For the first time in my recent memory of Chongqing winters, the skies cleared. It also happened to be the last day of school for wee ones …
Winter Stroll through the Summer Palace
We all know someone who knows someone who has a vacation home; a cabin by the lake, a house on the Cape. Even Bernie recently acquired a …
Back in the ‘Jing!
I was welcomed back to Beijing with a murky sea of smog and the whistling calls of my parents at the arrival gate. It had been 8 months …
My Attempt at Coherently Expressing my Thoughts on the Election
Yesterday was a strange and somber day. Even Mother Nature was mourning, casting grey clouds over the grieving …
My Attempt at Coherently Expressing my Thoughts on the ElectionRead More
Quitting is for Winners!
I have quit many jobs in my short adult life. Some might call me a “quitter” — accurate — but I do it because it's liberating, …
“Blue Hair, Don’t Care!”
My friend, Natalie, blurted this out when she saw a badass gal with blue hair cross the street like she don't give a HOOT! And it became our …
Letter to the Chinese Bottle-Collecting Auntie
Location: Commonwealth Avenue, Boston University Campus Date: circa 2012 Dear Chinese-auntie-collecting-bottles-on-Comm-Ave, I don't …
Letters to Strangers
Today, I begin a new series of posts: letters to individuals who have shaped my life in small but profound ways. All of these lessons stem …
The only thing leftover is cake!
You know how people always ask on your birthday if you feel any different? Normally I'd say nope, no changes. But this year, when nobody …
Tips on getting cheap airfare
Sounds easy, but it ain't. It takes a lot of research to find the cheapest fares. That's why I want to share some resources that have helped …
“Health is Wealth!”
Old(er) travelers are troves of life lessons and good advice. One piece of advice I always receive and will generously share with you all …
“Emily, how can you afford to travel so much?”
(Post updated after deeper reflection) I get asked this question a lot, and it's often assumed I'm made of money, spoiled or both. But …