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The Long Way Mac
A slow-travel hub for two curious souls

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.

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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.

Our Travel Tempo

We are taking fewer flights and spending more time. Fewer guided tours. Three or more weeks per country.

Postcard Notes

The illuminated Petronas Twin Towers at night rising above the lit KLCC fountain pool, with surrounding high-rises.

The Petronas Twin Towers above the KLCC fountains after dark. At 452 metres they were once the tallest buildings in the world, and they are still the tallest twin towers ever built.

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John and Marcia at a glass observation window high in the Petronas Towers, the lit Kuala Lumpur skyline behind them.

One of Kuala Lumpur's most iconic landmarks, seen from the inside. We toured the Skybridge and took in the views from the observation deck as the city came on.

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Marcia smiling in front of a bright green neon sign reading Chinatown Cendol, Truly Malaysia Flavors.

Malaysia heat level: aggressive. Solution: cendol. Shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar and green jelly noodles, a dessert that manages to be refreshing and completely over the top at the same time.

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The grand entrance hall of the Temple of Leah: twin curved staircases flanked by golden angel statues, a crystal chandelier overhead, and a statue of Leah beneath a stained-glass window.

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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John and Marcia at Sugbo Mercado

Heading to the Sugbo Mercado for some delicious food. This was the day John was able to try lechon.

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John and Marcia standing in front of Fort San Pedro in Cebu City under a bright blue sky.

A visit to Fort San Pedro offered insight into the beginnings of Spanish contact with this area.

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Postcard photo from the Maryhill Stonehenge detour overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.

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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Travel selfie while on the move.

Valentine's Day check-in before the road started to unfold.

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Airport departure moment from Los Angeles.

Leaving LAX and heading north for our first stop in the Pacific Northwest.

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Food

Things John Decided to Eat

Short notes from the plates, snacks, bakery counters, and slightly irrational cravings that stand out along the way.

See all food notes

Posts

The golden stepped chedi at Wat Phan On under a bright blue sky, with strings of coloured prayer flags crossing the courtyard and a large black gong hanging in a wooden frame in the foreground.
Most recentChiang Mai: A Place We Were Supposed to Visit, But Ended Up LivingJuly 28, 2026

What three and a half weeks in Chiang Mai actually looked like: temple walks, a sunrise at Doi Suthep, Shan food, and the ordinary routines in between.

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The Kuala Lumpur skyline at dusk under heavy clouds, viewed from a high-rise apartment windowRecent postKuala Lumpur SkylineMay 2, 2026Read the postTorch ginger buds, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, curry leaves, and other fresh herbs on display at the Chow Kit Night Market in Kuala LumpurRecent postKuala Lumpur Culinary CrawlApril 22, 2026Read the postThe Cebu Taoist Temple pagoda rising above a hillside garden, with a large blue dragon statue coiling across the green slope in the foreground.Recent postBeing a Tourist in CebuApril 17, 2026Read the post