Visiting Petco Park in San Diego During the Off-Season
Join me on an off-season visit to Petco Park in San Diego, where I check out the stadium exterior and browse the pricey team store for Padres gear.
World Travel
Walking from Balboa Park to Petco Park in San Diego
Join me on a walk from Balboa Park to Petco Park in San Diego, experiencing beautiful city views and some unexpected downtown realities along the way.
Balboa Park, San Diego: A Peaceful European Vibe
Take a peaceful morning stroll through Balboa Park in San Diego, where stunning Spanish Colonial architecture makes you feel like you're in Europe.
Mostra Coffee San Diego: Quiet Cafe & Sweet Lattes
Discover Mostra Coffee in San Diego, a surprisingly quiet and peaceful cafe perfect for relaxing with a sweet, smooth Bibingka Creme Brulee Latte.
Trying Jersey Mike's Subs in San Diego
I tried Jersey Mike's Subs for the first time while walking around a quiet San Diego neighborhood. Here is my honest review of their Chicken Philly.
SeaWorld San Diego Part 3: Santa, Reindeer & Puffins
Wrapping up my SeaWorld San Diego trip with real reindeer, adorable puffins, flamingos, and a massive orca show.
SeaWorld San Diego Part 2: Sea Lions & Parades
Exploring SeaWorld San Diego with noisy sea lions, a festive holiday parade, and funny walruses. A great family-friendly theme park experience!
SeaWorld San Diego Part 1: Marine Animals and Shows
Join us for part one of our family trip to SeaWorld San Diego, featuring incredible dolphin and sea lion shows alongside fascinating marine life.
Habit Burger Grill: A Local San Diego Burger Spot
I tried the Habit Burger Grill in San Diego. Here is my honest review of their Original Charburger combo and how it compares to other local fast food.
Fiesta de Reyes: Mexican Vibes in Old Town San Diego
Experience the lively Mexican atmosphere and local dance performances at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego.
An Evening Walk in Old Town San Diego
Take a leisurely evening stroll through Old Town San Diego, exploring its historic Mexican-inspired streets, quirky shops, and rich California history.
Exploring San Diego Malls: Best Buy, Ross & More
Join me as I explore a San Diego mall, checking out electronics at Best Buy, hunting for clothing deals at Ross, and browsing a massive wine store.
Walking to Try Chick-fil-A in San Diego
I took a morning walk in San Diego to finally try Chick-fil-A, a famous American fast-food chain that hasn't made its way to Korea yet.
A Night Walk at Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
Explore the historic Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles at night. Discover the iconic Pacific Park, the Route 66 sign, and classic Hollywood movie vibes.
1212 Santa Monica: A Fancy Dinner Before the Pier
We stopped at 1212 Santa Monica for a fancy Italian dinner before heading to the pier. Great food, but LA prices and tipping culture were a shock!
Visiting the Getty Villa in LA: Stunning Architecture Over Statues
Join me on a trip to the Getty Villa in Los Angeles, where the stunning ancient Roman architecture and Pacific Ocean views outshine the exhibits.
BCD Tofu House in LA Koreatown: When You Really Miss Korean Food
I visited BCD Tofu House in LA Koreatown with a friend who missed Korean food. It's pricey and different from Korea, but great for homesick expats!
Bakery & Grill: Trying Authentic Persian Food in San Diego
A review of Bakery & Grill in Poway, San Diego, where I tried authentic Persian kebabs and stews for a unique and flavorful dining experience.
Watching the Sunset at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
I visited Sunset Cliffs in San Diego with a local friend. It's a breathtaking spot to sit on the rocks and watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean.
Better Buzz Coffee: A Local San Diego Cafe Review
A quick review of Better Buzz Coffee, a famous local cafe in San Diego, before heading to Sunset Cliffs to catch the sunset.
La Jolla Cove: Seeing Wild Seals Up Close in San Diego
A visit to La Jolla Cove in San Diego, where you can see massive flocks of pelicans and wild seals sunbathing right in front of you.
Trying Five Guys in California: One of America's Top 3 Burgers?
I finally tried Five Guys in California to see if it lives up to the hype, but here's why I think In-N-Out still wins on the West Coast.
A Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California
Join me on a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California! Explore Hidden Valley, Keys View, Skull Rock, and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
First Time at In-N-Out Burger & Desert Hills Outlets in California
Join me on a California road trip as I try In-N-Out Burger for the first time, shop at Desert Hills Premium Outlets, and grab cheap groceries at Walmart.
