Hello Reader, We were in Bangkok, Thailand for the earthquake. First of all we are ok. The airbnb we were staying in was a low-rise apartment, thankfully. Yikes. Not on my radar of possible things to happen during our 6 month trip, as Bangkok hadn't ever really experienced one like that in most people's lifetimes. In fact, we didn't realize it was an earthquake at first. I thought Derek was moving the bed around as a joke, until he said I think it's an earthquake. The lights were swaying, and...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Hey there Reader, No I am not talking about catfishing and dating.....because that's a whoIe other kettle of fish! I'm talking about hotels, and accommodations. You know those gorgeous photos of sun filtering through the most beautiful rooms and resort. Taken by professional photographers, and uploaded to the various popular booking sites. The one's that lure you in, inviting you to take the vacation of your dreams with your hard earned money. Only to find that once you get there, it's...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Hello from beautiful Thailand Reader, We just arrived here after an overnight flight from the Philippines. What was I thinking, picking a flight that left at 2am. I’m not in my 20’s anymore. On the plus side though, the Mactan - Cebu International Airport is the of the nicest I've been to, so not the worst place to spend a few early morning hours. More on the Philippines in another email. 🏕️ Today I just wanted to pop in to say Yosemite National Park has opened up campground reservations in...
30 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, We have hit our three month mark of our South East Asia trip. This week so far in the Philippines I have admired 3 gorgeous beach sunsets punctuated by loud competing 80's rock, jammed three not so tiny people into a tiny side car electric bike "taxi," and watched Derek & Miss S our now 12 year old, have Garra rufa (doctor fish) nibble their feet in a fish spa, at an Aquarium in Cebu of all places. Speaking of interesting things, I’ve gathered up my top 5 favorite things I’ve...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello from Hanoi Vietnam, It has been a long while since we last chatted. I've been traveling around Vietnam with my partner Derek and Miss S. (my 11 year old) for the past 2.5 months, and playing hooky from my blog & emails. Just getting back into it, so more on SE Asia to come. In the meantime, here's a couple of photos from Train Street in Hanoi. The anticipatory atmosphere feels like waiting for a parade. Only slightly more dangerous, and with no free candy (much to my youngest's...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, Happy September! It has been a long while since my last email, as my family and I have been busy moving out of the Northwest Territories (Canada). Then getting set up temporarily in Victoria, BC for a few months until our big trip to Vietnam and South East Asia starting early December. It's the first time our youngest Miss S. fully remembers moving, as last time she was only 18 months. It's a lot of firsts; leaving good friends, downsizing her stuff to only one tote and starting a...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, It's part two of our Amazon's Prime Days Sale emails, and I just found more great deals to add to my best picks list! 3 piece set - Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage - 60% OFF - Lightening sale. Everybody needs luggage 2 piece set - Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage (SILVER) - 56% OFF Wireless Noise cancelling Headphones - 51% OFF (I use mine every day I'm working / travelling Fitbit - 38% OFF (count all those steps, and see how far you really walk...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Happy Tuesday! How is your week shaping up? We are in the middle of downsizing, and packing up our life into about 6-8 boxes, in preparation for our temporary move to Victoria, BC before our big 6 month trip to South East Asia in December. I've always had big travel dreams and a desire to explore the world, learn new languages and now share that with my kids. There are definitely people in my life who don't "get it" including my family. Luckily my partner Derek is on board with my...
10 months ago • 3 min read
HeyReader, I used to dread meal times on vacation because I had no idea what we would have for breakfast, lunch and dinner that day. And it seemed like just one more thing on my plate to organize as the Mom / travel planning expert / fixer of all hangry people (while I was hangry myself - never a good thing). When all I need was a vacation.....from everything! Not to mention all the wasted money on marginal food choices, because we didn't plan ahead, and had to grab something close by. So I...
11 months ago • 1 min read