Impressions of Yangon
My impressions of Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, after only a short visit to see the highlights and get a taste for the country.
cities
My No Good, Very Bad Weekend in Tainan
I’ve never experienced such a dislike for a place before, and it’s unsettling to admit it, but I hope to never return to Tainan.
Get to Know Jogja in 3 Days
When, if a slow-pac’d star had stol’n away From the observer’s marking, he might stay Two or three hundred years to see’t again, And then make up his observation plain;” -John Donne, An Anatomy of the World Some cities are easy to figure out–grid-like street layouts and prominently-displayed culture can simplify the process. Then there …
Preconceptions and Reality in Singapore
When I considered traveling to Singapore I had many reasons to not go, mostly from my preconceptions of the country. This is my first impression of Singapore.
Memories and Travel
Sometimes our memories fail us. We don’t remember things as they happened, and sometimes we have false memories. Sometimes this happens while traveling.
Short Stay in Phnom Penh
“Behind them were the lights of the market, the lanterns and candles and witch-lights and fairy glitter, like a dream of the night sky brought down to earth.” ― Neil Gaiman, Stardust The New York Times reminded me of what to see and do with their “36 Hours in Phnom Penh” feature. The video online …
Travel Necessity: Making Coffee on the Road
The most important necessity for me to have while traveling is coffee. I couldn’t live without my travel coffeemaker.
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.
Facing Reality While Traveling
While traveling through some less developed countries, we’re bound to encounter poverty and lifestyles that are unfamiliar to us.
Where Do You Want to Live?
Twitter user @PekingMike reminded me of an interesting sign I saw back in 2007 in Tianjin, China. Back in 2011, he co-wrote an article for Bloomberg about a ridiculous real estate project in the city that was to be a replica of Manhattan. Like many real estate developments in China today, it’s mostly an empty …
Slightly Overwhelmed in Seoul
After 6 months around East Asia, I finally feel a bit overwhelmed here in Seoul. I can’t pinpoint the reason for this feeling, but I’m still not homesick.
Departing Taipei
These are my last few days in Taiwan. I was given a 90-day visa-free stay here, and my time is almost up–I prefer to leave a bit before the 90 days runs out to ensure I don’t overstay my non-visa. It’s been a wonderful almost three months living in Taipei. This city has made things so …
Trying to Enjoy Hoan Kiem Lake
Finding some relaxation while walking around the crowded area of Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam.
Taipei from Above
A hike up Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) in Taipei for views of the city and Taipei 101.
Vietnam Almost Deported Me for a Photo
I almost got arrested and/or deported for taking a photo of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building in Vietnam.