Island Prime & C Level Lounge: Ocean Views in San Diego
A review of Island Prime and C Level Lounge in San Diego, featuring stunning sunset views of the harbor, happy hour tips, and local craft beer.
Hiking and Cycling at Torrey Pines in San Diego
A spontaneous New Year's Day hike at Torrey Pines in San Diego, featuring beautiful coastal views, winding trails, and perfect California weather.
Craft by Smoke and Fire: A Great BBQ Spot in Anaheim
A review of Craft by Smoke and Fire, a great BBQ restaurant in Anaheim, California, perfect for a pit stop on a road trip from LA to San Diego.
Visiting the Getty Center in LA: Art, Gardens, and Kids
Join me on my first stop in Los Angeles: the Getty Center! Read about parking tips, visiting with kids, the free audio guide, and the beautiful gardens.
Arriving at LAX: My First Chaotic Day in Los Angeles
My first time visiting the US started with a grueling flight to LAX, a tough immigration interview, and major culture shock at a local Starbucks.
The Old Siam Plaza: A Vintage Mall in Bangkok
Explore The Old Siam Plaza in Bangkok, a vintage shopping mall with a traditional market feel, incredibly sweet local snacks, and a bustling food court.
MBK Mall Bangkok: A Great Place to Rest from the Heat
Escape the heat and water fights of Bangkok with a trip to MBK Mall, featuring a massive food court and an impressive old-school arcade.
Surviving the Songkran Crush on Khaosan Road
Experiencing the dangerously crowded Songkran water festival on Khaosan Road in Bangkok, from wet tuk-tuk rides to escaping the massive crowds.
Bangkok's Songkran: Water Fights at Siam Square
Join the ultimate city-wide water fight at Bangkok's Songkran Festival in Siam Square! Check out my tips for enjoying this unforgettable April holiday.
Thong Ta Resort: Cheap 1-Night Stay in Bangkok
Thong Ta Resort is a cheap, convenient motel with airport pickup, making it the perfect place for a quick one-night stay when arriving late in Bangkok.
My Third Trip to Bangkok, Thailand
Heading to Bangkok for my third trip to experience Songkran, try remote working, and reunite with local friends with some Korean gifts in tow.
Shopping and Heading Home from Palawan, Philippines
Wrapping up my Palawan trip with some souvenir shopping at Kultura, a great midnight flight back to Seoul, and fond memories of the kind local people.
Best Western Plus Ivywall Palawan: Great Stay, Bad Wi-Fi
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel in Palawan offers amazing facilities, a great pool, and breakfast, but the Wi-Fi is too slow for remote work.
Ugong Rock in Palawan: A Disappointing Dinner
A review of Ugong Rock restaurant in Palawan, Philippines. While the Yamaha bike night event was fun, the food left a bit to be desired compared to others.
Palawan Underground River: A Must-See UNESCO Site
Join my journey to Palawan's famous Underground River! From a bumpy van ride and thrilling zipline to exploring the awe-inspiring UNESCO cave.
La Terrasse: Upscale Dining in Palawan
Review of La Terrasse in Palawan, Philippines. An upscale restaurant offering huge portions, delicious seafood, and surprisingly affordable prices.
Palawan Hopping Tour: Starfish, Luli & Cowrie
Join my Honda Bay island hopping tour in Palawan! Read about my tricycle ride, snorkeling, and exploring Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie islands.
Fursal Hotel, Palawan: Booking a Secret Tour
Arriving in Palawan without booking tours was a mistake, but a secret cash deal with a hotel staff member at Fursal Hotel saved our trip.
Off to Palawan: The Great Airport Rush
Heading to Palawan with my former boss! Read about our spontaneous trip decision and my frantic, sweaty sprint through the airport to catch our flight.
Last Day of My Da Nang Vacation
Wrapping up a rainy Da Nang vacation with a delicious hotel meal, a quiet trip to the airport, and final thoughts on traveling in Vietnam.
My Da Nang Barbershop Experience in Vietnam
Stuck in Da Nang during a typhoon, I decided to try a local barbershop. Read about my unexpected haircut and intense ear-cleaning experience in Vietnam!
Surf Shack, Da Nang: Cute Dog, Mediocre Burgers
A review of Surf Shack in Da Nang, Vietnam. The resident retriever is adorable, but the burgers were underwhelming and the dog smell was a bit much.
