5 October 2018 A bumpy road north brings us to Shalupangkha, the monastic school where Pasa’s Uncle Choden has been the head monk for the last five years. Upon arrival, the monks share tea for special guests which include: saffron rice with raisins, butter tea, rice puff cakes, and flower-shaped cookies. There to make a …
No other country can be like Bhutan
3 October 2018 One of our guides said that “No other country can be like Bhutan,” and the more I learn about this small monarchy (on the verge of democracy) the more I find myself in agreement. We started our day super early—so early we literally had to jump the fence to gain entry to …
Bridges across mighty rivers
The longest suspension bridge in Bhutan crosses the confluence of the Mo and Pa Chhu rivers to the trail that leads to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. We hike to the temple (2300m) and then view its interior murals, stopping to hear the powerful legend of the magical dagger— where Buddha and his lover join …
A little spice goes a long way
The farmer’s market is alight with colorful produce hidden under gray awnings that Claudia and I must be mindful. At 5’ 9”, we have almost 4” on most Bhutanese we have met or seen. We spy a gray kitten darting between the wood cabinets, as dogs lay about in the streets and the random cow …
Experiencing Bhutan Firsthand
I chose not to read about life in Bhutan outside general tourist information to breathe in all the country has to offer upon arrival. I wanted to savor the newness of my experience firsthand. And I am ever so grateful for my intuition, because as you might expect Bhutan has not disappointed, happily providing a …
cara mia siracusa
To visit and witness the heart of my ancestors, the home of my family ... eight days non abbastanza troppo. There is so much to see and do, meals to enjoy, vistas to climb, sunlight to bask in... Sicily moves at a much slower pace, and ammollo tutto in richiede tempo. There is a tranquility …
Stoking the Fire
Some people enter our lives to inspire us to be greater versions of ourselves. Suzie has been pitching the idea of attending Burning Man since we first danced our way across the burlesque stage. 2016 was an especially grueling year for most of us, and during our trip to Washington to partake in the …
Creative Leap of Faith
It's becoming harder to find a place free of distraction to collect my thoughts. And yet it is here: 30,000 feet above sea level, flying through the cloud sphere, toward my latest travel destination. The cabin is quiet and subdued, a blue glow lights the aisle. There's a welcome peacefulness in the dark making it the perfect …
Tourist Day: The Cloisters
Wednesday morning It's Tourist Day, and we're going to The Cloisters! Now that Kinga is making a clean break for California we're crossing off items on her "I've lived in New York City for 15 years and have never been to..." bucket list. For those not in the know, The Cloisters is a museum annex …
Weekend Warrior: Go West
Go West! To Western Pennsylvania, that is. Chester and I started our journey to Lake City, PA after rush hour on Friday morning. It was part one of a 4-day affair. Friday, May 5 It's raining, it's pouring but a girl still needs her coffee. We stop at Davy's Hot Dogs in Mount Arlington, a kitschy-styled Swiss chalet, just …
