I had plans for Glendive, Montana. It was half way between Billings and Bismarck, North Dakota, and the perfect place to break the drive. I was looking forward to a short hike in the badlands geology of the area, and to seeing how the Glendive Dinosaur and Fossil Museum was able to explain its exhibits … Continue reading You Can’t See It All
"Is that all you've got?" they ask incredulously, as they pick me up at the airport or ferry, or as we load luggage onto the bus. I was actually thinking I had packed too much, as I had both a carry-on sized suitcase and a small backpack. I travel light. Both metaphorically (see my previous … Continue reading Traveling Light (Literally)
Approaching each other, we do the sidewalk dance: I go left but the other person goes right, then I go right as they recalculate and go left. And I-- with luck we-- laugh as we work it out and pass by. It's not as clear cut as an escalator (stand this side, walk the other) … Continue reading Home Again with Different Eyes
It hits me suddenly. I start to gasp. I am trying to breath, but I can't stop gasping, and I'm getting dizzy. I sit down on a bench and the tears start to roll. I make myself breathe-- in, two, three, four, hold, two, three, four, out, two, three... It takes a few minutes of … Continue reading Never again
As we pull into the parking garage, I see a line of women in matching dresses, one by each lane. As the vehicles pull up, they each push the button, take the ticket, and hand it to the driver, who could have easily reached the button himself. By our downtown Tokyo hotel at 9pm on … Continue reading Living to Work in Japan
I haven't been posting a lot of pictures from Japan. There are many good reasons to do it: to let friends and family know that I am fine, and having fun; to entertain the many people who tell me they are living this trip vicariously through me; to reflect on the day by looking and … Continue reading Pics or It Didn’t Happen
"Just grab an Uber," he said. I was debating how to get from the airport to my hotel in Chennai the next day. I didn't answer. It wasn't worth the argument. But I knew I wouldn't take an Uber. It reminded me of the video that went around a few months ago, where the speaker … Continue reading SWF, Travelling Solo
"Study in Canada!" An hour and a half drive from the costal tourist town of Fort Kochi, on our way to the tea plantations of the Western Ghat Mountains of India, the roadside billboard caught me by surprise. Then I saw it again, beside an ad for Milwaukee Academy, apparently the solution for high scores … Continue reading A Thirst for Learning: Education in Kerala
"Hello. Selfie?" And so I pose again with as many members of their family or friend group that they can fit into the photo. Occasionally, to their delight, I ask for a picture on my phone too. Sometimes their English is excellent, and others times it does not extend much further than "Where from?" And … Continue reading Just Another Tourist Attraction: Blonde in India
First a little quiz to see what you know about driving in India. 1. How many vehicles can fit abreast on a two lane road? A) Two cars B) Six motorcycles C) Three cars and two motorcycles D) One car and four tuk-tuks E) Two cars, two tuk-tuks and a scooter F) A tanker truck, … Continue reading Stayin’ Alive: Driving in India
Brave Travels 