Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Please enjoy a story, past and present, to hopefully soften the dinner table in these tumultuous times. Be health, be good, savor whatever happiness you can find this holiday
Thanksgiving is possibly my favorite holiday, and I was blessed to bring it as a gift for a group of Vietnamese and Travelers that I am proud to call friends. Follow my adventure, about 9 months in the past, as I continue chasing Bourdain’s ghost and, hopefully honoring his legacy. Happy Belated Tony!
Hanoi is a beautiful place. I run around, eating food, making and meeting friends, and seeing a new city. The people are ridiculously nice, from the boys in the public gym by the lake, to the hostel owners who invited me to lunch multiple times, to the Buddhism temple ceremony pictured.
In Old Town, at the Dali Lao Shay Youth Hostel, a collection of strangers make a home for a week. A blessed adventure.
In Shanghai, I meet a Kansas City ex-pat who starts his own BBQ business. It’s fantastic and I write a review for the two excellent meals I had there.
Not Getting Lucky. Well. Sort of. Well, not that lucky. Just. Just read the post. 14 hours in Macau
I explore Sendai, and am invited to lunch by a Japanese chef. He cooks me a proper Japanese meal, and I am able to learn a little about him as a person and Japan as a culture. Great experience. Google Maps Review in the Blog
For the 1st Annual Bourdain Day, I write another letter to the legend, where a couple of South Germans and a wandering New Yorker find commonality on a Kyoto Rooftop; over beers, cigarettes, food, and eventually karaoke. Ft. Delicious okonomiyaki!
A few pictures of the first week in Hokkaido, Japan. A letter to Bourdain on the immense choices we have as people.
I worked to put my thoughts on paper after hearing about Anthony Bourdain’s suicide. First notification on my phone that morning. Really tough. I tried to explain who a total stranger was to me and why that matters and what next. Featured Reading at Another Open Mic, June 28, 2018
Climbing the tower of the Church of Our Saviour in Copenhagen completed a sidequest bestowed upon me by my friends in Kalmar. The journey was well worth it, and I had some interesting interactions with multiple international tourists. The accumulation of events echoed ideas of the Tower of Babel in my mind.
The last of the adventures, taking me from Utila to home. It’s a lot of sadness, but I couldn’t be more proud of the last few weeks before leaving. The island was filled with adventure and joyful souls. Come join for the last of the adventures. Not exactly what I wanted, but I will be back, one day soon, with more tales of travels and exploration. Cheers!
Coming on the end of the travel blogs, and I’m floored by my blessings. Thank you for journeying with me and continue to enjoy my writings.
A gorgeous paradise exists in the northern Yucatan peninsula. A little hidden island is home to the most beautiful beaches, creatures, and people. Finding my way there is complete happenstance, but it’s so excellent I can’t wait to go back.
A little adventure in the heart of Vietnam, with an excellent friend, SJ and a lucky save from a local.
A small story and huge photo drop of motorbiking in Vietnam. It’s a classic Vietnam travel experience and for good reason. The ability to get that close to the country is unparalleled and thoroughly worth every minute, risks and all. Sorry for the huge delay. So many things piled up, but enjoy the video at the bottom for a collection of rides and friends.
Sorry I’ve been away long. Many hours spent settling into home, protesting, friends, and mostly code.
Cat Ba is special. I say that about a lot of places, but this one is solid top 3. Mostly for the friends. Here’s one to Alana and Kate, Xuan and Zee-oi. But it’s about rock climbing. No rope, over deep water. In Northern Vietnam. It’s a pretty rad time.
Much love family. See you in the next one.
I have a wonderful time for my first time in Hong Kong. In the midst of it’s civil unrest, I found a wealth of culture in many aspects. The multitude and magnitude of this unusual city make it’s one of my favorite destinations.
A quick summary of SCUBA diving and living in Koh Tao, South Thailand. Got an Advance Licence and scammed by the local mafia all in 5 days!
There are special places in the world. I found my beautiful home. I’m am just so grateful to have friends there, to have shared the space with amazing people. Also the freaking food! Oh My God. Anyway. Go to Pai. It’s amazing
My friends have had some bad days recently, and I am no exception. Even as I continue my adventures around the world. This one is not chronological to the story of my travels, but I believe it is important to share now. Cheers you lovely humans.
A random day from the most wonderful place in the planet, Pai, Thailand. I miss that town a lot, and I can’t wait to go back. My friends. I miss you. The adventure. The calm. The food. The people. What a slice of heaven on earth.
A summary of some Chinese adventures including how I pushed myself too hard and found myself desperately sick in Xian, cutting short some of my China plans. But so many blessings. So many adventures. Very grateful to the world and to you readers and special shout out to Lomig for the save and fun!
I spend a day with my friend Dorothy in Heifei’s First International Hospital in the Radiology department. It’s a really weird adventure but super rewarding and a novel experience for sure.
Traveling through Hefei to connect and reconnect with Family. I make a great group of Ex-pat friends, but the “Paris of China” is not highly recommended on my travel list. Still, wondrous adventures!
One of my highlight experiences of my trip so far, hiking Yakushima. This southern island is the inspiration for Princess Mononoke. I saw the oldest cedar tree in existence, 10,000 years old and definitely a god. Lots of waterfalls. We at the most outstanding local sushi, local venison, and grilled fish. Hot springs and car camping. Just a packed and outstanding day. Please read and enjoy the pictures!
Some thoughts from EDC Japan and Tokyo. Just an amazing experience to have in another country. It made me think about the sort of person I want to be, in relation to myself, to others, and towards Gods.
Sorry I haven’t posted in a month! A few obstacles made it functionally impossible [Surface Charger broke and I needed a new one] Please enjoy this piece about my friends in Tsukuba and my friend in Maebashi!
Two different meals, radically different. Yet they still show how food brings people together, as an art form and an expression of love.
[Also sorry the delay in post. Pai has got me badly. Will be updating again in the coming days.]
Shout out to the Canadians who made Sapporo and Tokyo wonderful adventures. Kiah, Kail, Maddie! Thank you! A reflection on some of Tokyo and the chaotic thing I call life now.
Taking a break from the Tony letters, I find myself thinking about how and why I’ve been traveling. What that has meant towards our ultimate goal of detachment of the things outside of ourselves while having the greatest adventures
Unsurprisingly, no 4th of July celebrations in China. Still the Holiday is one of my favorites, Beer, BBQ, Fireworks, and America. I take some time to be grateful for what isn’t in America, and very apparent in China, and share those thoughts with you. Happy Fourth!
One of my favorite days abroad so far. A tiny Japanese town opens it’s massive human heart. It’s the most wonderful of days all together.
My first, but not my last, time sleeping outdoors in Japan. It was a harrowing experience, more mental than anything else, but a worthwhile one. Also, pictures and adventures in Toya!
How we communicate with each other is a lot more than language; but English definitely helps! I visit the city of Otaru, outside Sapporo for some excellent moments; a Japanese local, a Australian father and pilot, a free ice pop!
Even in Japan, demons can follow you. And those bags don’t pay the extra fees on flights. Just a little bit on my mindset in Sapporo, plus a whole butt load of photos and videos! Shout out Lincoln, who’s working on the things himself
A beautiful day in Sapporo, three days into the travels has me reveling in the wonderment of it all, and slightly panicking at how it could even get better. Between praying at shrines and eating sushi, I find serenity
Some thoughts during the last week or two of New York, and how leaving is difficult in so many ways, but that’s just a blessing. And the adventures before me are even bigger blessings.
