Week 27: Kyoto
Konnichiwa from Kyoto! One week down in Japan, and it’s been great. Tried ramen for the first time because what better place to do it and seen more brown/white temples in this week than I have in my life (which I guess isn’t saying too much but ya, a lot of temples)....
Midway Reflections
6 months down, 6 to go. Crazy. In Cape Town, I was spoiled with regular hikes, beautiful beaches, and perfect 85 degree and sunny weather. Marrakech brought a lot of tajine, the insane Sahara desert, and a special project with the Amal women’s cooking center. Then, I...
Week 26: Chiang Mai
Big week! Last week in Thailand annnndd I am officially halfway through Remote Year! Check out my halfway reflections here. Otherwise, I got to play with elephants this week and rode on the back of a motorbike through the pouring rain. Culture: 7/11s are everywherreee...
Week 25: Chiang Mai
This week I lived the life of a true digital nomad in Chiang Mai. Lots of fun workspaces, more temples, and a touch of Wildflower. Culture Notes: Buddhist holiday this week: Asanha Bucha Day. It celebrates the day when the Buddha held his first sermon after his...
Week 24: Chiang Mai
Another insanely packed week in Thailand, but man, this country is awesome. A cabaret, a hike, a Buddhism lesson, a cool museum, and a bamboo raft walked into a bar… Culture Notes: Kha and krub are words said at the end of phrases to add politeness. Kha is more...
Week 23: Chiang Mai
Words can’t describe how much happier I am in Thailand. Lesson learned? Can’t lump Asia into one unit and categorically rule it out. Our Nimman neighborhood in Chiang Mai is so sweet and hip, and there’s a view of the mountains from everywhere including my room. The...
Week 22: Hanoi
Last week in Hanoi brought humbling experiences, laughing yoga, and of course, more pho. Culture Notes: Because I’ve been here for 5 weeks, I’ve really gotten to know my little neighborhood. These are the small things I appreciate on my walk to work: Ladies on the...
Week 21: Hanoi
This week was made of new foods, new friends, and life lessons. And yes, it was very, very hot. Reached 102 with a real feel of 120. Cultural Notes: Birthdays are not a huge deal here. They are celebrated but far more important are the anniversaries of deaths in the...
Week 20: Hanoi
Slept on a boat this week in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay! Also went ice skating in the hottest city I’ve ever been. Cultural Notes They make coffee in two well-known ways here: coconut coffee and egg coffee. Wonder why you have a little extra jolt...
Week 19: Hanoi
Sweat a lot this week while trying to find my stride here in Vietnam. The heat/humidity is no joke. Also had my favorite meal of the year! Cultural Notes The word for beer here is ‘Bia’ which ironically sounds a lot like a person from Boston saying the word beer. Can...