Story
When Japanese Plasters Don’t Stick to Kiwi Feet
I’m 10 minutes into my hike to Abukuma Caves when I realise I have a slight problem. The last few days of marching on a sightseeing mission around rural Fukushima,…
Finding More to Japan’s Host Culture
As kids, Mum would tell us, “Don’t talk to strangers.” But living in Tokyo for a month, I thought I’d be spontaneous, so I searched online and found a bunch…
I Started a Glitter Nipple Movement High on Magic Mushrooms in Bulgaria
After spending 25 days in the Bulgarian wilderness with a young hippie family – abstinent, vegan and isolated from all of society – I returned to the city of Sofia,…
When in China, Take the Slow Train
I had only the frigid Beijing air and my large suitcase for company as I waited for the 7.30 train to Chongqing. 30 hours and over 1,800 kilometres separate Beijing…
A Black Denim Canvas
I hover clumsily over the toilet seat, trying to steady myself as the bus turns a sharp corner. There is no toilet paper, but I make do with the coarse…
A Tornado in Wisconsin
The universe is constantly giving you signs, and if you pay attention, you just might see them. Sometimes, you might see them even if you’re not paying attention. On the…
The time I was assigned a male roommate on a group tour
Jayden came stomping through the door to our shared hotel room. He was completely oblivious to the fact that it was 2:32AM on a Wednesday night, and his roommate was…
An Open Letter to the Police Officer Who Saw My Boob
Dear Officer, I am writing to you as I sit grappling with the dilemma of whether or not to pay the $423 fine you issued me with for not wearing…
A Beer in Bruges
On a cold, not-so-stormy night in the small town of Bruges, Belgium, my companion and I gallivanted on the rugged, cobbled streets, adamantly attempting to avoid any Christmas markets. Now,…
“Moderately Free”: Elephant Washing in Tangkahan
Its skin didn’t feel the way I’d expected. It was prickly to the touch and rough, like cactus spears against my outstretched palm. I withdrew it swiftly as the giant…
Polgahawela Junction
“Excuse me! Sir! What station is this?” the traveller yelled from the half-open carriage window. “Jaffna!” the stationmaster yelled back in a thick accent. “If you want to get off,…
When We Were Six: An Ode to My Youth
I was six, and we were the sun and the moon, radiant and bright. Riv had inky black hair, eyes like wet mud smeared across gold and an olive complexion,…