It didn’t take long to readjust to travel life. I’ve felt more comfortable during my 12 hour layover in London’s Heathrow Airport then I have since my return from travel last year. I love the airport environment because it is one where no one has to fit in. Everything from culture, currency, fashion and language vary. Where most people would cringe at the layover I sat happy and content giving my mind and body the proper time to transition from the chaos of philly life to the chaos of travel life. Using my backpack for a pillow I leaned back and watched the world go by without an interruption of a text message, phone call or email. It took 2 days for me to arrive to my destination in Jinja, Uganda. But before I begin ... read more

My home before home... Dharamshala is nestled in the valley of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh in Northern India. The town is split into two levels, the lower being Dharamshala (where I am staying). The upper level, a few steep miles uphill, is christened McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, as well as an influx of Tibetan refugees fleeing the Chinese oppression in their homeland. The entire region provides a generous view of the Dhauladhar Mountain range and surrounding valleys at the foothill of the Himalayas. The view is so expansive that you can sit under the bright warm sunshine on one mountain while you watch dark storm clouds gather to shower over another. The weather here is pleasant. Warm before the frequent thunderstorms, and cool after. And just a note, ... read more

There is one thing I have to do while in Sapa. I have to find Pen. Pen is one of the hill tribe people living in a village outside of Sapa, and a friend of Karen’s. The only clues for finding her are a photograph and this letter: Dear Sherry, As soon as you get to Sapa find someone dressed the same as Pen. They will know her and send word for her to come into town to see you. She has 3 sons now including a new little baby boy. Her village is 5-7 kms from town. If you go out there take your own water and eat first. Pen speaks English and is gorgeous...Don’t try to get police permission to visit her village, it will take too long. Just plead ignorant if you are ... read more

"The riverside town of Hoi An oozes charm and culture from every corner. The most enchanting place along the coast, the one spot worth lingering in." -Lonely Planet After 6 weeks, I leave Hoi An today without having seen the MY SON temples, having taken a cooking class, or the dozens of other “MUST DO’S” on the tourist list. I suppose I could have made time for them if I tried, but it just hadn’t seemed important (OK, except the tailored clothes). But I leave this morning with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, and heartfelt memories that I’m confident are strong enough to bring me back. Posted are a few of my touristy snapshots...... read more

Pre-Op (Part I) I suppose the Da Nang Hospital is not the worst in the world, but I sure the hell would not want to be treated there. Yet I guess like anything else, it’s all relative. Tam got his hospital bed and I thought, what a piece of crap, but he happily jumped on it and said WOW, this is a GREAT bed! Having a room in Da Nang Hospital means a room shared with 5-10 other patients in varying conditions from brain trauma, cancer, to broken limbs. There is one shared bathroom consisting of a squat toilet, small sink, bucket and spicket. The only 2 things supplied for your stay is one sheet and a pair of prison-like pajamas (how appropriate). And it was no joke when they said you need to bring everything ... read more