First Impressions of Kerala, India

It’s 7:30am and I’m sitting on the restaurant patio of Xandari Resort, overlooking the harbor of Fort Kochi. As I eat a massive dosa masala with a side of fruit and plenty of black coffee, I watch the crows, clinging to boats’ metal poles with their talons, chewing on chicken feet. These aren’t feet like … Continue reading First Impressions of Kerala, India

Donald Trump Blues: My Response to the U.S. Presidential Election

It’s now been a week since I felt the San Andreas shake beneath my feet, throwing my heart to the ground and my hope into a hellish vision for the future. No, it wasn’t a real earthquake, because if it had been, I would have enjoyed it. As most everyone is aware, one week ago, … Continue reading Donald Trump Blues: My Response to the U.S. Presidential Election

One Day in Bangkok: How to Make the Most of Your Time

Bangkok is a complex, sensory city filled with grit, bright lights, crowded streets, a mix of modern and old culture, and no shortage of temptation. As the capital of Thailand and a major economic hub, this metropolis is home to over 6 million people, with an estimated 14 million people living in the suburbs. While … Continue reading One Day in Bangkok: How to Make the Most of Your Time

Who, Me? The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Inspiration is one of those intangible things that make this chaotic, and sometimes mundane, life a bit more magical. Whether it comes from art, music, deep conversation, nature, or exposure to something new, inspiration cracks our minds open, revealing fresh possibilities and realms unknown. This inexplicably beautiful experience brings creativity, motivation, and ingenuity to human … Continue reading Who, Me? The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

Celebrating India: Four Major Hindu Festivals

Oh, the many, many places I have yet to see! It spins my mind to think of all the adventures that await me. Still, there are those few countries that stand apart from the rest, beckoning with their unique allure. Will they be as I have imagined? One of the top three countries I have … Continue reading Celebrating India: Four Major Hindu Festivals

Travel Talk Tuesdays 4/15: Asia

TTT Topic: Asia 1) What country do you want to visit the most in Asia? Hands down, I'd choose India. I've been jonesing to visit this country for over eight years, and while I've spent a decent amount of time in Asia, it still hasn't happened. Everyone I've spoken with has said that India is … Continue reading Travel Talk Tuesdays 4/15: Asia

Streets and Scenes of Bogota

Colombia. Drugs. Violence. Guerrillas. Death. Corruption. There is a common misconception within the US- and other first world countries- that these words are synonymous. I decided to write my Master's thesis on La Violencia, or "The Violence", in Colombia to prove that this notion was terribly false. From 1948 to 1958, the country experienced a massive … Continue reading Streets and Scenes of Bogota

Nuns at Teotihuacan

Back in 2005, I had the chance to visit one of the world's oldest UNESCO World Heritage sites. Teotihuacan, located about 45 minutes northeast of Mexico City, Mexico, was built by the Teotihuacanos sometime between the 1st and 7th century, A.D. Its massive structures include the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, and … Continue reading Nuns at Teotihuacan

Lama Temple Wishes

The Lama Temple, formally known as the Yonghe Temple, is one of the many historical sites in Beijing, China. Constructed in the late 17th century primarily as an imperial palace, it later became a place of worship for Tibetan Buddhists. It is known for its 85 foot, or 26 meter, statue of the Maitreya Buddha. While … Continue reading Lama Temple Wishes

On the Road to Penang

On the road again- this time from Kuala Lumpur up north to Penang. The bus I sit in is quite comfortable and air-conditioned- a bit more luxurious than I’m used to. The winding path that takes us through Penang is overwhelming- inundated, lush verdure.  It seems the trees may come in and reach into the bus, brush against me, … Continue reading On the Road to Penang