I once referred to myself as an expat. But during a recent dinner party at my home, we welcomed “real” American Expats to a long promised and much appreciated home cooked meal.
Monthly Archives: September 2015
OinK: Only in Korea Jjimjibangs & Gangnam Style Now that I’ve been here a little while, I’ve noticed that many of my first impressions still hold up to be true. Only in Korea or OinK– good, bad and indifferent. I …
They are doing it all over Korea. They do it in China. And even though I won’t see it for myself until next month, I suspect they are doing it in Japan too. And contrary to what I’ve read, its not just the school girls. The guys do it to look cool, usually keeping it low and to the side, while the girls do it to look cute, either framing their face or straight up. Now, they’ve even got me doing it too.
First impressions about Beijing… it’s BIG!! Really big. More than 250 million people live in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Imagine that. There are only 50 and 322 million people living gin the entire countries of Korea and the United States respectively.
Peking Duck at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant Our last meal in Beijing concluded with Peking Duck at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant. It is rarely prepared at home because it is considered a celebratory meal. It is a famous dish that …
I was a freaking kid climbing those darn stairs– an old one– but a kid nonetheless!! It was something I’d dreampt about my whole life and I’m paying for it now. I can hardly move but it was worth it a thousamd times over for the views, the bragging rights and the exercise!! Look the Mongolian horde… oh no its just the bloody Brits.
Mandatory Group Shopping Tours in Beijing The Rebel in me talks a lot of smack about the high-pressure mandatory shopping trips the Chinese Government forces tour groups to go on. And shopping in Beijing can be intense. Yes, the Silk …
Steps for Applying for a Federal Job My apartment is set up. Everything I do from now on will be tweaking how I use the small but beautiful space. Our VPN is working and I can stream videos and order …
Off-season makes sense for the savings in hotels, airfare and the decreased crowds. However it works for places like Paris. Paris in the Spring is hell on Earth, but in August, you’ll have some popular attractions all to yourself. Deals are plentiful May thru October to Thailand but you may not enjoy your time (or possibly die trying) because typhoons are likely to pop up anywhere.
4km climb from Bulguksa Temple If you’ve ever envisioned hiking to Seokguram filled with awe, serenity, and breathtaking views, my experience might give you a reality check. As I embarked on the steep 4km climb from Bulguksa Temple to the …
Gyeongju was once the capital of the Silla Dynasty and remnants of its former glory lay all over this pretty college town. And although the original palace was burned to the ground in the 10th century, the man-made pond still maintains its original footprint where many remnants were recently discovered.
Today we visited the last of the 5 areas that comprise Gyeongju’s Historic Area. This area is the least re-rebuilt and visitors are required to use their imagination to see it as it was during the Emperor Silla’s rule.
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Think the Ba Na Hills cable car isn`t worth it? Think again! From a stormy start to stunning views, discover why this Guinness World Record holder for the longest non-stop single-track cable car ride through the clouds to the majestic Golden Hands Bridge became a highlight of our Vietnam adventure!...
https://duffelbagspouse.com/is-the-ba-na-hills-cable-car-to-the-golden-hands-worth-the-hype/
Think the Ba Na Hills cable car isn`t worth it? Think again! From a stormy start to stunning views, discover why this Guinness World Record holder for the longest non-stop single-track cable car ride through the clouds to the majestic Golden Hands Bridge became a highlight of our Vietnam adventure!...
https://duffelbagspouse.com/is-the-ba-na-hills-cable-car-to-the-golden-hands-worth-the-hype/
7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Snowbirds IRL at #WITSUtah and #empirecanyonlodge #visitutah @shegoeswithpurpose
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life`s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life`s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Hanging out in San Gimignano with new friends
Driving along the Amalfi Ciat from Sorrento to Amalfi ITALY.
At Crazy Pizza in Rome zitaly for my birthday with our daughter Ashley.
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/