What is the Capital of Brazil?
While traveling abroad, people usually make mistakes about the real capital of Brazil. They say a whole range of names (including Buenos Aires, which is the capital of Argentina…) but never say Brasília. Well, as a Brazilian, it is a must for me to write about my country’s capital, which I have already been to [...]
 but never say Brasília. Well, as a Brazilian, it is a must for me to write about my country’s capital, which I have already been to [...] "Pin It")
Friends, Young and Old: Changing Your Perception of What Makes a Friend
Five months ago, I was sitting on the sofa at a friend’s house. I took a sip of my Bloody Mary and then frowned a little, looking around. There were about six of us scattered throughout the living room, sipping drinks and eating a homemade breakfast scramble and chatting. It was your run-of-the-mill friendly Sunday [...]
Historic Berlin: Ich bin ein Berliner
Travel to Berlin was a dream to me. I don’t know why inside of me I have this will to discover Germany’s mysteries, but I do. It is very hard to describe this city. I wanted this text to show, with humble words, the sensation of being in a great metropolis, which was, and continues [...]
To tip or not to tip, that is the question
“To tip or not to tip?” is a question that William Shakespeare was almost certainly never troubled with, but one that might, nonetheless, give us a spot of bother as we travel around the world. I remember reading in a travel guide to the US that you shouldn’t feel pressured into giving tips, even to [...]
Visiting Beijing
I arrived in Beijing two days after the earthquake and the tsunami hit Japan in March 2011. Asia was in a state of alert: anything – at any time — could happen in the continent. I was a bit scared because I had never experienced a natural disaster before, so if it was unsafe to [...]
Barranquilla Carnaval, 2nd Time Around
It’s not everywhere in the world where months of raucous, citywide, business-paralyzing parties are not only permitted, but heavily encouraged. As the home of the second biggest Carnaval in the world, Barranquilla, Colombia happens to be one of those places. And since the city is also my Peace Corps site, entering my second year serving [...]
Keeping in Touch or Keeping Your Distance?
When you leave a travel destination, do you intend to stay in touch with those you’ve met while traveling? I speak not only to fellow Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs), but anyone who has connected personally with another while traveling, abroad or otherwise. However, the intensity, pressure, and time spent abroad during PC service definitely makes [...]
, but anyone who has connected personally with another while traveling, abroad or otherwise. However, the intensity, pressure, and time spent abroad during PC service definitely makes [...] "Pin It")
No heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream
“Healing occurs when you align with the pure, positive energy that created the planet – and that keeps your heart beating and your blood chemistry normal. Healing occurs when you release all your resistance to well-being and allow yourself to be well. Healing occurs when you’re in harmony with your life’s purpose and those who [...]
The Plight Of Australia’s Indigenous People
I was handing out flyers in Perth, Western Australia, when an indigenous woman sporting a devilish grin and with her right hand raised and curled into a fist began walking purposefully towards me. I looked away, certain that she couldn’t have me in her sights; I’d never seen her before let alone had a chance [...]
135 lbs
Hi. My name is Samantha Wu and I weigh 135 lbs. I’ve got tummy fat and the remnants of sprinter legs (for those who have little experience with track, that means my thighs are thick. The better to push off the starting block with). I’ve got a younger sister who is skinnier than me despite [...]
. I’ve got a younger sister who is skinnier than me despite [...] "Pin It")
