Block Island is a popular summer destination for thousands of American as well as visitors from abroad. It is one of those places that is bustling in the summer and turns into a peaceful town during the colder months. However, it is still a fun place to visit during Christmas! Although the ferry ride to…
Author: olenakagui
The bug-biting blogger bitten by the travel bug. Writing articles and blogs since 2012.
Are the Dogs in Chernobyl Radioactive?
Last December, my mom organized a trip for me and my husband Isaac to Chernobyl, Ukraine. We went with a tour group and had a great trip learning about the tragedy that almost wiped out the entire continent of Europe. Oh and I’d like to point out that we went there before the Hulu show…
The Highest View in Kyiv, Ukraine: Iron Maiden
Please get the images of heavy metal devils out of your head this instant. Ukraine’s Iron Maiden has nothing to do with the band, although anyone who has seen it in person can agree that it is pretty metal. A little bit of history: This statue is actually called Rodina Mat (Motherland) and it sits…
Palisades State Park Drone Video: DJI Mavic Air
New York is a great place to fly a drone, especially during fall. Our DJI Mavic Air captures the autumn foliage in Palisades State Park perfectly!
Exploring Rhode Island: Narraganset, Newport & Providence (Video)
Rhode Island is the smallest state with the longest name! It is a popular tourist destination and has so much to offer. Check out this video of a day exploring Rhode Island!
King Richard’s Renaissance Faire: Massachusetts, USA 2019
King Richard’s Faire is a popular annual renaissance fair held in Massachusetts in October. This year was my first time visiting and I made the mistake of going on the very last day, and arriving 2 hours before it closed. In those two hours, I still managed to grab a drink, enjoy all the people…
Affordable Singapore Infinity Pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway
Everyone who visits Singapore wants to take a dip in the iconic infinity pools of Marina Bay Sands. I am not going to pretend that I am too hipster to go to the mainstream infinity pool with an absolutely priceless view of the Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove. I do admit, that…
Can Travel Blogging Inspire Fictional Writing?
I’ve had a passion for writing for as long as I can remember. My parents still have the illustrated stories that I wrote in first grade. I could barely speak English but I turned the adventures I had with my friends into stories written in a mixture of English, Ukrainian, Russian and Czech. It wasn’t…
Flying to Prague, Czech Republic for Just $322
Sometimes, people in America ask my husband Isaac why he prefers to travel abroad when he could be exploring his own country. When we lived abroad the answer was “because it’s too expensive to fly to America.” We finally made the move to America in July 2018 and over a year later we have only…
Book Review: Sweetpea & In Bloom by C.J. Skuse
“When she was good, she was very, very good. When she was bad, she was deadly. Rhiannon is your average girl next door, settled with her boyfriend and little dog…but she’s got a killer secret. Although her childhood was haunted by a famous crime, Rhinannon’s life is normal now that her celebrity has dwindled. By…
Plant-based is NOT a Synonym for Healthy
I began my plant-based (or vegan) journey over two years ago. In that time, so many alternative products have hit the markets and now you can buy vegan ice cream, pizza and even cheese at most grocery stores. Since changing my diet, I have actually gained about 20 pounds by eating the wrong kind of…
Ikea to Use Mushrooms Instead of Styrofoam
Mushrooms are fun to go foraging for and they are super nutritious as well as delicious. Recent studies have even shown that it is mushrooms, or fungi, that helped create life as we know it. Not only did mushrooms facilitate the creation of life itself, but they might be the key ingredient in saving it….
Bali Tourist Traps – Fake “Traditional” Villages
Bali was one of the coolest places I have ever visited! It was a tropical paradise, everything was affordable and the food was delicious. One of my only disappointments on the trip was the time wasted at tourist traps that were pretending to be traditional villages. These so-called villages are mentioned in all the tour…
Plant-Based Eating Tips: Infographics
Plant-based eating is very trendy right now and it can be a little confusing to start. When switching to a plant-based diet it’s important to keep track of your macros and make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need! There are plenty of guides online, but what I found particularly helpful are these…
Why I Spent $79 on Gum – My Zero-Waste Journey
Today, my $79 piece of gum has finally arrived! It is a fancy chew, imported from Switzerland and the second main ingredient to xylitol are actual flakes of 23 carat gold. It’s created by the same people who invented the $1,000 ice cream Sunday made with gold. You can pick up your jaws off the floor…
Camping on the Great Wall of China
It was three years ago that we went camping on the Great Wall of China. It is an experience that I think about often for two reasons, because: 1. It was a unique and once in a life time trip that was absolutely amazing. 2. It rained overnight and we were only able to actually…
Book Review: Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
One of my most recent reads has been Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. It is basically the psychological thriller version of 50 First Dates. Except instead of a young woman going to the same diner every morning, Christine is waking up in a house that she doesn’t recognize next to a man that she…
Czech Halloween – Dusicky & Anti-Vampire Measures for the Dead
Czech Halloween (Dusicky) and the reason Czechs take “anti-vampire” measures with their corpses…
Why I Traded in my Pixel 3 for an iPhone 11
I traded in my Pixel 3 for the iPhone 11 to play Tiny Wings. Just kidding, there’s more to it than that…
Traditional Ukrainian Halloween: Veles Night
Ukrainian Halloween is all about Veles, the pagan god of art, music, poetry, beauty, talent, happiness and love.
What is National Novel Writing Month?
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope your day will be fun and only the the good kind of scary. Speaking of fear, I have just signed up for my second round of NaNoWriMo to push myself to finish my novel. Since I know many people with writing aspirations, I’d like to share this in hopes of…
Fall Activities at Salisbury Farm: RI 2019
October is one of the best times to be in New England. People all over the country and even from abroad come to see the spectacular foliage. Being new to Rhode Island and still somewhat new to the USA, I have been looking forward to this for a long time. Naturally, all the typical fall…
I Puked on Mt. Everest: Altitude Sickness 101
I went to Tibet two years ago back when I lived in Shanghai, China. Recently it has been coming up in my Facebook memories and looking back, I see that I only posted about the good and happy moments of the trip. Although it was a positive experience that I would be happy to relive…
Why I Didn’t Go to North Korea for $300
Three years ago I was living in Shanghai, China with my husband, Isaac. We are travel junkies and love to visit unique places like Chernobyl, Tibet and we really hope to visit Antarctica once it gets cheaper than $10,000 per person (or when we win the lottery). When looking into potential travel destinations in Asia back in 2016, I began…
Vegan Guide to Block Island, RI: 2018
While the Oyster Bar’s half-shell platters and Winfield’s award-winning clam chowder are Block Island staples, local restaurants also cater to the growing vegan community. Vegan diets that exclude all animal products including meat, fish, dairy and eggs have been on the rise. The main motivations for a vegan lifestyle are health, animal welfare and the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options all over the Island! Breakfast: Start the day…
Plastic is Scary: Green Halloween Costumes & Decorations
Single use plastic has found its way into every fiber of modern life (pun intended). Micro plastic can now be found in over 90% of birds, in virtually every fish and even in bacteria that lives in the darkest caves in the depths of the vast ocean. It can be found in our stores, homes,…
Revival Brewing Company: Delicious Craft Beer & More
Yesterday, on October 25th, 2019, Revival Brewing Company celebrated Halloween, their 8th anniversary and crew birthdays all at once. I had originally planned on having a quiet Friday in, but this was one event I just couldn’t miss. I discovered the Revival Tasty Room & Brewery simply because it was one of the closest breweries…
Don’t Scare the Planet on Halloween – Pumpkin Recycling & Other Uses
Carving pumpkins and consuming everything pumpkin-spiced are among my favorite October activities. I embrace the basic status and I don’t hold back. But I also take on the season with the environment in mind. This means that I bring my to-go cup for that PSL and I don’t let a single bit of pumpkin go…
Greener Grocery Shopping with Misfits Market
Ever since moving to America from China, my mission to lead a zero-waste lifestyle has become significantly more difficult. In China, it was my experience that people were less aware of the negative impacts of plastic. Despite this, there seemed to be more opportunities to affordably shop for most necessities in reusable containers. I now live in…
ThredUp: My New Shopping Addiction
ThredUp combines my two favorite things: eco (and wallet) friendly clothes plus online shopping! I have no idea how they keep up with demand and I don’t understand how they can afford to sell clothes for as cheap as $2… but I’ve just received my first order of 24 fabulous pieces of clothing that is…
Smiley the Beach Dog: Rockaway Beach NYC (YouTube)
Rockaway Beach is a great place to take your family, including your fur babies! You can only bring dogs here during the off season but it’s so worth it! Check out this happy boy on the beach for the very first time.
Reykjavik View from Hallgrímskirkja Church
Reykjavik is a quiet little city and the Hallgrímskirkja Church is the main landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Check out our video about the church and the view from the observatory.
It’s Official: We’re Moving!
Sorry for the delay in blogging! I got carried away with our move. I will resume writing posts every other day! The content of The Travel Bug Bite will keep changing and evolving. Prepare for more DIY home projects, less New York and more Rhode Island – our new home starting end of May.
Second Hand Shopping & Dumpster (Curb) Diving in NYC
Second hand shopping has been a passion of mine for a while now for two reasons. First, there’s the positive environmental impact of reusing an item that would have ended up in the landfill and negating the negative impact of production costs for a new item – especially if it’s clothing or furniture. Secondly, there…
$2.75 Ferry in New York City
There are many fancy cruises you can take in NYC! You can also just take a one hour ferry ride for just $2.75. Check it out:
Cape May, New Jersey: DJI Mavic Air
Droning over a lighthouse in Cape May, New Jersey with the DJI Mavic Air!
36 Hour Layover in Iceland (Winter)
The best way to spend 36 hours in Iceland (winter time)!
Smiley in Central Park (Video)
Our rescue pit bull Smiley took on the most iconic park in New York City!
Droning on Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, Rhode Island is an amazing spot to fly our DJI Mavic Air!
The New York Mycological Society
There are strict rules about foraging anything in state parks and city parks. The laws aren’t clear at all, so it’s always best to ask someone more experienced. Whenever we go picking mushrooms, we bring a towel/picnic blanket to drape over the basket just in case.
Waiting for the Icelandic Geyser to Erupt
They second most famous geyser in Iceland erupts every 10-15 minutes!
Dog Videos Coming to The Travel Bug Bite
Smiley the rescue Avocadog is famous on the Dodo already but he’s hungry for more!
One World Trade Observatory: New York City
The One World Trade Center has one of the best views of New York City!
2018 Adventures: 10 Countries & 20 Places (Video)
In 2018 we visited 20 unique destinations in 10 different countries!
5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Chernobyl
There are lots of homeless dogs living around the check points in Chernobyl and the general vicinity. These dogs are no more radioactive than the ones you’ll see around Kyiv.
