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
Read more
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
Read more
Sistine Chapel at Opening: Twenty Quiet Minutes Under a Painted Sky
I arrived at the Sistine Chapel when the doors opened and found myself almost alone beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling. For twenty quiet minutes, I lay on a wooden bench and looked up without distraction. What happened in that silence changed how I understood the art—and the man who painted it.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
Read more
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
Read more
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.
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD
Read more
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
Read more
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.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
Read more
The Truth About the Seokguram Hike: More Sweat Than Serenity
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.