New Oriental Nightclub: Flashiest Spot in Da Nang
A visit to New Oriental Nightclub, the flashiest spot in Da Nang. Expect spectacular pole dancing, lingerie shows, and an incredibly luxurious interior.
Da Nang Cathedral: Vietnam's Pink Church
A visit to the famous pink Da Nang Cathedral in Vietnam. Explore its unique exterior, outdoor murals, and neon-lit statues in this quick travel diary.
Nha Bep in Da Nang: The Best Pineapple Fried Rice
After battling typhoon waves in Da Nang, we found comfort at Nha Bep. Their pineapple fried rice and spicy pho are absolute must-tries!
Quan Hue Ngon: Da Nang BBQ & My Khe Beach
A relaxing day surfing at My Khe Beach in Da Nang, followed by an amazing DIY charcoal BBQ dinner at Quan Hue Ngon and souvenir shopping at Lotte Mart.
Quan Pho Bac Hai: The Best Pho in Da Nang
Review of Quan Pho Bac Hai in Da Nang: incredible beef pho, watching Vietnamese soccer with locals, and trying street food near the famous Dragon Bridge.
Han Market in Da Nang: A Chaotic Shopping Trip
A brutally honest review of shopping at Han Market in Da Nang, Vietnam. Be prepared for intense haggling, crowded aisles, and a true test of stamina.
Da Nang's Marble Mountains: A Tiring but Beautiful Climb
Discover the stunning caves and temples of Da Nang's Marble Mountains in this travel diary, featuring tips on navigating the slippery, tiring climb.
Diamond Sea Hotel Da Nang: Good Stay, Awkward Location
A review of the Diamond Sea Hotel in Da Nang. While the beach location isn't ideal for swimming, the excellent service and clean rooms make up for it.
Banh Mi Phuong: Next-Level Banh Mi in Hoi An
Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An serves incredibly soft, perfectly sweet banh mi that will bring back your appetite. A must-visit spot in Vietnam!
Shamrock Irish Pub: Riverside Live Music in Hoi An
Discover the Shamrock Irish Pub in Hoi An, a great riverside spot with live music that is surprisingly perfect for solo travelers grabbing a beer.
Hoi An Night Market & Lantern Boat Ride
Explore the stunning lantern-lit streets of the Hoi An night market and experience a traditional wish lantern boat ride on the river in Vietnam.
Restaurant An Hoa: The Best Crab in Hoi An
We stumbled into Restaurant An Hoa in Hoi An. It may look humble, but their affordable chili crab and fresh squid dishes absolutely blew us away.
Bay Mau Coconut Boat Tour in Hoi An
Experience the famous Bay Mau coconut boat tour in Hoi An! From racing down the river to floating karaoke parties, here is everything you need to know.
Hoi An Roastery: A Cafe to Experience the Local Alleys
Stop by Hoi An Roastery for a sweet iced milk coffee, relax with the friendly neighborhood dogs, and people-watch like a local from the alleyway tables.
Morning Glory: Hoi An's Famous Restaurant Lives Up to Hype
Exhausted from the heat, we visited Morning Glory, a famous restaurant in Hoi An. Here's my honest review of their noodles, fried wontons, and dumplings.
Hoi An Old Town by Day: A UNESCO Heritage Site
Exploring the historic streets of Hoi An Old Town by day. From ancient architecture to bustling streets, here is a first-hand look at this UNESCO site.
11 Coffee in Hoi An: A Quiet Cafe with a Retriever
Start your morning in Hoi An Old Town at 11 Coffee, a quiet cafe serving strong Vietnamese coffee with a chic vibe and a sleepy resident retriever.
Quynh Chau Homestay: A Cozy Stay in Hoi An
A review of Quynh Chau Homestay in Hoi An, featuring affordable rooms, beautiful lantern decor, and delicious home-cooked banh mi for breakfast.
Off to Da Nang (Well, Hoi An), Vietnam
Heading to Da Nang and Hoi An with a friend! From freezing Seoul to the surprisingly modern Da Nang airport, here is the start of our Vietnam trip.
Kiulu Rafting in Kota Kinabalu: A Bit Too Calm
A solo traveler's honest review of the beginner-friendly Kiulu River rafting in Kota Kinabalu, plus final thoughts and trip expenses.
