“I wish I had your perfect life.” An Instagram user sent me this message recently. It isn’t the first time someone has sent me some variation of that message this week. These, coupled with the growing accumulation of other questions and comments from readers and Instagram followers has motivated me to finally clear up a few […]
I had originally planned to skip right over Bangkok during my 2017 world tour. Why bother going there? All anyone ever said about Bangkok was that it was dirty, congested, and trashy. But my lovely cousin convinced me that we should stay there for just a few days in between flights. So I gave it a […]
A lot of folks have been asking me my opinion on the legal changes to Cuba travel announced in June 2017, by President Trump. I’d been quiet about it for many reasons: 1) I’ve been busy traveling throughout Central Asia since the announcement; 2) The changes were still pending official implementation by the Treasury and Commerce […]
In Cuba, the country of scarcity, healthy eating takes a back seat in the country’s long list of priorities. Lovers of healthy eating or those with nutritional requirements headed for Cuba may face some hurdles. But with preparation and knowledge, it is possible to eat nutritiously in Cuba. Whether you’re moving long-term or touring for a short period, I will […]
“Make sure you buy the biggest and baddest water gun!” my friend Brian gushed. He’s lived in Thailand for years and was graciously preparing me with tons of travel tips. It turned out I was coincidentally arriving in Chiang Mai the week of Songkran- Thailand’s New Year festival. I didn’t know what it entailed nor […]
Morocco was magical. It was unlike anywhere I’ve ever been to. It was red, alive, exotic, spicy, French, Arabic, and bursting with history. So different yet, slightly familiar in the sense that the atypical mannerisms of the people reminded me of my Dominican background. Most commonly, they were playful, charming, generous, and happy hard-working hustlers. The Moroccans were particularly […]
Costa Rica is a mélange of soaring mountains, volcanoes, beaches, jungles, waterfalls, hot springs and exotic wildlife. Every corner of Costa Rica’s diverse topography is filled with treasures and hidden gems. There is always something for everyone. As for me? It is a lush respite from my New York City life. A way to re-connect […]
Fidel Castro’s vision for post-revolution Cuba was an independent nation without classism. He preached for a Cuba where everyone has access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities. These intentions enthralled some folks, while others (most of the affluent class) fearfully fled in massive waves. While Castro did succeed in some aspects–Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates […]
I returned from my first trip to Cuba sporting a glowing tan, whistling to the hymns of the Buena Vista Social Club, and expressing a newfound snootiness for coffee. My more recent trip to Cuba, however, was less romanticized and involved a more “nacional” experience where I gained a more in-depth perspective of life on the island. Along […]
Peaceful, bustling, and utterly enchanting, Vietnam is a special country uniquely influenced by its recent history. Today, it is left with the remnants of a special fusion: ageless border disputes between it’s neighboring countries and struggles to overcome French colonization well into the 20th century followed by two decades of war and invasion by the United States. Learning at least […]