Not many of the world's great attractions live up to the hype, but the Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap is one that does. In fact, it exceeds expectations; I have yet to meet anyone who wasn't impressed by the size and scope of the sprawling ancient city ruins. I also haven't met anyone who wasn't at least a little annoyed with the army of pint-size touts who work the site. … [Read more...]
Bullying Goats and Dive-Bombing Vultures
I spent last week in my mom's hometown in The Middle Of Nowhere, Germany, for a cousin's wedding—The Middle of Nowhere is officially called Affoldern, but only the ten farmers who live there know that. In between various wedding-related activities and obligations, we got the chance to take my two-year-old nephew to a nearby wildlife park, the Wildtierpark Edersee. The … [Read more...]
Being Mooned by China’s Toddlers
I have no personal experience on which to base this statement, but I think I can safely say that changing diapers sucks. The invention of the disposable diaper has made the process somewhat less unpleasant, but what if I told you it could be easier still? What if I said you never have to worry about changing your baby's diaper again? Well, it's possible and you can thank China … [Read more...]
Why Taking Your Child to a Beer Garden Is a Good Thing
Beer and liquor companies may not be allowed to advertise to children, but that doesn't mean that children don't drive sales. I wrote in a recent post that the main thing I learned from staying with my sister and her family is not to have kids. I also learned that, if I did have a kid, I would need alcohol—and lots of it. Not to help with the stress of raising the kid, mind … [Read more...]