“The coach I got in was about as dignified as a match-box. The train rambled on for about five minutes, and then I had to get off. No wonder the fare was cheap.” -Natsume Sōseki, Botchan Before I arrived in Perugia, I researched public transportation in the town of fewer than 200,000 people. I really […]
Wandering around Assisi, Italy, in search of medieval architecture and views of the Umbrian countryside and Rocco Maggiore and Basilica of St. Francis.
Wanderings in Assisi Read More »
A conversation with a young Cambodian woman who works at one of Phnom Penh’s girl bars.
Conversation at a Cambodian Girl Bar Read More »
It’s been a year since I departed the familiarity of New Jersey for the linguist confusion of a life in foreign lands. These are my travel highlights.
Highlights from My Year of Travel Read More »
A sunny day in Tokyo to visit Sensoji Temple and walk along the Sumida River to Akihabara and take in city views.
Sunny Sensoji & Sumida River Walk Read More »
“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.” -Vincent Van Gogh Seoul is an amazing metropolis–the towering buildings and modern architecture make it seem overwhelming at times–with history, culture, and international commerce mingling in the streets. It’s fascinating to watch the people throughout the day among the backdrop
A bike ride to Osaka’s main tourist attraction, Osaka Castle, to catch a view of the city on a sunny day.
Biking to Osaka Castle Read More »
“What you are eating is always the end of a very long story–and often an ingenious but delicious answer to some very complicated problems.” –Anthony Bourdain Yesterday was World Food Day. No, really, this is an official day because people obviously need a reminder to eat food instead of plastic. It actually commemorates the founding
Photos for World Food Day Read More »
Walking around Korean UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, just outside Seoul, on a sunny summer day.
Walking Along Hwaseong Fortress, Korea Read More »
While traveling through some less developed countries, we’re bound to encounter poverty and lifestyles that are unfamiliar to us.
Facing Reality While Traveling Read More »
Everyone recognizes one structure in Taiwan, but that’s not the structure I visited–Taipei 101 is beautiful skyscraper that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Instead of paying a small fortune to ride an elevator near the top of that huge building, I opted for hiking up Elephant Hill for a better view
Mr. Chiang’s Taipei Read More »
I took a painful bike ride to visit the golden pavilion at Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. It was worth the ride, if only I had a better bike.
Painful Bike Ride to Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Read More »
“The sky, it seems, would pour down stinking pitch, But that the sea, mounting to the welkin’s cheek, Dashes the fire out.” –Miranda, from The Tempest, Act I scene ii I’ve just survived another typhoon, this time in Tokyo. Phanfone passed over Japan last night and into this morning–it was a strong storm and the
Typhoons of Travel Read More »
Li Bai’s poetry sums up a sight in the park in Zhaoqing, China. A giant lone can of Pabst Blue Ribbon stands in a dry fountain.
Beer in a Chinese Park Read More »
Drinking in Korea is more than just boring beer that The Economist complained about a few years ago. There’s craft beer, soju, and makgeolli to enjoy.
