DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Everything You Need to Know About a Dinner Cruise in Tokyo Posted on October 29, 2015December 20, 2025 5 days exploring the quirky neighborhoods of Tokyo culminates on a sunset dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay with delicious food, awesome service and amenities, and a great picture window to see the Tokyo skyline. Read more
MILITARY LIFE & TRAVEL Baumholder Military Life: What Made Our German Apartment So Special Posted on October 15, 2015December 30, 2025 Don’t get me wrong, I loved our little apartment in Baumholder, but that town was well-known for its contrary weather. We fondly and not so fondly referred to it as the rock. We lived in an old stone mansion that had been renovated into four large apartments. We shared the second floor with a retired German officer. The first floor was split between a US Major and his wife. Across the hall was a 90+ year old German widow. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Daegu Opera House: The Best Cultural Night Out for Travelers Posted on October 11, 2015December 27, 2025 Opera in Daegu, you say? Heck yes. I put on my favorite little black dress and had a blast. Since 2004, the Daegu Opera House Foundation has offered a full schedule of local and well-known popular operas, concerts, musicals, and ballets like Aida and Figaro. We paid 30,000 Won each… Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD The Best of Both Worlds: Military Support and Korean Experiences Posted on September 30, 2015November 15, 2025 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. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Why Peking Duck at Quanjude Is the Best Way to End a Trip to China Posted on September 9, 2015May 3, 2026 This blog explores the iconic Peking Duck experience in Beijing, from the legendary Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant to the art of preparing and eating the dish. It reveals why cooking it at home is nearly impossible and shares the rich cultural tradition behind every crispy bite of this beloved Chinese delicacy. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD The Truth About Moving Abroad: When Unpacking Turns Into Job Hunting Posted on September 3, 2015December 27, 2025 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 from JCPenney’s. I met a few of my neighbors, even… Read more
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING What You Need to Know Before You Start Planning Your Next Trip Posted on September 1, 2015May 13, 2026 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Truth About the Seokguram Hike: More Sweat Than Serenity Posted on September 1, 2015February 25, 2026 I expected serenity on the 4km climb from Bulguksa to Seokguram. Instead, fog erased the views, steep drops tested our nerves, and the line to see the Buddha stretched over an hour. Was the hike worth it? Here’s the honest truth no brochure mentions. Read more