CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Free Bella: The Fight to Release a Beluga Whale in Seoul Posted on January 9, 2024December 28, 2025 I stopped going to zoos and aquariums a while ago because I’ve become uneasy about keeping animals in such places. Recently, I came across the story of Bella, a Beluga whale, and it strengthened my belief that we need to reconsider how we treat animals in captivity. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Peoria, Illinois Posted on January 7, 2024April 13, 2026 In Peoria, the Illinois River isn’t merely a waterway; it serves as the central thread weaving together a tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re soaring high in the parks, gazing into the cosmos from an observatory, exploring the city’s rich history in museums, or leisurely drifting along the river on a cruise. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Raohe Night Market Guide: How to Eat Your Way Through 600 Stalls Posted on January 5, 2024July 24, 2026 The Raohe Night Market is just one of the night markets in the city. Raohe Night Market, situated in Taipei’s Songshan District near Ciyou Temple, is easily recognizable by the distinctive Ciyou Temple arch marking its main entrance. The market boasts a straightforward layout, extending for several blocks with stalls lining both sides. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend an Arts-Filled Day in Little Rock, Arkansas Posted on January 3, 2024April 13, 2026 Welcome to Little Rock, a city of diverse charm. From style and serenity to history and culture, this destination unfolds unique experiences. Immerse yourself in local art, explore nature’s beauty, and savor distinctive flavors. Little Rock invites you to explore the local art, natural beauty, and the city’s distinctive flavors. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Spiritual Destinations for Your 2024 New Year’s Resolutions Posted on January 1, 2024December 20, 2025 We all need to escape from our stress-filled lives from time to time. As a result, we are seeking spiritual journeys where we can recharge our batteries and find peace and balance. Here are 4 of my favorite places to do just that. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD How Life in the USA Feels After Leaving South Korea Posted on December 30, 2023June 28, 2026 I miss living by the ocean and the mountains. I miss being able to go hiking and hear monks chat echo across Palgongsan. I miss feeling anxious, excited, unsure, and overwhelmed– all at the same time. And I definitely miss being able to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at a corner market in either direction. It doesn’t take long for reverse culture shock to be a genuine hurdle for settling back into life at home. American Reverse Culture Shock is a phenomenon that goes beyond the anticipated cultural adjustments of moving abroad and reintegrating back into life in the USA. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip on Germany’s Fairytale Route Posted on December 27, 2023July 27, 2026 Germany is the country of the Brothers Grimm. Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty are some of their most famous fairy tales. You can recapture your childhood and find inspiration in the tales of the Brothers Grimm along the Fairytale Road in Germany. And it’s one of the country’s most scenic drives, too. This scenic route offers a picturesque drive through the country and invites you to delve into the intriguing nuances of the Brothers Grimm’s storytelling. However, be prepared for an experience that may defy your preconceived expectations. Read more
HOTELS How to Enjoy a Road Trip Across America: 30 Days in Marriott Hotels Posted on December 26, 2023August 14, 2026 Come along on our big trip across the U.S.! We’re hitting the road after living in South Korea for three years. For the next month, we’re crashing at Marriott Hotels everywhere. We’ll be checking out incredible landmarks, catching up with family, and finally settling down in the cornfields of Illinois. Please stick around for 30 days of stories from our journey, where Marriott is our home away from home at every pit stop. Read more