A question I keep getting asked is how I plan to pay for my bus conversion process. So far the only money I’ve spent was the $5000 for the bus and roughly $120 to get it inspected and properly licensed, but now I’ve got to compile a list and make a budget for all theContinue reading “The Art of Travel Hacking”
Category Archives: Travel
Living in Saudi Arabia: Expectations vs Reality
I finished my third year in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia a few years ago and it was quite a trip. I started out at a very stressful vocational school and finished at a much nicer, well-established university. I had a lot of preconceived ideas about what my time in Saudi Arabia would beContinue reading “Living in Saudi Arabia: Expectations vs Reality”
Do you keep a travel journal?
My first long-term experience abroad was during a study away program in 2009. I went to Ecuador with a small group of college students who were learning Spanish. It is by far one of the best experiences abroad I’ve had. Unfortunately, I didn’t bother to keep a journal of my experiences and now I’ve forgottenContinue reading “Do you keep a travel journal?”
Pros and Cons of Cruises
Mexico was my first experience abroad, but it wasn’t the first time I flew in an airplane. My first time in an airplane was when I went on my honeymoon to hop aboard a Carnival Cruise. The novelty of flying has definitely worn off since then. Cruises are a great way to travel for some,Continue reading “Pros and Cons of Cruises”
Are mission trips just modern-day colonialism?
In 2002, I went to another country for the first time. I was in my teens and quite passionate about religion. I joined my church on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. Sadly, I have few pictures of the trip, but my favorite one is of me interacting with a little Mexican boy. From that firstContinue reading “Are mission trips just modern-day colonialism?”
My First Arab Wedding
Since arriving in the Middle East it’s been a goal of mine to go to an Arab wedding. I had heard they’re huge, exciting, and go on all night. I finally got my opportunity when a friend from Yemen mentioned a friend of a friend of his sister’s friend was having a wedding. I askedContinue reading “My First Arab Wedding”
How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad
When I started my teaching job in Saudi Arabia, one of the first things I did was go to the dentist. I knew I had at least one cavity, but it never occurred to me that I’d have seven. I was horrified when the dentist told me. He asked me why I hadn’t gotten themContinue reading “How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad”
Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East
I had wanted to get eye surgery for years, but I told myself to pay off debts first and really do my research. So after paying off the student loans and credit card debt, I decided now was the time to get my vision corrected. I thought I could save some money getting the surgeryContinue reading “Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East”
My Week in Dubai
After hearing all the hype about Dubai from my Saudi students, I decided to bite the bullet and take a trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I went during the Eid break, so naturally, it was full of tourists, but I’m under the impression, it’s probably like this all the time. Dubai isContinue reading “My Week in Dubai”
Gardening in the Middle East
I love the expat life. You meet a lot of interesting people and you get to go to a lot of interesting places, but there are things back home I miss. I miss my independence. I miss seasons. And I especially miss gardening. I’m from the Midwest and gardening was a big part of myContinue reading “Gardening in the Middle East”