Mexico, state of Chiapas, city of San Cristóbal: rhythm of life here is mostly routine now after a few weeks of getting settled in. I’m on my third month in Mexico, and as such my day-to-day attention is rarely spent pondering the beauty of the valley or the picturesque colonial buildings. Instead my mind lingers on tedium, like my frustration … Continue reading Routines in San Cristóbal
As I was packing my things and preparing to leave, I found myself a bit surprised that for all that I identify with East Asia, I haven’t been to any East Asian countries outside of China. Inevitably, everywhere I go, I’m identified, often quite vocally and unsolicitedly, if not as Chinese, then Korean or Japanese. … Continue reading Wintertime in East Asia (Korea and Japan)
After two previous vacations to off-the-beaten-path countries, Bahamas was a refreshing return to cliche. This Caribbean hotbed of tourism is pretty much what one expects on face value, which is to say sunny, beautiful, and easy to travel in. Best damn daqs in the world There are the luxury resorts that we forgone (Atlantis king … Continue reading Lionfish and turtles and sharks, oh my!
It’s difficult to take off the tinted lens with which Americans see Cuba. I live in a country whose history with Cuba involved in no small degree: complicity in business, hegemony, open conflict, outright invasion, a long detente, and it seems now the long-promised reconciliation. I’m from the same United States that sent troops (including … Continue reading Cuba, pre-release of floodgates
Plaza de la Independencia, Casco Viejo For better or worse, my memory of Panama will forever be intertwined with the nastiest blister I’ve ever had. I made the fateful decision at the beginning of this trip to pack light, 32 liters light (thanks Gavin for letting me use your pack). This meant two pairs of … Continue reading Limping through Panama
Leon Cathedral On this trip I probably spent the most time in Nicaragua. What I found striking however in this largest Central American Republic, was not it’s physical beauty and volcanic landscapes or its incredible biodiversity. Rather my experience here was dominated by the Gringo Trail of youth hostels, bars, and restaurants that littered each … Continue reading The Gringo Trail
“Tunco” is colloquial Spanish for “pig.” At the beachhead of this mellow Salvadorean surf town is a striking black rock formation (see above) that rises abruptly from the water. The rather large Pacific waves are relentless in their violent battering of this stoney pig that gave El Tunco its name. World cup watch party with … Continue reading Surfing the pig
After three backpacking trips, one of the most fascinating things for me about traveling a la backpack is the subculture. There are a couple of distinct tribes that one runs into in almost every hostel… First there are traveling couples. Most couples treat backpacking as a more-adventurous-than-average romantic get away, but many pairs actually meet … Continue reading 4 people you meet when backpacking
Antigua and Volcan de Agua I’m in bar that would put Brooklyn bohemia to shame. The place is candlelit and cozy, and serves only the most obscure of draughts, as any good hipster bars should. There is a reclining nude painting a la Picasso hanging adjacent to my table, and the conversation was an orchestration … Continue reading The land of trees
Hello Roatan It takes a certain resignation to adjust to the tropics. One must surrender to the heat, humidity, bugs, and the sun. I had to divorce myself from expectations carried over from a North American lifestyle; I would’t be overstimulated by a full schedule and constant electronic bombardment of information. The first couple of … Continue reading Utila, Honduras
Jack Wang 