Hi there! I’m Jay, a traveler and storyteller at heart.
What started as a personal blog to write about random moments of my life has gradually evolved into a travel journal as my adventures became more frequent at a time when I was bored with a corporate job. Writing and photography have always been my creative outlets, and this space lets me document the stories and pictures that make up my journey, both for myself and for anyone who happens to stop by.
I wouldn’t call this a guidebook kind of blog, though. It’s not about 10 Things You Must Do in Vietnam or Budget Tips for New York City (although I’ve picked up plenty of tips along the way and integrated some of them into the posts). Instead, I’m more into storytelling, dragging you with me in the experiences that have shaped my travels: stepping in Japan for the first time after oh-so many attempts, riding a crowded train in Sri Lanka, or witnessing an aurora borealis in Iceland. Let’s go there, one story at a time.
If it isn’t obvious by now, I’m drawn to history, culture, and food (who isn’t?). I started off as a backpacker, so I lean towards off-the-beaten-path adventures, but of course I won’t say no to touristy spots. I can wander through a quiet alley in Melbourne to look for an obscure café and then snap photos of the Hosier Lane afterwards with a crowd. At any rate, age has also led me towards trips with a touch of luxury when my budget allows. (Let’s face it: who doesn’t like a beachfront resort with a massage after clocking more than 30,000 steps on Fitbit?)
I’ve worn a few hats over the years, but I spent most of a decade as a freelance online writing tutor, giving me the freedom to travel often. But the pandemic—and more recently, AI—reshaped the industry, eventually leading me to a full-time role in the education sector. This latest career shift was unplanned, but it taught me to travel differently. Back then, I could pack my bags and take off on a whim; these days, my travels are more intentional. I want each trip to mean something, to go beyond just adding another country to the list. My work has also deepened my appreciation for different cultures and people, and I’d like to think that the connections I make and the perspectives I gain now shape my journeys more than ever.
Over the years, this has become a travel blog but, just as it started, it’s still a personal blog at its core. It’s my way of preserving the moments that make each trip special. If you’re here, I hope my stories resonate with you. Maybe they’ll inspire your next adventure, shift your perspective, or simply offer a quick escape from your daily routine.
I am also on Medium, where I write about topics that go beyond travel.
Why The Tourist Gaze?
The blog is called The Tourist Gaze because I recognize myself as an outsider in the places I visit. When I travel, I see, experience, and reflect on places, people, and cultures through my own perspective. What I write is filtered through my eyes. It’s sometimes flawed, but it’s always personal.
I’ve also chosen to embrace the label “tourist” deliberately. It’s my small rebellion in a world obsessed with the tourist-versus-traveler debate. I’m not hiding behind pretensions of being a “real traveler.” I’m a tourist—more specifically, a curious tourist—and I’m proud of it. I may be clumsy at times, but I’m always learning.
Sometimes this gaze is unrefined, influenced by media, other literature, my own assumptions, or even the place itself. But I consider that part of the journey. Here, I write about the world as I see it: as a traveling outsider looking in.
For comments, questions, or suggestions, email me or drop me a message on Facebook.
The Tourist Gaze 