I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND HER FEAR. Here was this elderly and wealthy woman who was terrified of small children ages 5-10. I run a literacy center for a non-profit that invites community volunteers to work with children who are behind grade-level in reading. Out of my 55 volunteers, this elderly woman far exceeds any other…
Growing up, I had always been ashamed. There were no brilliant revolutions to brag about. There were no exotic pictures to show off to friends. In fact, I would likely never bring it up if it weren’t for the inevitable question that follows after someone butchers my name, “Where are you from?” If the cards…
After traveling in China, I needed a place where I could relax, be able to get around using English, and bask in the sun. With cheap flights from Beijing, I found that the Philippines was my best bet. However, choosing an island in the Philippines was the next thing I had to consider. I didn’t…
THIS WAS THE TRIP I LOOKED FORWARD TO THE LEAST. Each time I even uttered the name Beijing, other travelers would gasp and caution me to spend the least time possible in China’s capital city. They warned me about the pollution, the dirt, and the crowds of people. Fortunately, my experience proved them wrong (well..partly…
After traveling through several large Chinese cities, I thought I had seen enough of China. I was overwhelmed (and partly underwhelmed) by the pollution, crowded subways, and huge shopping centers stocked with knock-offs which are characteristic of many Chinese cities. Once I stepped foot in Yangshuo, I completely changed my mind. There is so much…
I’VE HEARD TIRADES AGAINST HIM during human trafficking rallies. I read reports about him in newspapers. I know all about this ‘John’—this monster who is consumer of prostitution. John is that guy who occasionally descends from his ladder of privilege and preys on exploited women by paying for sex. I never thought I would…
I NEEDED A BREAK from the tall skyscrapers, the multiple Starbucks on every corner, and the jam-packed subways that is Shenzhen, China. When my school’s principal offered to take me to visit his hometown in Meizhou, I jumped at the opportunity. Meizhou, a city which still doesn’t have traffic lights at every intersection, is the…
I’m a sucker for architecture. Most of all, I’m obsessed with ruins. I only had three spare days in my tight travel schedule throughout South East Asia. I spent those three days lost in the ruins of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Spoiler Alert: Three days wasn’t enough!
SO MANY PEOPLE DREAMT ABOUT PARIS GROWING UP. I dreamt about Bali. While my friends raved about Paris, I imagined breathtaking beaches. I longed to witness the vibrant Balinese culture. Most of all, I wanted to feel the serenity of a yoga experience in Bali. Joining a yoga retreat was at the top of my Bali…
