CULINARY TRAVEL 5 Pretty Cafes and Coffeehouses in the Quad Cities Posted on November 30, 2023January 14, 2025 Embarking on our first coffeehouses in the Quad Cities, Steven and I chose Vibrant Coffeehouses and Kitchen as our destination. Housed in a spacious warehouse-style setting, the coffeehouse offered a delightful array of coffee, desserts, salads, and sandwiches. The reasonably priced avocado toast, priced at $4.95, stood out on the menu, and the experience of ordering in the States without breaking the bank was a pleasant surprise. Read more
PLACES Luang Prabang in 4 Days: Discovering the City’s Charms Posted on November 28, 2023July 15, 2024 Each itinerary is unique, but this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang offers a perfect introduction to one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. From yoga in a temple with a former monk to swimming in the crystal-clear pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls– there’s something for everyone. Ultimately, it is a condensed version of the 9-day version of our vacation to Luang Prabang that can be easily altered depending on your interests. However, with this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang, you will enjoy the surrounding nature, hike, get pampered, eat some good food, and more. Read more
PLACES Navigating the Mean Streets of South Korea Posted on November 26, 2023June 28, 2024 Despite its small size, the massive population shapes today’s vibrant society. Additionally, South Korea strikes a balance between preserving its cultural identity and embracing elements of Western culture. One aspect I found unexpectedly frustrating was walking in the Korean streets. When I first moved here, I had certain expectations – people forming orderly queues, using sidewalks, and politely apologizing if they accidentally bumped into me. Read more
CULINARY TRAVEL Scenic Route Bakery: A Route 66 Cafe Pitstop in Des Moines Posted on November 25, 2023October 27, 2024 Discovering Des Moines: A Road Trip Adventure We made an unexpected yet delightful pitstop in Des Moines during our road trip from Kansas to Illinois. Moreover, it’s a city we had never explored before. However, little did we know that this charming city would hold a culinary gem that would… Read more
PLACES Embrace South Korean Winter Luxury at Sono Belle Resort Posted on November 23, 2023May 20, 2024 Are you on the hunt for the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving weekend? Well, you’re in luck because I’m excited to share one of my top picks with you. Imagine this: you’re surrounded by the stunning snowy vistas of Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, and there’s a cozy room with a view of the slopes waiting just for you – that’s Sono Belle. It’s a modern ski resort nestled right at the base of the mountains, blending style and comfort seamlessly. This resort is all about offering you a winter getaway like no other. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL TIPS Public Service Announcement: Shipping Your Car to and from South Korea Posted on November 21, 2023June 28, 2024 Our one-day pit stop from South Korea turned into an 8-day extended layover in St. Louis. Follow us on our first road trip back in the US. Read more
CULINARY TRAVEL Discover the Winter Swan Cafe: A Blend of South Asian Flavors in Rochester Posted on November 19, 2023September 17, 2024 The first cafe I enjoyed visiting in Rochester was located within a stunning historic building in the heart of East Rochester. This is where I stumbled upon the Winter Swan Cafe, a delightful coffee shop that seamlessly blends the vibrant flavors of Vietnam and Thailand. Tucked within the recently expanded… Read more
MILITARY RELATED Camp Walker Lodging: Where Every Stay is a New Adventure in Daegu Posted on November 18, 2023December 20, 2024 I’ve encountered my fair share of mediocre hotels, but none can quite compare to our current lodgings, which happen to be at Army Lodging on Camp Walker. This place has swiftly earned the title of my least favorite. Camp Walker serves as temporary accommodation for military and Department of Defense… Read more