I was born in the early eighties, under the iron curtain of a Soviet Union, in the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia. There weren’t any prospects of traveling abroad, if not taking in consideration the idea of going to our neighboring Hungary, or the former Yugoslavia. I was still really young, when the Soviet Union … Continued
As July 4 approaches, I have been thinking about liberty. Is war the opposite of freedom? Is love the opposite of hate? I believe that apathy is the opposite of love. I am pondering the opposite of autonomy. I challenge myself to make selections that will make me proud. Owning a bikini from the 2012 … Continued
In July, the heat rolls off the streets in waves, bounding down the asphalt and nipping at the feet of vacationers in our tourist- trap central. Most come for the books; that lazy, dreamlike juncture one acquires in running their fingers over leather bound spines as gingerly as they might fondle a newborn, breathing in … Continued
One year ago on July 1, 2012, George and I stepped on a plane to Bali to continue a journey from before we were married. In 2008-2009, we took a sabbatical in Asia. While we were away, I lost nearly sixty pounds; we got engaged underwater in Koh Lipe, Thailand and visited twelve countries in … Continued
NATURE FIX acquainted, survived, camping trip; seventeen in 69; high school; five crazed; a mass deed Frisbee flaps backpacks, footing sand; old beast’s rock dinosaur footing; flying discs; some caught what I knew; I was lost; where I was; feeling freed we found charm, passion play, bathing warmth; agreed fifteen years pass; never knew where … Continued
Today, I and Bejal Karia, my Indian friend who is now working as IT officer in London walked from Ben Thanh market to War Remnants Museum (located at 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh city). However, when we came, it was already closed for the lunch time. So, please keep in mind … Continued
As I closed my eyes and try to remember being in my favorite place, all I can think of are the sounds, smells, and the amazing smiles I receive as I am walking down the streets. The smells of the fresh brewed coffee from the coffee plantation fills the air, the laughter and everyone yelling … Continued
Amy Friedman, our Independence Travel Writing Contest Judge and award winning writer of Desperado’s Wife, offered to share her story. Kept Together by the Bars Between Us When we met, he had already served 7 years of a 13-years-to-life sentence for murder. He was once a drug dealer and had shot and killed another dealer … Continued
The Mayan Riviera’s colectivos traverse the pot-holed, coastal thoroughfare with laughable disregard for anthropological safety. Fighting the vaguely digestive smell inside, I shout “Tulum!” through nine perspiring passengers, and spend the next thirty minutes battling the vertebral hum. Eventually, the white van vomits me onto the highway, and from his quickly-receding window, the driver’s brown … Continued
Our TRAVEL WRITING CONTEST Judge, Richard Bangs, recently traveled to Qatar. Enter by July 4 to share your story of where you find FREEDOM. All roads led to Rome; the sun never set on the British Empire; the point of exceptionalism around which the world turned, America. Now tiny Qatar, the wealthiest country in the world on … Continued