As we begin preparations…

...to come home, our thoughts turn first to - where on earth are we gonna stay?? We have renters in our house for another year contract, which is fine, because that mortgage is awfully high for us to cover right off the bat anyhow. Our families have been through some rough stuff while we've been … Continue reading As we begin preparations… →

118 pounds later…

Between the two of us, Rhys and I have lost 118 pounds since April. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN in NINE months. That's extreme. So what changed? Beginning Now On the surface, not a whole lot. Yes, we're walking more - but no additional exercise. We eat when we're hungry, and we're not on any sort … Continue reading 118 pounds later… →

Rendezvous – Day 2 of Paris

Yes, we have arrived safely in Prague, and there will be more wonderful things to tell regarding this lovely old-world city, but first, we must continue our regaling of Paris, aka the Romance Capital of the World. Before I move on to Day 2, which was a packed day of wonders, I must mention that … Continue reading Rendezvous – Day 2 of Paris →

Amore

I know Rhys has covered our previous destinations in Italy already, but I wanted to step back for a moment in time and provide my thoughts on them, mostly Roma, before moving on to Venice. Before this trip, I was not really "widely traveled" - I spent a lot of time in Japan, and visited … Continue reading Amore →

Japan Redux

You may (or may not) have noticed that almost all of the Japan blogs were written by Rhys; this was intentional, as his eyes were new for Japan, so I felt he would be able to write more interesting blogs. However, it was an interesting perspective to revisit the same areas (and many new ones) … Continue reading Japan Redux →

Kansai Rainbow Parade 2009 – LGBT Issues in Japan

Because of it's heavy Western influence but unique cultural stylings, Japan often acts as a slightly warped circus mirror for issues in America. Depending on where you stand, the reflection might be spot on, or it might be nearly unidentifiable. Kansai Rainbow Parade 2009 LGBT (Lesbian/Gay/Bi/Transsexual) rights are a flashpoint topic back in the States, … Continue reading Kansai Rainbow Parade 2009 – LGBT Issues in Japan →

Tuol Sleng & The Killing Fields – Ghosts, Graves, Genocide

(**WARNING: Graphic, Long**) Yesterday was an incredibly full day, with a trip to the Royal Palace, the Russian market, and a great deal of drinking in the evening. I wish to cover none of that, though the reason for drinking may become clear anyway. Yesterday, all of our emotional time was invested in two places … Continue reading Tuol Sleng & The Killing Fields – Ghosts, Graves, Genocide →

Next Steps & New Futures

Rhys has touched on this theme a little bit, but I want to expound on it a little more and use it to explain our next destination. Siem Reap is, at its heart, a tourist city. It knows the vast majority of foreigners here have travelled from far and wide to view the majesty of … Continue reading Next Steps & New Futures →

Travel Along with us – Culinarily (Thailand Edition)

I have procured for you some authentic Thai recipes - these are uber-healthy vegetarian versions, feel free to substitute meat (chicken or shrimp is best) for tofu in these. They are wonderful! Thai Green Curry (Serves 1-2; multiply dish to serve more) (Serve with rice) * 3.5 oz white tofu, diced into medium size (can … Continue reading Travel Along with us – Culinarily (Thailand Edition) →

Detoxification Retreat Review – Part 3 (Final)

Sunset over Lipa Noi Day 5 Woke up. Barely. Absolutely did not want to get up. Got up. Tongue covered in some horrid substance. This explains the tongue scraper they give you in the gift basket. Gagged and retched. Walked outside. Almost didn't make it as they were leaving. Guzzled down the spirulina drink. Ugh. … Continue reading Detoxification Retreat Review – Part 3 (Final) →