March 19, 2021, Fagradalsfjall Volcano starts to erupt in Iceland. March 17, 2021, Iceland announces it will allow vaccinated Americans into the country without having to quarantine. May 1, 2021, Delta starts flights from JFK to Reykjavik. By May 14th, I was fulfilling a dream of mine to see an active volcano erupting. Here’s how to do it…

I left the country during a global pandemic. Why? Personal sanity. Is it irresponsible to travel internationally right now? If you read my last two posts, you know I don’t think so. I’ve already said I will comply with the rules set forth by the CDC and the government of the country / state I’m visiting because A) I believe in science and B) I do not want to shelter in place again. This isn’t to debate the rules of the pandemic or what people should / should not be doing. Instead, I’m here to talk about Ecuador. So, moving on!

Do Americans realize we went from having one of the strongest passports in the world to one of the weakest? We went from flying almost everywhere without issue or visa requirements to being locked out almost everywhere? Is anyone else embarrassed by that besides me?

In 2009, I started doing traveling sales jobs that have kept me on a plane almost every week for the past 11 years. I’ve slept on airport floors, been stranded in the middle of nowhere, and missed hundreds of events back home throughout the years. I’ve loved it; at times, I’ve hated it. The travel-life is not as glamorous as some might think, but it’s what I chose for myself.

First things first:  There are seven continents on the planet.  Antarctica is one of them… right?  Wrong. Ish.  Antarctica is actually an archipelago covered by ice.   Known as Lesser Antarctica, the island chain is connected by the largest ice sheet in the world, which technically makes it a “continent.”  Who knew?

Places I’ve been in Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Places I like in Central America: Belize and Costa Rica.

"Hello, money, money, money, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY (as someone is holding out their hand for money)."  "For you, NO HASSLE (as someone is speaking two inches away from your face)."  "You very beautiful.  What you do for work? (as someone is trying to decide if you're worth kidnapping)"

If you know anything about my time in Thailand, then you know I've gotten addicted to yoga since moving.  I tried yoga on and off throughout the years but never stuck with it.  I always thought it was too easy.  Growing up as a gymnast, you don't need someone to tell you how to stretch.  

The time has come to say goodbye to Thailand.  My teaching contract finishes in March; I am not going to renew.  By the time I leave, I'll have spent 18 months living abroad and accomplished every goal I set out to do prior to moving.  Travel More.  Work Less.  

The year is 2559.  People say, "Merry Christmas."  No one gets offended.  If they do, no one gives a shit.  Are we living in the future?  No, we're just living in Thailand - present day.

The Thai King died October 13, 2016, and Thailand changed.  It's illegal to speak about the King and royal family negatively or threaten them in any way - especially in this grieving period for the country.  So, here are the facts:

Alright, Americans.  We need to have a little chat.  I realize we've had some hostility lately due to certain elections taking place, but we all need a reality check.  America is the greatest country in the world.  Period.  

Thailand is cheap.  Super cheap.  But, some things are expensive.  Like, shockingly expensive... even for American standards.  To put things into perspective, here's a breakdown of my monthly costs: Rent - $48 / month.

A lot of people (read: my mother) have asked me recently why I'm subjecting myself to living in Thailand (a third-world country) when I don't have to.  Let's be honest, I ask myself that every time I have to use a squat toilet, drive home in a flash-flood, get eaten alive by mosquitoes, pass out from heat exhaustion, sleep on a cement floor, or want any cuisine on the planet besides Thai food.

When you live in a small, Thai town, there's only one way to get there: the bus.  You aren't close to an airport.  There are no trains.  You don't own a car.  A scooter can only go about 70 kilometers to the next town, which is still the middle of no where, before your ass feels like it's going to fall off.  (Trust me; I'm speaking from experience.)  So, your one and only option for getting around is on the bus.  

Who loves a good passport stamp?  You know what I'm talking about: you plan the perfect vacation, you finally land at the airport, and you're anxiously waiting for immigration to stamp your passport with fresh new ink.  Do you think the stamp is the highlight of the trip?  If you do, you're probably a passport-stamp-whore (PSW).   

Southeast Asia values safety.  From riding 6-deep on a scooter to suffering heat exhaustion on a daily basis, safety always seems to be at the forefront of Asian culture.  

When it comes to electrical safety, I'm positive Southeast Asian countries are the world-leaders.  Power lines every where are up-to-code.  And by "up-to-code," I mean, the possibility of death by electrocution is a very real threat.

Thailand sucks at English.  I suck at Thai.  So, same same.  Throughout Thailand, it's rare to find a sign in English (unless you're in a big city).  But when / if you do, it will have spelling and grammatical errors.  Guaranteed.

Third world squat.  Ever heard about it?  Ever seen it?  Can you do it?  Don't know what the hell I'm talking about?  Let me enlighten you with a few lessons from the "squat squad."