Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp By Sunita Khadka The alarm went off at 4:30 AM, waking me up from a restless sleep 3,700 meters above sea level. My head hurt a little, which was a sign that the air here doesn't have as much oxygen as I'm used to. But when I unzipped my sleeping bag in the cold, dark teahouse, the thrill of it all made any discomfort go away. I would finally get to Annapurna Base Camp today, after six days of … [Read more...]
Bacolod: The City of Smiles
At first glance, Bacolod might seem like just another bustling Philippine city, but beneath its modern veneer lies a sweet soul that earned it the moniker "City of Smiles." As our plane descended over sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, I began to understand why this capital of Negros Occidental province has become a vital stop on the Filipino food trail. The city's connection to sugar runs deep – quite literally. For generations, vast … [Read more...]
Zamboanga City: Asia’s Latin City
The morning sun cast golden rays across the waters of the Basilan Strait as our ferry approached Zamboanga City's port. Known as Asia's Latin City, this historic settlement on the southwestern tip of Mindanao held the promise of a unique cultural tapestry woven from Spanish, Muslim, and indigenous influences. My journey began at the iconic Paseo del Mar, where the salty breeze carried whispers of the city's maritime heritage. Local families … [Read more...]
Taj Mahal Tour: What the Guidebooks Don’t Tell You
Most Taj Mahal tour rarely deviate from the script: you enter the Taj complex, stroll through its gardens, enter the main mausoleum to see the tombs, take a few pictures at the same spot as a million others and then leave the city. But beyond this Taj Mahal itinerary, there lie so many details most visitors miss out on. I have visited the Taj Mahal around five times now, my first time being when I was 10. Each visit taught me something new … [Read more...]
The Mountain Province
The morning fog held on to the mountainsides like a silk veil as our vehicle navigated the winding roads of the Cordillera Central range. I had arrived in Mountain Province, Philippines, just as the first light of dawn broke over the eastern peaks. This remote highland region, nestled in the northern part of Luzon Island, had long been on my list of destinations. As we ascended higher into the mountains, the promise of ancient traditions and … [Read more...]
11 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Korea
Is Korea safe for a solo female traveler? For the most part, yes! Korea is a generally a great destination for female travelers, until you want some authentic Korean food or KBBQ. Some restaurants might not accommodate solo diners. But it's not because of your nationality. Their minimum order usually starts at a two-person portion, so they would refuse to serve me as well. Back to safety, it's always better to be safe than … [Read more...]
Alphabet People, ‘Ya Ice,’ and Wanton Penetration: A Bangkok Story as Old as Time
Originally published via Armageddon Safari: Sodom and Gomorrah had nothing on modern Bangkok. Via Bangkok Post (emphasis added): “Forty-four men, many wearing only underwear and testing positive for illicit substances, were arrested during a raid on an illegal drug party early Saturday in Bangkok’s Wang Thonglang district. The operation, led by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, took place around 1.30am at a three-storey building on Soi … [Read more...]
The Low-Trust Society and Hard-Earned Expat Insights
Originally published via Armageddon Safari: I recently stumbled upon a true gem of an X post from @kunley_drukpa — not necessarily a ringing endorsement of expat life in India, but an expert treatise on the “low trust society” that rings all too true for anyone with experience in the Third World. A small excerpt: “A few years ago now I spent some time in India. One of the more lasting impressions I have from that period was the degree to … [Read more...]
An Amazing Experience of Riding Above 18,000 Feet in the Himalayas
Last Month in July, I did something I had been dreaming about for many years - I was riding over 18000 feet above sea level where the cool mountain air greeted me. It was an absolute adventure with Brahman Tour Motorbike Tour in Himalayas, India covering many high-altitude motorable passes. This place is a land of stark beauty with its rugged mountains, gorgeous lakes and endless open skies. I knew it would be amazing, but it came from the actual … [Read more...]
The Backseat Butcher of Bangkok: Busted!
Originally published via Armageddon Safari: Sometimes stereotypes hold true. Case in point: Asian men do indeed, as a rule of thumb, as anyone who has watched Japanese pornography may have noticed, tend to have smaller-than-average packages compared to those of the European persuasion and definitely pitted against the Africans. (I discuss issues related to the phallus in the context of living in East Asia as an expat extensively in my … [Read more...]
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