"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." Our major summer vacation destination was Yellowstone! This trip crisscrossed across four different states: Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. In Yellowstone, we got to see animals up close and personal! This bison was waiting for me outside my window. We also experienced several stops because of bison crossings. The park is known for its geothermal features. Since the Earth's internal temperature is super hot, it creates … [Read more...]
Texas Trip
April 24, 2017 6 Comments
"Adventure awaits you." Over spring break, I traveled to Texas. Though I expected to hear more twang, I got quite a few ma'ams and y'alls. People were very polite and hospitable there. Here are a few highlights: Spotted some longhorns: Grabbed kolaches as snacks--there are quite a number of bakeries specializing in these Czech treats: Listened to live music: Watched bats fly out into the night: Crossed the border into Louisiana and went crabbing! Where have you gone recently? … [Read more...]
Mexico City, Part 2
September 19, 2016 2 Comments
"You are altruistic and will be involved in many humanitarian projects." Did you know that... Over 20,000 Mexican children are victims of sex trafficking every year? 27 million is the estimated number of victims in the world today? The organization I worked with in Mexico City is called El Pozo de Vida, or The Well of Life. It has a whole gamut of services, from prevention to intervention to restoration. Areas I helped with included: Block party. An event thrown in the red … [Read more...]
Mexico City, Part 1
September 12, 2016 3 Comments
"You are a bundle of energy, always on the go." First off, here's a list of the casualties from our trip: 1 phone (mine), dead. Thank goodness the boarding pass didn't get wiped out until after I passed the security checkpoint! Mosquito bites (multiple). Poor hubby! One swelled up to goose egg size on his head :( Aches and pains (ongoing). I've still got a crick in my neck from sleeping funny and twisting my head. And yet...I had culture shock returning to the States. I … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday Fiesta
September 9, 2016 2 Comments
Foodie Friday Fiesta: Lots of yummy eating in Mexico! My blog went dark since last week because I was overseas in Mexico! We traveled to Mexico City for nine days (more on that amazing adventure on Monday's blog). While there, we feasted on goodies. Here's a brief sample of what I enjoyed: Agua: Not just water, agua frescas are delicious juices served at many stands. What I love about these drinks is that you can combine your most beloved fruits into a customized blend. And they're … [Read more...]
I’m a Travel Writer
July 11, 2016 4 Comments
"An enjoyable vacation is awaiting you." Okay, I'm not really a travel writer. However, I do have a post up on We Said Go Travel. If you haven't read my past essay about an amazing tree house in Taiwan, go ahead and peruse it. On their website, there's also a Travel Writing Award contest going on until July 28th, so enter if you've gone somewhere fabulous. Fun fact: Other international places I've been to are Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. … [Read more...]
Back from Taiwan!
January 18, 2016 5 Comments
"You will travel far and wide, both [for] pleasure and business." Hi, guys! I'm back from my trip to Taiwan. Although I didn't get to see the election process this time around, I had a great vacation visiting relatives and seeing sights. Here are a few highlights: 1. Climbing the mountains and seeing ancestral burial grounds 2. Talking to relatives, hearing family stories, and eating yummy food together 3. Exploring one of the most popular bookstores in Taiwan, … [Read more...]
Taiwan trip
January 4, 2016 4 Comments
"You will travel to many exotic places." I'm heading out to Taiwan for a few weeks! I'm excited to go back again (it's been four years since my last visit). Things I've planned this time around include: Eating yummy food Meeting up with friends (even ones from the U.S. that I haven't had a chance to connect with here!) Research for a YA novel Visiting loads of relatives See you in a little while! p.s. I'll be auto-posting blog entries, but I may not be able to respond back to … [Read more...]
Seniors Around the World
August 3, 2015 3 Comments
As part of the challenge of "5 Photos, 5 Stories" (by Evelyne's invitation), I'm presenting my five memories of meeting seniors during recent travels: 1) Los Angeles, CA During a volunteer reading at a local senior home, this resident came my way. He has actually been through the traumatic event which inspired my first novel, The 228 Legacy. I was honored to meet him, and the residents' director later told me was really excited to hear me read. 2) Monterey Park, CA During … [Read more...]
Taking a Piece of a Country
January 13, 2014 4 Comments
"Rivers and mountains are more easily changed than a man's nature." -Chinese proverb This weekend, I strolled along the Venice Canals. They're a residential section of west Los Angeles dotted with man-made canals, arched bridges, and custom homes. The area was developed by Abbot Kinney, who wanted to replicate Italy and create a "Venice of America." Besides being a tranquil setting, this location reminds me of the creativity that can spring forth from one man's mind. He truly moved land … [Read more...]
