Courage

Fantasy travel trips that you can do now

March 19, 2010

If you haven’t already read The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris, I highly recommend you do.  Though parts of it can sound unrealistic at times, it will change the way you think about work, play and everything in between.  Among other ideas, Tim talks about the highly affordable lifestyle of taking mini-retirements while you’re still young, able […]






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On being "all over the place"

March 10, 2010

Yesterday, I met a good friend and mentor for coffee.  We’ve been friends and somewhat colleagues for a little over a year now.  I did some consulting work for his company while in Buenos Aires last year.  After each of our pow-wows, he has always given me the same feedback.  He says, “Denise, you’re all […]






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A Girl’s Guide to Traveling Safely through Asia

February 5, 2010

If you’re a girl and you’re planning to trek through Asia on your own, take some time to plan. Asia is a totally different monster compared with Europe and North America. Language barriers, the climate and cultural differences mean that you have to be a little more careful and a lot more resourceful to stay […]






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So, how’s it going so far? An update on travel tips

January 16, 2010

On underwear.  Remember the packing advice post that I wrote from a while back, when I suggested bringing only two pairs of travel undies made with quick-dry breathable material?  Well, honestly, every night I thank myself for having gotten these undies at REI before leaving California.  They’re not cheap – I think 18$ USD per […]






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Everyday, do something that won’t compute

January 14, 2010

I stumbled upon this on Chris Sacca’s blog. Though it does ring quite American centric at first glance, there are powerful little messages throughout. I’ve italicized my favourite parts. Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front by Wendell Berry Love the quick profit, the annual raise, vacation with pay. Want more of everything ready-made. Be afraid […]






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The gods must be crazy (if you haven’t seen the movie, go rent it!)

January 14, 2010

I’m sitting in Art Kafe in Ubud for the 3rd night in a row. There are two men playing their guitars, singing live music. I’m at my usual couch, candles strewn all around as it pours rain on the street just a few feet away from me. The usual DOM (Dirty Old Man) has just […]






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Of ghosts and demons

January 9, 2010

I met a lovely Calgarian couple (Rita and Ken) yesterday on my cycle tour and like so many other Canadians I’ve met on my travels, they’ve done enough miles to circumvent the globe.  It’s always nice to talk to other travelers about traveling.  Usually they’ve learned the same tips and tricks and have garnered insight […]






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On the road to mediocrity

June 24, 2009

From Seth Godin’s blog: Along the way, we settle. We settle for something not quite right, or an outfit that isn’t our best look, or a job that doesn’t quite maximize our talents. We settle for relationships that don’t give us joy, or a website that’s, “good enough.” The only way to get mediocre is […]






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