Asia: travel reviews
The temples of Nara
Ancient Japan at its finest: bronze Buddhas, towering pagodas, sacred (and tame) deer.
In its history as a unified nation, Japan has had three major capitals. Tokyo (the modern capital) and Kyoto (the longest-serving capital) garner most of the international visitors. Tokyo draws those who want to see ...
Riding the Reunification rail
Discover authentic Vietnam on the Saigon–Hanoi train.
I’ve always loved riding trains: Pacific Surfliner, Starlight Express, Eurail, etc. The sound of the train whistle never fails to spark my wanderlust, and I find the combination of comfort and adventure when riding the ...
Istanbul Spice Market
Making my way through thick crowds of people slowly walking, talking on cell phones and holding shopping bags, I found the mounds of spices in the marketplace in Istanbul, Turkey. I'd arrived to buy various ...
Motorbiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Experience Vietnam's magic on this two-week route from Hanoi to Saigon.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail follows the infamous supply route created by the North Vietnamese guerrillas during the Vietnam War. We began our motorbike journey from Hanoi (left), headed toward the south to Ho Chi ...
Israel… A Tale of Two Cities
Modern (Tel Aviv) and ancient (Jerusalem).
In no other country in the world are the two largest cities such polar opposites. Jerusalem, Israel's ancient and current capital city, is both informed and haunted by its history. Tel Aviv, on the other ...
Laos: Same, Same but Different
Immersion in a Hmong mountain village.
It was still dark outside when the roosters' crows aroused me from my slumber. Surrounded by a mosquito net in an unfamiliar cabin, the aching of my body from the previous day's excursion reminded me ...
Hill Tribes of Sapa
A camera gives the author license to steal in Northwest Vietnam.
“Also, being a photographer gives you a license to steal experiences that you ordinarily wouldn’t have. You enter into other people’s worlds who are usually very highly specialized, very rare.” ~ Jay Maisel I love ...
Delve into Delhi
A visit to India as an independent solo traveler is a unique challenge mentally, physically and logistically. I arrived in Delhi in the middle of the night, worked my way through the bustling crowd, and ...
Tainan – Historic Heart of Taiwan
This southern Taiwanese city's a worthy stop for your next Asia tour.
Most travelers to Taiwan simply visit Taipei, its modern capital. Although filled with wonderful sights, Taipei has only been a city of significance since the Chinese Qing dynasty moved the provincial capital there in 1886. ...
Shanghai's Hidden Garden
Venture past the crowds to get lost in Yuyuan.
Tucked away in Old Shanghai City lies Yuyuan Garden, a five-acre oasis in the midst of an otherwise sprawling metropolis. It's only a short walk from Line 10 of the Shanghai Metro, and you’ll be ...
Cambodia's Khmer Legacy
Beyond the tourist sites are Buddhist shrines hidden in the jungle.
The temples of Cambodia arguably stand alone as the finest blending of art and architecture in the world. Most people are aware of the monumental achievements in building championed by the Greeks, Egyptians and Mayans. ...
Cambodia's Creepy Crawly Market
A "Bizzare Foods"–like quest in Siem Reap.
While on a recent visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see friends, I got to know my tuk-tuk (taxi) driver rather well and relied on him to take me places most tourists don’t get to ...
Kanas, China: Following Genghis Khan
See ancient monoliths erected by Khan's Mongol army.
In the northwestern corner of China, where a pointed finger of land pokes into Russia and separates Kazakhstan from Mongolia, the last physical remains of the army of Genghis Khan stand watch. The area is ...
An American in Dalat
(Before Americans were allowed in Dalat.)
“Welcome to Dalat. Please give me your passports. You are American? How do you come here?” Not an unusual greeting from the young female receptionist in a white ao dai local dress at the Dalat ...
Reality Shift in Hyderabad
As much as we see globalization happening on every continent, I have seen a place as-of-yet unaffected. Hyderabad, India, has yet to be conquered by McDonalds, Wal-Mart or Starbucks. You won't find much tourism there ...







Featured Photo
California
Gas pumps still in operation at the four corners in Gustavus. (Called the "four corners" because it's the only intersection in town.)
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