Getting to know the neighbors

Tangents

Wildlife Preserve, South Africa Our first night in the tent I woke to a loud thump on the deck, followed by a rattling of the door to the hot tub area. I woke Husband. “Someone’s trying to break in,” I whispered. He dutifully grabbed the flashlight to check it...

Speed demon

Tangents

Oslo, Norway Last time we were in Norway, Husband and I went tobogganing. I don’t mean tobogganing, I mean TOBOGGANING: we tackled the Korketrekkeren (Corkscrew, in Norwegian), the ’52 Olympic bobsled/’55 World Luge Championship track turned...

Learning (not) to fly

Tangents

I’m learning to fly but I ain’t got wingsComing down is the hardest thing “Learning to Fly”—Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers This past March, Husband and I were on a trip to Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Qatar. As borders shut and flights became limited, I cobbled...

Dressed for the occasion

Tangents

Denver, Colorado I woke Husband early and asked if he’d like to go skiing. “Sure,” he said, still groggy. “Put your ski stuff on,” I said. “I’ll meet you in the car.” He dozed as I drove, waking up when I parked. “Where are we?” he said, looking at the acres of cars...

Adventures in street food

Tangents

Mumbai, India If I am in a place, I want to eat the food of the place. Even—perhaps I should say, especially—if it means street food or cuisine from hole-in-the-wall restaurants. People always warn me of the potential for gastrointestinal disaster, but I am reasonably...

Killer at the door

Tangents

Rohet Garh, India I woke to the sound of someone being murdered. Screams cut through the morning darkness. Fumbling for my flashlight, I knocked it to the floor, where it rolled under the bed. More screaming. Couldn’t anyone else in the hotel hear it? I wrapped...