Soles of a Nomad

Bali is beautiful, but is it for you? From glorious diving and friendly locals to Insta-posers and endless traffic, here’s what we loved—and what we didn’t.

I planned a 33-day trip. Indonesia gave me 30. What followed was bureaucracy, boredom, and a cautionary tale. Don't repeat my mistake—read on.

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.

After years of family travel, I’ve learned the best moments aren’t the big-ticket adventures—they’re the muddy, sticky, pork belly-filled meals we share along the way

After a week swinging in a hammock on Don Khon, it was time to head north to Vang Vieng. Our overland journey involved boats, minivans, a sleeper bus, and dodging more than one travel scam.

Looking for a floating market with more locals than tourists? Head to Amphawa! Here’s everything you need to know, from how to get there to the joys of boat noodles, fireflies, and the infamous swimming monkeys. Because travel.

In the quiet pre-dawn light of Amphawa, I watched monks paddle gently down the canal collecting morning alms. This timeless ritual of merit-making offered both beauty and a lesson in humility. I stood back with my camera, wondering—as I often do—if capturing these moments adds meaning or takes it away. Because travel.

Chewbacca noises. Endless mountain roads. A village with no restaurants or guesthouses. This is how we stumbled into Mae La Oop, and into one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve ever had.

One shirt. Two armpits. Zero hot water. This is backpacker laundry done the hard way — with soap, sweat, and shivering.

Our family of five spent five days sweating, wandering, and snacking our way through Georgetown, Penang. Here’s what worked — and what wasn’t worth it.

We took the night train from KL to Penang for the romance, the legroom, and the savings. The ferry was smooth. The walk? Let’s just say… sweaty.

Among the rubble and grime of KL’s riverside, we stood watching the sun set behind Masjid Jamek as the call to prayer rose. A moment worth the chaos.

Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur greeted us with noise, confusion, and a sandal full of something best forgotten. It only got weirder from there.

Melaka may be hot and humid, but it’s full of charm. Here’s how a family of five ate well, stayed cheap, and avoided the worst of the tourist traps.

Under a fan in a sweltering corner of Melaka’s Little India, we ate with our hands on banana leaves. Messy, sweaty, and completely wonderful.

We came for the famous cendol and assam laksa at Jonker 88 in Melaka. Instead, two of our kids nearly passed out — and we learned not to underestimate Southeast Asia’s heat.

Georgetown Malaysia street food is chaotic, delicious, and unforgettable. Here’s how we ate our way through noodles, nasi kandar, and pure happiness.

Surviving the humidity of the Borneo jungle wasn’t about strength — it was about surrendering to the sweat and embracing the discomfort. Because travel.

A night walk on the Kinabatangan River revealed an unforgettable sight: hundreds of spiders staring back at us from the jungle floor. Welcome to Borneo.

A slow stroll through the forest with Solomon, a dignified orangutan at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, taught me more than I expected.