darling river sunset

The Truth About Being an Expat

Being an expat is an exciting and huge life decision, but you have to be prepared for the reality of it. I give the low-down in the post in addition to the inspiration that got me writing about it.

By on January 27, 2012 in Australia
January 27, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 2 }
mbk shopping Bangkok

The “Oh-My-God-I’m-Excited” Trip of 2012

Now that it’s the end of January (pretty much), I guess it’s time to start talking about my future travels that are actually coming up quite quickly! This trip includes Turkey, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Mongolia and a tiny bit of Thailand.

By on January 25, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Pre-Travel, Russia, Soviet Travel, Thailand, Turkey
January 25, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 9 }
fly over to dessert island

If I Win, You Win! Canon Island Photo Submission 3 of 5

Round 3 of the competition is live, and this round’s theme is “dessert island”. Can you help me get there by giving me a quick vote? If I win, you win! Seriously, read on to find out!

By on January 23, 2012 in Australia, Contests
January 23, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 8 }
dorm room

Thrifty Thursday: One Month of Intensive Russian for Less Than $850

In this post, I break down the numbers involved in taking intensive Russian language lessons in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Even with food, travel and accommodation, the price is no contest. Seriously, have a read and be inspired!

By on January 20, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Thrifty Travel
January 20, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
russian sign

Language is Music; Your Body the Instrument

The joy of traveling is meeting interesting people. I met Susanna Zaraysky, a self-made language learning expert, on a bus in Kyrgyzstan. Here I talk about her book and message from Language is Music.

By on January 16, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel
January 16, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 4 }
volleyball on forster beach

My Canon Island Photo Submission 2 of 5: Desert Island

Big news! After round 1 of the Canon Island Blogger Photo Contest, the one where only 5 bloggers have been chosen to compete for a chance to visit Canon Island in March, I’m in the lead! See what I have picked for round 2!

By on January 13, 2012 in Australia, Contests
January 13, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 0 }
wintery slush

11 Things (Re)Learned About Bishkek Travel

Bishkek as a travel destination. In some ways it’s great; in others it is severely lacking. Overall, I love traveling to Bishkek, but there are some factors you should know about — some of which I cover in this post.

By on January 12, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel
January 12, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 4 }
man and eagle

Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan: A Photo Essay

One of the best experiences I had on my past visit to Kyrgyzstan was being able to get up close and personal with Kyrgyz eagle hunters. Kyrgyz men have been hunting with eagles for 6,000 years.

By on January 11, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel
January 11, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
orto-sai bazaar

Kyrgyz, Russian & English: A Bishkek Bazaar Language Mash-up

Two American girls walk into a bazaar… The bazaars in Bishkek are always fun to shop at, but they are even more interesting because of the trilingual conversations Erica and I often had there. Read on about the Kyrgyz-Russian-English convos in this post.

By on January 6, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel
January 6, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 3 }
mosque in Istanbul

Getting Out of Istanbul Alive

When you travel in a country that is well-known for bad driving — notorious for it even — you might start to worry as soon as your taxi driver decides to answer his phone while driving at 80mph. Turkey is one of the most dangerous driving countries in the world. Here are my experiences from just 4 days in Istanbul.

By on January 3, 2012 in Health & Safety, Turkey
January 3, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }