Nationality Spotting Abroad
In response to Yahoo’s How to Spot an American Abroad, here’s a sarcastic look at how to spot other nationalities while traveling.
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A Crowded View in Taipei
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” ― John Muir, Our National Parks On New Year’s Day, I headed to Xiangshan — Elephant Mountain — in southeastern Taipei. I’ve hiked this “mountain” before in much warmer weather. This
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EFL Jobs Abroad: The Interview
“I’m not a teacher: only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead–ahead of myself as well as you.” ― George Bernard Shaw As I’ve re-entered the job market in Asia, I’ve looked at returning to teaching English as a foreign language (EFL); it’s a job I’ve enjoyed at times in
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Airbnb and Long-term Travel
It’s easy to travel with Airbnb accommodation, as I have for 10 out of 14 months in East Asia and Italy. It has mostly been a positive experience.
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Happy 2015!
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” ― T.S. Eliot, Little Gidding I can’t say I’m sad to see 2014 go. I can’t say I’m happy about it either. 2014 started out with me on a boat
Comparing Prices: Venice and Tokyo
Comparing the prices of traveling and living in two of the world’s most expensive cities, Venice and Tokyo.
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Christmas Greetings from Taipei
East Asia loves Christmas–I witnessed this while living in China. My Christmas tradition didn’t change much when I moved to southern China years ago; the movies were on pirated DVDs and the Chinese food was better, but it was still more or less the same tradition. While walking around Taipei with my friends the other
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Holiday Lights of Tokyo
In the run up to Christmas, I noticed the prevalence of Christmas lights all over Tokyo. Every shopping area was decorated to attract more customers and all the people were busy taking photos in front of the displays. Last year my landlord took me on an after-work excursion to see the light display at Yomiuri
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On Studying Abroad
A personal experience of studying abroad in London and reasons more students should take a semester or year abroad to do more than just travel.
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Cao Dai: A Different Kind of Temple in Vietnam
Visiting the colorful Cao Đài Temple outside Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on a day tour that included the Cu Chi Tunnels.
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Overlooking San Marco Square
“There is something so different in Venice from any other place in the world, that you leave at once all accustomed habits and everyday sights to enter an enchanted garden.” – Mary Shelley I wasn’t certain I wanted to pay to get in. Sure, the view should be pleasant, but is it really worth 8 euros? Everything else in Venice
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Admiring the Duomo in Florence
Relieving the effects of church fatigue in Florence while admiring the ornate Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as Il Duomo di Firenze.
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Lessons from Utility Workers in Vietnam
Learning lessons from the chaos of utility wires in Saigon, Vietnam.
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Classic Cocktails at KFC in Japan
Enjoying classic cocktails at the KFC Route 25 bar in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. No, really, there’s a KFC in Japan that has a full bar.
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A Very Taipei Thanksgiving
“Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude.” – Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary I’m fortunate to have a few friends here in Taipei. Some of them were able to join me for my birthday last week. And my two American friends
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