Bezzikapa Illustrations by Kate
I think I always wanted to be an artist. I even went to art school, but for a long time I wasn’t considering it as a serious carrier, somehow. Couple of years ago, I realized that I’m not happy with what I’m doing…
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City is a great daytime activity if it’s not too hot outside.
Moana-Style Resin Flowers 25% Off
These beautiful Hawaiian-style earrings already cost $8.99 with free shipping… now this?!
Chernobyl Photos, Ukraine 2018
Only 10,000 people visit Chernobyl a year and I was one of them in 2018.
What’s it like to live in Ukraine?
Two expats talk about what it’s like to live in Ukraine and what they do or don’t like!
Everyfelt: My Etsy Store Got a Makeover!
Everyfelt sells the coolest food themed earrings!
Free Coffee in NYC: Pret A Manger
In case you were wondering, yes, they do have pumpkin spice lattes that can be vegan or not! There’s nothing basic about enjoying some pumpkin spice in the fall time! *glares at haters*
Chinese New Year Parade in Manhattan, NYC
The highlight of the day for me was two dogs, a husky and a golden retriever dressed in traditional golden Chinese lion uniforms. Just like the ones that are worn for the lion dance!
$2.75 Ferry Ride with a View: Rockaway Beach to Manhattan – NYC
Why overpay for a crowded cruise full of tourists when you can take a $2.75 (regular MTA fair) ferry ride!
Love as Blue as Hawaii – Published at Last
Stephanie lives on a beautiful campus in Hawaii, has the perfect group of friends, and can’t help but feel like life is about to begin. But try as she might, she can’t seem to figure out where her almost-fiance Kevin fits in the picture—or why she keeps seeing her friend Kai’s face instead.
Make Up, Break Up – A Short Story About Betrayal
In this short romantic comedy, 22-year-old Helen faces one betrayal after another from the various men in her life. There’s her lying long-term boyfriend, inappropriate hostel boss, violent ex-boss and at least one condescending cop. Finally, there’s her dangerously sexy ex-boyfriend who has settled down with a vain skinny bitch and has forgotten all about Helen. Or has he?
Last Firework Display of Summer 2018: Coney Island, NYC
During the summer, Coney Island has weekly fireworks on Fridays. This was the last one of the season!
New Year’s Fireworks on Charles Bridge, Prague – 2019
Do I recommend seeing the fireworks from Charle’s Bridge at least once in your lifetime? Yes, definitely! Will I be doing it again? Probably not.
I Published a Short Story – Free Giveaway
In this short romantic comedy, 22-year-old Helen faces one betrayal after another from the various men in her life. There’s her lying long-term boyfriend, inappropriate hostel boss, violent ex-boss and at least one condescending cop. Finally, there’s her dangerously sexy ex-boyfriend who has settled down with a vain skinny bitch and has forgotten all about Helen. Or has he?
Scuba-Diving at Pileh Bay: Phi Phi, Thailand 2018
When it’s cold where you currently are, remember warmer times!
Our December Icelandic Adventure (Photos)
How much can you really see in Iceland on a 48 hour layover when there’s only 4-5 hours of daylight every day?
Luna Park in Coney Island, NYC
Luna Park adventure at Coney Island, NYC!
Is Kyiv, Ukraine Safe to Visit?
Kyiv is also not the only safe place to visit in Ukraine. There are dozens of safe and exciting places to see. The only reason I spend most of my trips to Ukraine exclusively in Kyiv is because that’s where my parent’s live.
Jane’s Carousel: 100 Years in NYC
For $2, you can ride a 100 year old carousel with a view of New York City!
Vegan Meals on Flights
Obviously, different airlines have different standards. On our Chinese flights, there was a little less creativity in the meal. There was no vegan butter and the dessert was a simple fruit salad. On our more recent Singapore Airlines flight, on the other hand, there was not one but two meals with a different fancy dessert each time.
What to Expect from Reykjavik in December?
4 hours of sunlight, below zero temperatures but very few tourists…
Rockaway Beach NYC: Better than Coney Island
Did you know that New York has 14 miles (22 km) of beaches? Check it out!
Why You Should Order Pet Supplies from Chewy.com
This past week, I was picking out a new food for Smiley on Chewy.com because I wanted something with fewer ingredients. Amazon had it for $10 cheaper, but here is why I chose to buy it from Chewy…
Flying Cheap from NYC to Europe
Consider layovers, free trips from the airport and booking long in advance, forget 6 weeks.
Exploring Buffalo, New York
Road trip time!
New Year, New Me! Kind of… Maybe.
At the end of every year, I always sit down to reflect and write new year’s resolutions. I don’t care that it’s cliche or that some things won’t change no matter how much I work for it. It’s nice to have goals no matter what! Anyway, one of my goals is to get back on…
Christmas Cheer in NYC & Upcoming Break from Blogging
Merry Christmas from my family to yours! ❤
Best Tea House (with Beer) in Prague: A Maze In Tchaiovna
Our favorite place in Prague.
Exploring Shanghai Day, Sunset & Night
You can see all of this in one day in Shanghai. Did you know that the financial center has some of the tallest buildings in the world?
Discovering Kyiv, Ukriane feat. Music by The Vinogrooves
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and it’s a great place to go on holiday if you wish to relax, have an adventure or learn some exciting history.
Beach Day on Phi Phi, Thailand (Video)
Phi Phi is all about beaches and sunshine. The dramatic tides and clear waters, it may be one of my favorite islands to spend the day on the beach on. Thailand is the only place we’ve travelled to twice because of it!
Beach and Tubing in Xiangshan, China (Video)
A day full of splashes and driving on a scenic route! The beach was at Xiangshan, Ningbo and the Tubing/Drifting was at Danshanchishui Yuyao, Beixi Stream. Taken with my GoPro Hero+! Trips like these are some of the few things I miss about living in China.
My Labrador Leia, Who Lives with my Parents in Kyiv
Leia is a 13-year-old black lab who still acts like a puppy. She loves to lick rough surfaces and leaves drool stains on the sofa, everyone’s jeans and sometimes pillows too. Does anyone else’s dog do anything like this?
42-Hour Bus Ride from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp: Tibet Adventure
During our week in Tibet we spent over 46 hours on a bus. The long best rides were from Lhasa to Shigatse (12 hours), Shigatse to Everest (12 hours), Everest to Shigatse (12 hours) and a highway from Shigatse to Lhasa (6 hours). Four days in a row on a bus isn’t ideal, but Tibet Vista managed to make it bearable!
Phi Phi Parties: Buckets & Beer Pong (Video)
Phi Phi is known for its party scene. Even when it’s off-season, there’s plenty to do including go to fire shows, beer pong and drinking from buckets! There is also lots to do in Phi Phi other than parties, which we spent 4 days and 3 night doing, but we couldn’t miss out on this experience – especially on Isaac’s birthday!
Mealworm Mondays: Livin Farm’s Hive Bloopers
This week’s Mealworm Monday features blooper of taking care of the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Droning at Pileh Bay: Phi Phi, Thailand 2018 (Video)
Pileh Bay was beautiful and amazing to explore via kayak and even underwater. We were lucky enough to get to also see it from above, and now you can too! We use the DJI Mavic Air drone.
Drizly Review: Alcohol Deliveries within the Hour
We placed the order and then we waited… but not for long. Within a minute the order was processed, boxed and out for delivery! Only half an hour later we got a phone call that the wine was here. We just had to show some ID proving we were over 21 (which we unfortunately are) and the wine was ours!
Bamboo Island, Krabi: Thailand 2018 (Video)
Just four months ago, we were on a spontaneous trip to Thailand! One of the best days on Phi Phi was spent visiting Bamboo Island. Krabi is a beautiful part of Thailand worth exploring.
PetBuddy Services in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Starting November 12th, they finally completed their move from Wilson Avenue to 54 Noll Street, Brooklyn. Their new location offers a rooftop playground, pet grooming (through their new partner Pet Wash N’Go and they will be selling organic dog products. Their prices are going up a little with the new facilities, so now cage-less boarding will be $59.99 for 24 hours and $40 for daycare including transportation.
Brooklyn Bow Wow – Doggy Services
– $16 for a 30 minute social walk
– $25 for day care under 6 hours
– $35 for day care over 6 hours
– $45-60 for boarding depending on the length
Bridge and Tunnel Brewery: Dog-Friendly Queens Bar
The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is an amazing dog-friendly bar right on the border of Ridgewood, Queens and Bushwick, Brooklyn. The delicious draft beers cost $5, dogs are welcome and the staff is incredible!
Mealworm Mondays: Beetle Inlet Tray – Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features the function of the beetle inlet tray of the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Buying Carnivorous Plants in NYC
Amazon was an obvious option but the plants there were expensive and didn’t always have the best reviews. Plus ordering a plant online is risky in case it’s not handled correctly. Does any package deliverer look at “fragile” or “this way up signs”? Not in my experience…
The Best Ice Cream on Phi Phi is Vegan
You can’t spend time on a tropical island without eating ice cream. But vegans can’t eat ice cream… right? Wrong!
Nowadays: Pet-Friendly Bar
Their already great beer prices are even more exciting during their 2-for-1 happy hour which runs from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays. It only works for select beers, but where else in NYC can you get a draft beer for $3?
Don’t Trash those Pumpkins – Smash them into the Compost instead
Composting will make sure your pumpkin decomposes and the nutrients will benefit a tree, flower or someone’s crops. When food is thrown in to the regular trash, it can’t decompose properly and will release gasses that will poison the environment.
Dow: Vegan Restaurant on Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Phi Phi is a great island with so many food options! We tried a whole bunch but kept coming back to Dow, a vegan restaurant (with a seperate non-vegan menu too). Great prices, cold draft beers and a wide selection of food is only a little part of why we loved this place. They had a lot of second hand books on sale, had games for us to play while waiting for our food and the staff was friendly and professional.
Happy Halloween: Smiley’s Dog Costumes!
Our first event came up unexpectedly, the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery was just a five minute walk from our apartment but we had no costume! I quickly cut out an avocado out of Dollar Tree cardboard paper and it was a success! Smiley won some toys and we got a growler for our fun last-minute costume.
Mealworm Mondays: Moisture Overflow – Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features a moisture overflow disaster in the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Fostering through Pound Hounds Res-Q: Smiley’s Story
Two days ago we sent a $300 adoption fee to Pound Hounds Res-Q, the place that pulled Smiley from Brooklyn’s high kill shelter, NYACC. We had originally planned on fostering Smiley, the cute 6 year old pit mix who was abandoned because his former owners got pregnant…
Tonsai Sucks During Monsoon Season, Thailand 2018
While it’s the perfect getaway during high (and dry) season, it’s really not enjoyable during the low (monsoon) season. Unless you enjoy being one of 10 tourists on a hard to get to spot with only two available restaurants that mainly serve fried food…
We’re Fostering a Dog Saved from the Kill Shelter!
