Ghost stories are plentiful in Asia. And many are quite believable. Ghost stories in Malaysia alone are enough to make a believer out of the most skeptical. Mix the modern day it-happened-to-me narratives of ordinary people with cultural beliefs and legends and it does make one wonder which came first; An innate belief in the […]
Best of Singapore: Top Picks of 25 Travel Bloggers
Few people I know visit Singapore for extended periods of time unless they are working or perhaps pet sitting. In fact, when asking about local sights, I often hear, “Oh, I was only there for a few days, I didn’t get to see much.” I myself have said the same and have the Instagram shots […]
World War 2 Asia, Forgiven Not Forgotten
Unless a diehard history fan, the average visitor to Asia may not realize the impact that World War 2 and the Japanese Military Forces had on the region. Memories from that not-so-long-ago war are present nearly everywhere. The resilient people of Asia survived horrors which are often not repeated to younger generations of family members, […]
Perils of Pet Sitting, What You Should Know
I’m going on my fifth year of pet sitting in Southeast Asia. I wasn’t even aware that such a thing as pet sitting or house sitting existed in a ‘professional services’ category, until I read a blog about it on the 1 Dad 1 Kid website. I signed up immediately and was an official pet […]
Bed Bugs, the Gift that Keeps on Giving
Scientists say that the only living creatures found at, post atomic bombed, Hiroshima were cockroaches. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they possibly overlooked a bed bug or two. If any insect could survive a nuclear attack, I would lay my money on the dreaded bed bugs. As I was sitting down to write a […]
Puerto Princesa, the Jewel of Palawan
Island airports tend to look very similar to one another, yet as I stepped just outside of the Puerto Princesa International Airport baggage claim I was struck. The air hit me with a wave of familiarity that immediately brought tears to my eyes. And a chill up my spine. I know that may sound beyond […]
Shangri-La at the Fort: Hospitality from the Heart
At a glance the Shangri-La at the Fort barely hints at the degree of opulence available to their luxury seeking guests. An impressive glass chandelier splashing light across the massive lobby, the hushed tones of the well mannered, and impeccably dressed staff are generally expected at 5-star luxury accommodations. My weekend splurge at the Shangri-La […]