Highly subjective takes on life's most interesting experiences.

The hardest place to get to that you’ve ever visited — and was it worth it?

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. First you have to get to Sri Lanka, then you have to drive around the southern tip of the island. But when you pull into Yala, all of that time spent traveling becomes null and void. The experience entails glamping oceanside in what looks like a cocoon of sorts with a king bed and hammered copper tubs, while elephants and wild boars roam outside your door. Oh, and look out for the sloth bear while you’re there, that’s an interesting one. This is one of my top recommended places in the world; it’s such an amazing vacation. Put it very high on your list!

What’s the most interesting tradition you’ve ever experienced?

I was in Indonesia and happened to stumble upon a coming-of-age ceremony of sorts for a teenage boy. The boy entered a circle of people, I believe his community, and opened his mouth. Then a man beside him pulled out a file and proceeded to put the file in the boy’s mouth and file down his canine teeth. I asked what this was for, and someone loosely told me it was to ward off evil spirits.

The most dramatic sunsets and sunrises?

Muskoka, Canada. I’ve constantly thought places would upend a Muskoka sunset, but have yet to see one better. Most dramatic sunrise: Cape Town. Lion’s Head hike in the a.m. will cover that one for you.