4 Reasons To Visit To Cambodia Right NOW

Of all the places I have visited while insisting on being referred to as “Lady Croft,” Cambodia was by far and beyond my favorite. Yes, eating street food that one time during monsoon season was probably a mistake – but something about the country gets under your skin, like the residual Agent Orange dusting the plant life.

1) It’s affordable.

Tourism is a relatively new venture for the kingdom, so travel costs are scandalously low to our Western sensibilities. Though the airfare may be daunting, staying and playing in Cambodia is doable for even the most penny-pinching of backpacker – at least for now.

2) The sightseeing.

I wasn’t kidding about the Tomb Raider-worthy adventuring: The temple complex near Siem Reap was one of the locations for the first film, and it looks just as cool (actually, cooler) in person as on the screen. Since few tourists are brave enough to add it to their itineraries, these ruins, as well as many other sights across the country, have been left unmolested by the Disneyfication you see at so many other big landmarks.

3) It’s unexplored.

It wasn’t too long ago that Cambodia was a nation brutally ravaged by civil war, but since that time this former French colony has undergone tremendous economic and societal development. Nevertheless, few travelers dare venture to this corner of Southeast Asia, and that translates into better bragging rights for those who have the cojones.

4) The history.

In 1975, one-fourth of the Cambodian population was killed by the Khmer Rouge under the leadership of Pol Pot. Evidence of the regime endures in the form of museums, publications, and the scarcity of individuals over the age of forty. Simultaneously a land of ancient wonders and recent genocide, Cambodia refuses to be defined by any one thing – another way of ensuring that there is sincerely something for everyone.

So take a chance on Cambodia. Parade the palaces, tour the temples, and meander the museums. Immerse yourself in a culture that redefined what it means to be a survivor. Just be careful during monsoon season with the street food.

3 Reasons Why J. Crew Should Start Selling Children

My love affair with J. Crew started casually. We met at a frat party and flirted across a sequined cardigan with structured stitching. Soon we were spending the weekend boat shoes together and coming home to meet my parents for holiday cocktail dresses. It was only a matter of time before they asked to walk me down the aisle in a satin strapless bodice with pearl-studded fascinator. Were we moving too fast? Who’s to say? But now they keep hinting at cashmere burping blankets and I’m just not sure if I’m ready for that kind of commitment. Then again...

GAH.

1) They come in every size and color.

Are you American Classic? French Country? I guarantee you J. Crew carries the child that fits your fashion.

2) They never go out of style.

With exception to a brief period during the early 90’s, children have always been considered must-have accessories.

3) They have a return policy.

Maybe the fit is off, or you ordered too many pairs. Whatever the reason, regretful parents needn’t feel obligated anymore – no questions asked. Heck, even if you take off their tags, you can always put ‘em up on EBay!

5 Reasons Why You Might Be Robin Scherbatsky

It’s no secret that I watch too much T.V. No matter what country or what hospital I’m in, I always find a way to keep up on my favorite series. How I Met Your Mother happens to be one of those series, and Robin Scherbatsky – the no-nonsense, hard-hitting journalist – happens to be one of my favorites.

I know I’m not alone in this (the show is in its eighth season, after all). So for every lady out there who’d rather travel the world than plan a wedding, or’d choose a Ferrari over a baby, here’s to you.

1) You love a scotch that’s old enough to order its own scotch.

I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Unfortunately, most Chinese think that a glass of wine makes you a hardcore alcoholic. I’ve resigned myself to taking shots of Nutella instead.

2) You’re not exactly the biggest confronter of feelings.

Why have The Talk when there are so many great things to do with the human mouth (see above)?

3) You think fighting is sexy.

No, I do not... a lot!

4) You have five dogs.

Honestly, I only have one dog. More honestly, she’s really kind of a squirrel. But in Thailand, I did find myself with five orphaned puppies (don’t worry, they all found good homes), so yeah. I get it.

5) Whenever you’re feeling lonely or depressed you go to the shooting range.

And it reminds you... guns are fun! When I was five, my deer-hunting grandpa let me fire his shotgun – less fun. Then, while briefly living in Virginia, I ultimately discovered the awesomeness that is a shooting range.

Next on the list? Archery and wilderness survival. That, or becoming a Canadian pop star. Toss up.

The 6 Stages Of Starbucks Obsession

It starts innocently enough: You catch sight of the naked green mermaid and get a hankering for decaf latte and assorted pastry. Maybe you pick up a coffee blend for later – the one with the cartoon lady riding a bicycle – or peruse the obscure indie CD’s pouting near the counter. Suddenly you’re there every weekend, shooting annoyed glances at the teenagers on the couch from behind the screen of your MacBook. Before long you’re the guy who corrects people’s pronunciation of “espresso” and carries around a Moleskine notebook for your nonfiction novel.

This image is my version of porn.

1) You have a favorite roast.

This assumes that you have consumed enough of the signature Starbucks blends to have distinguished between them. You probably also know how to make an Americano. It is time to reevaluate your life choices.

2) You follow them on Twitter. Or Instagram. Or Pinterest.

Starbucks is not your pal. Yeah, they probably know you more intimately than your 900 Facebook “friends,” but they are still just a faceless corporation. I don’t care what the Supreme Court says.

3) You know about the secret menu.

Have you ever ordered a Chocolate Dalmatian? Perhaps you’re more in the mood for the Three C’s? GTFO, n00b.

4) You downloaded the app – and you use it.

