When Gandhi was fighting for independence from Britain, one of his strategies for seeking independence was to free the Indian people from economic dependance on British goods. For example, India was importing their cloth from British textile factories instead...
Hope’s Animal Adventures: Irish Wolf Hounds
On September 2nd, 2016 we got the opportunity to walk Irish Wolf Hounds on the grounds of Ashford Castle and the surrounding forests. The black dog’s name was Cronan, and the white dog’s name was Garbin. They were two and...
Anticipatory Grieving
Today is our 285th day of continuous travel. Tomorrow we fly to California for a couple weeks before heading down to Central and South America. And I am feeling melancholic. I am grieving for an ending that has not...
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...
Hope’s Animal Adventure: Mohumohu Owl Cafe, Ginza Japan
When we came into the Owl Cafe we saw a list of rules: Only touch them lightly Don’t grab the owls Don’t feed them. Don’t take pictures with the flash on. Wash your hands Don’t touch their legs and...
Hope’s Animal Adventure: Tokyo Cat Cafe
In Tokyo we went into a Cat Cafe where we saw tons of cats who were there for you to pet, hang out with and feed. In order to stay at the cafe you have to order one drink for...
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...
Surviving Scent Sensitivity in a Smelly World
You know how dogs have a really keen sense of smell? Like, they can pick up scents that humans miss? According to Peter Tyson in his article on NOVA Science Now: “What do dogs have that we don’t?...
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...