Friday, August 22nd, 2014
Last week, my good friend Marianna asked me during one of my recent readings how I had changed after my two years abroad. I said I was more serious. She gave me a sad face. But it’s true.
I think …
Monday, September 17th, 2012
Yesterday I had a Grade A foreigner freak out. And boy was it a doozey – I was shouting some internationally recognized bad words and I tried to get the police involved. Whoa….
After more than 20 months on the …
Monday, August 27th, 2012
I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with creepy crawlies during my years on the road including encounters with snakes, scorpions, and spiders. On the upside, these varied and heart-stopping experiences have helped hone my survival instincts.
To help avoid …
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
During the last 2 months, I’ve left 3 countries because of fears of political violence: Egypt, Zambia & Malawi.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), I’m fine-tuning my radar to detect sticky political situations – those incidents that have the capacity to spiral …
Saturday, August 13th, 2011
Cairo is thought to be one of the worst cities in the world for women—specifically because of the prevalence of harassment that abounds. I came across this aggression repeatedly during my one week visit.
A 2008 study by the Egyptian …
Thursday, May 26th, 2011
Last Easter I got a little homesick. I was Ok until mom started relaying the brunch menu: mac & cheese, honey ham, steamed asparagus….oh man!
So I decided I needed a few coping mechanisms to surviving holidays when I’m far …
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Yes, you’d think crossing the street would be basic, but not in Vietnam’s manic traffic — with more than 20 million motor bikes on the road.
Seriously, a major intersection is a major …
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
When I talk about my big trip coming up one of the first questions is: Won’t you get lonely?Here’re my thoughts on traveling solo and how to deal with loneliness on the road.
1) I don’t really get lonely. Mainly because …
Monday, June 7th, 2010
Up in the Air — June 5, 2010 We’ve all been saddled with that guy who just won’t shut up. We smile pleasantly and nod our head and keep glancing back to our magazine – but he doesn’t get the …
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
May 19, 2010 — Mid-Air Flight
On my flight last Saturday between Charlotte and SFO, I encountered The Most Unfair Mother in the World. She was there with her screaming infant child, who, as she …