McDonald’s Refused to Take My Order — Seriously.
I was on a long road trip when I stopped at a McDonald’s, only to be told I couldn’t order at the counter and had to use a kiosk—even though a human then had to enter my order into the … Read More
The Lost Art of the Handkerchief
I recently reached into my pocket and pulled out a handkerchief — not a dramatic moment, just something practical for a runny nose — and was met with surprised laughter from my companion, which made me realize how much something … Read More
My First Manicure (and Pedicure): A Shock to the System
I just experienced my very first manicure and pedicure at Nordstrom in downtown Seattle and, as someone who’s always thought of myself as a rugged, outdoorsy guy, it completely took me out of my comfort zone. What started as a … Read More
Bhutan and the Pursuit of Happiness
I visited Bhutan with my kids to experience firsthand what it means for a country to value joy over wealth — the kind of society that defined success by well-being, not gross domestic product. In our time there, I … Read More
Kelsey’s Bhutan Diary
I went to Bhutan with my dad and brother hoping simply for time together, without expectations — just the quiet conversations that surface when you hike side by side. What we found on that trip wasn’t just stunning mountains and … Read More
Prayer Flags in Bhutan
I stood with my children on a windswept hillside in Bhutan, watching hundreds of fluttering prayer flags and sensing that we were part of something deeper than just a beautiful view. While the flags stretched across the mountains as a … Read More
What Can America Learn from Bhutan?
I recently reflected on how visiting Bhutan reminded me that the biggest lessons often come from the smallest places. Rather than chasing GDP or speed, Bhutan prioritizes happiness, community, and the environment—asking questions like: “Are people well? Are they connected? … Read More
Bhutan’s Hot Stone Baths: A Healing Tradition
I immersed myself in the Bhutanese tradition of the “dotsho” hot‐stone bath, where glowing river rocks heat a herb-infused wooden tub and deliver both physical relief and a sense of cultural ritual. After days of mountain trekking in Bhutan, the … Read More
The Tiger’s Nest: A Pilgrimage of Stone, Spirit, and Struggle
I climbed up to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, initially attempting a two-day trek but being forced to turn back due to altitude. With renewed resolve the next day, I tackled the steeper single-day route and reached the … Read More
Arrows & Joy: Archery, Bhutan’s Soul Sport
I visited a village field in Bhutan where men gathered for a traditional archery match, and I was struck by how the sport pulses with community energy — laughter, song, competition and celebration all blended together as arrows flew down … Read More