Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is the epitome of Cambodian architecture and opulence. Still maintaining a monarchy, Cambodia has worked hard to preserve their Royal Palace as a tourist destination and cultural icon of Cambodia’s past. While travelling through this country in early 2015, we took the time to visit this gilded estate and see its beautiful grounds for ourselves.

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Interview with an Expat – Elicia & Tom

Few people we’ve met in our travels have the absolute joy for life that we’ve seen in Tom and Elicia Shepard. Instrumental in helping us find our way to jobs and lives in Yeosu, these two were some of our first friends outside of Seoul and continue to inspire us with their adventures. Check out their websites (Life’s A Journee and Klimbing Korean Mountains) and their ever-updated Instagram accounts @lifesajournee_liveit and @klimbingkoreanmountains.

In Focus: Bangkok Waterways

Bangkok is an amazing city with a storied past. Although never colonized by western powers, Bangkok changed hands many times as dynasties and monarchies came and went. After flourishing in the later part of the 20th century, Thailand’s capitol city is now a modern and prosperous center for Thai commerce and culture.

Birthdays and Friends

This past weekend was a great success. My 28^th birthday was spent on the beach, camping, and in the company of good friends. I quite enjoyed myself, even though I have to share my special day with John, who swears that his birthday is more important… 

Buddha’s Birthday

May is one of our favorite months here in Korea. The spring flowers have gone, but the mountains are bright green against the clear blue skies. Everything feels new again and slowly but surely, every temple in the country starts hanging their seemingly endless supply of lanterns.

Only in Korea – New Dr. Fish!

One of the most common requests we get is in regard to a post in our first year for Dr. Fish. People seem to be pretty enamored by the idea of this unique shop and, once it closed, our readers have been begging us for an update on possible new locations in Seoul. There’s some good and some bad in this post, but we are here with the answers we’ve been able to gather.

In Focus: Phnom Penh

If it hasn’t been apparent by our other posts about Cambodia, let’s put it mildly by saying that we loved the country and its culture. The food, the temples, Cambodian people, the rich history; there wasn’t hardly a single negative side of this amazing country.

Feeling Grateful

The warmer weather is finally here and it has done wonders to lift our spirits. Even the seemingly endless days of desk warming at school aren’t near as difficult to endure when the office windows are open and the sounds (read: screams) of students playing on the school field are filling the room.

Gotta Get Out

Desk warming is the most boring time of the year for all ESL public school teachers in Korea. Before and during testing, you have nothing to do other than sit at your desk for 8 hours. Usually I would lesson plan during these times, however, if I get too far ahead, then I will have nothing to do in my down time in the future.

Let’s go to… Hahwado Island!

Our humble city of Yeosu is blessed with the gift of islands. While the coastline and city are beautifully juxtaposed against the blue water of the bay, the best way to get away and experience the slow pace of Yeosu is by hopping onto a ferry. With over 300 islands in Yeosu’s territory, visitors and residents have a myriad of options, each with their own highlights and charms.