Hobo Lolo

Trekking through the dense jungles of Chiang Mai was, without a doubt, the most unforgettable experience of our trip—one that stood out even among the vibrant night markets, mouthwatering street food, immersive cooking classes, and soothing Thai massages. It all began the day Michelle and I arrived for our five-day stay in Chiang Mai. As we wandered through the city center, soaking in its lively atmosphere, we stumbled upon an adventure we couldn’t resist: a  two-night, three-day jungle trek . The itinerary was exhilarating—hiking deep into the wilderness, passing through remote villages, staying overnight with a local host family, and finishing off with an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip. Without hesitation, we signed up, eager to experience Thailand beyond the bustling city streets. The Journey Begins The next morning, our adventure kicked off in the back of a rugged 4x4 pickup truck. Along with us were nine fellow travelers—a lively group from England and a friendly Canadian cou...

Some came to compete, pushing their limits with every step. Others came to honor and remember, their hearts heavy with the sacrifice of the Filipino and American soldiers who endured the brutal Bataan Death March—forced to march endless miles under an unforgiving sun. I came to run. At 6:30 AM, as the sun barely peeked over the horizon, the runners took off. It was the earliest start time I had ever experienced in a marathon. I began slowly, letting the faster runners surge ahead, creating space around me. The crisp morning air filled my lungs as my legs warmed up. Then, after the first mile, I found my rhythm. I picked up the pace, passing runners one by one, feeling stronger with each stride. At mile eight, just as I was settling into cruise mode, the real challenge emerged—a relentless mountain ascent. Every step became a battle against the incline, the thinning air, and the burning in my legs. The terrain was unforgiving—rugged trails, steep climbs, sudden gusts of wind striking fr...

We landed in  Guangzhou  with the kind of excitement that hums just under the skin—no itinerary beyond the first night, just two backpacks, a pocketful of yuan, and the unshakable sense that something unforgettable was about to begin. From the window of our room at the  White Swan Hotel , the  Pearl River  glittered in the twilight. The  Haizhu Bridge , a graceful iron arc, stretched across the water like a threshold between the old and the new. The city pulsed below us—neon signs flickering, ferries sliding across the current, and the scent of street food floating up like a welcome. It was our first taste of China, and it was deliciously overwhelming. A ferry carried us to  Wuzhou , where we boarded an overnight bus with reclining seats and threadbare curtains, rocking us through the darkness toward the countryside. When we opened our eyes, we were in  Yangshuo —a small town cradled by surreal limestone peaks that rose like dragons from the earth...