Matthew Polly is the national bestselling author of American Shaolin, Tapped Out and Bruce Lee: A Life. A Princeton University graduate and Rhodes Scholar, he spent two years studying kung fu at the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Esquire, Slate, Playboy, and The Nation. He is a fellow at Yale University and lives in New Haven, Connecticut. Q1. Kung Fu, Chinese culture, and language were at the … [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...]
From Beachfront to Mountain Views: Exploring Incline Village Vacation Rental Options
Picture waking up to Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters lapping against the shore, or sipping morning coffee on a mountain deck overlooking fresh powder at Diamond Peak. This is the magic of Incline Village vacation rentals—where every stay feels like your own piece of alpine paradise. Nestled on Lake Tahoe's prestigious north shore, Incline Village offers a sophisticated alternative to the busier south shore. Here, vacation rentals provide the … [Read more...]
After London’s Pink Ball, Vilnius Stages a Three-Day Pink Takeover
Photos by Go Vilnius. The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, which has attracted 93,000 visitors in 2025, is expanding into a three-day celebration of Lithuania's cold pink soup, šaltibarščiai. December, 2025 – Vilnius, Lithuania. As the British Museum prepares for its Pink Ball, the Lithuanian capital is set to continue the pink tradition next spring. After a record-breaking year, the Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, inspired by the country's iconic cold … [Read more...]
Taormina, through the eyes of a traveler
Taormina is not just a place, it's a feeling Before arriving in Taormina, people told me it was “the pearl of Sicily.” But no one warned me that it would make me feel so small—like stepping into an ancient theater where every stone has stood still for centuries, staring at Mount Etna without blinking. In this city, nestled between cliffs and sea, time takes a different path. It doesn’t rush. It lingers beside you and waits. Waits for you to … [Read more...]
Spending New Year’s Eve Alone in Dubai: An Unexpected Experience
The Dream of Celebrating New Year in Dubai For a long time, I had dreamed of spending New Year’s Eve in Dubai. On TV, the fireworks show around the Burj Khalifa always looked spectacular — a global celebration with lights, music, and thousands of people in awe of the world’s tallest building. It seemed like the perfect way to start a new year, something I wanted to experience at least once in my life. So, when I planned a ten-day trip to … [Read more...]
Taipei in a Flash: A Whirlwind Adventure Worth Remembering
A quick journey to Taipei was not meant to be. Rather than get up with the chickens at 430am in the Thai village I am staying in to catch a van to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch an 11am flight, I opted to take a a van into Bangkok a day early at a reasonable 3pm departure. I didn't catch much sleep that night due to three women next door partying like it was December 31, 1999. The day of my flight, I left my hotel at 8am for the airport. The … [Read more...]
Ystad, Southern Sweden – December 2025
This picturesque town is a photographers dream, especially during late spring and summer. If the town was only historical buildings (of which there are plenty) it would be a beautiful place - but then throw in the gorgeous array of flowers and blooming trees during this time of year, and if its not too much to ask - warm days with lots of sunshine! For a small town (the core is only about 17,000 people) Ystad packs a punch for tourism. There are … [Read more...]
6 Unforgettable Italian Getaways for Every Kind of Traveler
One of the best things about Italy is how quickly it transforms. A couple of hours can take you from quiet villages to dramatic lakesides or sun-soaked coastal paths. It’s a country built for every type of traveler. This article looks at six places suited to different styles of travel, from gentle wandering to full days outdoors. Nothing here requires expert knowledge or special planning, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to … [Read more...]
Andrew Forsthoefel, Author of “Walking to Listen: 4,000 Miles Across America, One Story at a Time”
At 23, Andrew Forsthoefel left his home in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, and began a 4,000-mile walk across America, carrying an audio recorder, a “Walking to Listen” sign, and an open mind ready for conversations with strangers. His book, Walking to Listen, documents his year-long trek across America to learn the art of listening. Q. In 2011, you set out on a cross-country walk with a mission of listening to strangers. Most people walk for … [Read more...]
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