Television shows such as Top Chef and Chopped have exploded in popularity in recent years, and travel to another city or country offers the perfect opportunity to learn a new cuisine or cooking style. Cooking schools give travelers the opportunity to participate in such culinary challenges themselves—and learn a little more about the region they […]
One of my favorite things to do anywhere in the world is go to the local markets. It’s always such a slice of everyday life and culture, fun and interesting. Here are some of my favorite markets around the globe. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok Wow, this place is like the grandaddy of all markets. I’ve […]
I love to travel. I love to eat. I love to cook. To me, one of the highlights of traveling is enjoying the local food in different places around the world. I was reminded of this recently when I was in a cooking class led by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. I was a little star-struck, […]
When people arrive in Laos, the land-locked, slow-moving, peaceful country in Southeast Asia, they generally gravitate toward Luang Prabang as far as cities. But while a different vibe, the capital city of Vientiane has a lot to offer. It’s much larger, and more crowded and busy, than Luang Prabang to be sure. But it is […]
Greetings from Laos, the only land-locked country in Southeast Asia, and the most laid-back. There is a reason that this placid, easy-going nation has a reputation as “Laid-back Lao” – most everything is very peaceful and slow, with very little hassle from vendors or touts. Most of the populace are Buddhist, with about 60% of […]
I started today at the street market in Luang Prabang, Laos at 8 this morning. Just your typical day, strolling through cobblestone lanes between Buddhist temples, checking out delicacies on offer such as freshly-gutted tadpoles, live wriggling larvae, water buffalo ears and live snakes. Have you ever watched any of those cooking shows, such as […]
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I'm Shelley, a journeyer and learner of the world, freelance journalist and author, yoga chick and dog lover. I pound the keyboard from home barefoot every day, and while my boss is demanding she also occasionally lets me have the early afternoon cocktail. I think not going into an office or collecting corporate paychecks are very good ideas, though not always profitable. I have written for National Geographic, USA Today, The Guardian, Texas Monthly and CNN, among others. Neither the New York Times nor Johnny Depp have answered my letters yet.
I love animals, yoga, indie movies, cooking, wine, books and chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. I believe in karma. Mean people suck. If I could have any dream job I would like to be a superhero. I have performed a catch on the flying trapeze, boarded down a live volcano, snorkeled with seals and was once robbed by a monkey in Nepal. But, I don't know how to whistle.
My mantra is "travel with a purpose."
See the world like a local!
A book I wrote with my partner Keith, that lays out how we travel as much as we do, for damn near free.
Trading Places 