Why the Long Way?
We want enough time in each place to understand how daily life works there. A few hurried days can show you the sights, but they rarely tell you much about routine, culture, or the rhythm of a place.
semi-retired. lightly packed. mostly unhurried.
We take the long way around.
We are easing into semi-retirement by travelling slowly, starting in Los Angeles and heading west with light plans and a good deal of curiosity. This is where we keep track of the route, the longer stories, and what we learn as we go.
Our Travel Tempo
We are taking fewer flights and spending more time. Fewer guided tours. Three or more weeks per country.
How to Follow Along
This site is where the longer stories and route map live. For quicker updates, photos, and the meals that deserve a brief verdict of their own, browse the food log or find us on social. Subscribe to the newsletter and we'll drop you a note when something new appears.
Postcard Notes
Leah overlooks the entryway to the Temple of Leah. This amazing structure was built by her husband to memorialize their 50+ year marriage.
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Heading to the Sugbo Mercado for some delicious food. This was the day John was able to try lechon.
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A visit to Fort San Pedro offered insight into the beginnings of Spanish contact with this area.
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We could not take I-90 from Pasco to Poulsbo because of traction requirements in the mountains, so the long way got even longer. Not the plan. Worth it.
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Valentine's Day check-in before the road started to unfold.
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Leaving LAX and heading north for our first stop in the Pacific Northwest.
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Things John Decided to Eat
Short notes from the plates, snacks, bakery counters, and slightly irrational cravings that stand out along the way.
Wok-Fried Silkworm Pupa
In Chiang Mai, “Things John Decided to Eat” took a turn into the crunchy, slightly nutty world of wok fried silkworm pupa. Street food in Thailand keeps testing the boundaries between curiosity and dinner. Sometimes the answer is “surprisingly good.” Sometimes it’s “well… now we know.” 😂
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Lemon Ribena With Sprite
The first edition of "Marcia v. the Menu." Marcia finally got in front of the camera in Malaysia. Trying out a Lemon Ribena with Sprite with lunch, and John wasn’t taking no for an answer when he asked to film. Sweet, citrusy, icy cold, and gone way too quickly. 🍋🥤
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Biko with Latik
Finally, a dessert John can eat!
Cebu City, Philippines
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Inasal Chicken Liver and Heart Skewer
Different spices, but memories of my childhood with my grandmother.
Cebu City, Philippines
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Mango Tamarind Balls
Delightful flavour and texture — lightly sweet, soft, and chewy.
Cebu City, Philippines
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Sweet and Spicy Pusit
Dried squid with a sugar coating, some chew, and a decent hit of spice.
Cebu City, Philippines
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Delivery from IByang's Hidden Inasal
Inasal delivery with sweet-savoury sauce, smoky meat, bright Java rice, and turon to finish.
Cebu City, Philippines
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Pi Day Without Pie?!
M.E.'s Costco pie quest in Poulsbo turned into a Pi Day short, complete with a very large apple pie.
Poulsbo, WA, USA
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Most recent Kuala Lumpur Skyline May 2, 2026
After a decade in LA and a few weeks in Cebu, Kuala Lumpur was the first city we reached in a shape we recognised: freeways and high-rises, working transit, and parks set against the towers. From the 34th floor of our Airbnb, the city framed itself as a familiar form with details that were entirely its own.
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