Nothing heralds the turn of the season quite like the sudden abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. As the days lengthen, nature comes alive. Bright red tomatoes ripened on the vine, fragrant bunches of herbs, sweet berries dripping with juice - these are the sensory … [Read more...]
Learning to Value Every Grain of Rice
The scene was incredibly beautiful from afar. The fields were sparsely dotted with villagers wearing traditional straw hats and wielding machetes by hand. The glowing, radiant tones of the early morning sun flooded with fields with gold. The rice dried in perfect bundles while … [Read more...]
4000 Islands of Relaxation: Si Phan Don, Laos
Si Phan Don: Don Khong, Don Khon & Don Det, Laos Initial Thoughts: The 4000 islands of Si Phan Don are known for having a relaxed pace of life. I first noticed this laid back attitude upon arrival to Don Khong. We'd been dropped off outside an unstaffed, barebones tourist … [Read more...]
The Sweetness of Sharing in Split, Croatia
Using a rusty, dirt-caked knife, she sliced a perfectly ripe pear and passed me a piece dripping with juice. In the space of a split-second, I was caught between craving the connection and fearing the lack of sanitation. My desire to experience, to interact, to connect grew … [Read more...]
Subsistence Fishing on the Mekong River, Laos
I stumbled across the deck feeling my way over to the wooden railing. As my eyes started to adjust to the darkness, I could just barely see the river gently flowing passed. I relished the absolute silence of the predawn. None of my fellow travellers were awake and yet I … [Read more...]
A Land of Outdoor Adventures: Central Laos
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng & Vientiane, Laos Initial Thoughts: Driving into Luang Prabang on the back of a converted pickup truck after two days aboard a boat felt like waking up on a new continent. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang boasts gorgeous French … [Read more...]
Egyptian Food in Toronto: Maha’s Brunch
My favourite thing about living in Toronto is the multiculturalism. By welcoming individuals from a wide-variety of backgrounds, our city becomes a more vibrant, interesting and delicious place to live. In my Global Food in Toronto Series I'm travelling the globe by eating one … [Read more...]
A Journey on a Slow Boat: Mekong River, Laos
Mekong River, Laos Initial Thoughts: I'd had visions of a quaint wooden boat shared by locals and travellers alike drifting slowly along a busy trade route. What I got was 100 drunk foreigners crammed into a boat retrofitted with seats from a minivan. In particular there were … [Read more...]