A Few More Twists in Bali

There are more layers in Bali than in a hen house. There’s the idyllic island life of magazine spreads, and then there’s a whole pile of other stuff.

Ubud had been recommended as a great place to relax and indeed it was, but it’s not the place to let down your guard.

A Few Twists and Curves in Bali

Bali! The name alone conjures images of white sandy beaches, verdant rice terraces, and graceful dancers decorated in gold. From the Families on the Move Facebook group, we had heard so much about Bali and, more specifically, about Ubud – a mecca where people regularly come for a week and stay for two months. Looking to find a place to sit in one place for a couple of weeks, how could we resist?

Trekking in Sapa

There is amazing beauty in rural Vietnam, from the spectacular views over terraced rice fields to the warmth and open hearts of the people.

Lantern Making 101

Eva here. Today my mom and I took another Backstreet Academy course, a lantern making class in Hoi An. Hoi An is full of lanterns that are unique to the area.

Farewell to Cambodia

Sunset on the river at Kampot

While Siem Reap definitely provided us with amazing images of Cambodia, we left the country having enjoyed other wonderful experiences ranging from some truly outstanding beach time, as well as some cultural and outdoor adventures.

Beauty and the Bugs

Behold the majestic tarantula, king of spiders, and a mite tasty too, once you get the hang of it.

Mounds of Plastic

Originally published in Alternatives Journal Online

A field of plastic and a dead cow outside Bikaner, India

“Do you see those mounds of plastic?” our guide asks. “Each one was a cow.”

Traditional Arts of India

Eva finds her prince

Eva here. When we were in Varkala in the south of India we were walking back from the beach one day. Someone was holding out flyers for something called “Kathakali”. Of course mom took the flyer. We took a quick peek inside the cultural centre where the Kathakali performance was going to be held, and we saw the performers finishing up their makeup. We didn’t have time that night to see the performance so we decided to go the next night.