Why Southeast Asia?
Honestly, I love the chaos—the way it’s a little rough around the edges, the buzzy energy, the raw nature, warm people, bold flavors, and the sheer diversity of landscapes, cultures, cuisine, and experiences.
Where have you traveled recently?
The Mai Chau Province, a region I’d been dying to visit for years. It’s a remote area in northern Vietnam. I trekked through the valley, starting in lowland forests and weaving through ethnic villages, up ravines, and across rice paddies.
What’s your favorite food from the region?
That’s an impossible question! I can’t pick just one so I’ll say a fresh, spicy som tam salad tied with Hanoi bun cha.
What’s on your reading list before a visit?
Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand. It’s a fantastic mix of recipes and storytelling.
Where’s the next country you’re planning to visit?
Indonesia. I’m especially itching to get to the undeveloped island of Sumba. Beyond its famous surfing, there’s a unique indigenous culture—including distinct languages, architecture, religions, and rituals—and rugged natural landscapes featuring stunning lagoons and waterfalls. There are also free-roaming horses, which you won’t find anywhere else in Indonesia.
