Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Journey To Fulfillment
Up until a few years ago, fulfillment was a concept that constantly eluded me. I was so wrapped up in just paying bills and getting my life together. The truth is that from age 15 to 25 I was constantly numbing my feelings with multiple substance. I had grown up gay in the midwestern and southern parts of the United States, so self-acceptance was nearly impossible. I didn’t really have any coping skills except for hiding my head in a good book or eating as much as possible. I felt completely alone for the majority of my childhood. My parents didn’t understand. They couldn’t have done anything differently. I know that now. I just hid within myself. There was no fulfillment. It was all about surviving and hoping people would leave me alone.
By David Jacobson5 years ago in Wander
How NOT to Travel in Chicago
When I was in bookselling the month of May meant BEA- that's the Book Expo America. Pre-COVID is was held exclusively in New York City, but there was a time it floated between NYC, LA, and Chicago. The year after I moved to Michigan it was in Chicago and I was excited to attend.
By Judey Kalchik 5 years ago in Wander
Lost and Found in Dharamsala. Top Story - June 2021.
It’s boiling hot when I walk out of the airport. My internal systems are all jumbled up, recalibrating after the end of a spin cycle. It’s dark, it’s 8:30 PM, and it’s a humid 90 degrees. There is noise everywhere: people talking, people shouting, PA announcements, cars honking. My legs are cramped from the thirteen-hour flight and it feels amazing to stand, even if it means lugging around my comically massive suitcase.
By Sarahmarie Specht-Bird5 years ago in Wander
Trekking in Ladakh: The best treks for groups and individuals
Ladakh forms that part of the Indian topographical scene that is complete with jaw-dropping sceneries, colors changing at different parts of the landscape and creating beautiful sights, high-altitude lakes and glaciers with frozen rivers and waterfalls, high-mountain passes, barren, desert-like formation with snow-dusted peaks, and everything which you won’t find anywhere else in India.
By Imran Jameel5 years ago in Wander
The Most Exhilarating Halloween Attractions - All Centrally Located In the Supreme Haunt Destination
Southern California, well known for its sandy beaches, fresh innovative cuisines, and amazing year-round weather, also has holds another distinction; the haunt capital of the world. A visit to SoCal during the haunting season is a must for all Halloween lovers. Here are just a few of the terrifying destinations that will be sure to fill you with fright!
By M.R. Cameo5 years ago in Wander
Exploring The Dingle Peninsula
Without doubt, the Dingle peninsula is one of the most stunning areas that I have visited in Ireland. Over the years, I have visited the famous town of Dingle multiple times. So, over the holiday season, it was time to return and delve further into the peninsula to explore new areas. Let me tell you that the road trip did not disappoint and was so much fun.
By Patrick Duane5 years ago in Wander
10 perfect day trips in New Hampshire
Summer's arrived. Masks are off. It's time to explore. If you're like me and you like a bit of everything- mountains, beaches, drinks, food, cute towns, big cities- New Hampshire is the place for you. With the motto Live Free or Die, this tiny northern state really does pack quite a punch. And you don't even have to wear a helmet or seatbelt while you're here, but of course you will because you are just looking to live free, right?
By Jacob Frommer5 years ago in Wander
Awkward in Australia
There was only one instance when I didn’t feel awkward in Australia. When completing the Declaration Form on our arriving plane, I listed everything, down to the chewing gum in my purse. After seeing my long list, passengers around me snickered: “You don’t have to declare every single thing!” But, I had the last laugh when in the customs line... After glancing down my lengthy list, the man in charge looked up, smiled at me, and said: “I can tell you’re an honest person. You can go on in. Welcome to Australia!” Feeling vindicated, I grinned at my fellow-passengers in the long line and gave them a little wave goodbye; as they were having to open up their luggage for examination. Little did I know that would be the last time I felt like I fit in with the locals, my entire stay. There’s a reason the nickname for Australia is “Oz”. It doesn’t take long to realize: “We’re not in Kansas, anymore!” I was totally blindsided by the culture shock! To be honest, I didn’t expect life there to be much different from life in the USA. But, boy, it sure was!
By Karla Bowen Herman5 years ago in Wander
My last days in London
211 Days to go It’s my first night out since Lockdown started in March last year and probably the last time I step through the doors of The Paradise Bar. Admittedly the last time I was here was two years ago at Halloween and before that someone’s birthday. Maybe Sarah’s? Another drunken night dancing body to body thrumming to music with the scent of sweat and tequila. The tequila was me. I hope the body odour wasn’t!
By Melanie Charles5 years ago in Wander
A Month in China
Back in 2017 my wife and I traveled back to her home in China, it had been almost four years since she had last visited. She and I had just gotten married a year before and we had a tumultuous year and a half dealing with US Immigration (We live in Canada now, I moved her here with me.) and the Parents-in-Law wanted to meet me.
By Nicholas R Yang5 years ago in Wander
