Author Archives: The Wife of Bath
There are probably people who don’t mind pooping in a glass-walled Beijing bathroom
Here are some unexpected things about China: It is really clean! We’re talking about the most populated country in the world, but none of these people are littering. A small army of sweepers are constantly about looking to obliterate the smallest infraction of trash. Also, there’s hardly any graffiti (I don’t miss the litter but […]
I’m famous in Pingyao, China
It was great being in Pingyao, China today because not only is it spectacularly beautiful: But I am also quite famous! All my fans want to have their picture with me! The food’s tempting too. I briefly consider ordering the Manual cat ears but finally decided that I’m more of an Automatic cat ears sort […]
Do you cook while traveling?
The top three things I miss while traveling are; My cat Taking a shower without wearing flip flops Cooking Happens every time: HOB and I are in the midst of a fast-paced trip when we visit a local market and I’m overwhelmed with longing to cook all that beautiful produce. Now that Airbnb is a […]
Arrows in our chandeliers: Native American-themed decoration in late 1920’s Chicago
Chicago was originally the domain of Native Americans, including the Pottawatomie, Illinois, and Miami nations. In fact, in the name Chicago comes from a Native American word for wild garlic, which apparently grew all over the place (as a garlic fan, I wish it still did). When the area was invaded by Europeans, native people were […]
How to suck at travel photography
Well I don’t know about you but if I read another Pinterest article titled Twelve Tips for Taking Insanely Great Travel Photos: Number 5 Will Blow Your Mind!!! I’m going to barf all over my cheap-ass digital camera. I have a more unique skill, one that doesn’t even require three exclamation points: I take terrible travel photos. […]
The privilege of being a mutt
When I was fourteen I changed my last name. It wasn’t legal until I turned eighteen and visited a judge, but that didn’t stop me from spreading the news of my changed nomenclature to everyone I knew. I went so far as to use my school’s printing press to create hundreds of business cards featuring […]
The Yale Building of Chicago: atrium under the influence of cat figurines
The Yale Building is a survivor. It was built in 1892 in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood to house visitors to the World’s Fair Columbian Exposition, but unlike the lame neoclassical architecture from the World’s Fair, the Yale Building is has an unexpected and exciting interior design. Sure, the exterior is a handsome but not particularly thrilling […]
Chicago’s St. Benedict the African and the Four Strong Black Women in glorious stained glass
We stepped inside St Benedict the African—thoroughly drenched from an apocalyptical rain—through a wooden door with an adorable stained glass portal and whoooooooaaaaaa holy mother of all immersion pools! Nope—I totally did not expect to find a full body immersion pool inside a Catholic church. This was just one of many delightful surprises St. […]
Funniest travel moments of 2017
2017 was a year for great trips (HOB and I traveled to five countries outside the US) and appalling politics (looking at you, Cheetolini McRacistpants). 2017 could also be confusing at times. Fortunately, we found this sign which cleared a lot of things up for us. In 2017 we finally made it to Lithuania, which […]
When the rapture comes can I have your library card?
Years ago I saw a crappy banged up car—we’re talking about a total rust bucket—with a bumper sticker that read “When the rapture comes can I have your car?” Despite never having owned a car, I wanted that bumper sticker. I sincerely hope that the pious believers of the world will receive their heavenly reward […]
Picnic at the Cathedral 