Smiley was pulled from the NYACC by Pound Hounds Res-Q. We are considering adopting him ourselves because he’s such a good boy. The Dodo wrote about him a week ago with the hopes that his story will inspire others to adopt, foster and rescue dogs in need!
Ao Nammao Pier to Railay: Monsoon Season 2018
The second time we visited Thailand was the middle of July, which is right when monsoon season is wreaking havoc on the island and keeping all those selfie-taking tourists away – but clearly not all of them.
Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC: Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)
Puffballs of all sizes grow in the forest, alongside roads, in the middle of a green grassy lawn, they can really grow anywhere! You can stir fry them, cook them in the oven and my absolute favorite, is pretending they are pancakes!
Easy to Identify Mushroom in NYC: Hen-of-the-Woods (Maitake)
I find these mushrooms the most rewarding to pick, because even a small one is enough as a side dish to any meal and the bigger ones can feed an entire family! Every time I’ve looked for hens, I found at least one and usually had 2-4 kilos (4-9 pounds) in just 30 minutes of searching. Of course, you can also find a single mushroom that weighs 13+ kilos (30+ pounds).
Mealworm Mondays: Raising Silk Worms for Kindergarten
Silkworms are popular insects in China because they are native to the region. In school, instead of watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, people watch silkworms turn into moths!
Soi Cowboy Street in Bangkok Thailand
Soi Cowboy is the crazy street in Thailand known for strip clubs and prostitutes, but there are no ping-pong shows here! We visited the street just to people watch and it was quite a show. We saw women aggressively dragging single men into the clubs and offering all sorts of services.
Mushroom Picking in New York City
So many people are curious about picking and cooking mushrooms but fear holds them back. It is never risk-free to eat wild mushrooms, but there are certain kinds that are extremely easy to identify. There are also books, Facebook groups and other recourses that can help you. Never eat anything that you’re not sure about or something that has a poisonous look-a-like.
Govinda’s Vegan Restaurant: Ao Nang, Thailand 2018
Govinda, a vegan restaurant in Ao Nang, Thailand was delicious and the staff was incredibly kind!
News! I opened an Etsy Store, Everyfelt
I have always been a jack of all trades and unfortunately, master of none. It used to embarrass me that I try to pursue so many different things at the same time without being great at any of them, but it’s time to embrace it! When I’m not obsessively filming my travels or writing, I’m crafting!
New York Subway vs. Shanghai Metro
In the last few years I have travelled to some of the busiest countries in the world and visited the most used metros. Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and New York are amongst the most heavily trafficked in the world. It was fascinating experiencing all of them and comparing how efficient they were.
Maze Bar (100 Rooftop Bar) in Da Lat, Vietnam 2018
From the moment we set foot in Da Lat, all that we heard other tourists talking about was the Maze Bar also know as 100 Roofs Bar/100 Rooftop Bar – supposedly, the coolest bar in all of Vietnam!
Paddle Boats on Xuan Huong Lake: Da Lat, Vietnam
One of travel traditions is going on paddle boats in as many countries as possible. As soon as we saw the Swan Boats on Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat, we knew we had to go! For just $2 per boat for an hour, you can paddle around the lake and enjoy some beautiful views.
Mealworm Mondays: Livin Farm’s Hive, Full Cycle
This week’s Mealworm Monday features the full cycle of the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Video Highlights of Niagara Falls 2018
Two months ago we visited Niagara Falls and I haven’t had a chance to write about it yet. It was an exciting trip full of little adventures all wrapped up in one amazing experience!
Helicopter Ride Over Niagara Falls (Video)
On my 26th birthday I got to make my helicopter flying dream come true! On August 6th, we took a trip to one of my bucket list locations, Niagara Falls, and we did an amazing 12-minute flight over one of the worlds most spectacular waterfalls!
Mealworm Mondays: Cooking Insects From Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features cooking insects harvested in our Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Go Green in NYC with Green Mountain Energy
According to Green Mountain Energy, their customers have avoided using over 69 billion pounds of CO2 which is the equivalent of planting over 8 million trees. You can see the climbing numbers on their website. By the time you check it out for yourself, it’ll be over 70 billion and we can only hope that it keeps climbing!
Best Vegan Food in China Town, NYC: Bodhi Kosher
On our way in I saw sashimi in the display window and I was disappointed that we weren’t in an all-vegan restaurant. It turned out that the sashimi was vegan too! Another customer who had lived in New York her whole life told us that it was her favorite place in the city.
Cheap Ferries with Great Views of New York
Depending on the time and day of the week, it can be faster to take the ferry than the subway to get from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. After a day of exploring New York a few weeks ago, we did just that. We managed to get on the last boat of the day and made it to Dumbo in less than five minutes. From there, we got to enjoy a beautiful view of the city…
Mealworm Mondays: Noise Problem & Solution – Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features noise issues with the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial: New York, 2018
Despite feeling a pang of sadness every year when the anniversary comes around, the magnitude of the catastrophe never really resonated with me… until I visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 1st as part of my New York Sightseeing Pass. I did not expect to be as moved as I was by the display of videos, artifacts and photographs of all of the victims and the towers.
The Best View of New York City: One World Trade Center
One World Trade offers a unique view of New York’s spectacular waterfront. While you can see both the Hudson and East rivers in the distance from Top of the Rock, One World is right on the water. You can both rivers clearly merging into the Upper Bay and watch the sunset over New Jersey…
Rainbow Bagels: They Look like a Unicorn, Taste Like 💩
The bagel was sugary yet flavorless, the beautiful twirls of colors wasted on what tasted far from the rainbow I expected. I had to scrape the cream cheese onto a regular piece of bread to get the grossly bland flavor out of my mouth…
New to New York: First Impressions
So our first impressions are: New York is awesome! It’s overwhelmingly huge and the atmosphere, in Manhattan especially, is boisterous and pregnant with possibilities that make you want to follow your dreams and shoot for the moon! The people have been friendly, chatty and very welcoming. It’s so diverse and international that no one bats an eyelash about a Ukrainian-born Czech moving here from China…
Mealworm Mondays: Humidity Problem & Solutions – Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features humidity and noise issues with the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
When to Visit the Top of the Rock Observatory
I have been to the Top of the Rock Observatory three times now. The first time I went was in February 2014. I don’t remember the day of the week but I know it was about an hour before it closed at 11 PM and it wasn’t too crowded. It was my first time in New York and I thoroughly enjoyed the view of endless lights made only more magical by a sprinkle of snow on the freezing night that I was grossly underdressed for…
Droning Over Phi Phi Islands, Thailand 2018 (DJI Mavic Air)
Thailand is a beautiful place and offers breathtaking views from land, boat and plane. This time, we got to experience it’s beauty from a unique angle – birds-eye view via our DJI Mavic Air drone. Thailand remains one of the few countries where droning in public areas is still legal and not regulated. Check out the shots and make sure to turn sound on for the full experience!
Singapore Infinity Pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway (Video)
We did a lot of research before our trip to Singapore to figure out the best place to stay and enjoy an infinity pool: Hotel Jen Orchardgateway won hands down! Find out why…
How to Wear Food-Themed Earrings? Part 2
Perhaps the most impressive earrings are also the hardest to wear. The egg looks like it’s about to ooze yellow goodness and the bacon even feels crispy! Outside of cooking class the only appropriate occasion I could fathom for wearing these scrumptious earrings was Sunday brunch…
Akiyoshidai Cave – Japan Travel (Guest Post)
On Saturday morning, the Cooper family and I loaded into the family car and drove from Hiroshima for about 2 hours to the Akiyoshidai Cave, Japan’s largest and longest limestone cave. After a short break at a gas station, we made it to the Akiyoshidai Cave! Or at least the parking lot relatively close to the Akiyoshidai Cave.
Mealworm Mondays: Pupae and Beetles in Livin Farm’s Hive
This week’s Mealworm Monday features pupae and beetles born in the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
5-Day New York City Guide 2018 (Guest Post)
If this is your first time in NYC, you know why you’re here: you want to see Times Square. Sure, go see it. Everyone should see it once in their lifetime (and only once). Do some touristy stuff on Day 1. Day 2: West Side, Day 3: Central Park, Day 4: East Side and Day 5: Downtown.
Shrimp vs. Crickets: How Can Eating Insects Save the World?
Shrimp is a popular food source all over the world. They are healthy due to their high calcium, omega-3, protein and they are deliciously easy to prepare. Shrimp has been America’s most popular seafood for many years; in 2014 the average amount of shrimp eaten per person annually was 1.8 kilos! Despite being one of the most common allergens, shrimp are considered a delicacy and are very much in demand worldwide.
Marina Bay Rooftop Bar & Infinity Pool, Singapore 2018
One of the highlights of our trip to Singapore was visiting the Marina Bay Rooftop. We almost spent the ridiculous $500 per night for a room just to get a chance to take a dip in the worlds highest infinity pool. We ended up splurging a much more modest $200 on a different hotel with its own spectacular infinity pool, but we still visit the Marina Bay Sands and got a peek at the infamous pool!
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria Part 5 (Guest Blog)
The next two days, some friends visited for watching the race. Lukas was able to keep his third place, even it really took him a lot to keep up with the others. The track was obviously very challenging. Still, we had a lot of fun, everything was organized very well, but we were happy when everything ended on Sunday with the ceremony and with a final emotional song I am from Austria (the secret Austrian hymn).
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria Part 4 (Guest Post)
I would like to express here that the dog’s wellbeing is Lukas first concern and therefore he didn’t stress the dogs to run fast or on all three days like others did! Therefore, he knew there would be no chance to win that race and this race wasn’t important, it is more like a training…
Mealworm Mondays: Livin Farm’s Hive Forgotten for Two Weeks
This week’s Mealworm Monday features feeding the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms after it has been untouched for almost two weeks! The Hive is the world’s first edible insect desktop farm that can provide 3-600 nutritious grams of mealworms every two weeks, perfect for entovegans like my husband or anyone who wants a more sustainable form of protein in their lives…
YouTube Diet: How $5 YouTube Promo is like a Fad Diet
Paying a stranger on Fiverr to promote your YouTube channel is very similar to a fad diet. One promises 1,000 views while the other guarantees that you’ll lose 10 kilos in one week without exercise. Neither result in success…
Throwback Thursday: Thanksgiving in Maui, Hawaii
My Thanksgiving in Maui began with a shopping trip that filled my host family’s truck to the very rim. There was just enough room to fit my three British friends and myself into the back to sit on top of all the food. Our host sat in the front with her mother, who drove down the highway so quickly that my hair whipped loudly around my ears and my voice would catch in my throat when I tried to speak. The air was filled with the smell of the salty ocean that ran parallel to the highway. We whizzed past countless palm trees, leaving the enormous green mountain range behind us…
Being an (Ex) Prague Freedom Foundation Scholar
Four years ago I had the honor of participating in a Journalism Program that Prague Freedom Foundation sponsored. The program brought students from Kent State University and Anglo American University together to study journalism. After winning the Excellence Award for my piece on Abortion Laws in Ohio I went on to receive a grant from PFF to report on the war in Ukraine…
My 10 Favorite Excuses for Not Going to the Gym
Rainy weather can be pretty depressing. And wet. But…
You have an umbrella, don’t you? You’re not a witch so you won’t melt if a droplet falls on your head, right? I hope so…
Insects on the Menu – Entomophagy in Prague
Jiskra loves to experiment with food and began cooking with insects five years ago. The lunch menu was much more extensive than the average insect tasting with mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers and cockroaches on offer. You could eat a three-course cricket meal with crickets in the soup as well as the typically-Czech fried cheese but also covered in chocolate as dessert…
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria – Part 3 (Guest Post)
This week started very with a training where I could be the co-driver for Lukas. This time, we took the smaller cart with eight dogs, because Birgit did also train and she took six dogs. It was very cold, no wind, perfect conditions. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that I could be the co-driver so I wasn’t very good prepared with my cameras…
(Guest Post) Volunteering at a dogsled farm – Snowdragons in Austria Part 4
Here we’ll go again, somehow a lot of things happened and then, not again. The same weekend where Miri and I were alone (Lukas, Birgit and Maria went to Reingers in Austria for a cart race), a previous volunteer arrived. She was the last time only two weeks with Lukas and wanted now to come…
Mealworm Monday: What is the Hive’s Green Light?
