When I was younger, if I wanted to go someplace, my mother would complain that it was in Outer Mongolia. In reality, it was a 30 minute drive, but the point still survived—it was far away. Well mom, if you’re reading this, I am ACTUALLY in Outer Mongolia. You were right—it’s a long way from Long Island—25 hours by plane to Beijing and another ... Read More

I’m writing from the Trans-Siberian Railroad somewhere in southern Mongolia. I left Beijing a day ago and still have more than half a day on the train before arriving in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. I could have saved 30-something hours by flying, but I’m here to learn more about Asia. You cannot see anything from the air. I’ve actually seen a lot in the past ... Read More

I’m staring out my hotel window at yet another beautiful sunny day in Beijing—or at least I think it’s sunny. Actually, I cannot see the sun through the all the pollution. I can barely even see the street below from the 27th floor of my hotel room. Visibility is only a few hundred feet, and most people swear that this is a good air quality ... Read More