Monthly Archives: June 2024

Singapore – I fell in love with Singpore: its people, its culture, its architecture, and its food.  It is, unsurprisingly, more expensive than anywhere else in southeast Asia but it is worth the experience at least once in your lifetime.

I fell in love with Singpore: its people, its culture, its architecture, and its food.  It is, unsurprisingly, more expensive than anywhere else in southeast Asia but it is worth the experience at least once in your lifetime Continue reading

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Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur is a country in the midst of change: old norms and racists cultures are changing with the younger generation who are more respectful and adaptive to race, sex, gender, and nationality.

Kuala Lumpur is a country in the midst of change Continue reading

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Phuket, Thailand – A trip to Thailand really must include a stop in Phuket, at least once.  Yes, it is touristy and pretty crowded for such a large island, but with the right guidance and investigative work, it really can be a wonderful experience.

A trip to Thailand really must include a stop in Phuket, at least once.  Yes, it is touristy and pretty crowded for such a large island, but with the right guidance and investigative work, it really can be a wonderful experience. Continue reading

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Hua Hin, Thailand – Hua Hin, the former beach escape for folks from BKK is a smallish town that has focused more on residential than being the in-place for tourists and commerce.  But if you’re ever after locally produced sea salt, this is the place for you as the drive into and out of Hua Hin, as well as the local morning market and night market, has salt of every kind.

Hua Hin, the former beach escape for folks from BKK is a smallish town that has focused more on residential than being the in-place for tourists and commerce.  Continue reading

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Chiang Mai, Thailand – When asked about Chiang Mai, the only phrase that ever comes to mind is “college town”: not because it is raucous and rowdy but because it has a young, modern sensibility, and everyone seems to help everyone else.  It was my favourite, by far, and I can certainly see why there is a growing expat community growing here.

When asked about Chiang Mai, the only phrase that ever comes to mind is “college town”: not because it is raucous and rowdy but because it has a young, modern sensibility, and everyone seems to help everyone else.  It was my favourite, by far, and I can certainly see why there is a growing expat community growing here. Continue reading

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Bangkok, Thailand – This larger and largely populated city boggles the mind: the number of people, the sheer number of scooters and cars, and the various forms of public transportation should mean that it will come to a halt. But it works. And it works wonderfully in a shocking and surprising way.

This larger and largely populated city boggles the mind: the number of people, the sheer number of scooters and cars, and the various forms of public transportation should mean that it will come to a halt. But it works. And it works wonderfully in a shocking and surprising way. Continue reading

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Santa Teresa, Costa Rica – a surfer’s paradise, full of board rental shops, surf schools, and (somewhat) affordable restaurants

Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise, full of board rental shops, surf schools, and (somewhat) offordable restaurants (or numerous options for supermarkets for the economical option).  It is the place that most embraced the “pura vida” approach to life. Continue reading

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Nosara, Costa Rica – the “pura vida” lifestyle like no other

Nosara embodies the “pura vida” lifestyle more than any other place that I experienced in Costa Rica. Things move at their own pace, it is a surf and nature community, and everyone honestly seems to be very earth-friendly. Continue reading

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La Fortuna, Costa Rica – a magical, stunning, town with the most gorgeous, professional, and hospitable hotel in Central America

Like much of Costa Rica, La Fortuna seems to be a mix of wealth and poverty, tourists and locals, and every possible type of accommodation that one could want.  But hands down, this was my favourite experience in Costa Rica, even thought nowhere near a beach as it is central and next to an active volcano. Continue reading

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San Jose, Costa Rica – the capital of Costa Rica with much to be admired (and some things to be avoided)

San Jose is a fascinating city with little pockets of history that has obviously grown with the times: as things expand, another bit of history would be incorporated, but the city continued to grow. But thankfully, if you can stand the heat, it’s all walkable. Continue reading

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Bocas del Toro, Panama – a a fascinating town of dirt roads (and lots of potholes due to the traffic and the rains), packed with cheap hostals and mid-range hotels, restaurants of all sorts, and bars on every block.

Located on southern tip of Isla Colon, on the northwestern corner of Panama, bordering Costa Rica, Bocas town is a fascinating town of dirt roads (and lots of potholes due to the traffic and the rains), packed with cheap hostals and mid-range hotels, restaurants of all sorts, and bars on every block. Continue reading

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Panama City, Panama – a stunning blend of modern high rises and traditional Central American culture

Panama City is a stunning blend of modern high rises and traditional Central American culture that welcomes you, but also stuns you with all of its variations. Continue reading

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