If there’s an equivalent to Ocean Beach in Taiwan, it’s Kenting. In Kenting, unpleasant weather is a rarity and swimmers can enjoy the water year round. The mood is relaxed, and almost…Californian. If you’re traveling …
Asia: travel reviews
A Taste of California in Kenting, Taiwan
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you're feeling a bit hardened by modern life and sense a need to reconnect with the natural world – and even, perhaps, your own heart – try feeding an elephant that's been blinded by …
Stopover in Manila, Philippines
You might find yourself in Manila on a stopover on your way to some of the country’s most pristine beaches – or on the way home from Thailand. Whatever your reason, Manila does have some …
July 28, 2011
Kaohsiung: Southern Taiwan
If you have Taipei on your travel agenda, pencil in Kaohsiung as well. Hop on the high-speed rail in Taipei and exactly 2 hours and 15 minutes later, you’re in southern Taiwan, in Taiwan’s second …
June 14, 2011
Bustling Hong Kong
If you enjoy shopping, eating, bustling cities or all of the above, then Hong Kong’s your destination. With towering state-of-the-art skyscrapers and authentic Southern Chinese culture, Hong Kong is the manifestation of East meets West. …
June 2, 2011
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Sun Moon Lake is located in Central Taiwan, about two hours away via bus from Taichung. It’s the largest freshwater body in Taiwan, and boasts some of the most majestic scenery the country has to …
Sendai, Japan: The Day the Earth Shook
March 11 was a cold, slow-moving Friday afternoon at our home in Sendai. As a freelance writer and translator, I was making a transition, familiar on such idle afternoons. Having finished a bit of urgent …
April 7, 2011
Wrecked People
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. — Dr. Seuss My jaw hung down in disbelief. New images of the cataclysm were pouring in faster …
March 23, 2011
Underrated Taipei, Taiwan
Many Americans don’t know where Taiwan is or mistake it for its Southeast Asian cousin, Thailand. However, for those of you unsure of Taiwan’s location, you’re missing out. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a …
Jiaoxi: Off the Beaten Path in Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan, is slightly reminiscent of Hong Kong, but to really discover this island country, I suggest you travel along the east coast. To start your tour of Taiwan's natural beauty, take a three-hour train …
February 11, 2011
Underrated Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, South Korea, is one of the most underrated places to visit. I highly recommend you visit this vibrant, animated “city of the future.” Although I visited Seoul in November and froze the entirety of …
November 18, 2010
The "Real" Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China
Referencing the book The Lost Horizon, the P.R.C. changed this town’s name to Shangri-La (originally called Zhongdian) in order to attract tourism. We arrived after a long, long sleeper bus ride from Kunming, the capital …
Flashy Shanghai, China
Shanghai is an exciting place to visit and live – it’s essentially the New York City of China, where East meets West. It boasts not only one of the most vibrant economic centers, but also …
October 3, 2010