I did a lot of research on Vietnam as a whole before booking my ticket. Below is everything I wanted to know before taking off and the Vietnam travel tips I discovered while there. Being respectful of a culture is really important to me, and knowing how to stay safe in a country always makes […]
Taking a Cooking Class in Hanoi with Apron Up
Taking cooking classes in foreign countries has really become a highlight of my travels and taking a cooking class in Hanoi was no different. Cooking classes are one of the few things that gives you an inside look into the culture and customs. Not to mention, it’s a skill you can take home with you. […]
Same, Same, But Different – Learning to Let Go of Expectations
There’s a famous expression in Southeast Asia. “Same, same, but different.” Order fried noodles with chicken and get fried rice with egg instead: “Same, same, but different.” See a picture of a luxury three day cruise and arrive to find a rowboat: “Same, same, but different.” It’s a saying I’ve heard quite a few times, […]
Things to do in Tam Coc: The Hidden Gem of Vietnam
When it comes to Northern Vietnam, it seems that Sapa has been deemed the most beautiful. Everyone I met said it was their favorite part of their trip. So it was a bit of a bummer when we arrived in Hanoi and heard it was pouring and freezing cold there. I’m a big believer in […]
Bali Backpacking Budget with Per Day Breakdown
Usually, my months are filled with cheap hostels and street food, but this month I was traveling a little differently. I convinced my mom to come visit me in Bali for a much needed month long vacation. Since we’d be traveling together, we chose to stay in homestays instead of hostels and ate at restaurants […]
Trying Laughing Gas Balloons on Cat Ba Island in Vietnam
I should start by stating that this post is meant for entertainment purposes only and is not an endorsement of this activity. While I want to share my personal experience, there are risks and dangers involved with trying laughing gas balloons. Everyone should do their own research before making an informed decision on whether or […]
Why the Halong Bay Overnight Cruise is Overrated
When it comes to travel in Southeast Asia, I always try to keep my expectations in check. Every once in awhile, that gets challenged. My friends, Lisi and Pat, flew out to Vietnam to spend my birthday with me, and we all decided to book a Halong Bay overnight cruise. We were shown an elaborate […]
Book Review: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
I was about to try my hand at mountain climbing for the first time (at the very modest height of 6500m) when I stumbled across the movie Everest on Netflix. After watching it and becoming terrified, I felt I wanted to read the true story behind the 1996 disaster that took place on Mt. Everest. […]
Book Review: Arresting God in Kathmandu by Samrat Upadhyay
Arresting God in Kathmandu by Samrat Upadhyay is a collection of short stories written by the Nepali-American author about everyday life in Kathmandu. The characters are full of flaws making them relatable in a completely uncensored way. It took me a while to finish the book because I’d read one person’s story, put it down, […]
Spending 3 Days & 2 Nights in a Nepali Hospital
As soon as we enter the hospital, everything is a mad dash. I give them my first name and my age. That’s it. It’s all they need to know. The dim hallways feel intimidating. Dirty footprints appear on the wet floors as soon as a woman finishes mopping them, undoing her hard work. The doctors […]