Mouthwatering smells, crispy crackling food cooking, small stools (or no chairs), handmade crafts, clothing, textiles, insects on sticks, metalwork, teddy bears, raw meat, ripe vegetables, colorful flowers, a world of cheese…where are you? At any of the street markets I’ve gathered for you here.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival started in Washington, D.C. this year from March 20. My friends and I were excited to enjoy the spirit of spring brought by the blossoming trees.

Travelers are like Sherlock Holmes? Say what! Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective: smart, remarkable, determined...and jerky. Like most travelers. We travelers have these characteristics without realizing it! Like Sherlock Holmes, we solve problems, and when we travel, be aware of surroundings.

People scream as the huge mass of bamboo poles and tissue paper plummets toward them. At the last moment, it pulls out of the dive and soars back up into the air. Everyone keeps a watchful eye on the giant kite. I’ve heard enough stories to know that these things really can hurt.

Sometimes, even though history is unbearable to revisit, we must. We must to change the future, to honor those that have lost their lives, to make sure that this never happens again. One such history is the tragegy that is still unfolding in Cambodia.

I traveled to Tibet last summer for almost two weeks. While I was mesmerized by the heaven-like nature there, I was more intrigued by the living conditions Tibetans suffer, especially the children.

A HALF DAY SEEING THE TERRACOTTA WARRIOR MUSEUM IN XIAN, CHINA

“Hi there.”

Oh no, not another guide trying to sell me his services, I turned around to give another resounding no but was greeted by…

“Don't worry, I'm not a guide.”