I met An at a hospital in Alexandria, Virginia of all places, at my son’s bedside during his stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She was one of his nurses and, like most who are drawn to that profession, treated me with quiet compassion. It was only after weeks of occasional small talk, usually about […]
Asia
Street Food in Hanoi: A Crab-leidoscope of Flavors
The crowded alleys behind Hanoi’s massive Dong Xuan market are a labyrinth of street stalls, tiny shops, and tinier walkways. Throngs of shoppers jostle salesmen, tourists, and the occasional daring motorcycle as it weaves in and out of the masses. In the dizzying heat of the early afternoon sun, two women sit curbside, a basket of steamed crabs between […]
The Japan Rail Pass – One Godzilla of a Deal
Japan is a rich nation – rich in history and culture, traditions and art, geographic diversity and natural beauty. At the same time, it’s a small country with a booming economy and infrastructure to match. There are a veritable smorgasbord of ways to experience all that Japan has to offer. After a whirlwind adventure visiting six […]