I’m Off on Another Adventure!
It’s been almost a year and I’m feeling antsy! September 22. That’s the day I last returned to the U.S. Feels like forever ago! And I, for one, am getting very itchy feet! I already had a trip planned for December, when I’m heading Europe for a couple of weeks. But I knew I couldn’t […]

Iraq Under Siege: Save Kurdistan!
When I visited Iraq a couple of years ago, people looked at me like I was crazy. Nobody had ever heard of the Kurds, who carved out their own territory in northern Iraq called Iraqi Kurdistan. Nobody had ever heard about the Peshmerga, literally “those who face death.” And nobody had ever heard of the […]

NYC’s 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza in Photos
I feel lucky to live in a great big city like New York. I mean, where else could I get to see such an amazing world-class fireworks display for the 4th of July (Independence Day for the USA) against a background of the Manhattan skyline? It’s been a tradition for years now to go and watch the fireworks […]

Dear Jakarta, You’re Kind of Awesome!
I couldn’t breathe, for every time I did, I let out a horrid cough. The air was so rancid. So pollution filled, choked by all the endless stream of cars passing by. Where was this CouchSurfing host of mine? He said 15 minutes! That was my first impression of Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, […]

10 Questions for the Filmmakers of JUST GO
Have you ever wanted to drop everything and go on an adventure? I was excited to learn that Andrew Redlawsk, a friend of mine who is not from the travel blogging world, announced he was going to do just that. He’s setting off on a 5,000-mile cross-country road trip with 3 friends with a tent and a […]

Crazy Bus Adventures in Malaysia (or, Why You Should Always Trust Local Advice)
When you’re in a foreign country, it’s always a good idea to listen a local’s advice, isn’t it? I subscribe to that philosophy, and that’s why I really love CouchSurfing, as it easily connects you with local people for just that purpose (and a free place to sleep!). But sometimes, I’m not so good at […]
About the Last Few Months (or, I’m Back!)
You ever get those moments where you feel like taking a break? Those moments where, try as you might, you can’t seem to get anything accomplished? Yeah, that’s been me the past few months, which is exactly why things have been a bit quiet around here lately. Fear not! I have not disappeared off the […]

Happy Blogiversary to Me, x4!
It’s February 15, so you know what that means? Yes, it’s the day after Valentine’s Day (or “Single Awareness Day,” as some like to call it). Did you have a nice Valentine’s Day? I spent mine…working! No, February 15 is the day that this little blog of mine turns 4! I remember it like it […]