While we were in Sri Lanka in January, we went to a sea turtle hatchery to celebrate Joy’s 12th birthday. At the hatchery, they kept sea turtles to prevent them from dying or being snatched up by other...
Japanese Gardens: “The Perfection of the Imperfect”
As far as Ryan and Nicole are concerned, Japanese Gardens are the most lovely of all gardens; utopias of natural beauty. While it has always been difficult to discern why the Japanese Garden is so utterly satisfying to the...
Japanese Ramen Haiku
It’s time to be honest. Our family might have a problem. We are the Warne-McGraw Family, and we are Japanese Ramen addicts. So far, we have sought out ramen for a meal no less than 6 times in about...
A Chinese Farmer’s Proverb: “Hunger is the Best Spice”
Our guide, Qin “Chin,” told us his parents used to say that “Hunger is the best spice” when he was growing up. As simple farmers, they knew too well that if you are hungry enough whatever you cook or...
Baan Thai Cooking Class
An American Expat here in Thailand asked us why we had chosen to travel to Thailand. And my (Nicole’s) answer included something about hearing Thailand was beautiful and the fact that our family LOVES Thai foods. So, taking a...
Thailand Temple Fire
While wandering the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Ryan and I had an unintentional cross-cultural edventure. We passed an alleyway with a direct view of a neighborhood Buddhist Temple. Thai temples are topped with elaborate rooflines including beautiful roof peak...
Croatia: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Once upon a time, Nicole saw a picture of turquoise water, myriad waterfalls, and tall trees and fell in love with Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. And she dreamed of someday going to Croatia to see them....
Tuscany Cooking Class in the Spannocchia Kitchen
Our family participated in a “field to table” cooking class at Spannocchia. 9 AM found us gathering with four other guests and Sarah, the Guest Services Intern, and Sara, who took us on a detailed tour of the gardens....
Croatia: Regional Park of Mura-Drava
On Tues, Oct 25th, 2016 Kristijan Kovacic took us to visit the Krizovec Visitor Center to receive an orientation to the Regional Park of Mura-Drava in Medjimurje, Croatia. Medjimurje is in the far north of Croatia on the border...