Urbane Nomad

07/05/2016

https://medium.com//the-dangers-of-traveling-without-a-guidebook-ff222c3c7288 #.crga51xp3

Idly waiting in the Ho Chi Minh City airport, sweating and people watching. Waiting for our airplane to take off any time soon. Purposely…

05/31/2016

Here's a one minute preview of Hong Kong

As I reflect on my trip to Hong Kong and get back into the swing of things here in Oakland, I realize how much there is to see in the world and how much the world has started to look the same. My expectation for Hong Kong was something reminiscent of Beijing circa 2006 (right before the Olympics whe...

05/16/2016

Just got back. A few pics from Hong Kong

05/09/2016

Check out minimalist guide to business trip packing for hot and humid Hong Kong.

This week I'll have the pleasure of attending a conference in Hong Kong. It's my first international conference for work. I feel so grown up, but really I'm 30 and have been an adult for awhile. It's all about perspective, right? Initially, my excitement was astronomical, but the realization of not...

04/25/2016

Looking for comfortable travel shoes for your next trip? Might want to check Jambu's El Dorados before you head out. http://www.urbane-nomad.com/new-blog-2/2016/4/25/on-the-hunt-for-comfortable-travel-shoes-jambus-el-dorados

Jambu El Dorado - Quick shot while hiking. Just noticed I captured a flower when looking down. I’m so excited to have partnered up with Jambu footwear in search of comfortable travel shoes. They provided a pair of El Dorado shoes in black and I provided my feet and opinions. Now that I’ve moved to…

04/15/2016

Can't wait to go back to the Philippines. It's more than a collection of beaches http://www.urbane-nomad.com/features/2016/4/15/6-places-to-visit-in-the-philippines-for-every-type-of-traveler

Every time I hear about people wanting to travel to the Philippines, I want to scream, "Stay away!" I know that's selfish and tourism more than ever is helping the Philippines' economy. So in the spirit of helping out fellows travelers, here are 6 places to satiate the appetite of every type of trav…

03/29/2016

Ever wondered how to find places to eat in Asia? Learn howin just a few steps. http://www.urbane-nomad.com/new-blog-2/2016/3/28/how-to-find-places-to-eat-in-asia

Arroz Caldo (Filipino rice porridge) with crispy chicken Street food available on every corner in bustling cities. Night markets dedicated to delivering steamy hot noodles, soups, and regional delicacies. When I'm in Asia I feel like I've arrived home to place where I can truly indulge and just be o…

03/21/2016

Interested in trying Filipino food, but not sure where to start? Start with dessert! http://www.urbane-nomad.com/food-travel/2016/3/20/what-to-eat-in-the

If your gag reflex acts up at the smell of durian, don't worry. You don't need to test your limits of interesting smelling food like durian or the texturally challenging balut (fertilized duck egg) to experience Filipino food. You've all seen the must try "strange" or "weird" foods of the Philippin…

03/17/2016

After 20 hours of flying, a few decent in flight meals and a few not so great ones, A.G. and I landed in Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. We landed after 11 p.m. and quickly caught a cab to our hotel, Red Planet Amorsolo. Red Planet Amorsolo's lobby/business center I found Red Planet on…

02/29/2016

Get a sneak peak into the Philippines
http://www.urbane-nomad.com/features/2016/2/28/a-sneak-peak-into-the-philippines-iphone-only

As I packed my backpack for the Philippines, I kept going back and forth on whether I should bring my DSLR. With three separate flights to Manila and a domestic flight to Palawan the next day, A.G. and I decided to limit ourselves to carry on only. The fact that we were going to be in transit for mu…

02/15/2016

Brighten up Mondays with a tropical cocktail - the calamansi mule! http://www.urbane-nomad.com/recipes/2016/1/10/tropical-cocktail-idea-the-calamansi-mule

Unfortunately we are back in chilly, rainy Oakland. All I have to say is El Niño is not my friend right now. However, I came up with a simple solution to get back into vacation mode even it's temporary, a tropical cocktail with flavors of the Philippines.  Calamansi Mule I call it the calamansi mule…

02/11/2016

Here are a few ideas for anyone still planning out their Valentine's Day in The Bay http://www.urbane-nomad.com/features/2016/2/10/valentines-day-2016-staycation-in-san-francisco

Valentine's Day may be one of those holidays that put unnecessary pressure to live up to the expectations of nauseating sayings. The status quo of making reservations at fancy restaurants, buying unnecessary gifts, and stressing out about making the day "special" is quite overwhelming. My solution t…