The sound of the mounted police riding past my Charleston house sent shivers down my spine years later, despite the fact that there was nothing afoul with their patrol. It brought me back to the first time I ever saw mounted police, in Paris on New Years Eve 2006. But since my very first trip … [Read more...] about Traveling During Turmoil
Sleeping in History at Majestic Hotel Saigon
Embellished archways, golden ironwork and balconies overlooking the city made me feel like I was living out A Room with a View as I checked into the Majestic Hotel in Saigon, Vietnam. The 1920s French Colonial style hotel wouldn't look out of place in the Champs-Elysées, but instead … [Read more...] about Sleeping in History at Majestic Hotel Saigon
10 Lessons from Three Months in Southeast Asia
Anthony Bourdain related going to Asia for the first time like finding out there's a new color you never knew existed and I feel the same way. It's overwhelming and surprising and always a little bit stressful. There's constantly something new to experience, from the bizarre looking fruits … [Read more...] about 10 Lessons from Three Months in Southeast Asia
Losing My Grandmother In London
I've had some pretty bad luck throughout my year of travels, but I'm not the only one. On my first trip to London, I went with my mom, sister and grandmother. It was a gift for my sixteenth birthday. My Meme is an intrepid traveler herself, having seen every continent, so she makes it a point to … [Read more...] about Losing My Grandmother In London
Where I Slept in Southeast Asia
I didn't sleep in the same bed for more than a week for the last three months, including some luxury hotels, some guesthouses and my fair share of boats and trains. Most were to my liking and we soon learned that for $20 USD per night, we could get comfortable rooms, free breakfast and free WiFi … [Read more...] about Where I Slept in Southeast Asia