Phoenix is a beautiful city and every year more and more color street art murals can be found all over town. From Roosevelt Row Arts District (affectionately known as “RoRo”) to Calle 16 and Grand Avenue, Phoenix has become such a hotbed of artwork that it is impossible to see everything in one trip. (And … Read more
Breathtaking natural beauty and captivating sunsets. Iconic landscapes and rich Native American history. Countless outdoor activities and adventures year-round, whether summer or winter. Welcome to New Mexico, also known as The Land of Enchantment, and for good reason. No other state better captures the true essence of the American Southwest — and the best way … Read more
Best. Food. Ever. After the last episode of Derek Eats That! featuring the worst food ever — cockroach — it seems only fitting that this week I indulge in something delicious. And Babi Hutan, also known as Sinalau Bakas, might just be the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten in my life. Sabah in East … Read more
It was about 9pm on a mildly warm Tuesday night and little did I know that I would soon be bullfighting in Spain. Soon our bus came to a meandering crawl in Requena, Spain. This was not just any Tuesday night. It was the night before the annual tomato throwing festival known as La Tomatina. … Read more
After visiting countless Hindu temples across the globe now I truly have a deeper grasp….of the phrase “same same but different” 😉 After the first few dozen they all start to blend together. The only exceptions are those rare offbeat temples that are so strangely unique they become impossible to ever forget. Like this one … Read more
In Semporna scuba diving is the #1 pastime. There are dozens of nearby islands to dive and snorkel and hike. Sure, Sipadan Island is one of the most famous, however it is also the most expensive. That’s okay! If you want to get under the sea around Semporna without having to empty your wallet, consider … Read more
Do you love an ice cold bottle of beer or a glass of wine? No, I’m not going to tell you to stop! In fact I’m most likely the one urging you to have another glass. Just don’t drink the same thing on vacation that you would be at home — try something new! Like … Read more
“Don’t be afraid of what I eat — be afraid of what I won’t eat.” Of course eating cockroaches is not quite as delicious as you might think. (And this is coming from someone who has eaten bull penis, raw cobra hearts and goat brain, among other things.) Why did you eat cockroach? Why not? … Read more
The royal Rajasthan forts and palaces are high on the tourist trail. The luxury of the kings and queens, the princely state and the comforts of the royals have now open to the world. Lots of old forts and palaces are opened to the guest for their comfort stay as well as royal treatment and … Read more
Sipadan Island in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is one of those legendary places that every diver has heard of but few have visited. Scuba diving Sipadan Island is a breathtaking bucket-list destination. Why? Sipadan is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Unfortunately, the island also has an infamous history that even now, … Read more
It only took me 5 trips to Malaysia to make it to Sabah — and I want to make sure that you do not make the same mistake. Sabah is calling. Plus the sunsets in Sabah are some of the best in the world. Always so colorful, no matter where you are. Don’t believe me? … Read more
Sometimes you discover awesome things by accident. That is the only way I learned of the Regatta Lepa festival of Semporna, a quiet dive town on the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. I had been scuba diving Sipadan and neighboring islands for a few days and decided to take a day off on dry land. … Read more
