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Dirty Elbows

Another travel blog (but with more wine-related stuff)

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emily tossing her hat happily on Olkhon Island

Travel Stories + Life Musings

me and my mom wearing facemasks while taking a stroll in our compound

Day 30: Rebels of the Coronavirus Quarantine

February 23, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

It is now day 30 of our self-quarantine because of the coronavirus epidemic going on outside. Last night, I got takeout from Pizza Hut. …

Day 30: Rebels of the Coronavirus QuarantineRead More

Category: ChinaTag: quarantine

view from the pagoda in our residential compound in Kunming

Quarantine Day 21: I Put on a Dress Today

February 14, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

I am going to wear normal clothes today. These past few weeks of self-quarantine, mismatched layers of long-underwear and sweaters have …

Quarantine Day 21: I Put on a Dress TodayRead More

Category: ChinaTag: coronavirus

Top 9 Things To Do in Home Quarantine (Because I can’t think of 10)

February 10, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

I have been stuck at home in Kunming for 16 days now, but somehow the days are passing swiftly. Could have something to do with my new sleep …

Top 9 Things To Do in Home Quarantine (Because I can’t think of 10)Read More

Category: ChinaTag: coronavirus

Bus Stop Encounter

January 30, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

“I’ve been waiting for 40 minutes already.” “Well, the app says it will be here in three minutes.” “Might as well wait another three …

Bus Stop EncounterRead More

Category: People You MeetTag: Boston, home

Life During the Coronavirus Epidemic in China

January 27, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

(Photo of three guards wearing face masks in front of Lama Temple courtesy of a friend living in Beijing.) I’m not sure if I should be …

Life During the Coronavirus Epidemic in ChinaRead More

Category: China

Love Letter to Colombians

January 5, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

I love the way you call me mi amor, and greet me like an old friend. I love the way vendors so politely sell me chocolates on the bus, …

Love Letter to ColombiansRead More

Category: Letters to Strangers, TravelTag: colombia

2019

January 1, 2020 //  by dirtyelbows

What a weird, sometimes sad, but mostly wonderful year.  2019 started off on the wrong foot with my dad’s sudden passing, literally …

2019Read More

Category: Uncategorized

Protests in Colombia: A symbol of hope and transformation

November 22, 2019 //  by dirtyelbows

Nationwide anti-government protests in Colombia happened today. Students, teachers, union leaders, representatives of indigenous groups, and …

Protests in Colombia: A symbol of hope and transformationRead More

Category: UncategorizedTag: colombia, medellin

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

November 16, 2019 //  by dirtyelbows

From a brief history of the railway system to tips for booking train tickets and obtaining a visa, this post shows you how to travel the …

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian RailwayRead More

Category: Uncategorized

my favorite twin trees in front of the Cambridge Public Library

To Ken, an outcast, a wanderer, a veteran, homeless, black, and human

November 4, 2019 //  by dirtyelbows

Dear Ken,  I’ve been telling everyone about you since we met. I was eating my sandwich when you rolled up with your bicycle, plastic …

To Ken, an outcast, a wanderer, a veteran, homeless, black, and humanRead More

Category: Letters to StrangersTag: letters to strangers

Eggs and Chives

General Tso, Chinese Food in America, and My Dad

September 17, 2019 //  by dirtyelbows

I spent many hours of my childhood in Chinese restaurants. I did word searches and sipped on Shirley Temples while my dad whipped up Beef …

General Tso, Chinese Food in America, and My DadRead More

Category: Uncategorized

the interior of a cracker barrel

Identities (A continuation of my last post)

September 7, 2019 //  by dirtyelbows

The other day I wrote a post about my fear of being looked down on by older White people. I was hesitant to publish my thoughts because I …

Identities (A continuation of my last post)Read More

Category: UncategorizedTag: identity, race

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