As I sat there scanning the menu in the restaurant we chose to have our first meal in Japan, I could feel the sigh of disappointment slipping from my lips. Yes, they had an endless selection of fresh sushi and sake, but there was no dessert section to be found. I thought Japan would be different … Continue reading
Author Archives: wanderlustwednesdays
Ten Things I Learned In Japan
While traveling in Japan this last Spring Break, I noticed some fantastic things happening around me. Ten things I learned in Japan: I need to buy a beige trench coat ASAP. Not a black one. A beige one. Picnics are in. It’s all the rage now that it’s Spring. Men… go put on a suit. … Continue reading
Auckland Attractions
What do you get when you combine San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle? Psshh this is easy guys, Auckland. This magnificent city, located on the North Island of New Zealand, has the business/foodie vibe of San Francisco, the outdoorsy/coffee scene of Seattle, and most definitely the friendly laid back vibe of San Diego. Auckland encompasses … Continue reading
Bay of Islands
Not only does New Zealand have mountainous landscapes and soft rolling hills, it is also speckled with islands. The Bay of Islands, located on the North Island, consists of islands which vary in shape and size and are surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. At times, it looked like I was in the Caribbean, other times I felt like … Continue reading
Road Tripping
David and I have been on many road trips in California. We grew up there, so how could we not!? We have explored California’s contrasting beauty, appreciating its valleys, mountains, and coast lines. We have even trucked up the West Coast to Canada exploring the lush forests of Oregon (sneaking into the Nike Headquarters Compound…) and cruising around the bays … Continue reading
Cook Islands – Rarotonga Style
I didn’t know the Cook Islands existed until a couple months ago when one of my colleagues, Paul, suggested I go there on my way to New Zealand. I think I politely told him, “Oh it’s alright we are going to stop in Tahiti or Fiji.”. He stopped me right there and told me … Continue reading
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a city that will most definitely take your breath away. When one thinks of China, they usually think of overcrowded smog filled cities. Well at least that is what I used to think. Unfortunately, I feel that China has had some bad press and their tourism campaign needs a major makeover. When I … Continue reading
Guilin
In October, we had a week off for the Chinese Holiday. We didn’t know when we would get our work visas back, so we couldn’t plan a trip outside of China. Our colleagues recommended a few places for us to visit and the first one we chose to visit was Guilin. We … Continue reading
Yellow Mountain / Huangshan
The Yellow Mountain was the first place that David and I traveled to once we were settled in our new home. We both had a few days off of work and we decided to see some of the beauty that China has to offer. Before we left the USA, we bought a Lonely Planet book … Continue reading
1st Month in China
I cannot believe that David and I have been living in China for over a month! It certainly does not feel like it has been that long. I guess it’s true what they say…time flies when you are having fun. Hangzhou feels like home. We love our new apartment, school, city, and friends. The … Continue reading