August 29, 2024
If you’ve ever wandered into Singapore for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a paradox—an urban jungle that’s at once futuristic and profoundly traditional. I’ve been there twice, and each visit unraveled new layers of this young and small country’s genius. It’s a place where […]
August 19, 2024
I earned my PADI diving license in Dauin, a swim away from Apo Island, and what better way to celebrate than with a dive in the mesmerizing waters of Apo Island. I had snorkeled and free-dived here countless times, but nothing prepared me for the surreal experience of exploring its […]
August 13, 2024
Celebrating an anniversary calls for an unforgettable romantic getaway. Exotic islands offer the perfect backdrop with their pristine beaches and clear waters. Picture a secluded bungalow in the Maldives or a luxury villa in Bora Bora. Maybe you’d prefer an adventure-filled escape to Fiji. These idyllic spots let couples relax, explore, […]
August 5, 2024
Living in Hanoi made me long for the vast quietness of the countryside. Ninh Binh was always my weekend fix during my four-year stint in Vietnam’s capital. Ninh Binh’s huge rafts of farmed white ducks wallowing in its many waterways, with the expanse of rice fields in different shades of […]
August 5, 2024
Philadelphia is a city steeped in history, grit, and a love for the underdog. Here, the echoes of revolution mix with the hum of bustling markets and the aroma of diverse cuisine. Philly is more than just cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell—it’s a living, breathing narrative of resilience and innovation. […]
August 5, 2024
Hanoi—where history meets hustle and the streets pulse with life. This what draws me and made me stay for four years, first as a digital nomad, then I went back to teaching full-time. It was the eclectic energy. The relentlessness. The restlessness that made me stay. For first-timers navigating this […]
August 5, 2024
With my four years in Vietnam, Ninh Binh singularly took the number one spot as the most visited. I regularly visited this place on my own especially during the pandemic since it is just 1 hour and 30-min away from Hanoi by limousine—the locals’ word for spacious shared van. When […]
August 4, 2024
As an island gal based in Munich, Germany, I get the profound yearning for the sea. Skiathos, Greece, has become my cherished refuge, offering boundless beaches and the calming presence of the ocean. Fun fact: Skiathos is part of the Sporades island group, named after the Greek word for ‘the […]
August 2, 2024
Welcome to Pittsburgh, a city that’s more than just steel and sports. At the confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh is a gritty, proud town reinventing itself as a hub of culture, cuisine, and creativity. With its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and culinary gems, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. If […]
August 1, 2024
Welcome to my beloved Hanoi, a city that never fails to surprise. As someone who’s called this place home for four years, I can assure you that each street, market, and hidden corner has a story waiting to unfold. This Hanoi travel itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to dive […]
August 1, 2024
I forgot to bring a jacket. The air was thick with the distinct smell of an air-conditioned vehicle. A slightly smaller yellow bus, three vans, and some private Pajeros were in front of our bus, the biggest among the rest. I took the number of vehicles as premonitions and folded […]
July 26, 2024
As an expat teacher in Hanoi for four years, I can honestly say this city has a pulse unlike any other. From the bustling streets filled with the scent of street food to the vibrant markets teeming with life, Hanoi is a place that inspires. I came here as an […]