This weeks Mealworm Monday features dealing with the green light of the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms:
To Japan (Guest Post)
On Sunday, March 01, I stood next to my husband as we waited for the bus. It was early and his eyes were still squinting at everything as he wasn’t fully awake yet. I squeezed his hand in the cold, feeling the warmth. My stomach felt like it was in my throat with nervous energy. The bus for the airport pulled up and I shoved my way through the crowd of people squeezing through the doors…
“That’s the real trouble with the world: Too many people grow up,” Walt Disney (Guest Post)
On the next morning, we had a quite early breakfast and got ready to take the bus to Disneyland. It is really nice, that there are free shuttles which are bringing you directly to the park. We decided we will go first to the Walt Disney Studios, because it is a little bit smaller, so we could do it in the morning and later on we go to the park…
How to Wear Food-Themed Earrings? Part 1
My recent obsession with food-themed earrings resulted in numerous “just one more” purchases at potvor.cz. This Czech online store opened up a whole new world of accessories for me while presenting a unique challenge: how can I incorporate food-themed earrings into my daily life without alienating friends or getting fired? Pink ice cream cone earrings…
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japan (Guest Post)
The Children’s Peace Monument (just below) was built in dedication to all the children who died as a result of the bombing. The sculpture is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki (佐々木禎子), a young girl who died after the bombing due to radiation. She truly believed that if she folded 1,000 cranes, then she would be healed…
10 Most Bizarrely Awesome Food-Themed Earrings
Food and fashion have always been in the spotlight of our society, playing an important role in our self-expression and identity. It is no wonder that food-themed fashion has made its way into our lives and onto many Pintrest boards. In the past, a pizza-print t-shirt may have been intended as a gag gift but…
Mealworm Monday: First Pupae in the Hive by Livin Farms
This weeks Mealworm Monday features our first pupae from the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms:
Haggling for a Tailor-Made Suit at Shanghai’s AP Plaza’s Fake Market
In China, most consumer items are cheaper than almost anywhere else in the world. As we have posted before, Taobao is usually our go-to place for cheap goods, especially clothes. However, this particular item I wanted to buy in person. In person, you can get accurate measurements, try on the suit when it’s finished, and of course, in China you can take part in a coveted sport of sorts: haggling!
(Guest Post) Volunteering at a dogsled farm – Snowdragons in Austria – Part 3
It is kind of strange, in between I think there is somehow a routine in my day or there were lazy days with not much action, but then again, there is always something happening, so there is ALWAYS something to tell 😉 Please find the original blog post, and all the cute photos, here: http://butterflies-needtofly.blogspot.co.at/2016/10/volunteering-at-dogsled-farm_31.html By Sheida…
YouTube Diet: How $5 YouTube Promo is like a Fad Diet
Paying a stranger on Fiverr to promote your YouTube channel is very similar to a fad diet. One promises 1,000 views while the other guarantees that you’ll lose 10 kilos in one week without exercising. Neither result in success. As a novice YouTuber I was completely lost. My videos weren’t getting any attention on Facebook and…
My 10 Favorite Excuses for Not Going to the Gym
My goal is to go to the gym 5 times a week: Monday – Friday during my lunch break. I began this routine in Prague when my gym was a 10 minute walk from my office. Now I live in China and I work from home which makes me lazy and full of excuses. Here are…
Why Snails Make Great Pets – GALs
Snail owners have a lot of fun picking out names for their snails, and yes, thousands are named after SpongeBob’s Gary. The best part of choosing a name is deciding on the snail’s gender. Although gender assigning is frowned upon in today’s society, snails really don’t mind as they are hermaphrodites and have both male and female reproductive organs…
Hunting the Aurora Borealis in Norway (Guest Post)
Actually, I hate the cold. since I can remember I am trying to flee into countries where the sun is shining and it is at least 25 degrees. Don’t get me wrong, I love the way it looks when outside everything is covered in white and the sounds are dulled, everything seems so quiet and peaceful, but I cannot handle the cold…
Train to Tokyo, Japan Travel (Guest Post)
The train from Osaka to Tokyo is about 4 hours. We ended up taking a train from Osaka to Tokyo and then from Tokyo to Hiroshima a few days after that. My point is that we had an odd experience on the train but I don’t recall on which train ride it happened. I’m pretty sure it was on the train ride from Osaka to Tokyo…
Mealworm Monday: Air-Fried Silk Worms
This weeks Mealworm Monday features eating silk worms!
Hiroshima Castle – Japan Travel (Guest Post)
Our Sunday officially started with a bike ride to Hiroshima Castle, only a few blocks away from the Cooper home. It was so refreshing to ride a bike again. Hiroshima, the city, is actually quite flat and it’s easy to get around on a bike even if you’re out of practice (like me).
Some Words About Sheida Nasseri (Guest Post)
I did like ten steps backward…
1. Getting rid of my car
2. Getting rid of my own flat into sharing a flat
3. Getting rid of my stable salary into doing onside jobs …
But gaining, therefore…
1. More knowledge
2. The chance to travel and work in Bangkok for 6 months
3. Getting to know wonderful people and feel younger and party as much as possible 😀
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria – Part 2 (Guest Post)
The weekend, after the group left, we spent pretty chilled with a few hikes, watching movies, and playing board games. Maria and I, we figured out that we have the same kind of craziness! We both LOVE Walt Disney Cartoons, we use almost every sentence to start a new song, and our favorite activity is, miming the voices of dogs…
Flying a Drone Over a Jet Ski in Bali (Video)
This was one of the first times we flew our DJI Phantom 3 SE over the water. Isaac flew while I did the jet skiing and he only almost decapitated me once!
Tubing in -25°C: Harbin, China 2018
Wearing an entire suitcase worth of clothes, tubing in Harbin, China was so scary that we weren’t even cold!
The New York Explorer Pass Saved Me $100 – 2018
The New York Explorer Pass did, in fact, save me $100, this isn’t just click bait. But it could have saved me even more! Or nothing at all… The New York Explorer Pass is the way to go if you want to use it to do some expensive tours and sightseeing, however, it can also lose you money if you only use it for the cheaper options.
Mealworm Mondays: Livin Farms Hive Resources & Info
This weeks Mealworm Monday features the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms:
Volunteering at a Dogsled Farm – Snowdragons, Austria – Part 1 (Guest Post)
I did travel to a few spots, always with friends who inspired me to do what I think is right for me. Nevertheless, I did not dare just to quit without knowing what will be my next step, what my next job, how to realize what I want or more, what do I really want. I know I love to travel, take pictures and be around people, animals and try the most crazy activities, but what kind of job description is this?
Taobao Trendy: Online Bargains in China
When I’m not traveling, crafting or telling other people to eat insects even though I don’t anymore, I’m trying not to shop because I have way too many clothes. How did I go from moving to China with five suitcases between Isaac and myself to having piles of clothes over the apartment and bursting out…
Dragon Burn: Shanghai’s Burning Man
Last month Isaac and I visited our first Burn! It was the Dragon Burn – Shanghai’s regional of the Burning Man. It was bigger than ever, with almost 700 attendees and there were plenty of workshops (planned as well as guerrilla) and lots of fascinating art pieces! As members of the Vegan Camp, The Cucumburners,…
Mealworm Mondays: Feeding the Hive by Livin Farms
This weeks Mealworm Monday features feeding the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms:
How to Get Free Coffee in Bali, Indonesia 2018
Another clickbait title that shouldn’t upset you, because the answer is simple: you can get free coffee in Bali by going to literally any coffee plantation. They all offer a tray full of free coffees and teas to try, including rose tea, durian coffee and a delicious vegan hot chocolate. The only coffee that you need to pay for is Luwak coffee, which we didn’t drink because we 1. tried it before and 2. consider it cruel.
The Hypocrisy of Singapore’s Green Initiative 2018
Yes, the Gardens by the Bay are an amazing green initiative that uses waste from the city and turns it into energy to power the entire park. Then there’s the tap water, that is cleaned using reverse osmosis which turns sewage into safe drinking water. It’s absolutely genius and the epitome of zero-waste. But…
Mealworm Mondays: Cleaning the Hive by Livin Farms
This weeks Mealworm Monday features cleaning the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms:
Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Bali 2018
The monkey forest sanctuary in Ubud, Bali was an exciting place where monkeys rule and humans are allowed to feed them under supervision. Not sure how good this is for the environment, probably not at all, but the monkeys seemed happy and cared for and several badly behaved humans were told to leave.
Mealworm Mondays: Unpacking the Hive by Livin Farms
This weeks Mealworm Monday features unpacking the Hive, the world’s first edible insect desktop farm by Livin Farms! Read more about it at Livin Farms.
Jet Skiing in Bali, Travel 2018 (Video)
One of the highlights of my 10 day trip to Bali was a 15-minute ride on a jet ski (my first time!) while my husband filmed the first 5 minutes of it with our drone, almost decapitating me once and managing to slice his arm while landing. Oh, the stories we have to tell our future grandchildren…
Flying Over Rice Fields: Ubud, Bali 2018
First, we flew over the rice fields of Ubud, Bali using our drone, next in a swing! As inexperienced drone flyers with an expensive drone, I’m honestly not sure which was more terrifying…
Finding Happiness in the Simple Things
Honest, rambly, longest post ever time. I have been quite unhappy in my daily life lately and I’ve been trying to find happiness in simple things, as cliche as it sounds. I have found that being unhappy can be a complicated and controversial topic to discuss with others. But it’s such an important to share…
Cheap $5/Person/Night Airbnb in Ubud, Bali 2018
Please excuse the clickbait title of this blog post, there is no single cheap Airbnb in Ubud! In fact, most Airbnbs and Guest Houses have a similar price that will take your breath away. On average, a room (or in this case, mini-house) that can sleep four people in two double beds costs $15 per night for three people. At this particular place, it included a free breakfast (eggs, pancakes and/or fruit) and a steaming cup of coffee!
