Why you should talk to strangers when you travel
I met Jason in December 2013 while traveling in Bangkok with my cousin and her friend. We were eating pad thai from a street vendor when I heard him converse with somebody in English...
Category: friends
How to get friends to visit Hermosa Beach
“Who’s coming?” Kyle asked. “Right now just Malik, but we’ll see.” I was planning a weekend trip to Hermosa Beach to watch beach volleyball, and didn’t know who else would want to come. I...
The Complaint Criteria
“How was Orchard City Kitchen?” I asked Claire. “It was ok,” she said. “What happened?” Her response told me everything I needed to know, but I wanted details. Her boyfriend Erwan jumped in, “It...
Dim Sum and Everything Bagels
“I’m going to get some dim sum, do you want to come?” I asked Divya. “Food sounds good, but what is dim sum?” Divya asked. “It’s Chinese food…you can come and see it.” “Can...
No substitutions allowed?
A few weeks ago I was having a team lunch at Dish Dash, and my coworker (let’s call her Ashley) asked the waiter, “Can I get the tabsi falafel, but substitute the eggplant for...
My first time in Vegas…
…was this past weekend. Prior to this trip, people are usually surprised I’ve made it this far in life without visiting the city of sin. I suppose that’s because Vegas is like a rite...
Farewell 2021; Hello 2022
Last week a friend told me about YearCompass, and I’ve been using their free digital guide to reflect on how 2021 was for me, and what I would like 2022 to look like. Below...
My Hawaiian Vacation, part 2
So I’m back from Hawaii, and I just want to let everyone know that yes, you can visit Oahu twice in one year and have a great time. (I also want to note here...
The Travel Criteria, part 2
“Real talk,” Jason said, as if he were waiting for the other shoe to drop, “how was the Portland trip for you?” We had just gotten back from a rainy weekend trip to Portland....
Great Expectations, part 2
So I’m going camping this weekend, and I’m excited because it’s a fun group of people that I helped get together. The problem with being excited about a trip like this, though, is…what if...
Ted, thanks for your courage for speaking out your thoughts, especially right after this horrible event. It's been a a…