DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Busan by the Sea: Top Attractions You Can’t Miss in 2025 Posted on September 17, 2025February 1, 2026 Busan always surprises me with new sights, flavors, and hidden corners. Each visit reveals fresh experiences—from secondhand book alleys to bustling seafood markets, from coastal trails to glittering night cruises. Mountains and sea surround the city, giving every adventure a stunning backdrop. Busan feels endlessly alive, layered, and magical. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Experience Taormina at Its Best: Gardens, Sea Breezes, and Ancient Ruins Posted on September 15, 2025December 21, 2025 My real estate agent is probably no different than any of the realtors here in Daegu. Real estate agents in the US, show you properties and once you select one, collect their fee and move on. But not here in Korea. He translates the mail, pays all my utilities for me and drink soju and dance to American rap classics. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Postcard from the Past: A Time Capsule in Busan Posted on September 10, 2025December 21, 2025 Journey through time with a special postcard from Busan. This blog post shares an adventure of writing to the future, receiving the past, and reliving unforgettable experiences. Dive into a unique solo trip and be inspired to create your own time capsule. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES My Top 10 Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand Posted on August 28, 2025January 10, 2026 Thailand is filled with temples, but these ten stood out to me the most. From Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha in Bangkok to mountaintop stupas in Lampang and the glowing tree of Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, each temple offers beauty, history, and devotion. This personal list reflects the places that felt unforgettable in design, setting, and spirit. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Rome Was the Best City in the World to Study Abroad at Oxford Posted on August 22, 2025December 20, 2025 On a whim, I entered an essay contest in my final year of college to attend the University Oxford. And I won. Initially, I thought having Oxford on my resume would open doors to me upon graduation. While I’m sure it didn’t hurt, the doors it opened weren’t necessarily career oriented. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know About Wat Ban Pong Pagoda Before You Go Posted on July 31, 2025November 15, 2025 Wat Ban Pong is a quiet hilltop temple near Chiang Mai, known for its 900-step forest climb and peaceful setting. Built over 19 years, the temple offers wide views, simple beauty, and a break from city crowds. A small café at the base makes the visit both reflective and relaxing. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Manhattan in a Weekend: Old Favorites, New Stops, and One Tough Puzzle Posted on July 28, 2025April 12, 2026 Each visit to Manhattan, Kansas, brings something new. My son Malik is a senior at Kansas State University, so we’ve spent many weekends here. We’ve done the campus tours, the football games, and even axe-throwing. But this time, we slowed down. We leaned into the quieter side of the “Little… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Frankfort to Copper Harbor: The Best Northern Michigan Road Trip Posted on July 21, 2025January 14, 2026 This Northern Michigan road trip looped from Frankfort to Copper Harbor, with stops for hikes, beaches, cafes, and lakeside views. We skipped the rush and leaned into quiet mornings, local food, and open skies. Each stop gave us something different—and reminded us to slow down and take it all in. Read more