There are places you go to see things, and there are places you go to be a part of them. For me, Bardaghat and Lumbini were the latter. I’d heard that Lumbini was a crowded town with an Indian vibe. It was described to me by people who knew my experience with India was unpleasant. […]
Watching Cremations at Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal
When you ask your friends their vacation plans, you’ll rarely hear one tell you that they are spending the day watching open air cremations. In Kathmandu, Nepal cremations have become a bit of a tourist attraction, and while that may sound appalling, it’s actually extremely spiritual. Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is a UNESCO World Heritage […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
My Year in Review: 2017
I used to measure time with what I considered accomplishments. A raise in my salary. A job promotion. Which high end brands I could afford. However, this year was a little different. I stopped measuring time all together, and boy, has this year flown by and stood still all at once. I’ve learned so many […]
Paragliding in Nepal: What It’s Like
I ran across the street in the downpour of rain. Within seconds my entire outfit was soaked. My friends and I all looked at each other and laughed while everyone in the bar was dry. The rain pounded the roof so loud, you almost couldn’t hear the live band. If we were going to be […]
Snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan: What it’s like
The boat hits a wave, and suddenly, we’re airborne. Everyone gasps in unison, grasping for whatever they can hold onto. The boat tips to the right, and finally, lands back on the water evening itself out. We all brace ourselves for the next wave, and when it comes, it’s even bigger than the last. This […]
Finding My Truth at a Meditation Retreat in Thailand
Originally, I had planned to write a guide of what a silent retreat is like based on the day-to-day activities, but I don’t think a guide could ever prepare someone for what a meditation retreat in Thailand is really like. Almost everyone I spoke to before leaving wanted me to update them on how it […]
Taking Muay Thai Classes in Thailand: What it’s like
I’m officially making my mom proud by taking a class where I learn to kick some booty. I think the proper term would be “self defense”, but that doesn’t sound nearly as fun. Learning Muay Thai is probably one of the best workouts and therapy anyone could ask for. This form of martial arts originated […]