My memories of travel are a series of snapshots, vignettes of particularly potent experiences in each destination. A chance encounter, an adventure gone awry, or a spectacular meal cooked to perfection. Oftentimes, those vignettes are tied to the catalyst which led me to be interested in visiting that place to begin with. Descending over Ulaanbaatar …
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The Cave City of Uplistsikhe
I have lived in cities for so long that it’s only when I leave that I realize how much I feel smothered by them. Drab worlds of concrete and steel, the press of bodies rushing to and fro, the sharp tang of exhaust fumes and rot choking my lungs… You almost get used to it. …
Five Things to Do in Mtskheta
While Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and has been so for centuries, there was a time when the title belonged to another city. From the 3rd century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., the ancient kingdom of Kartli (or Iberia, as it was known in the West) occupied this territory with Mtskheta as its …
Tbilisi Hack Free Tour REVIEW
I love exploring cities on my own. Arriving in a new place, getting a map or guidebook, picking a direction to wander, and just… meandering through the city is one of my favorite things to do. But as fun as it can be to explore a destination by yourself, sometimes having an insider’s perspective can …
Best Visa-Free Countries for Americans to Visit
The Passport Index recently ranked the US Passport at Power Rank 5, along with Canada, Malaysia, Switzerland, and Ireland. This gives Americans plenty of options for visa-free travel, but most of those destinations allow Americans to stay for 30-90 days before requiring a visa of some sort. There are, however, a few countries which offer …
First Impression of Tbilisi
The cabbie gesticulated wildly at me as I approached. “No more bus! Eight o’clock!” as he pushed another tourist and me to get into his car. We were the only ones standing at the bus stop outside Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, and it was so early the sun hadn’t even risen. I’d been at the …
One Last Ride to Daewonsa
Some of my most memorable — and certainly most exciting — travel memories are tied to motorbikes. Whether that be my first ride across the Mongolian steppes, riding around both islands of Samoa with my friend Melissa, or my multi-day scoot to Taroko Gorge and back, I’ve had some truly epic adventures. But one thing …
Getting a Pension Refund in South Korea
South Korea has a national pension scheme where employers and employees each make a monthly contribution toward a pension fund, which is managed by the National Pension Service. Foreigners — depending on the agreement their government has worked out with South Korea — contribute as well, which makes for a nice little nest egg of …
Jukdo Market in Pohang
Before Pohang was a steel town, it was a fishing town. Its proximity to the fishing grounds of the East Sea makes it a perfect harbor for grizzled fishermen and their bounties. A huge variety of fish and shellfish are found in these waters, including the Pacific herring used to make gwamegi — a Pohang …
Farewell to My 20s!
Ten years. Looking ahead, it seems like such a long time, but looking back it’s amazing to see how the time has flown. It seems like such a short time ago that I was planning my first trip overseas. But then, when I think back to what I’ve done in that time, the span of …