Mealworm Mondays: Intro to Entomophagy (Eating Insects)
Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects that I will be telling you about in the upcoming series of posts called *cue drumroll* Mealworm Mondays! If a picture says a thousand words then a video must speak millions, so whenever I’m not in the mood to write out long explanations or you’re too lazy to…
DOHA Cafe Review: Da Lat, Vietnam
The cafe has lots of seating across three floors, although the top one wasn’t being air-conditioned when I was there. However, the view of the Xuan Huong lake and Lam Vien square was worth it. They have a great selection of drinks including coffees, teas and juices. Although the prices are relatively steep for Vietnam, it’s still affordable on a Western budget. We didn’t get a chance to try any of their food although we were definitely tempted by their cakes and pastries.
Bali Basics: Trip Highlights & Summary 2018
In February 2018, my husband, mother-in-law and I spent 10 days exploring the wonderful island of Bali! We stayed busy during this time and visited between two and five places a day! We were on a mission to discover everything it had to offer. As a result we are now self-proclaimed experts on what to do and see in Bali and I have an overwhelming 43 videos in my Bali 2018 YouTube playlist.
Global Warming by Singapore’s Super Tree Grove
Our recent travel adventures took us to Singapore! A city known for it’s cleanliness, passion for sustainability and of course, the Super Tree Grove at the Gardens by the Bay. Although Singapore was beautiful and I could spend weeks exploring it, I was a little disappointed by it’s hypocrisy when it comes to protecting the…
Ubud, Bali: A Vegan Food Paradise 2018
When I talked to my Indonesian friends about finding vegan food in Bali and they were skeptical. They told me that Indonesians are obsessed with their meat and all traditional dishes are loaded with animal products. I’ve always been able to find plenty of vegan options despite meat eaters claiming that I’ll starve to death in their country… so I wasn’t too worried but I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to feast on delicious unhealthy vegan comfort food. #firstworldveganproblems
Waste-Free Wednesdays: Intro to Zero-Waste Lifestyle
I have been on a journey towards a zero-waste lifestyle since the beginning of this year. What began as an item on my New Year’s Resolutions list sandwiched in between ‘lose weight’ and ‘leave China’ actually ended up changing the way I live and see the world. Living in rural area of Shanghai has really…
Avocado Smoothies in Da Lat, Vietnam
I first heard about avocado smoothies on a half-day Countryside Tour of Da Lat. Vietnam is famous for their avocados and July just happens to be prime season! We were told that you can get them anywhere in the market, but it took us over an hour of searching, walking in circles and asking confused…
Topside Cafe 2018: Block Island, Rhode Island
Topside Cafe is a great place to grab a coffee or enjoy a meal while waiting for the ferry. It has great prices, vegan as well as meat options and their coffee is absolutely delicious! We visited on a cold winter day and enjoyed their vegan smoothie bowl while my father-in-law munched on his pulled…
Crazy House, Da Lat, Vietnam 2017
The name of this place, the Crazy House, is no exaggeration. We got lost soon after entering since there are dozens of rooms on various floors with several ways to travel between them. You will find bizarre animal statues and beautiful views of the city – this might be one of the highest points in…
Da Lat Backpackers Hostel Review
We had very high expectations for this hostel because of all the raving reviews and we were not disappointed! My husband and I booked this hostel last minute after having problems with a different hostel. The staff were helpful and welcoming even before we arrived! Although we had originally planned on only spending two full…
Snow Day in Shanghai, China 2018
Shanghai experienced one it’s heaviest snowfalls in years and it shut down schools throughout the city. Rolls of non-slip carpets covered the Shanghai’s slipperiest paths and people were warned to stay indoors if possible or waddle like a penguin. Snow selfies took over everyone’s WeChat Moments and giggling children ran outside to build snowmen. Here’s what the snow day on January 25th, 2018 looked like…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Weasel Poop Coffee Plantation
The last stop on our $10 Countryside Tour of Da Lat was the weasel poop coffee plantation. The first thing you should know about it, is that the animal that eats and poops out the coffee bean is not actually a weasel. It’s a luwak. The second thing you need to know is that it’s…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Cricket Farm
The second to last stop on the $10 Da Lat Countryside Tour was a cricket farm! Forget what your mother told you when you were a toddler sticking bugs in your mouth. They DO belong there! As long as they are raised for human consumption, that is. Crickets are a great source of protein and…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Buddhist Pagoda & Elephant Waterfall
The third part of the $10 Countryside Tour of Da Lat was the Buddhist Pagoda and the Elephant Waterfall. The first part of the tour included the rose garden and minority village and the second part was the silk factory. This half day tour was a great way to discover Da Lat, Vietnam! The Elephant…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Silk Farm
The second stop on the $10 Countryside Tour in Da Lat was the silk farm! This stop came after the rose farm and the minority village where gender roles are reversed and gigantic spiders roam. You can read more about the first part of the tour here. Silk is made by silk worm pupae that…
Da Lat Countryside Tour: Rose Garden & Minority Village
The Da Lat Countryside tour was an amazing experience worth the $10 per person that we paid for it. The first part of the tour included a quick stop at the rose garden, where we got to see our first avocado tree! After that we visited a very unique minority village that also happened to…
The Second Tallest Building in the World, Shanghai
When we’re not traveling and exploring South East Asia, we’re exploring China and the city we live in, Shanghai. We have now been to the three tallest buildings in Shanghai – the only trifecta of mega-tall skyscrapers in the world! “Mega-tall” isn’t just my way of describing them, it’s the official term for skyscrapers taller…
Da Lat Countryside Tour Summary
Our expectations for this very affordable tour weren’t too high. We’ve been on several day tours that were packed with way too many activities to enjoy – this one was NOT like that! The tour started at 8:30 and ended at around 14:30. We were picked up a little late, but our enthusiastic guide completely…
Why is Da Lat the Coolest City in Vietnam?
Da Lat is located in the south of Vietnam about 7 hours north of Ho Chi Minh City. I might be biased after living in Prague for 20 years and coming to Da Lat from Mui Ne, a city that I really didn’t like. As soon as I got out of the sleeper bus and…
Worst Bus Ride Ever: Mui Ne to Da Lat “Sleeper Bus”
After having an amazing experience taking a Sleeper Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne, we expected another great bus ride from Mui Ne to Da Lat. We could not have been more disappointed. We had booked the bus with Vietnam Bus Tickets over a month in advance but decided to leave Mui Ne…
Cebu 2018: Bus from Cebu City to Dalaguete
To get from Cebu City to Dalaguete, we had to take a 3 hour bus from the Cebu South Bus Station. We weren’t given too much information, except that the buses leave all the time and the internet didn’t give us any useful details either. Luckily, our taxi driver pointed us in the right direction….
Inspiring Stories: David Roosa & the Beach Cleaning Dogs
David Roosa has lived on Block Island, Rhode Island for more than 40 years now. 10 years ago in 2008 he completed his first clean up of the entire island’s perimeter. Since then, he’s gone out every morning with his pack of dogs to clean the beach! His King Charles Spaniel helpers are Finnegan, Albie,…
Visiting Cebu in 2018: El Gecko Resto Bar Fair
Scrolling through Facebook the other day I found a great video featuring the 10 suggested places to travel in 2018. The number one place on the list was Cebu, Philippines where I happened to spend five days in February. Unlike most places in the world, a trip to Cebu has to be planned well and…
Bali: Uluwatu Sunset & Evil Genius Monkeys
The sun was just beginning to turn from a bright yellow to a soft pink that would soon spread across the entire horizon, illuminating the perfectly placed clouds. We let our guard down for just a minute to enjoy the sunset at Uluwatu temple with our real eyes as well as through their digital extensions…
Bali: Private Driver Hire for the Day – Dos & Don’ts
Before visiting Bali we were worried about how we would get around all the sights without spending a fortune. The island is a lot smaller than it appears on a map and Uber, Grab as well as several taxi companies are readily available. You can also rent a motorcycle if you prefer living on the…
10 Signs That You Travel Too Much
This year I’ve been lucky enough to travel. A lot. I spent New Year’s Eve in Seoul during a long layover after visiting the USA already anticipating my trip to the Philippines and Indonesia for Chinese New Year. Between working full time and working on my blog and YouTube channel, I was excited to have…
Block Island is going green: So can you
Roosa catalogued shocking amounts of pollution, previously reported in The Block Island Times: a total of 12,500 pounds of debris that included 57 tires, 7,000 aluminum cans, 8,500 plastic bottles, 2,000 glass bottles, thousands of plastic bags and balloons as well as 200 pounds of clothes…
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival 101: Weekend Guide
By Isaac Roosa Is a winter trip to Harbin worth it for just the weekend? If you live in Eastern China, the answer is “Yes!” Not only is it possible, but we wholeheartedly recommend it! You may have been searching around trying to figure out how to “Do Harbin in one Weekend” but have been…
20 Best Photos of Harbin’s Snow & Ice Festival 2018
The Ice and Snow Festival have been popular tourists attractions since Harbin began hosting them in 1989. The Snow Festival is held on Sun Island, close to the city center and the Ice and Snow World is only a few kilometers away. Tickets to each event cost 330 RMB for adults. If you’re limited on…
Harbin Ice Festival Teaser (Video)
Our first trip of 2018 is very different from our usual warm destination getaway. While we usually pack swim suits and straw hats, this time our backpack is filled with thermal leggings and even a electrically heating vest. The highlight of our weekend trip to Harbin will include the Ice and Snow Festival which is…
Battle Shanghai’s Pollution: How to Stay Healthy
It can be easy to make light of air pollution, especially after living in China for a long time. Many locals never wear masks and some families will let their children play outside when you can barely see across the street. But even if you’re not sensitive to it, pollution does have serious impacts on your health. Coughing…
Precious Plastic: DIY Recycling
Plastic pollution has been making the headlines a lot recently and for good reason. According to the Guardian, about one truckload of plastic waste is dumped into the ocean every minute. That adds up to at least 8 million tons of plastics in our oceans annually! While annual plastic production is increasing from 15 million…
Entoveganism: Veganism with a Six-legged Twist
“Curiosity, disgust and confusion,” is how some vegans respond to Josh’s creepy-crawly twist on the strict no animal product diet. While both veganism and entomophagy are growing trends around the world, Josh may be the first to combine them. ‘Entoveganism’ may sound like an oxymoron but it is the most accurate description for this unique…
Sole independent Turkish Cypriot newspaper attacked
Afrika, the only independent Turkish Cypriot newspaper, was attacked on the morning of January 22nd. At 9am a group of people holding Turkish flags met in front of the newspaper’s office building in Nicosia. Violence escalated as they began throwing stones, eggs and allegedly trying to storm the office.
