Mandalay is a place I regretted not able to see during my first visit to Myanmar in 2013 with friends. Things were different on my return trip in 2016, when additional days were on my side. After almost a week of exploring the vast plains of Bagan aboard an e-motorcycle, I made the half day land trip to the former royal capital of Myanmar.

Dizzy and tired from the sleeper bus journey, I only relaxed for a few minutes at my fine accommodation—the Hotel by the Red Canal—before setting out to explore the food scene of the city.

As I was letting every second of being awed linger gratifyingly, I fixated my thoughts on the massive walls of Gwalior Fort. I started wondering about the stories of resilient kingdoms and bloody battles it conceals. Like peeling off layers of a paint, I survey the colossal architectural grandeur of the 8^th century structure before me and briefly imagined being transported in time.

Home to a magnificent set of picturesque highland countryside, the region of the Cordillera features an abundance of wonders. From its cool weather all year long to its majestic set of nature, fascinating culture and mouth-watering local cuisine, an all too familiar feature of the region is gaining much needed attention today. These are the fruit and vegetable farms of Benguet and Mountain Province. 

Waking up to a rainy and foggy morning had me entertaining the idea of staying in until lunch curled up on my bed. Appealing the thought may be, the chance to see another UNESCO World Heritage Site reigned over and proved to be enough of a motivation to make me stand up, stretch my hands and face the window announcing to myself “Good Morning Vietnam”

As a frequent guest of Azalea’s Baguio property, I already have an inkling of what to expect at their Boracay location. Still, upon our arrival, I was taken aback by the niceties of the layout that blends perfectly with the vibe of the island. The wide entrance highlighted by the globe fountain and centerpiece quickly arrested my attention. The available space creates an additional charm befitting the post-modern architecture of the five-story establishment bursting with appealing lines and patterns. 

The Scottish Highland is a region in Scotland unparalleled in natural beauty. It covers eight counties and a cluster of islands over a 10,000-square-miles of undulating terrain, north-west of the country. This area of Scotland, steep in Gaelic heritage, boasts of wild mountains, rugged cliffs, verdant glens (valleys), beautiful lochs (lakes), and historic castles. This is the place where Scottish folklores were made, where lairdship and clan-feuding once prevailed, where folks wore tartan and Highland hospitality hitherto is in full display ─sometimes to a fault. This is the part of Scotland that you need to see. I’ve rounded up the best things to see in the Scottish Highland.

Fairy Glen (Isle of Sky)

There is nothing better than visiting a new place and learning their culture and history through their food. Regional cuisines always tell a fascinating story as to how the locals traditionally grow, harvest, and catch produce. When visiting the East and Gulf Coast, it comes to no surprise that fresh seafood has become very popular. Many Coastal towns catch their own seafood daily to bring back and cook at the restaurant during the night. Here are a few of our favorites we have found when traveling down and around the East and Gulf Coast.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the world’s most popular cities. One of the main draws of the city is its food. From tapas and croquetas to paella and jamon, there’s no shortage of fine dishes worth trying in Madrid. Moreover, throughout the years, the Spanish capital has expanded its dining scene to feature other international cuisines and to cater to a variety of diets and preferences, including veganism.