Soles of a Nomad

Delta lost our luggage on the way to Lima, Peru. What followed involved freezing mist, four airport trips, a pile of broken promises, and the slow unraveling of our faith in airlines—and humanity. A ridiculous and totally true travel disaster story.

In a morally questionable sprint through the gates of the Taj Mahal, I left my family behind to chase the holy grail of travel photography: a crowd-free shot of India’s most iconic monument. This is my confession. And yes, the photos were worth it.

Kochi challenged our lungs and won our hearts. In a city where the streets are cleaner than most of India but the air turns to ash by dawn, we found humor, irony, and unexpected beauty.

Ella, Sri Lanka, offered us rain, bad wifi, and a masterclass in the sublime art of doing nothing. Here’s how we got there, where we stayed, and where to find the best roti in town.

Sri Lanka promised curry breakfasts, blue whales, and gentle adventures. Instead, we found tuk tuk shakedowns, a resurrected jewel scam, and a train ride so crowded I balanced on one foot like a flamingo. Because travel.

Traveling through China meant breakdowns, sweat-drenched buses, and one very angry duck. Sometimes, you don't cry because you're sad—you cry because travel.