(Guest Post) CZECH TRADITIONS: CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas from the Czech Republic! In recognition of our time here, I wanted to learn more about their culture and traditions. Czechs celebrate their Christmas on Christmas Eve (so Merry late Christmas to all the Czechs out there). The only way that it made sense to me was to compare it to how we celebrate the…
Protein of the Future: Save Cows, Eat Insects – From Home!
The world’s first desktop farm for edible insects promises to do more than put bugs on people’s plates: Livin Farms aims to empower individuals to start a food revolution from the comfort of their kitchen. After months of research, testing and redesign, the Hive is off the assembly line and is one step closer to…
What NOT to do with Essential Oil
Two weeks ago I discovered the wonders of essential oils and became a walking cliche. I’m a vegan who loves essential oils and I blog about it. But hey, at least I don’t do yoga and I don’t have a cat… yet. Anyway, it seems like everyone and their mother is obsessing over essential oils…
(Guest Post) CZECH TRADITIONS: CHRISTMAS CARP
About a month ago someone told me to be on the lookout for tubs of carp being sold on the street for Christmas dinner. I immediately imagined bath tubs of carp. Claw foot bath tubs on the side of the street with carp. Unfortunately, there are only plastic tubs of carp – no bath tubs….
My Beauty Farm: Natural Cosmetics in Shanghai
“Ooh, this skin cream looks great,” I have thought on many occasions while strolling through the malls of Shanghai. I lift the product off the shelf and glance at the label out of habit even though I don’t understand a word. More times than I care to admit, I actually took it home and put…
Shanghai Event Review: Ship of Dreams – The Titanic Experience
The Ship of Dreams – The Titanic Experience is only a once in a lifetime adventure if you can resist going twice! When you’re not part of the crowd following Jack and Rose as they fall in love, you can enjoy some champagne on deck, watch the Captain have a few too many drinks or just…
How I Became a Beveage (Vegan…ish)
‘Vegan’ is a word I never thought I’d use in reference to myself. Until three months ago, I never even said ‘vegan’ without grimacing unless I was being sarcastic. I loved meat, cheese and eggs, pitied vegetarians and looked down on vegans. Why did I single vegans out so much? One or two may have…
Red Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam
Our last stop on the $5 tour of Mui Ne were the red sand dunes. Unlike the white sand dunes that were half an hour drive away, these red sand dunes are right in the center. Like all the other stops on the tour, entrance is actually free so you can go here on your…
Riding an ATV in Vietnam – White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne
When we set off on our $5 tour of Mui Ne, we did not expect that we’d be driving an ATV or to almost drive off a sand cliff. But our Vietnam trip was full of surprises! After visiting the Fairy Stream and Fishing Village, we were off to the white sand dunes. Mui Ne…
Mui Ne Fishing Market: a Fascinating Smelly Seafood Cemetery
Our second stop on the $5 Mui Ne Tour took us to a atrociously smelling but fascinating fishing market. Also known as the fishing village, many TripAdvisor reviews gave it low ratings due to it smelling bad and being covered with dead fish. Isn’t that what you’d expect to see (and smell) at a fish…
Don’t Ride Ostriches at the Fairy Stream – Mui Ne, Vietnam
The Fairy Stream is an incredibly unique place where a shallow river flows through sandy mountains, trailing red and yellow sand through the water. When you visit most rivers, you walk alongside their banks. At the Fairy Stream, you walk through the water and the warm mud feels amazing on your feet. Free foot spa?…
The Best Tour of Mui Ne Costs Just $5
Mui Ne is a popular beach town swarming with mostly Vietnamese and Russian tourists. It’s only a five hour drive from Ho Chi Minh which makes it a great place to go for a weekend getaway. Since it was really hot and bug-full during the time we went, we did not enjoy much our stay……
Mui Ne, Vietnam: Is it Worth Visiting?
Making an itinerary for a three-week Vietnam trip solely based on online research is extremely difficult. Everyone has different suggestions and no one can seem to agree on the right amount of time to actually spend there. Some manage to see all the highlights in a week while others claim that even two months isn’t…
Our Stay at Long Son Mui Ne Campground
Mui Ne is a popular beach town located not far from Ho Chi Minh. It is a popular travel destination for local and foreign tourists alike, predominantly Russians. Many of the signs and restaurants have Russian translations and there’s even a restaurant that translates to “Fires of Moscow”. Unfortunately we didn’t get to go to…
Taking a Sleeper Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne
The easiest way to city-hop through Vietnam is by bus. Flying is not only more expensive, but the airports can be chaotic and there’s a higher change of delays than taking a bus. When I planned my trip, I read a lot about public buses. The repeating words mentioned in reviews included unreliable, uncomfortable and…
Best Breakfast in Ho Chi Minh: Cơm Chay Mani
It’s hard to pick a place for breakfast in Ho Chi Minh because the choices are pretty much endless. Luckily, we were recommended a cheap place that supposedly served delicious breakfast. What we didn’t know until we arrived, was that it was vegan. Life is a funny thing. One day you’re disappointed that there’s no…
Draft Beers & Ciders at BiaCraft Artisan Ales in Ho Chi Minh
On our booze-full first day in Vietnam we visited several bars in Ho Chi Minh. The one with the greatest selection of draft drinks was definitely BiaCraft! The perfectly air-conditioned space had simple decorations and a mouth-watering menu. Picking a drink was absolutely excruciating. Did I want the beer with a dank hop aroma, strong…
Czech Beer & Food in Vietnam: Hao Vien Brauhaus
Vietnam and the Czech Republic don’t seem to have anything in common, right? Wrong. Although one is in Asia and the other is in Europe, plus the fact that language, food, culture and everything else is night and day. They actually have some common history. Plus, the largest minority living in the Czech Republic after…
A (Non) Touristy Day in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
How to spend a (non) touristy day in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam!
Lee Backpacker’s Hostel is Cheap & Perfectly Located, but Don’t Stay Here…
Hostels are great if you want to save money, meet fellow travelers and have friendly staff give you secret tips about a city. Ho Chi Minh is known for it’s crazy parties and Lee Hostel is in the heart of party central. It’s also by far the cheapest hostel in the city center. But those…
How to (Affordably) Leave Ho Chi Minh Airport at 2 AM
After successfully saving $20 by haggling for our visas (don’t try this at home, kids) we were positive we could get a fair price for a taxi to our hostel. We were originally supposed to arrive early enough to get a 20,000 Dong ($1) shuttle, but then our plane got delayed… several times. Making us…
Haggling for a Visa at Ho Chi Minh Airport
Our plane was scheduled to land in Ho Chi Minh at 10:30 PM and we were planning on taking a low-cost shuttle to our hostel. Unfortunately, we were flying from China, so naturally, we got in at 2 AM. We had filled out our visa papers in advance and we only had carry-on luggage, so…
Prepare for Upcoming Vietnam Posts!
Hello everyone, long time no post! Between visiting the Avatar Mountains, spending three weeks in Vietnam and moving apartments, I have fallen behind. Now I have three weeks to put a month of traveling and experiences into YouTube videos and blog posts. Wish me luck! In the mean time, please enjoy some of my favorite…
Where to Buy the Best Canned Tuna in China for Cheap
If you follow my blog, you know I love sushi. Sadly, I can’t eat it every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whenever I’m not eating raw fish, I’m stuffing my face with fish fillet, baked salmon and canned tuna! Yesterday I received a special delivery of 15 large cans of tuna for just 117…
The Skyscanner Guide for Travel Addicts
Skyscanner has become one of the most popular websites for booking flights around the world. For the past five years, it has been my go-to whenever I’m planning (or just dreaming) of a new travel adventure. During this time I have learned a lot of great tricks and tips that I would love to share with you!
Booking Trips on Ctrip.com
While writing about the Dragon Boat Festival I found myself getting off topic by talking too much about Ctrip.com. If you’re going to live in China (or even if you’re just visiting), you should get familiar with Ctrip – the Skyscanner of China. You can download their app or just use their website that’s available…
Dragon Boat Festival in Shanghai
The Dragon Boat Festival is a popular Chinese tradition involving dragon-themed boats racing down the river. There are different types of boats that hold various amounts of rowers. Every team always one drummer who’s job it is to keep a steady rhythm for his team to row to. Unless you plan weeks in advance, you…
Chinese Hair Salons: Cheap Haircuts, Pricey Hair Coloring
I’m the type of person who puts off getting a haircut in fear of a hairdresser butchering my hair. This fear is magnified in a country where I can’t communicate properly with the man holding the scissors – which is my fault, but that’s not the point. Getting a haircut in China involves repeatedly showing the…
Celebrating One Year of Marriage in China
I remember waking up this time last year in a panic. Our wedding was going to be small & casual but my favorite white dress had a neon stain. I didn’t mind it until 5 hours before the ceremony, at which point I had no time to find a new one because my friend needed…
How to Drink Delicious Western Alcohol Affordably
Needless to say, moving to China has been one huge culture shock after another. We’ve almost been here for a year now and it still happens sometime. One of the biggest shocks has been the lack of affordable yet tasty wine that was abundant in Prague. Great Wall, Dynasty and Changyu are the popular cheap brands of…
Electronics Market in Huaqiao
The famous Huaqiao electronics market is located just a few minutes walk from Zhaofeng Road metro station (line 11). You don’t even have to be a tech nerd to appreciate the hundreds of stalls selling everything from phones, laptops, cameras and all the individual bits and pieces required to build it all yourself. Flashing neon signs and the typical chatter…
Anything Sold Anywhere is Cheaper on Taobao – How to Find the Best Price!
Did you know that anything sold anywhere, even if it claims to be one-of-a-kind, is available for much cheaper in China? You know those cute $1 world map necklaces that pop up in Facebook advertisements? I bought one for $0.36 with free delivery on Taobao… I didn’t fully realize Taobao’s potentual until I decided to buy two beautiful…
Planning a Trip to Vietnam
Most foreign teachers in China get the entire month of July off to go on holiday. We’re spending most of this time in Vietnam! I have become somewhat of an expert at trip planning and I’m also obsessed at trying to see a little bit of everything in a short amount of time. While this…
Crayfish Season in China
Just as strawberry season comes to a sad end, crayfish take center stage on the menu. Once the weather starts looking up in April, buckets of live crayfish appear on every street. They are sold by weight, thrown into boiling water right in front of you and prepared in various styles including spicy, garlic-flavored or…
How We Killed Our Drone & Drone Shopping in China
“Dronies” are the new “selfies” now that HD video drones become incredibly cheap, portable and accessible to anyone who wants one. China is a very difficult place to shop for drones because they sell all the popular Western brands, dozens of knockoffs and their own drones that have no English reviews on the internet. We bought…
Getting Aliexpress to Deliver to China!
