The Art of Traveling Solo

The Art of Traveling Solo

“Aren’t you lonely?!” people ask me over and over, when they find out I’m traveling solo. Most of the time the answer is a resounding no. I’m usually only alone when I want to be, and sometimes I want to be, but can’t – hostels are busy, tourist destinations are packed, and restaurants are crowded. When I am alone, I’m not usually lonely – I’m too busy shooting and editing photos,...

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House Sitting Heaven in the South of France

House Sitting Heaven in the South of France

How would you like to stay in a beautiful home in the South of France for 3 weeks for free?! Lounge by a pool with a view? Is this possible? Yes, it is, through house sitting! House sitting jobs exist all over the world, and there are several websites on line dedicated to helping homeowners and house sitters find each other. It’s a win/win situation, as it gives homeowners on holiday peace of mind that their home and beloved pets are...

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Agape – Home for Children with HIV

Agape – Home for Children with HIV

Agape means unconditional love. At least that’s the definition I was given at a home for children with HIV, just outside of Chang Mai, Thailand. One morning at my guest house, I was fated to meet at breakfast a young couple, Ben and Lauren, from Ohio, a state next door to my home state of Michigan. In fact, it turns out Ben’s brother lives in my home town of Grand Rapids. Small world. When they said they were headed that morning to...

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The Magical Tale of Mr. Yen

The Magical Tale of Mr. Yen

He grew up in a village in Cambodia, and was working in the rice fields with his parents, making very little money and getting nowhere, so he decided to try his luck by moving to the city of Siem Reap to look for a job, which he found as a tuk tuk driver at the guesthouse where I was staying. “I have a confession to make,” he told me, as we ate lunch on my day trip to Angkor Wat. “The reason I was late this morning to pick you up was...

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10 Days of Silence in Thailand, Part 2

10 Days of Silence in Thailand, Part 2

Suan Mokkh Monastery Retreat, Days 2-10 The schedule was virtually the same every day, however each day was also different. Day 2 you were given bananas with breakfast, and your new friend Sabine handed you a beautiful yellow flower in passing. And you got to go shopping! 2 rolls of toilet paper and a tiny package of laundry detergent from the little dining room store so you can wash your clothes in a basin. Since you can’t talk, you just...

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