Here are some websites that I am a big fan of…
General
Moo-Cow Fan Club -The best website in the world (in my humble opinion). Great for kids, parents and teachers alike!
Sword of the Ramurai – My first book. Both funny and smart. Buy them for all your friends!
Tea Review Blog – I am a tea reviewer on this website. It’s great and has reviews of hundreds and hundreds of different teas. It also has a great active message board.
Grey School of Wizardry – Yes, this is a real school (not some sort of Harry Potter game). The classes are tough, the teachers are very responsive and there is a great community. I am majoring in the study of herbs (called ‘Wortcunning’). I can’t recommend this place enough.
Favorite China Sites
Dave’s ESL Cafe – This is usually the starting point for anyone thinking of teaching English in China (or any other country for that matter). You can check out the job board to get an idea of what is available and read the message board for any hints.
Raoul’s China Saloon – This is my favorite message board for getting advice. The people on this board know their stuff, and will help you with everything from what to pack to critiquing your contract before you sign it. This is the best site if you are planning on teaching English in China, bar none. They also swear like sailors.
China Blog Network - A website that connects all the different China blogs to one central location. Blogs are categorized by topics (mine is listed under ‘teacher blogs’) and there is a huge variety. From personal accounts to more professional polished (and political) accounts there is a blog that will fit anyone’s interest.
Sinosplice – What I like about this blog, written by one of the people behind Chinese Pod, is that it mixes culture with language lessons. I like reading blogs that help me learn the language better, but many are so dry, or serious, my eyes glaze over in seconds. But John has a good mix of topics on his blog which keeps me going back for more.
Favorite Budget Blog: What can I say, I’m into budgeting, saving money and getting out of debt. I read these blogs regularly to make sure that I’m on the right track.
The Simple Dollar - Trent, writer of this blog, was just a regular guy who found himself married with kids and a whole lot of debt. he started this blog to inform himself about better choices and over the years he has paid off the debt and quit his job to become a professional blogger. Good on him.
Get Rich Slowly – Another blogger, J.D., found himself buried in debt after college. He too turned his life around and offers great articles on a daily schedule. Apparently this is one of the most popular budget blogs. If you like an article, make sure to read the comments as they are often have great advice as well.
Man Vs. Debt – What I like about Adam and his family is they do things. This is one of the only budget bloggers who shares the same travel bug that I do. (He even lived for awhile in New Zealand!) Amazingly enough he does it all while raising a young child. Right now Adam is traveling around the country in an RV. I always wanted to do that…
Favorite General Blogs
Indie Travel Podcast – This site is run by a young Kiwi couple that loves to travel and produces very helpful podcasts on the subject. I mean really, this site combines two of my all-time favorite things (travel and New Zealand) so how could it be less then awesome? They also started a magazine (available in print or as a download) and I know a thing or two about the difficulties of magazine production. So go support them!
Nomadic Matt – Another individual who has made long-term travel his goal. What I really like about this blog is all the resources Matt talks about. I have found not only great blogs through his site, but a bunch of great travel resources tips. Â Plus he has some great travel photos.
Post Secret – A fascinating “art” blog in which anonymous people write their secrets on the back of postcards. Shocking, funny, it’s got it all. New secrets are uploaded every Sunday.
The Professional Hobo – Okay, I admit I am extremely jealous of this blogger. She makes her living writing blog entries while traveling full time. Basically what my ideal life would be.
I Can Has Cheezburger – Pictures of funny cats with captions that are misspelled and with terrible grammar. Sounds stupid, but trust me on this one.
