October 1, 2024
We all have a story how the travel bug got us. Mine started when I was a university student. I led the school publication, and the president of the student body government and I were invited to join a nationwide student leader’ press conference in Boracay. This was almost twenty […]
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
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 […]
July 8, 2024
Raleigh, where southern charm meets contemporary flair, is a city that embraces its past while forging ahead. Imagine strolling through historic neighborhoods in the morning and sampling innovative cuisine in chic bistros by evening. I personally think it’s a place where the echoes of North Carolina’s rich history mingle with […]
July 8, 2024
Portland, Oregon, where untamed wilderness converges with cutting-edge creativity, is a city of contrasts. Picture yourself hiking through dense forests in the morning and savoring artisanal coffee in a cozy cafe by afternoon. It’s a place where food trucks offer gourmet surprises and indie musicians set the night on fire. […]
July 8, 2024
Durham, where history’s grit mingles with vibrant modernity, is a city that defies expectations. Imagine wandering through old tobacco warehouses repurposed as trendy eateries by day, then enjoying a craft beer in a buzzing pub by night. This isn’t just a place; it’s a testament to transformation, where tradition and […]
July 7, 2024
There is New York the city and there is New York the state. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Lake George is where rugged wilderness meets old-school charm. Picture this: you paddle across crystal-clear waters by day and relish a hearty meal in a cozy lakeside tavern by night. […]
July 5, 2024
Boston is a city that wears its history on its sleeve, where cobblestone streets meet cutting-edge innovation. It’s a place where you can sip chowder in a centuries-old tavern, then catch a game at Fenway, where the ghosts of revolutionaries linger in the crisp New England air. This isn’t just […]
May 25, 2024
Having explored 15-plus European cities since relocating to Munich, Germany, I unequivocally declare Vienna as my favorite, next to Prague. This imperial jewel along the Danube orchestrates a symphony of culture, history, and elegance. Opulent palaces, a classical music legacy, and charming coffeehouse culture contribute to its timeless allure. I […]
May 3, 2024
Welcome to Tulum, where the sun-kissed shores meet the charm of imperfect plumbing and a thriving iguana community. This coastal haven, just an hour and a half from Cancún, has evolved beyond its quaint past. While traffic and waiting lists now dot the scene, fear not – Tulum’s allure persists. […]
May 1, 2024
After Paris, the second French city that I visited was Strasbourg. Half-timbered houses. Gorgeous riverside restaurants adorned by falling red and pink geraniums. The Romanesque cathedral. I loved my three-day stay in Strasbourg. The great thing about exploring little but equally storied and charming cities in France is that you […]
April 16, 2024
Venice is the only Italian city I’ve been to so far, aside from the little coastal Trieste. So I cannot compare it to other popular Italian cities. It may not be my favorite European city, Vienna claimed that spot, but I have to give it to Venice for embracing age […]