The Wandering Log

In this episode, I reflect on a powerful realization I had while taking ferries across Indonesia: anger is a double-edged sword. From constantly rejecting aggressive taxi touts to dealing with incredibly slow lines, the urge to get frustrated is always there while traveling. But I’ve learned that letting out that negative energy only pushes people away and ruins the experience. Join me as I share why saving your anger for when it truly matters can actually make you a more tolerant and open-minded person.

In this episode, I share a simple trick I use to make every meal special, especially when traveling! Did you know we only have about 20,000 to 25,000 meals in our whole lives? When you realize this, every plate of food becomes important. I explain why I try to eat dishes I've never had before, and how simply closing your eyes while you eat can completely change how you taste your food. Let's make every meal an experience!

With so much travel information available online, it is easy to make a long bucket list of places we want to visit. But how should we actually explore the world to find real joy? In this episode, I reflect on my current travels in Indonesia and explore the big question: Is it better to visit as many countries as possible, or stay longer in one place to truly understand its culture?

For the past few months, a friend and I have been quietly planning a new adventure centered around world cultures. We call it the "Iceberg Project" because, just like an iceberg, most of the world's diverse lifestyles remain hidden beneath the surface. In this episode, I share the vision behind our upcoming travels and the excitement of finally turning big ideas into real action. Join me as we prepare for our very first destination: the Toraja people in Indonesia.

In this episode, I share my experience riding the Pelni passenger ferry in Indonesia. You will hear about the tough conditions in economy class, where hundreds of people sleep together under bright fluorescent lights. I also talk about a surprising cultural difference I noticed when I saw a 70-year-old woman traveling comfortably in this crowded space for two nights. Tune in to find out why I recommend this unique journey to anyone visiting Indonesia!

In this episode, I talk about my surprising discovery of ramen culture in Indonesia! Did you know that you can find authentic tonkotsu (pork bone) style ramen here, despite the fact that Indonesia is a predominantly Islamic country? The best part is a popular chain called "Tsuka Ramen" where you can get a bowl of delicious ramen for under 200 yen! I'll share my experience eating there, the different flavors they offer, and what this means for the future of Japanese food in Indonesia.

Have you ever felt like you're rushing through a country without actually experiencing it? In this episode, I share my newest travel realization: the power of a "walking journey." I explain why I'm moving away from just visiting tourist spots and instead, focusing on spending more time in one area to truly understand the local people and culture. Tune in to find out how slowing down can completely change the way you see the world!

In this episode, I share a realization I had while traveling in Indonesia about the incredible power of language. Sometimes, just knowing a few basic words in the local language can completely change your experience, helping you connect with people and have a much better time. I'll also share a simple tip for learning a new language that anyone can do in just 10 minutes a day!

What happens when your travels just... stop? In this episode, I get honest about something that's been messing with my head lately: staying in one place for way too long while I'm supposed to be traveling. I'm still in Ambon — over ten days now, maybe close to two weeks — and it's completely thrown off my rhythm. Usually I move fast, a day or two in a place and then on to the next. But right now, I'm stuck waiting on a ferry I have zero control over, trying to time things perfectly so I meet a friend in Baubau and then Makassar in mid-September. Without the movement, the trip starts to feel like something else entirely — my days turn into eat, study, go back to my room, repeat. And somewhere in that routine, I started asking myself: where did the traveling version of me even go?

Live differently, and everyone has an opinion about it. In this episode: the unsolicited advice that comes with an unconventional lifestyle, why you need your own internal standard to filter the noise, the one exception where you really should listen — and how genuine pride in your choices sets you free.