A Mind's Slideshow

I was privileged to spend time with these beautiful, intelligent creatures for two days and though I would like to have only positive things to say, despite the research we did, we still saw questionable practices after the larger tour group left (the use of some chains and one barbed fence) at what was supposed to be an "ethical" elephant sanctuary visit. I like many travelers now seek humane elephant visits and most people know not to ride elephants, visit places with small enclosures or seek out elephants that do tricks, but there's further to go from here. Visiting made me ask more questions and evaluate my own ethical views related to animal treatment which will differ from person to person. Despite the negative, it was an incredible life experience. Here I am with an older elephant as she eats breakfast. #asiatrip #tourism #animals #elephants #asianelephant #thailand #thaielephant #animalrights #ethicaltourism #chiangmai #tourist #travel #adventure #elephantsanctuary #explore

So Pokemon is cool again but I probably would have got these done anyways... My ten-year old self would did of excitement. #pokemon #nails #nailart #taiwan #ximen #taipei #pokemonlife #pikachu #manicure #gelnails #cute #kawaii #asiatrip #travel #treatyoself (at 台北西門町 Ximending)

But, Alaska's "brand" is being unpolished, whiney, gimmicky, and I believe it lacks a distinct personality or strong elements of storytelling. I get it, she has the most wins and I find her super entertaining, too (I've seen her live and she's all kinds of amazing) but were those wins deserved? Does she really have a compelling enough overall presentation to win? I'm not sure. DISCLAIMER: I am so Team Katya that I know there's a bias here, but just think that all of the Alaska needs to win "because" she deserves to win isn't a good enough consideration of the aim of choosing an innovative and deserving new drag superstar, especially an all stars season that's already been so confused by this twist.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Such a lovely place with friendly, welcoming, and helpful people. Here's some shots from their biggest night market (including a plinko-style game, stinky tofu, and a dog that's more fashionable than me). #taiwan #kaohsiung #travel #market #nightmarket #backpacking #asiatrip #asia #food #dogs #explore (at 瑞豐夜市 Ruei Feng Night Market)

It's incredible what a connection I felt to the rest of the crowd for the last @motioncitysoundtrack in Tokyo even though we are from opposite sides of the world and speak different languages, the music made me feel like I was home. I don't think I'll ever find a band so worthy of my support and admiration again and it's been fun to see the progression from the first warped tour shows to later albums. I wish all of the fine individuals in the band all the best with their future projects, goals and dreams. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu! It's been a great 10 years for me and I'm sure my kids will grow up listening to you guys and hearing stories about your shows! #motioncitysoundtrack #mcs #solongfarewelltour #livemusic #japan #clubquattro #traveling #favouriteband #farewelltour #thefuturefreaksmeout #fangirl #punkrock #asiatrip #tokyo (at 渋谷 Club Quattro)

Christmas party ready for with red lips and a green dress #christmasparty #girl #selfie #happyholidays #straightbangs #montreal #montrealgirl #saturdaynight

100 homemade and packaged snowflakes from a cute boy for my birthday #letitsnow #snowflakes #artsandcrafts #homemade #birthday #presents #birthdaygirl #wintersoul