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.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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OinK: 15 Fun, Strange, and Only-in-Korea Experiences You’ll Never Forget
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 am enjoying my new temporary home and getting as acclimated…
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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The Truth About the Peace Sign in Asia: Why It’s Everywhere
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.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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First Impressions of Beijing: What It’s Really Like Exploring a City This Big
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Why Peking Duck at Quanjude Is the Best Way to End a Trip to China
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.
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING
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Beijing Shopping Secrets: Finding Real Deals in the Middle of the Madness
High-pressure markets. Forced factory stops. Knockoff bags inches from your face. Beijing’s mandatory shopping tours feel chaotic, scripted, and impossible to escape. Yet somewhere between jade factories, silk pitches, and relentless bargaining, real deals appear—and so does a deeper lesson about power, pricing, and how tourism really works.
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD
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The Truth About Moving Abroad: When Unpacking Turns Into Job Hunting
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…
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING
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What You Need to Know Before You Start Planning Your Next Trip
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.