Aliexpress has been growing in popularity all over the world. People are slowly getting over the misconception that “made in China” means bad quality. You can save so much by ordering clothes and electronics “wholesale”. Due to some confusing legal mumbo-jumbo, Aliexpress doesn’t deliver to China. A lot of online stores in Europe and the US actually…
Don’t Fear Un-refrigerated Eggs!
There is a popular misconception in most Western countries that eggs need to be refrigerated. While there are many arguments for and against refrigerating eggs, it is a fact that it is not dangerous to eat eggs that have not been in a fridge. The simple test to see if an egg is good to…
Tonsai Beach: The Best Beach in Thailand
We visited Thailand back in December, during the mourning period for the late king. During our two week trip we saw Phuket, Krabi and Bangkok. Phuket was beautiful but crawling with drunken tourists. Bangkok was exciting but really hot without a possibility to cool off in the ocean. Then there was Krabi, which was basically paradise on earth! To…
Tailors in China: Cheap & Genius
Chinese fashion isn’t for everyone. The clothes and sizes don’t sit right on curvy body types and shopping at Western stores isn’t cheap. During my crafting obsession I somehow convinced myself that I could make myself a dress without a sowing machine and I ordered beautiful material that just gathered dust. With the help of…
Crafting in China
You may have noticed that I’m behind on posts and I’m very sorry! One thing that China is exceptionally great for is crafting – and that’s what I’ve been busy doing. Materials are cheap, high quality and in cities like Shanghai, there are plenty of opportunities to sell the goods you make. A few months…
Restaurant Manners in China
A typical Chinese restaurant offers a wide variety of food including tofu in all shapes and forms, at least four different styles of pork, dumplings, rice, noodles, veggies, fish and chicken. When you order a dish, you’ll notice immediately that the portion is huge – that’s because you’re supposed to share everything. At a typical…
Strawberry Shopping in China
I arrived in China at the end of July with an unexpected craving for strawberries. Several months went by without a single strawberry in sight and I started getting nervous. I had basically given up on ever eating them again, until November came by and incredibly expensive strawberries flooded the streets. For the first month, an average of…
Wasting Plastic: China & Recycling
China is ahead of the Western world in many ways but is still trying to catch up in others. Wasting plastic in combination with not recycling may be the most baffling thing about the country that is so desperately trying to improve it’s pollution situation. While China has taken many effective steps to reduce pollution, it…
Wuxi’s Taoist Temple (Photos)
Wuxi is a great place to visit and explore. On a recent trip to the Cherry Blossom Festival at the scenic Turtle Head Island, we discovered a beautiful Taoist temple! We discovered quite late that we weren’t allowed to take photos inside… but hopefully the Tao gods will forgive us!
10 Stunning African Creepy Crawlers
Bugs and creepy crawlers usually have a bad rep all over the world. People don’t like them because they’re weird looking, have more legs on them than they need and some bite and sting like it’s nobody’s business. But there are people out there to whom insects and various other creepy crawlers are pretty! For…
Why are there Daily Fireworks in China?
At least once a day I jump out of my skin, sometimes spilling coffee or tea, because of sudden machine-gun-sounding fireworks. These fireworks have nothing to do with holidays and don’t happen at night, so you can barely even see the pretty colors. So why would Chinese people waste their money on day-time fireworks? Many…
Kubuqi Desert Adventures, Inner Mongolia (Photos)
On our weekend trip to Inner Mongolia we got to explore the Kubuqi desert! We actually thought we were going to see the Gobi, but apparently that’s only in Mongolia (Outer Mongolia). Whoops! Despite the mix-up, a desert is a desert and this one was gorgeous! We took the tour with Anda Tours: http://andaguesthouse.com/
Where to Ride a Camel in China?
Camels are fascinating creatures that can live off grass, survive extreme temperatures and they are absolutely adorable. They seem to be quite popular in China since you can ride them at most large zoos and even in the most unexpected places! We once saw a camel dressed up all fancy right outside of our local…
How to Get Cash Anywhere in China: No ATM Necessary!
China is the land of smartphones and genius apps that will make your life easier. People of all ages and financial backgrounds have internet phones, since Samsung/iPhone quality alternative cost less than $150 (and the most primitive smartphones can cost as little as $15). Everyone who has a smartphone also has WeChat, an app that acts…
Long Weekend Flights: Yay or Nay?
I am one of those restless travelers who mopes until they are in a new place, then starts planning the next trip while on the current one. This is why whenever there’s a long weekend, I’m obsessively searching for places to visit! But the airport hassle for just a day or two in a new…
Wuxi Cherry Blossom Festival: Where People Outnumber Flowers
The Chinese Cherry Blossom Festival features Japanese Sakura and hordes or people!
Online Shopping in China: JD vs Taobao
The cheapest way to get anything in China is to buy it online, but Amazon.cn is not the best way to go. The two most popular alternative websites to Amazon are JD and Taobao. While the two websites offer similar, each has it’s pros and cons. Most foreigners who live in Huaqiao prefer to use…
One Noodle Diet: 3.8 Meters Long & Belt-Thick
Can you lose weight by only eating one noodle per meal? Not if they are 3.8 meters long and as thick as a belt!
Great Food and Colorful Lights: Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
The Muslim Quarter in Xi’an is delicious, full of character and an exciting mix of cultures!
What to Expect at a Chinese Visa Health Check
What to expect at a Chinese Visa Health Check!
Huaqiao Off the Beaten Path (PHOTOS)
What happens when already live off the beaten path? Find something even more unusual! (PHOTOS)
China Doesn’t Sugarcoat Meat-Eating & Neither Should You
Eating fresh meat comes at a price. Can’t bear to look? Then maybe you shouldn’t be eating it.
What I Sacrificed to Move to China
I sacrificed 98% of my possessions to move to China .Was it worth it?
Chinese Liquor: Never Been Sicker
Chinese liquor is strong and cheap. My favorite is a medical herbal wine that tastes almost like Czech Becherovka!
144 Visa-Free Hours in China
Visiting China has never been so stress-free! You can now come to most visit-worthy cities without a visa for 72 or 144 hours!
Sushi Drunk: Eating the Best Sushi in the Word
Tsukiji Sushiko Ginza serves what may be the BEST sushi in the world! Yum would be an understatement…
Chinese New Year in Hong Kong: All-You-Can-Drink Cruise
Hong Kong is said to be the best place to celebrate Chinese New Year. This was my experience…
What Is Macau & Why Should You Visit?
Macau is a unique country worth a visit! You can go on a day-trip from Hong Kong via ferry or helicopter!
Cheaper than Venice: Gondolas in Macau
Macau is an independent territory in China that used to be a Portuguese colony. It is known as the Vegas of China and has a fake Venice inside a shopping mall!
Addicted to Travel: Where to Next?
I don’t just want to travel the world. I need to.
39 RMB All-You-Can-Eat in the Heart of Shanghai
What if I told you that 39 RMB is all you need to spend on a huge meal and a few beers in the very heart of Shanghai?
China Problems: Air Pollution & Thirst
No bottled water + bad air pollution = health dilemma.
Vegan Heaven: Kale in Shanghai
Everyone knows that eating kale is good for you. But who knew it could decorate a city!
Getting (& Giving) Red Envelopes
Red Envelopes come in two forms: traditional paper with intricate designs and the increasingly popular digital alternative! People love Red Envelopes because they contain money. Amounts can vary from worthless 50 cent coins given to children to significant amounts of money for newlyweds. It doesn’t even have to be Chinese New Year to get (or…
Outsmarted by a Japanese Toilet
Japanese toilets will sing to you, clean your butt and offer you a massage! I am not even kidding.
Raising Awareness – Pangolin Love for Valentine’s Day
Pangolin may not look cuddly but their story will melt your heart. You can help them too!
Colder on the Inside – Winter in Southern China
Winter mornings are always unpleasant. Unraveling those warm covers always fills me with dread. It takes me a few minutes to prepare for the plunge into the freezing air. I run to the bathroom to take a warm shower and brush my teeth, hopping up and down on my tows to keep my feet off…
Our 1st Sushiversary: Conveyor Belt Proposal @ All-You-Can-Eat Sushi
A year ago today, my boyfriend proposed via conveyor belt at our favorite sushi restaurant in Prague!
Japanese Delicacies: Seafood Pancakes (Okonomiyaki)
Japan combines seafood with pancakes and makes the world a happier, fuller place!
Thai Delicacies: Roti Pancakes
Have you ever noticed that most countries have their own version of a pancake? China has the za liang jian bing or fried pancake served as a breakfast food from street food vendors. The French like their pancakes thin, crispy and savory while Americans prefer them fluffy and doused with maple syrup. Thailand has their…
Forever a Foreigner: Belonging Nowhere & Everywhere
A cheesy rambling about globalization, traveling the world and being a perpetual foreigner & third culture child.
Chinese Delicacies: Calorie Bombs on a Stick (Tanghulu)
Candied fruit on a stick seems like a healthier choice than ice cream. Think again! This delicacy has more calories than a McDonald’s cheeseburger!
8 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Thailand
8 tips to help you save money, avoid diarrhea and theft by monkeys in Thailand.
Returning Home to China & the Quirks of Chinese Airports
Chinese airports have free hot water dispensers, alcohol and tobacco stores sell crabs and many other quirks of traveling through China!
Chinese Delicacies: 2,000 Year Old Pancakes
Chinese fried pancakes are soft yet crispy with a coriander finish! People have been eating them for almost 2,000 years! Read more…
Drinking Hot Water in China
Hot water is healthy to drink and it’s all the rage in China. Even vending machines have it! Water isn’t only thing that’s hot either…
Sexist Sushi in Japan is Awesome… for Women!
Sushi is probably my favorite thing in the world and Japan is the best place to eat it. Since I can never get enough, I’ve been researching all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Turns out that most restaurants have different prices for men and women when it comes to all-you-can-eat menus. Women pay up to 2,000…
Introducing the Huaqiao Foreign Friends Association
The Huaqiao Foreign Friends Association aims to help foreigners feel at home and bring us together with locals to expose them to the English language. Learn more about the association and it’s goals.
11 Bar: the Only Bar in Huaqiao
We finally have a bar in Huaqiao! Here’s why it’s a big deal…
Anything is Possible at a Chinese Airport
30 minutes from one plane to another? Anything is possible at a Chinese airport!
Living in Huaqiao: Cooking your own Food (Guest Post)
Strawberry season, and other tips about shopping in Huaqiao!
Living in Huaqiao: Korean Food Review (Guest Post)
There are some pretty delicious Korean food options in Huaqiao too!
Living in Huaqiao: Chinese Food Review (Guest Post)
Chinese food is great! Here are some of the dishes you should try in Huaqiao!
