My first ever “travel alone” trip was to East Asia and started in Taiwan. I was excited about the nature and the food that I had heard about from some Taiwanese people I knew as well as from Anthony Bourdain’s show. I was also looking forward to all the muscle guys. In my head it…
10 things not to do in Asia
I should be spending time writing a bunch of articles on what to do in Asia, but thought it would be quick and fun to run down a list of things not to do based on some of the (somewhat ridiculous) experiences I’ve had. 1- Don’t take English translations of the food too seriously! Exhibit A…
The Great Double Standard
To ensure the rest of this is not misunderstood I would like to preface it with the fact that I stand with the people of the Ukraine and wish for nothing but a swift end to this (and any) war. Having grown up in war I could not possibly wish this pain on anyone. Having…
No Fat, No Ugly, No Fem. No Rice, No Curry, And No Blacks
I’ve been meaning to write about this for years, but I can’t think of a better time than during the black lives matter protests following George Floyd’s murder (there is nothing alleged about it). A short while ago Grindr decided to remove the ethnicity filter. This started valid debates with a bunch of friends and…
Romance in Bali
Bali is a popular destination for honeymooners and people who are in love. For years I said to myself that I would save it for that trip with the right guy. I said that this wasn’t the place for a solo travel trip. But then I woke up one day and realized that while my…
Things that happen on a plane
Are you expecting a story about the mile high club? Sex in a tiny airplane toilet where there is barely enough room for one person to play sudoku? No thanks – sorry to disappoint you! Walking in on a penis On one of my trips back to lebanon, I sat next to this sweet, super…
Why Taiwan?
This post is long overdue. I kept saying I would write it and I’m finally ready now to answer the nagging question that I am asked over and over by both friends and locals. Why did you keep going back? Yes of course the cute guys are part of it. The few friends I made…
Mexico City – Cultural Heaven
Last year I spent 3 weeks in Mexico City on a business trip with the group that runs the Mexican stock exchange. This was an ideal place to travel to. I knew very little about it and went with an open mind and let the experience form my opinion. Semi naked protests It seemed like every day or two…
The food of Copenhagen
Warning. Lots and lots of food porn. Continue at your own risk. When I love the food in a country, I typically love the country. So you can imagine why I fell head over heals over Copenhagen. The food presentation is beautiful. The ingredients are fresh and healthy and light and the diet is seafood…
Becoming American
As I read a letter I received from the government today notifying me that I am a week from becoming an American citizen, I started to think back to my journey here in this country. It all started in September of 2004 after getting accepted into grad school in Boston. I had arranged to live…
Things to do in Lebanon
East definitely meets west in Lebanon. If you want to visit the Middle East, this is by far the country I recommend starting with. Byblos (Jbeil) I have to start here because this is my favorite part of Lebanon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (since 5000 BC). I…
First visit to Scandinavia – Copenhagen
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on my first visit to a Scandinavian country. I spent 5 days there and it seemed to me that 5 days to a week would be enough to get a proper feel for the city and country. Having said that though, I know I will be back, if only just…
The 200 