Cambodia is not Kansas thumbnail

Cambodia is not Kansas

Cambodia remains one of the most challenging places we’ve ever been. We loved experiencing the frenetic city of Phnom Penh, the beach of Kep and of course the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat. But...

Beach = 1, Julie = 0 thumbnail

Beach = 1, Julie = 0

In my mind, people on a beach vacation look something like this. Arrive at the beach late morning, as the sun is hitting its peak. Spend some time swimming, floating, , and lazily relaxing in the gorgeous ocean. Come...

A Shout Out to the Best Hotel Ever (Bangkok) thumbnail

A Shout Out to the Best Hotel Ever (Bangkok)

While in Bangkok in 2011, we stayed in what remains one of our top five hotels ever. This is saying something, given that it cost $60/night and we’ve stayed in our fair share of fun and funky places. We have even...

In the Lap of Luxury thumbnail

In the Lap of Luxury

Luxurious. Over the top. Gilded. Gold leaf. These are words that I usually associate with restored French castles but are far from my daily life and way I typically travel. Instead, words like comfortable, quiet,...

Abu Dhabi: A Photo Essay thumbnail

Abu Dhabi: A Photo Essay

I wanted to share some photos of the detailing we saw in a few buildings in Abu Dhabi.  Islamic art is unique in that there are no depictions of animals or humans, so the decorative elements of many structures are...

Abu Dhabi: If you build it, they will come thumbnail

Abu Dhabi: If you build it, they will come

My brief time in the United Arab Emirates leaves me a bit baffled. One one hand, I am overcome by the beauty of the regional architecture, most decadently showcased by the grand national mosque, the largest in the...