Trying New Things

The down under edition

While cleaning out my inbox a few days ago, I found an email from January 2010 where my dad innocently inquired what the heck I was doing with my life. This was my response:

December 6, 2010 Continue reading…

Hell (and heaven) is traveling with other people

As Sartre once famously declared: hell is other people. Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to the solo traveler. Readjusting to traveling with other people can be quite the task when you’ve gotten accustomed to sharing responsibility, power and planning with no one but yourself. I once wrote about the ups and [...]

December 2, 2010 Continue reading…

Confessions of a first-time couchsurfer

As a solo female traveler, I’ve always been a bit wary of Couchsurfing. Sure, the concept is great: instead of being isolated in a hotel room or surrounded by other travelers in a hostel, you’re immersed in the culture by staying with passionate locals. However, after joining the site, I noticed that many of the [...]

November 16, 2010 Continue reading…

A Museum Night to remember

Many young people have a number of European festivals on their bucket list: La Tomatina in Spain, Oktoberfest in Germany, Carnival in Venice. However, there’s an event in Amsterdam–and no, I’m not talking about the huge rave–one that’s little-known to non-Dutch speakers and really shouldn’t be missed.

November 11, 2010 Continue reading…

Admitting defeat in the challenge of the cornet

That’s it: I’m waving my white paper napkin in surrender. The Challenge of the Cornet has gotten the best of me. Eating ice cream every day is harder than you think, especially when oozing chocolat fondant and succulent fig tarts are fighting for that coveted position of my dessert. However, even if I was defeated [...]

October 8, 2010 Continue reading…

The best tastes of Nice for a budget foodie

Any trip to France isn’t complete without a veritable culinary experience, preferably complete with wine and dessert. While Paris and Lyon have their share of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-famous patisseries, Nice is the perfect destination for the budget foodie.

October 5, 2010 Continue reading…

Why I chose African over French cuisine

So my grand French foodie plan was to go to Marseille to taste its world-famous bouillabaisse, and then share its secrets. I’ve never tasted the classic French stew, and I figured it would be best to go to the source for the most authentic dish. And then I saw the price. At around 50 to [...]