpearl Island Amusement Park, eyes scrunched shut, belly clenched in terror, gripping the metal bars strapped across my chest with what I hoped could be classified as superhuman strength. In those minutes where I […]

Sailing, Take Me Away…

Sailing, Take Me Away…

Oh, come on. Who can refuse a good Christopher Cross reference when it’s just parked at your Vietnamese doorstep? Post-gorging on street food in Hanoi, a trip to magical Halong Bay was in store. We chartered a trip, met a crew of fabulous Dutch, Germans and Italians and meandered our […]

Foodie Paradise + Cheapie Paradise = Hanoi

Foodie Paradise + Cheapie Paradise = Hanoi

I have loved Hanoi unexpectedly much. Here’s some pics, most to do with food – because I cannot STOP EATING. Oh lordy it’s good here!

“Taking Planes in India” (To Be Sung Loud and Proud)

During a severe state of utter travel delirium (Maldives to Hanoi, 5 planes, 24 hours) I was inspired by the hardcore intensity, madness and hilarity of the Indian airport system and in what I’d like to consider an inspired moment, composed the following: (to be sung to the tune of […]

Checking Off the  Bucket List: The Maldives

Checking Off the Bucket List: The Maldives

Years ago, while working as a freelancer, one of my regular gigs involved writing beach reviews for the world’s best stretches of sand and surf. Year after year the Maldives made the list, and with each new stint of research my obsession with seeing what’s widely believed to be the […]

Going Native: An Ode to the Sub-Continent

Going Native: An Ode to the Sub-Continent

It started with my “trendy kurta,” and I’m not putting that in quotes to be funny – the receipt from the mall in Darjeeling labeled it as such.  I’m happy to report I hadn’t purchased any old kurta  – the traditional, long, loose top worn by women across India – […]

On a Day Well-Spent

On a Day Well-Spent

There’s a heck of a lot to be said for sitting and watching the sea. And even moreso when the sea is the Arabian, and you’re watching it perched high above on a rocky red cliff in Varkala, India. But seriously, back to the sea. If you stare long enough […]