Surviving a Hangover at Helen Massage, Kota Kinabalu
Curing a terrible hangover in Kota Kinabalu with a two-hour session at Helen Massage, plus a breakdown of my daily travel expenses.
A Drunken Night Out in Kota Kinabalu
A hilarious travel diary about making international friends at a guesthouse, bar hopping, and surviving a wild, drunken night out in Kota Kinabalu.
Mantanani Tour: The Best Island in Kota Kinabalu
Skip the crowded islands and take the Mantanani Nanamun tour in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy crystal clear water, stunning sunsets, and a magical firefly cruise.
Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu: Always a Safe Bet
I visited the Hard Rock Cafe in Kota Kinabalu to buy a pin and ended up enjoying fish and chips with a great live band performance.
Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset in Kota Kinabalu
Enjoying one of the world's top three sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu, plus a breakdown of my daily travel expenses in Malaysia.
Upperstar Kota Kinabalu: A Mediocre Diner
A brutally honest review of Upperstar in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Is this famous American-style restaurant actually good, or just incredibly cheap?
Solo at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kota Kinabalu
Join my solo trip to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu! Read about the sweltering heat, the exhausting botanical garden, and the lively animals.
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: Solo Zoo Trip in Kota Kinabalu
Join my solo trip to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu. It was so hot that both the tourists and the animals were passing out in the shade!
Mai Yai, Kota Kinabalu: Amazing Food and Sunsets
Mai Yai is a must-visit Thai restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, famous for its incredible seafood and stunning sunset views. Here's my review and the full menu.
A Quick Trip to Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu
I took a spontaneous late-afternoon boat to Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu. Read about my quick island trip and my quest to find dinner companions!
Visiting the Blue Mosque in Kota Kinabalu
I finally returned to the famous Blue Mosque in Kota Kinabalu, only to miss the entry time again. Here are my photos and daily travel expenses.
Visiting the UMS Pink Mosque in Kota Kinabalu
Explore the beautiful UMS Pink Mosque at the University of Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. Read about getting there, what to expect, and travel costs.
Trying Durian Juice at Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu
Feeling a bit lonely in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to try the infamous king of fruits at Imago Mall. Here is my honest review of durian juice!
Waking Up to Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa in Kota Kinabalu
After a rainy tour day in Kota Kinabalu, we woke up at a lively village festival and enjoyed amazing local food at Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa.
Desa Dairy Farm: A Kid-Friendly Spot in Kota Kinabalu
We visited Desa Dairy Farm in Kota Kinabalu! It's a fantastic spot for kids to feed the cows, though you might want to skip the long lines for ice cream.
Mount Kinabalu Lookout: Hidden by Clouds
We drove all the way to the Mount Kinabalu lookout in Malaysia, only to find the mountain completely hidden by clouds. A cloudy but memorable day trip.
Rumah Terbalik: Uber Tour in Kota Kinabalu
Exploring Kota Kinabalu on a custom Uber tour with friends, starting with a quirky visit to Rumah Terbalik, the famous Upside Down House.
Welcome Seafood in Kota Kinabalu: A Delicious Surprise
Join me for a rainy day in Kota Kinabalu, making new friends, and enjoying an unforgettable chili shrimp dinner at the famous Welcome Seafood restaurant.
Old Town White Coffee: Kota Kinabalu's Starbucks
Trying the famous Old Town White Coffee in Kota Kinabalu. It's incredibly sweet, highly popular, and a must-visit local landmark on a rainy day.
Fook Yuen: Chinese Food in Kota Kinabalu
An honest review of Fook Yuen, a famous Chinese buffet-style restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, featuring dim sum, egg tarts, and fried chicken.
Signal Hill Observatory in Kota Kinabalu
A visit to Signal Hill Observatory in Kota Kinabalu, featuring a scenic Grab ride, city views, and a wild but sweaty tropical walking trail.
Leaving Athens: Moscow Layover to Seoul
Wrapping up my trip with a departure from Athens, a grueling 12-hour layover in Moscow, and an unexpected flight delay before finally heading to Seoul.
Late-Night Currency Exchange at Incheon Airport
Forgot to exchange money before your flight? The Hana Bank currency exchange at Incheon Airport stays open until 11 PM, right by Departure Hall G.
Unforgettable Night Diving in Cebu, Philippines
My first night dive in Cebu was unforgettable, with sleeping fish and glowing bubbles. Later, I experienced a massive, earth-shaking tropical rainstorm!