Living in Huaqiao: The Ultimate List of Places to Eat (Guest Post)
There are SO many food options in Huaqiao! Here’s just a few to pick from…
Living in Huaqiao: Food at KCIS (Guest Post)
Here’s what your food options are at KCIS. Teachers get a free lunch every day!
Living in Huaqiao: Leaving for Weekends (Guest Post)
The most excited part of leaving Huaqiao is leaving it. Here’s some tips on weekend trips that are not Shanghai!
Living in Huaqiao: Basic Beauty 101 (Guest Post)
Keeping chic in Huaqiao isn’t easy when all the elements are against you! Here’s some tips…
Strangers Gave us Money at a Chinese Christmas Party!
Chinese Christmas parties are full of great performances, food and even money!
Living in Huaqiao: The Great Firewall (Guest Post)
VPNs are essential if you want to access Facebook and Google in China! Read more…
Entertainment in Huaqiao (Guest Post)
So what do people do for fun in Huaqiao?
All About Line Eleven (Guest Post)
KCIS is located at the end of Shanghai’s metro line 11. Read more about the line here.
Living in Huaqiao: Get from A to B Without Dealing with X, Y, Z (Guest Post)
Huaqiao is located just outside of Shanghai, but public transportation is great here! Read more…
Shanghai’s Financial Center by Night (PHOTOS)
Shanghai’s financial center light up beautifully at night!
5 Ways to Stay Warm During Chinese Winter
Winter in China is NOT pretty. The humid coldness seeps right into your bones. Here’s tips on staying warm!
WHERE TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016 IN PRAGUE
With only a few weeks left in 2016, it’s time to make plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve! Everyone in Prague will be partying and there are so many places to choose from. Here are some of the hottest venues in Prague where to celebrate the night of the year, just remember to make a…
THE SCARIEST PLACES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC (PART 1)
Every one of you has at one point has experienced being some place that gives you a strange feeling: chills running down your back, goosebumps on your skin and something telling you that you should leave immediately. Let’s go explore five places that you do not want to visit alone. This article explores some Czech…
10 INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU THROUGH WINTER IN PRAGUE
Winter can be gray and gloomy but don’t let that get you down. There are many fun indoor activities that can keep you active and provide entertainment during those cold winter months! Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c217-Sightseeing-Attractions/n7735-10-Indoor-Activities-to-Get-You-Through-Winter-in-Prague
Living in a Chinese Economic Development Zone
I live on the very edge of Shanghai, in a Chinese economic development zone. What exactly does that mean?
48 Hours in Kiev, Ukraine – GoWonder City Guide
Kiev is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and happens to be the 8th most populated city in Europe. Like many formerly communist countries, Ukraine has undergone extreme economic and social changes. Today, Kiev is a bustling cosmopolitan city combining historic architecture, modern cafes and a vibrant nightlife. In other words, it’s the perfect tourist destination!
CZECH CHRISTMAS MARKETS 2016
It’s finally that time of year again! Follow the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine to one of Prague’s many Christmas markets. The Náměstí Míru market is officially open for business and the rest will follow soon. The traditional markets bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to Prague every winter. The seasonal fairs, special…
Shopping for Western Food in China
Shopping for Western food in China can be a challenge. However you can find just about anything, as long as you know where to look!
4 EARLY-WINTER GETAWAYS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Cooler weather tempts us to curl up under a puffy blanket with some hot chocolate. But winter shouldn’t dampen your adventurous spirit. There are plenty of winter-exclusive articles that will warm up your heart and get you out of the house! Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like…
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium has the world’s longest submarine viewing tunnel! Read more…
CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING IN PRAGUE 2016
Thanksgiving is a popular American holiday and it’s all about family, friends, American football and delicious food. A traditional dinner features a roast turkey, sides of mashed potato with gravy, pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce. The best thing about the holiday? You don’t need to be American (or in America) to enjoy it! Read the…
Feeding Lions at Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai Wild Animal Park put visitors and cages and lets the animals roam freely!
PRAGUE BUILDINGS WITH EXCITING HISTORIES (PART 3)
Prague is constantly developing and growing. Some of your favorite buildings have been there for hundreds of years while others have been re-purposed or completely reconstructed. Learn more about the history of this fascinating city! Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local! http://prague.tv/en/s72/Directory/c217-Sightseeing-Attractions/n7541-Prague-Buildings-with-Exciting-Histories-Part-3
CZECH THANKSGIVING – ST. MARTIN’S DAY 2016
Celebrated on November 11th, Saint Martin’s Day is the European equivalent of American Thanksgiving. The timing comes just after wheat seeding is complete and cattle are ready for slaughter. Harvest season is just the right time to hold the Feast of Saint Martin. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like…
PRAGUE BUILDINGS WITH EXCITING HISTORIES (PART 2)
Prague is a city layered with history and every building has a thrilling story. The places you visit, the restaurants you eat at and the clubs where you party all have their own secrets just waiting to be uncovered. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover Prague, like a local!…
WHY DO YOU GET THE DAY OFF ON OCTOBER 28TH?
We get so excited when public holidays give us a three-day weekend that we don’t always take the time to research the significance of the date. On October 28th 1918, Czechoslovakia gained independence from the Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire. So, what do you need to know about this day? Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The…
VISIT CZECH SPAS AS SOME OF THEIR FAMOUS GUESTS DID BEFORE YOU!
What do Freud, Chopin, Charles the IV and Antonio Banderas have in common? They’ve all enjoyed a relaxing dip in one of Czech Republic’s famous spas. Spa towns Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně and Karlovy Vary have all had their fair share of celebrity visitors. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to…
4 FALL TRIPS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
The Czech Republic is probably the most beautiful during fall when all the parks and forests are immersed in fall colors. There are various places to go to enjoy this picturesque season. The following four may be the best spots to enjoy autumn. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover…
GETTING MARRIED IN PRAGUE
Prague is the dream wedding destination for thousands of couples from around the world. It is hard to stroll through Prague without running into a bride wearing a beautiful white dress. Here’s all you need to know about the legal requirements of tying the knot in the heart of Europe. Read the full article on…
PRAGUE’S LOST AND FOUND
According to Praha.eu, dozens of valuables are lost every day! Important documents, mobile phones, umbrellas, various pieces of clothing, keys and other items end up in the lost and found office. So if you’ve lost something important, don’t panic, it may have been found. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover…
Shanghai’s French Concession: Photo Diary
The French Concession is a hipster, European-looking area in Shanghai! It’s unique and unlike anything you’ll ever see in China!
PRAGUE BUILDINGS WITH EXCITING HISTORIES (PART 1)
One of the best things about Prague is the vast history behind every cobblestone, monument and building in the city. Prague’s two occupations, three independence days and constant social development have resulted in some exciting stories. Do you know the backstory of your favorite hang out spots? Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The…
Behind the Scenes in China: The G20 Effect
What happened to locals (and expats) living in China during the G20 Summit?
Are E-Bikes More Dangerous Than Motorcycles?
E-bikes (electronic scooters) are a popular way to get around China. They only go up to 60 km/hour but they are WAY more dangerous than motorcycles…
Chinese Paparazzi & Language Barriers
Caucasians stand out in China. The locals will take photos of you and try to communicate!
10 Coworking Spaces in Prague
Office sharing has been gaining popularity because it gives freelancers a chance to share a space, experience an office environment and even share ideas. Working around others can be a great motivator and a distraction-free office can lead to better focus and less procrastination. There are many different coworking options in Prague each with their…
A “China Day” at the Water Village
Suzhou Water Village is known as the Venice of the East for it’s canals and oriental Chinese boats! Read more…
Chinese Hot Pot: All You Can Eat
Chinese hot pot: where all you can eat, self-BBQ and food on a conveyor belt all come together!
Beer Pong in a Grocery Store
Partying is a little different in China. The best place to play beer pong is in a grocery store!
Chicken Feet and Century Eggs
Chicken feet (bones and all) are a Chinese delicacy. So are rotten smelling black eggs! Read more…
Drawing the Line Between Pet and Dinner
China treats their cattle badly but their pets like royalty. Why and how does this work?
WOMEN’S HEALTH 101
Prague has a great healthcare system and it is important for women to understand how to take advantage of it. Finding a gynecologist is the first step to staying healthy and there are plenty to choose from. Most English speaking gynecology clinics aren’t covered by insurance so it is important to know your options. Read…
WHERE TO FIX YOUR PHONE, LAPTOP OR NOTEBOOK IN PRAGUE
Do not panic about a cracked phone display or an overheating laptop. Prague is littered with repair shops that will take care of your exact needs. Where to go and how much it will cost depends on the severity of the problem, where you originally bought the device and whether you still have insurance. Read…
The Tallest Building in Shanghai – America’s Next Top Model Style
Shanghai is home to the second tallest building in the world and many other fascinating sky scrapers!
REGISTERING AT THE FOREIGN POLICE
Registering at the foreign police is obligatory for anyone who is staying in the Czech Republic for more than 30 days. Non-EU citizens are supposed to register within three days within arrival. EU citizens on the other hand have 30 days but still need to register. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best…
Chinese Valentine’s Day: Tough Love or True Love?
China has it’s own Valentine’s day and plenty of other ways for singles to meet!
Four Health Benefits of Moving to China
Squat toilets, dangerous traffic, hard mattresses and sweating all summer long has it’s health benefits!
Real Vegans Eat Insects: True or False?
The growing trend of edible insects has started many debates among foodies. It’s gaining popularity because It’s a great alternative source of protein because farming insects requires fewer resources and it can be done in ways that don’t harm the environment. Some Google definitions: Vegetarian: a person who does not eat meat or fish, and sometimes…
Financial Benefits of Eating Insects
Edible Insects offer clear financial benefits. It costs a lot less investment to produce edible insects in terms of input feed, but the ratio of feed to meat is far greater. Insects are biologically cold-blooded, so they use a lot less energy than poultry and beef herds to keep warm. As a result, a larger…
Shrimp vs. Crickets: How Can Eating Insects Save the World?
Shrimp are a popular food source all over the world. They are healthy due to their high calcium, omega-3, protein and they are deliciously easy to prepare. Shrimp has been America’s most popular seafood for many years; in 2014 the average amount of shrimp eaten per person annually was 1.8 kilos! Despite being one of the most…
DISCOVER SHORTCUTS IN PRAGUE WITH THESE SMARTPHONE APPS
Prague has a unique contrast between it’s historic streets and modern society. With free WiFi offered at most cafes and restaurants as well as many of the newer trams, the following apps can help make your life easier even without a data plan. Read the full article on Prague.TV’s website. The best place to discover…
How to Wear Food-Themed Earrings? Part 2
Perhaps the most impressive earrings are also the hardest to wear. The egg looks like it’s about to ooze yellow goodness and the bacon even feels crispy! Outside of cooking class the only appropriate occasion I could fathom for wearing these scrumptious earrings was Sunday brunch. Forgoing my usual outfit that closely resembled my pajamas,…
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