Nepal II: Trekking in the Himalayas - Poon Hill & Mardi Himal

My first trek in the Himalayas was one of the most challenging, transformative, and rewarding experiences of my life.  It included my first time seeing snow, a moonlit hike to a 4,200 m (14,000') peak culminating in a simultaneous sunrise and moonset over the mountains, being the coldest I've ever been, and walking 83 kilometers (52 miles) over 8 days.  All in the depth of winter.  In the Himalayas.  In Nepal.  It is kind of surreal to write about it - all the more reason why I am so excited to bring you along with me by sharing the adventure here!  Pack a LOT of warm layers, and let's go!!

Reading time: 18 minutes

Nepal I: 7 Weeks in a Buddhist Monastery

Chapter 1 of my Nepal adventure takes place at Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, where I spent seven weeks studying Tibetan Buddhism.  My time here was one of profound learning and growth.  In this post I will give a little insight into what life was like as a Western guest living in this Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Update: Where Have I Been?

Some may have noticed that three months ago, I dropped off the face of the internet-world.  I said goodbye to Thailand, and then I embraced radio silence.  Now, I am ready and excited to start sharing what I’ve been up to since my year in Thailand came to a close.  Wonder where I’ve been?...

Reading time: 1 minute

The End: Goodbye, Thailand

The time for change has arrived: after over a year living here, I am leaving Thailand.  I am both sad to go and excited for the new adventures that lie ahead.  My last two weeks in this wonderful country have been the perfect end to my time, completing the full circle of my experience in Thailand.  Read on to see familiar faces and places, and enjoy my last weeks in Thailand with me!

Reading time: 9 minutes

Trekking the Tallest Mountains in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Part 3

This third and final post of the Chiang Mai series documents my day trekking in Doi Inthanon National Park, which contains the tallest mountains in the entire country of Thailand.  I got to visit the highest point in Thailand, dip in the frigid Himalayan river, and acquaint with the culture of the remote mountain villages.  Let's take a journey together through the foothills of the Himalayas in Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Reading time: 8 minutes

Becoming One with ELEPHANTS: Chiang Mai, Part 2

One of the primary reasons I so wanted to visit Chiang Mai is simple: I wanted to see elephants.  And I wanted to do it in an ethical way.  Elephant tourism is prevalent all over Thailand, but the way the elephants are treated is not always ideal.  I chose to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary called Elephant Nature Park, and my day there was absolutely one of the highlights of my year in Thailand.  I hope you enjoy joining me for this day of elephant immersion and pure joy!!

Reading time: 14 minutes

Rich Culture of Thailand: Chiang Mai, Part 1

I have been told innumerable times that I absolutely must go to Chiang Mai before my time in Thailand is done.  From people who know me well to people I have just met, the underlying sentiment of "You will love Chiang Mai!" has been pretty much constant whenever this city comes up in conversation.  So, I finally did it: I went on a solo trip to northern Thailand, all for the purpose of going to the ever-renowned and beloved Chiang Mai!  My verdict?

All of those people were right.  I loved Chiang Mai.

Read on to find out why!

Reading time: 10 minutes