I’m a quotes guy. I love reading quotes, reflecting on these thoughts and sharing them with students, family and friends. One of the things we often assume with quotes is that a famous person has to say them, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each of us has thoughts that can motivate and…
Author: theglobaltrio
We are a small family of three who move around the world with my wife's job. In the past decade we've lived in Myanmar, Nepal and Egypt and currently we live in Thailand. We love nature, the arts and jumping into the nearest ocean or sea.
“You’re welcome!” and other language surprises
We take for granted our own language so much. We use it all the time without thinking about what we’re saying, and it isn’t until you are stopped and asked to explain what you meant that you realize just how complicated words can be. Pronunciation, meanings, other meanings, nuances— you name it. For example,…
A year ends, begins and continues
2020 is in its final hours and wow was it ever [insert choice words]. In a Zoom conversation I had this morning with lifelong friends from my university days, I referred to this year as the “whack a mole” year. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “Whac-a-Mole” is a popular arcade game (they dropped the…
An attitude of gratitude
Ahhhhh, Facebook memories— stop it already! If you’re like me and see those memories from X number of years ago on Facebook, we may be feeling the same feels right now. Because it’s exactly at this point in 2020 that we don’t necessarily want to be reminded of how nice those reunions at the holidays…
On not going home… yet
Airport security lines. Not something I ever thought I’d miss, but I actually do. As long and annoying as security lines can be, they also represent a step in getting you closer to your family and friends. Wherever you travel in the world, the typical security line at an airport looks pretty much like all…
Bikes with baskets in Japan
Since March, I’ve been talking with my parents and sisters every weekend on Skype. Having lived overseas for 14 of the past 16 years, I can’t help but wonder why we didn’t organize these weekly discussions before, but our talks are one of the beautiful silver linings of this pandemic. In one of our recent…
In a bubble
I’ve found it difficult to write recently. I have plenty of excuses as to why, and with our son on summer vacation until just a couple days ago, I could easily say my role as stay-at-home dad is the main reason. But the truth is, I just haven’t been motivated to write. Anyone reading this…
On flying, Part 3: Prepare for landing
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we begin our initial descent, please make sure that your seat belt is securely fastened and your seat backs and tray tables are in their full, upright position. All carry-on luggage should be stowed in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you…” When you travel often, it’s funny how you can recall almost word for word…
On flying, part 2: Cruising altitude
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. I’ve turned off the seat-belt sign which means you are now free to move about the cabin. However, for your safety, please keep your seat belt fastened when you are seated in case we encounter any unexpected turbulence.” This announcement by the captain is…
On flying, Part 1: Prepare for take-off
When you live overseas in a place that’s not your “home,” it’s the strangest thing not to be able to fly. Or more accurately, strange, depressing and incredibly anxiety-raising. Air travel has been such an important part of our lives and now that we’re all staying indoors because of COVID-19, the difficult part for us,…