Bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

Today's Bloganuary prompt is challenging for me, as I can't exactly say that I have "conquered" any fear, but I have definitely tamed a few. Some fears are hungry bugbears that need habitual discipline to keep them at bay. I am writing to you from my vacation digs in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I arrived solo… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What fear have you conquered?” + Happy New Year in Hanoi

Bloganuary · Travel

Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia

This WordPress question is really timely, since I am gearing up for a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam in about 48 hours. Unfortunately, I have had a splitting migraine since yesterday, and I am just this morning out of the fog enough to answer this one (and get back to packing). The short answer to this… Continue reading Bloganuary: “What is your preferred mode of travel?” + 2016 Travel Memory: Cambodia

My Makes · Travel

Peek at summer trip photos; my crochet project this month

Greetings from Korea! I came back from California about three weeks ago, and have since started my new semester. I've had a hard time getting back into blogging after coming back, but I'm working on posting more regularly from now on! One gets busy simply living life, and occasionally neglects to document things. https://youtu.be/Pzzi4kUdXHQ VIDEO:… Continue reading Peek at summer trip photos; my crochet project this month

My Makes · Travel

WIP updates & Busan sea view

Korea is deep into the mid-summer monsoon season, with heavy rains, heat, humidity, spectacular cloud formations, and glaring sun when it does shine. I just returned from a quick trip to Busan, Korea's second-largest city, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula. I lived in Busan for three years when I first began working in… Continue reading WIP updates & Busan sea view

My Recs · Travel

2013-14 travel memory: Thai cooking in Chiang Mai + recipe

Thailand is one of my favorite travel memories, not least because of the incredible food traditions of the culture. I've taken two Thai cooking classes on my trips there, both at the same wonderful home-based setting near Chiang Mai's old city. I can highly recommend Vannee and Meo's Classic Home Cooking if you ever venture… Continue reading 2013-14 travel memory: Thai cooking in Chiang Mai + recipe

Travel · Treasures

2014 Travel memory: lovely handicrafts of Laos

I've found some simple ways to experience joy during this past year of being grounded by the pandemic, many of which are just outside my door in the beautiful Korean countryside. Some other sources of comfort have come from my substantial cache of travel memories I frequently access, as I regard the mementos that surround… Continue reading 2014 Travel memory: lovely handicrafts of Laos

My Makes · Travel

Crochet update and thoughts on summer travel

Summer travel is usually big for me, and I typically try to get out of Korea during the hottest part of the year - my recent favorite August destinations have been home to California; Australia (it's winter Down Under in August); and Japan. This year is different, of course. Travel is made difficult because of… Continue reading Crochet update and thoughts on summer travel

My Recs · Travel

Adventures in origami: some places to visit in Tokyo**

This week in Tokyo has been a whirlwind of discovery and delight in Japanese handicrafts, particularly paper and paper folding. There are so many places to learn more about origami and find amazing materials. One of these places is Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan, in the heart of Tokyo, near the Kanda-Myojin Shrine. PHOTO: Storefront of Origami… Continue reading Adventures in origami: some places to visit in Tokyo**