Category: Transformative Travel Experiences

Columns, Transformative Travel Experiences

The Family Reintroduction: What Traveling in Southeast Asia Taught Me About My Family

The people I’ve known the longest still surprise me. I learned this when my family visited me in Thailand. Take everyone out of their context and comfort zones and new elements of their personalities unfold. Sure some things always remains the same. My sister still wants the royal treatment, my dad wants to make sure everyone has the royal treatment and my mom just wants … Continue reading The Family Reintroduction: What Traveling in Southeast Asia Taught Me About My Family

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Transformative Travel Experiences

On Becoming a Bold Biking Babe in Shanghai

Some may jump at the opportunity to weave through Shanghai streets on a bicycle. Prior to the summer of 2005, biking was a deal breaker, for anything, anywhere. I’d signed up for a summer experience in Shanghai. I’d envisioned living near campus, walking to my classes, drinking bubble tea with friends, all by foot or sky train. I was tricked, or just naive. Day one … Continue reading On Becoming a Bold Biking Babe in Shanghai

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Columns, Transformative Travel Experiences

“Hi There Stranger.” A New Mindset Towards New Faces

   My dad is the kind of person who will start a conversation with anyone. He is socially fearless. He doesn’t initiate conversation for a particularly reason or means. He genuinely loves conversation and meeting people. Every person he sits next to on an airplane is a friend come landing. If Dad disappears on a family outing it’s probably because he’s deep in dialogue with … Continue reading “Hi There Stranger.” A New Mindset Towards New Faces

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Columns, Transformative Travel Experiences

Facing a Fear of Failure on Annapurna Mountain in Nepal

Eight years finishing dead last during PE sprints taught me to avoid public displays of speed and agility. A sunrise hike in Lake Tahoe spent panting on the sidelines made me solemnly swear to myself and the rising sun that I would never hike again. I’d rather miss out on an experience than risk exposing my weaknesses. I dreamed of trekking in the Himalayas long … Continue reading Facing a Fear of Failure on Annapurna Mountain in Nepal

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