What it is like to climb 5,604m volcano in the world’s highest and the driest desert? Gale. Endurance. Triumph. That’s how I would describe the climb to Cerro Toco. It was the hardest hike. It made me shiver, scream, cry, and feel the emotions that I didn’t know I had. Why did I do it? […]
Conquering Cerro Toco Read More »
Hiking to the highest peak on Easter Island Four hundred thousand years ago there were two volcanic islands. Then, there was an eruption. Terevaka came in between the two peaks, Rano Kau and Poike, and filled the blank. That activity created the shape of island we know now, just like cookie dough connecting together in
One Fine Day in Terevaka, The Highest Peak on Easter Island Read More »
“Close your eyes and grab my shoulder.” Said David, our guide. But we’re hiking off-road here. “You’re not going to let me fall, are you? The trail is kind of rocky.” I knew he wouldn’t but it was more for telling myself to calm down. “Trust me, I won’t let you fall.” he assured. I
Rano Kau Hike, Orongo Village, and The Birdman Read More »
Rapa Nui stole my heart. I always deeply fall in love with the people who identify themselves with their culture, and this was one of those experiences. The people at Explora Rapa Nui demonstrated Rapa Nui umu, a traditional earth oven. This photo was right after we uncovered the dirt, showing banana leaves that’s been
How to take criticism without taking it personally. This year’s Asian Women’s Empowerment Conference was a huge success. It was the true definition of quality over quantity. It was the smallest group among the three events we had, but the energy was the greatest. You know you can fill the dark room with a single
What AWE Taught me about Criticism Read More »
We did it! #aweasia15 was a success. Last weekend was the third annual Asian Women’s Empowerment Conference. Honestly, I still can’t believe it happened already. Happened: past tense. Jogja, Indonesia as a stage, nearly 60 people gathered to think, act, and achieve. This year’s theme was “Empowerment in Action”. For that, we invited speakers who
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I Was Here I’m musically emotional. I’m not even sure if that’s the right description, but it means I’m easily moved by songs and lyrics. You know I have a theme song! If I have an ability to song and dance like musical performers, well, I would be on a stage. But I don’t, so
It’s okay to have two weddings, right? I got married in March 29, 2015 in Seoul. My in-laws traveled all the way from the US for our traditional Korean wedding. I’m lucky to have a family who loves to travel. Some of our friends in other countries as far as New Zealand also came over
Family Matters: My Second Wedding Read More »
It’s been four years since I spilled my bucket. What’s changed? I still vividly remember the night when I was on the street under a yellow streetlight, crying. Yes, it wasn’t one of my most typical days. I had just had a huge fight with my parents and stormed out of the house like
Four Years of Bucket Living: Four More Years? Read More »
If you haven’t chewed the coca leaf… you haven’t done Peru correctly As the elevation gets higher near the Andes, a small bag of green leaves becomes your most important item. It’s your survival kit. A bag of coca leaf. Chew seven leaves. It’s a strange sensation, a handful of dry leaves in your mouth.
The Coca Leaf Magic Read More »
