I am an avid explorer, and have visited more than 20 countries. I also lived in Asia for 5 years - one year in Turkmenistan, Central Asia and four years in South Korea.
Teaching, writing, and editing are my passions: I've taught English as a Foreign Language
+ more bio informationAre you planning to buy CDs for friends and family this Christmas? Music is a sure-fire pleaser for gift recipients of all ages. There are a number of places you can shop to find the widest selection of music and the lowest prices, including independent retailers, so-called "big-box" stores, and internet sites.LOCAL INDEPENDE... More..
Opera has the unfortunate reputation of being a boring, high-brow form of entertainment, completely inaccessible to ordinary humans. In part, at least in the English-speaking world, that's because most great operatic masterpieces are in a foreign language. Short of becoming fluent in Italian, French, Russian and German, what ... More..
Had enough of lounging around on golden-sand beaches, sipping fruity drinks and watching surfers glide across glittering waves? Or perhaps the kids are interrupting your sun-worship with cries of "We're bored!" Don't worry, there's something to entertain everyone in Mazatlan!FAMILIESFor families, the Mazatlan Aquarium is a mu... More..
Riders spilled, gagging, from the subway car immediately ahead of mine. Along with them, a hideous stench wafted back. I clutched my luggage close to get it out of the aisle, and pulled my shirt collar up over my nose with the other hand. All the way across Seoul, the same scenario played itself out. Stop after stop, harried ... More..
While most nursing homes provide loving and competent care, it's a tragic fact that many nursing home residents in the United States face physical, emotional, mental, and even sexual abuse from the people who are paid to look after them.A 2001 Congressional report found that nearly 1/3 of all nursing homes in the U.S. had bee... More..
Dig the backpack out of the closet, dump out the detritus from the last trip, throw in some comfortable clothes and a Lonely Planet guide, print your boarding pass, and grab your passport. There! You're ready to go on vacation. Easy, hm? Oh, wait, don't forget to water the houseplants on your way out the door.Returning home, ... More..
Fire licks at the base of the heaped bonfire fuel, then leaps up toward the cross at the top. The crowd holds its breath, and ever so slowly, the cross leeeeeeans, and starts to fall. The police move in, establishing a perimeter around the fire. Then groups of young men dart forward as the flaming cross droops towards the gro... More..
War has often been considered the province of men; nevertheless, throughout history some brave women have always found a way to play a part in battle, whether as foot-soldiers or warrior queens. The names of some of the most legendary women warriors continue to echo down to us across the millennia. Here are ten famous warrior... More..
Heelys were invented in 1998, and have already experienced two explosive waves of popularity with children; one when they first appeared on the market, and a second wave beginning in 2006. Kids love them, but many parents wonder: How safe are Heelys, these sneakers with a removable skate wheel in each heel?My initial instinct... More..
Large American cities have an international reputation for being dangerous, full of drug gangs armed with illegal handguns. That may be true of a few, but in fact some are very pleasant, safe places... perfect for raising a family. Here are some of the best.1) Seattle, Washington. Sure, kids might get stir-crazy at times, sin... More..
Kallie Szczepanski
Marketplace Approved Writer
Articles Written: 169