Why you don’t need to get to the most isolated of places to experience a truly unique travel experience.

Canada Day on Parliament Hill, a Will-and-Kate sighting, High Tea with friends and a great camping trip – terrific weekend in Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday.

I’m on the move again, with a whirlwind trip through South America starting Oct 17.

In keeping with birthday tradition, I climbed a mountain to celebrate. This year’s target: South Sister in Central Oregon.

After seven months in Asia, coming back to North America has resulted in some culture-shock, sticker shock and interesting realizations about why life is different on this side of the pond.

I have a food problem: I love good food, but refuse to pay a premium price for it, especially when saving up for a round-the-world trip. Here are my top cheap eats in New York City, after 6 years of living in the Big Apple. Enjoy!

I am writing this from New York City, and it is way colder here than I anticipated. Way colder than, say….Thailand. But, less cold than Montreal, which is where I have spent the last few weeks.

Having gotten a visa for Russia and Mongolia before I left for South America, I had only one visa left to obtain before the Trans-Siberian trains: China. The last time I went to China, I got the visa in Hong Kong, but since I will be entering the country via Mongolia – and via midnight Trans-Manchurian train – getting the visa upon arrival wasn’t possible.

It has been awhile since I’ve updated the blog, and I’ve been getting some worried emails about the it. I am indeed alive, and have been in New York City and Montreal, spending time with friends and family and getting myself back on track and healthy.