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
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.
Inasal Chicken Liver and Heart Skewer
Different spices, but memories of my childhood with my grandmother.
Los Angeles, CA, USA
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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 What Cebu Taught Us About Booking the Next Airbnb April 12, 2026
Our first Cebu Airbnb gave us a crash course in slow travel: ask better questions, adapt quickly, and pay attention to the details that shape daily life.
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