Author: lacalaw2

I am a native Angeleno who has chosen to live outside of America. I love my native Los Angeles and will return there one day but for now I am exploring the world starting with Asia. Disclaimer: The views expressed within this blog are solely mine and based upon my experiences.

Little Known American Black & African Rebellions

European nations including Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Britain, were vying for power over Europe. Unsuccessful at comprising among themselves, these nations set out to divide Africa for their own avaricious ends. The result of their efforts to invade Africa was the period known as the Scramble for Africa (1881-1914). Even as early… Read More

Advertisements

What Would Koreans Do?

Throughout my time in Korea, which was nearly ten years, I observed Koreans doing things that my Western sensibilities misunderstood. Koreans would hike mountains at the summit of which they would toast their achievement with a bottle of Soju. At the time I thought this was a strange practice. Alcohol was the last thing one… Read More

Alcohol, Food & Beverage, & The Internet

South Korea Once I lived in South Korea where I enjoyed high speed internet, a plethora of Korean food options, and copious amounts of alcohol available almost anywhere. Even the national alcoholic beverage, Soju, was advertised at the theater. This was surprising as this would not fly in the United States. I miss the soups… Read More

International Ripoffs — The Philippines & Turkey

i To date, I have traveled to six Asian countries and the islands of Jeju and Taiwan. In this edition of International Ripoffs I will retell my experiences in China, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. It got real in all those countries. The Set Ups China — a helpful man approaches the mark and… Read More

International Rip-offs: Ethiopia

To date I have traveled to four African countries and the east African island of Zanzibar. I am happy to report that I had a wonderful time in each country. I am dismayed by the fact that I have to report that I was ripped off in one of those countries. Sure, you can blame… Read More

Bahla Fort

Walking the grounds of Bahla Fort I imagined myself among throngs of Muslim rich and poor who lived within its walls. Each room I entered I imagined a merchant, server, or family communing. I also imagined the rooms filled with goods for sale, or housing supplies. The many twists and turns inspired my inner child… Read More

The “New” Ballad of Al Farid Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta was a 14th century traveler who was born in Tangiers, Morocco — a destination Al Farid visited last year. The significance of that visit was lost on him at that time. With his new awareness of the historical significance if that trip, he has come to identify with the legendary traveler, Ibn Battuta…. Read More

Alfredo Goes to Oman

Alfredo Sanchez traded in his Spanish ways for those of the Middle East. No longer does he need to greet others with “¿como estas?”. A-sallam-alai-kum is more appropriate. Alfredo’s been to these parts before over the past two years where he lived and worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With his new work contract,… Read More

¿Pura Vida o Vida Pura?

Pure Life — It’s the phrase that sums up Costa Rica. In Spanish it’s vida pura, because the adjective ‘pura’ goes after the noun. However, in Costa Rica, the Ticos and Ticas say Pira Vida. I even saw a store’s sign that read Pura Vida, so I think it works both ways. Though I’m thoroughly… Read More

Nothing to See — 25 Years After Escobar

On the 13th day of January in the year of our lord, 2019, I met my friend, writer and YouTuber, Kenya, for lunch over which we caught up. The last time we met we were in Saudi Arabia. And before that, we were in South Korea. On this day we met in the Laureles area of… Read More