Being Human
The Aftermath of Cambodia: Breaking Out of Apathy
I wish I could tell you that I returned to New York happy-go-lucky, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Read MoreSiem Reap: A Guide Through the Heart of Cambodia
I decided to spend my last weekend in Siem Reap, home to the ancient Angkor temple complex.
Read MorePhnom Penh: We Don’t Have to Get Used to Suffering (Day 12)
Before I stepped foot into this country, I was fully aware of Cambodia’s widespread battle with child labor and prostitution. Yet for the first time, I truly felt like I saw it.
Read MorePhnom Penh: The Two Sides of Cambodia (Day 11)
I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating the nature of Cambodia’s people, and I’m still somewhat at a loss.
Read MorePhnom Penh: Finding Joy in the Simplest of Pleasures (Day 9,10)
I continue to be taken aback by how sweet and affectionate the children at CCH are. Every day upon my arrival, I am greeted with tender hugs and smiles.
Read MoreSihanoukville, Koh Rong Sanloem: When Anticipation Surpasses Reality
My first weekend escape was with two fellow volunteers to Sihanoukville, a highly recommended beach town about four hours car ride from Phnom Penh.
Read MorePhnom Penh: Opportunity is a Privilege (Day 5,6)
I’ll be honest – I did not know what I was doing on my first day of class. I was wholly unprepared for the realities of teaching, and slightly worried about whether I was qualified enough to provide value to the children.
Read MorePhnom Penh: Teaching is more than giving – it is also receiving (Day 4)
Today I learned that teaching is an art. Not to say that I previously thought it was easy, but I also did not think I would struggle as much as I did: I’m smart and I know the English language very well, so it should only make sense that I’d be able to teach it, right?
Read MorePhnom Penh: Sometimes Happiness Just Requires You to Show Up (Day 3)
After learning about Cambodia’s terrible history and the suffering of its people, I arrived at the Center of Children’s Happiness with a solemn heart.
Read MorePhnom Penh: History’s Atrocities Repeat Themselves, and We Let Them (Day 2)
We grow up hearing about all the terrible things that happen in the world. I’m sure many of us have at least witnessed one in some shape or form.
Read MorePhnom Penh: Foreigners are Just That – Foreign (Day 1)
Twenty-four hours of crossing the world gave me plenty of time to conjure up an elaborate fantasy of my arrival to Phnom Penh.
Read MoreHow Kindness is Leading Me to Cambodia
For the next couple of weeks, I will be volunteering at an orphanage in the projects of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital.
Read MoreChiang Mai: The Quiet, Charming Soul of Thailand
As a Westerner with hardly any prior exposure to Asian culture, I couldn’t even imagine what my first venture there would be like.
Read MoreLondon: The City That Won’t Make Eye Contact
I must admit, as much as I wanted to get to know her, London did not fully reveal herself to me this time.
Read MoreColombia’s Best Kept Secret
I am almost hesitant to write this, because that is how badly I don’t want more people to find out about the Islas Del Rosario.
Read MoreThree Must-Try Wineries in Napa Valley
My pull towards Napa was initially hesitant due to its over-hyped name.
Read MoreMilan, the Functional Italian City
Well, Milan, you did it. You’ve managed to capture what only two cities before you have done – my commitment.
Read More48 Hours in Montreal
I knew nothing about Montreal other than the usual regurgitated generalizations: the city is quite European in style, the people are young and beautiful, it gets unreasonably cold, and – …
Read MoreThat Huge Brazilian City No One Told You About
Name Brazil’s three largest cities. For most of you, this will be a piece of cake: Sāo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and…. Oh wait. What on earth is Brazil’s third largest city, anyway?
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