An Olympian Walks into a Bar
I have to write about Stefan Boermans, one of the coaches at the beach volleyball camp. Stefan placed fifth at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the first time I noticed him was actually in...
Category: travel
Breakfast Lessons in Sri Lanka, part 2
“What I don’t understand,” Sanne started, “is why Americans ask ‘how are you’ when they don’t care about the answer.” “Ah yes,” I said. “You’re right. They don’t care. It’s just another way of...
How to have conversations, part 2
“Is this an interview?” Krystof asked, smiling. “How many siblings do you have? Do they play beach volleyball? Who plays beach volleyball the best? What other sports do you play?” “You have a good...
Breakfast Lessons in Sri Lanka, part 1
I’m back from Sri Lanka and still reflecting on what an amazing time I had. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the hotel breakfast, and not just because I love breakfast...
The First Conversation of 2026
I did not have “spending New Year’s with strangers in Sri Lanka” on my 2025 bingo card, but that’s how I roll. As I’m writing this, we’re between training sessions on New Year’s Day,...
The Awkward Part
Day 1 of the volleyball camp is officially in the books. As I’m writing this it’s actually day 3 in Sri Lanka, the morning of the 2nd day of training, but I digress. To...
Why I’m going to Sri Lanka
I’m writing this while on a 17-hour flight to Singapore, which somehow manages to be longer than a flight to Australia. From there, I’ll stay overnight at an airport hotel, then hop on another...
Talking to Strangers in Taipei, part 3
Fu Hang Soy Milk is always at the top of my list whenever I visit Taiwan. On my last trip in May, I went four times in a single week — a record even...
Talking to Strangers in Taipei, part 2
“Are you busy tonight?” Ordi asked. “Want to come with me to catch some snakes?” “What?” I asked, intrigued, but doubtful it was a good idea. “Where are you doing this, and what does...
The Longest Hike
“What’s your criteria for a good hike?” I asked. “It has to be at least 10 miles,” Ben replied without hesitation. This was over a year ago, maybe six months after I’d met Ben...
Love this Ted!! It is a good reminder for me to always be curious about others, even if I am…