How to Cope (11)

Sobering Travel Realities

Friday, August 22nd, 2014

Water_Shot

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 …

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Posted in How to Cope | 1 Comment »

My Foreigner Freak Out

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 …

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Posted in How to Cope | 3 Comments »

How to Cope with Creepy Crawlies

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 …

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How to Cope with Political Instability

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Zambia, Sept. 2011 - Globe & Mail photo
Zambia, Sept. 2011 - Globe & Mail photo

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 …

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Posted in How to Cope | 4 Comments »

How to Cope with Sexual Harassment

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 …

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How to Cope with Holidays Abroad

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

Sam & Erin in Hawaii for Thanksgiving
Sam & Erin in Hawaii for Thanksgiving

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 …

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How to Cope with Terrifying Traffic

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Crossing Rd Hanoi
Or “How the chicken crossed the road.”

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 …

Posted in Asia Pacific, How to Cope | No Comments »

How to Cope with Loneliness

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

Lonely_by_FrozenStardust1
Lonely_by_FrozenStardust1When 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 …

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How to Cope with a Talkative Seat Mate

Monday, June 7th, 2010

post-megaphone-dude

dude  won't shut up 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 …

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How to Cope with a Crying Baby

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

The  culprit: Crying Baby #1

The culprit: Crying Baby #1

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 …

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