When we exit the Islamabad airport, the sun is already starting to rise turning the deep blue of twilight into gradient pinks along the far horizon. Our friend and a driver are diligently waiting for us outside arrivals, graciously picking us up at 4am. Despite the early hour and our long journey, we spend most... Continue Reading →
Memories of Chengdu
"Wow, guess where we were a year ago today?" A says, looking at his phone while getting ready for work. From my vantage point across the room, it looks like he is buried by a mountain of belongings. Stuff (clothes, kitchen things, pots, pans, appliances in their somewhat beat up boxes, shelving units, books, papers, and... Continue Reading →
Preparing for Pakistan
Seven months into being back in the U.S. and two months before we leave for Pakistan, there is a hum of activity as the return to life overseas ramps up. It is a testament to how many visa applications I've filled out that when it comes time to fill out the applications for Pakistan, I already... Continue Reading →
Tokyo is a tasty cream puff
"What surprised me most about Tokyo is that it is so calm," Our friend Mike tells us over cold beers and plates of steaming chicken fried and breaded, rolled into succulent skewers, and charcoal grilled. Smoke rises up out of the black iron skillet of charcoal chicken, a Japanese specialty and surprisingly delicious despite its deep black exterior.... Continue Reading →
Rice Terraces and Rain in Rural Guangxi
From my perspective, I absolutely believe in a greater spiritual power, far greater than I am, from which I have derived strength in moments of sadness or fear. That’s what I believe, and it was very, very strong in the forest. - Jane Goodall We haul our heavy backpacks out of the car, legs... Continue Reading →
But what about the bathroom? The Forbidden City: Day 4 in Beijing
We spent our last full day in Beijing exploring the Forbidden City. Epic in its sweeping palaces, intricate in its tiny decorative details, this ancient home of China's emperors is a must-see in Beijing for a reason. While Chinese nationals have to book tickets in advance, there is a dedicated window for the few foreign... Continue Reading →