All around me I could see a lush forest filled with diverse plant and animal species. From afar it looked like a wild, unclaimed piece of land. However, I would soon find out it was actually a highly productive, cultivated coffee plantation. This four acre organic farm was no … [Read more...]
Five Beers, Five Brands, Five Countries in Southeast Asia
Today I'm keeping things lighthearted. While I've got plenty more stories about how food shapes our experience of cultures and landscapes, they will have to wait because this post is all about the fun, silly topic of brands of beer in Southeast Asia! A Locavore's Guide to Beer … [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...]
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...]
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...]
My Adventure Roasting Coffee in Laos
Oh coffee. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. You are a delicious, nectar of the gods. My love for you is nothing short of a life-long love affair. I can vividly remember my first, wholly mediocre, cup. I was 15 years old and stage managing a theater production with … [Read more...]