Although the recession has cut into my humble income, it still pays to speak the language of adventure. During the past two years I’ve been doing research for a historical novel based on my Mexican-Chinese grandma, called Tortillas from the Chung King Café. I’ve explored parts of South China, El Paso and Los Angeles most travelers don’t bother with. As I wait to afford my next trip, I’m cutting back on videos and caffeine to help pay for lessons in Spanish and Chinese.

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