Color adorns every corner of this desert city. From the bright reds and oranges of the sari’s worn by the local women, to the vivid blue paint covering the buildings surrounding the red sandstone fort standing high in its center. Upon a backdrop of crystal blue dessert sky everything seems to pop, forming an eye catching spectacle of color. Other senses are also stimulated no matter where you go in the city. Your ears are…
Situated just a few hours south of India’s frenzied capital is the vast desert landscape of Rajasthan and its modern capital of Jaipur. A city known for its vibrant colors, ancient Hindu temples, and grand monuments that boast of the glorious past, chivalry, and valor of the Rajput kings and their armies. Also known as the ‘Pink City’ owing to the pink sandstone composition of its buildings, the charisma of this cultural jewel of India…
My rude introduction to India and it’s capital started with a wonderful life lesson: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When looking for a place to spend the first night my traveling partner and I found an incredibly affordable option with great reviews, awesome pictures, and free airport pickup. Needless to say none of this was true and as we entered the dilapidated hotel we were confronted with the reality…
“The City of Angels,” known in Thailand as Krung Thep, is a crowded metropolis built on the swampy shores of the Chao Phraya River. Once a small trading post for a mighty kingdom, it is now one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the world. Politically divided, polarizing, loud, colorful, chaotic, exclusive yet embracing, and full of equal parts spiritual divinity and exuberant hedonism; there is nowhere like it on earth. I came…
Moving to Japan from California in the summer of 2009 was an exciting experience but also a bit daunting for an avid surfer like myself. I was not well informed about the quality of surf in Japan before getting my teaching gig. However, upon arriving in my seaside town during the start of typhoon season all my doubts were shattered. Through gaining fluency in Japanese and being social and curious I became informed about the…