IT’S NOT MY FAULT! THEY GIVE YOU FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS EVERY WEEK!

5) You rely on the seasonal drinks like a calendar.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is my Punxsutawney Phil. It just isn’t fall until I taste that sweet, cinnamon-y deliciousness. And I’m not the only one: Back in October, the Wall Street Journal ran a story about a nationwide shortage that featured more than one quote from costumers in crisis.

6) You write humorous articles about Starbucks that reveal an intimate personal knowledge of the brand.

I regret nothing.

3 Ex-Pat Secrets For Beating Homesickness

One of the best/worst lessons in life is that you never outgrow homesickness. You don’t need to travel to world to experience it, either; sometimes it’s as simple as that first Thanksgiving away at college, or when you realize home is a place you visit, not live. On the bright side, you know you have something pretty wonderful if you’re missing it so dang much. On the other, screw you! I want my mom!

1) Get thee to a grocery store.

Locate the mac n’ cheese. Purchase. Consume. It’ll help, honestly. Whatever ails you, sometimes you just need that touch of home to pull you through. So let go of the guilt and embrace the carbs – all that weeping you were doing probably burned the calories anyway.

2) Downloadeth a movie.

My cure-all happens to be Father of the Bride since it could serve as documentary footage of the Lopez’s. For your family, it might be Ghostbusters, or Star Wars. Maybe you watched Home Alone every winter or The Sandlot every summer. I don’t know, but find it and watch it and cry and laugh. You’ll feel better.

3) Write thyself a blog.

If you’re out having adventures, record them. If not, plan them. Keep looking forward – or, at least, not looking back – and suddenly the separation will become a little more bearable. Sure, you have some awesome memories from home, but you have even more kickass ones just over the horizon. Rise up and meet them so that next time around the dinner table, you’ll have the stories to share.

The 8 Most Bizarre Superstitions Of Modern China

Superstitions are weird. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or which ancient god demands your blood: We treat our superstitions with equal parts embarrassment and reverence. And really, what’s the harm in that? So you throw a little salt over your shoulder or handle that mirror more gently... You’re just taking precautions! It’s like buying life insurance!

Well, no, it isn’t. Because while you are statistically guaranteed to die at some point, it is slightly less likely that...

1) Clipping your nails at night invokes the dead.

I’m not going to lie: I have been fighting temptation to try this one out. I mean, worst case scenario, I end up throwing a spa night with the ghouls. I figure we’ll braid each other’s hair, gush about Channing Tatum, maybe send a flirty text to the undead’s crush... all in all, a delightful Saturday night.

2) Wearing an untidy moustache causes bad luck.

Poor hipsters. Who knew what kind of angry discrimination they’d have to face, what with their ironic suspenders and terrible, terrible musical tastes. Really, China – you’re better than this.

3) Pointing at the moon makes your earlobes fall off.

4) Putting dog eye juice on your face lets you see ghosts.

I’ve been on ghost tours everywhere from San Francisco to New Orleans and have yet to meet even one measly eternally damned soul doomed to wander the Earth forever. If I had known all it took was a touch of canine eye drippings, I would’ve smuggled my Yorkie into United Airline’s overhead compartment.

5) Hitting someone with a broom means years of bad luck (for the hitter).

Does that mean I have to quit the IQA team?

6) Sensing “unclean” spirits causes babies to cry.

I hate babies. Well, maybe “hate” is too strong a word – I just want all children acting out in public to be lightly tasered... Yeah, OK, “hate” was better.

7) Dreaming about teeth or snow means your parents are dead.

In many countries, watching Snow Dogs is tantamount to manslaughter.

8) During New Year’s, don’t sweep floors, close windows, buy shoes, borrow books, or carry pointy things.

From what I understand, this has something to do with the Cantonese translation of those words sounding similar to other ones (Like if you tried to win the lottery by doing... erm... pottery? I’m not good at examples.). People take this deadly serious – to the point they keep brooms under lock and key – and not even the younger generations are willing to take the chance.

These superstitions may just be a small piece of the Old World, but they are one that fortunately refuses to die. And you don’t even need animal eye goo to witness.

The ultimate playlist for your zombie apocalypse and/or family holiday.

There is a very particular segment of the population that maintains a functioning Zombie Apocalypse Contingency Plan. Fortunately, those people are the same ones who are currently reading this blog instead doing the homework/housework/work-work they should be doing. Welcome, friend!

Chinese society, on the other hand, is extremely superstitious – a fact I’ve exploited to encourage good behavior in my students (i.e. terror and panic). The mere mention of ghosts, goblins, or Tom Cruise sends my coworkers scurrying in self-defecation, so I tend to tone down the macabre during office hours.

Nevertheless, I recently found out that my school, defiantly located in the middle of nowhere, was also built on top of an ancient Chinese burial ground. Obviously, this is not an educational aspect the academic officials wish to emphasize. However, it also seems like only a matter of time before the zombies rise up and wreak their revenge. And I’m not going down without a fight.

So whether you’re facing Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws or staring down the barrel at a horde of flesh-eaters, this playlist is guaranteed to get you through:

You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi

Bad – Michael Jackson

Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses

Back in Black – AC/DC

Crazy Train – Ozzy Osbourne

Highway to Hell – AC/DC

A Little Less Conversation – Elvis Presley

Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood

It’s My Life – Bon Jovi

Flash’s Theme – Queen

(Honorable mention! Radar Love – Golden Earring)

Give ‘em hell,
A