Let’s see, where should I begin? I suppose I could do my normal “hello from so-and-so” entry, full of details about this trip, but maybe I will do something different this time. This time, I think I’ll start from the very beginning. This trip began like many others: with a Lyft ride to the airport. … Continue reading
My overwhelming desire to wander the globe often gives people the wrong impression of me, making me appear more free spirited than I actually am. I suppose I’m a free spirit in many respects, but in others I’m every bit the homebody who loves routine and goes to bed by 9 pm. (Yes, you read … Continue reading
It’s been about eight years since I’ve traveled to a country as developed as Taiwan. From the first day, I felt like a child on her first trip to Disneyland—I oohed and ahhed over the smallest of things, many of which you just don’t find in countries that are less developed, such as clean, wide … Continue reading
After several days of relaxing on Costa Rica’s west coast and enjoying both paddleboarding and body boarding, our final day has approached all too quickly. Pura vida: the pure life. In Costa Rica, you’ll see this saying everywhere. T-shirts, billboards, and everything from surf shops to coffee shops. Ticos will bid you “pura vida” in … Continue reading
Can you believe that on my very last night at my volunteer placement two new volunteers arrived? Just my luck. But it’s time to look forward, for now that my volunteer work has come to an end for this trip, the rest of the vacation begins. This is another thing that is different about this … Continue reading
I think many travelers know what a treat it is to experience, first hand, how a culture celebrates a holiday—even if it isn’t a holiday that is celebrated by your own religion or home country. As luck would have it, we’ve arrived in Israel just in time for Purim, a colorful Jewish holiday that seems … Continue reading
We’ve left behind the city of Bundi and are preparing to leave Jaipur. Each city that I’ve been to has its own vibe. Bundi is a smaller city with a slightly sleepier feel and a picturesque palace (Bundi Palace) that looks as though it just emerged from the side of the hill. Jaipur is a … Continue reading
I’ve been so caught up in anecdotal topics that I’ve completely ignored my journal entries on the places and things I’ve seen. You can stop reading now if you’re not into the logistics of cities and sights (I do this part as much to aid my own memory more than anything else). Without further ado, … Continue reading
I hate doing these ‘nutshell’ entries because it’s a sure sign that I’ve been too busy to journal. I much prefer a more relaxed pace in which I can write freely when I have the notion. But what’s to be done when there is so much to see in so little time? Without further ado, … Continue reading
We headed to Jordan via the Sinai area again (which is unavoidable unless you are flying or go through Israel). It was good to revisit Mt. Sinai because it gave us an opportunity to see the inside of St. Catherine’s Monastery, which was closed the day we hiked up the mountain. St. Catherine’s is a … Continue reading