Hi, I’m Yu-Li 👋

LOVELY TO MEET YOU

Welcome to ashortyabroad. I’m happy you are here!

Some of the most beautiful beaches are in Koh Rong Island, Cambodia

Dying one's hair at a bar & salon may not have been the best idea, but it makes for a cooler head when hiking up temple ruins under the intense sun of Battambang, Cambodia 

2013 bucket list in which only 5 have been checked off.

Why am I blogging now? 👩🏻‍💻

It might seem like a crazy time to start a site in May 2024 when I’m not even sure if blogging is still popular. However, I’ve decided to do it to fulfill my 2013 bucket list. You may be wondering, "Yu-Li, why did it take so long?" Honestly, I forgot, and whenever I thought about it, I kept making excuses not to. The two biggest reasons holding me back were:

  1. I might not stick to it, which has happened with multiple of DIY projects.

  2. I despise writing and have always found it challenging. I would rather do a million other not-fun things before sitting or standing to write. I lack the finesse and vocabulary to capture my constant thoughts and ideas. So, I'm afraid you'll just have to make do with my imperfect literary skills.

This site has also become a personal challenge to hold myself accountable and, perhaps, even cultivate a newfound appreciation for the writing.

Now that I’ve gotten older, and possibly slightly wiser (though debatable), I’ve finally started a blog in 2024 after investing in a cool domain name (fun fact: I’ve had this domain for over 3 years). This checks off one of the many ambitious goals from my 2013 bucket list.

So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for checking out ashortyabroad. I hope that by sharing pieces of me and my life, you’ll find something relatable in my writings about adventure, joy, life hacks, humor, and even tears.

Some bits & pieces about me 🌱

  1. China born, USA raised.

  2. Proudly standing semi-straight at 4’8” or 142.24 cm tall.

  3. Grew up with a capuchin monkey & raised over 20 service dogs.

  4. Chasing financial independence + travel freedom. Aspiring FIRE-ing.

  5. Traveling is my sport. Over the years, I have been privileged to study, work, volunteer, and travel to 15+ countries.

  6. I've gone from NGO work to UNICEF in Cambodia as a child protection specialist. Now, I'm a UX/UI & Accessibility designer, and on the side sharing my life experiences through blogging.

  7. Currently failing to train my cat named Mochi.

  8. Ametuer cook known for her dumplings.

  9. Awkwardly surviving day-by-day.

  10. I like even numbers so better to stop here.

I felt like Thumbelina or a smaller version of her. The hike up to the hand and in the pouring rain had me running faster than my short legs could handle. Location: Hacienda La Chimba, Costa Rica.

Meet my team

  • Author with red shoulder length hair holding an umbrella over a stray dog in Taichung Taiwan

    Yu-Li

    Author and keeper of the site.

  • Author's Grey tuxido cat with yellow/green eyes staring into the camera lying on open laptop.

    Mochi

    Nepo Baby for sure! Writing editor & product reviewer.

  • Guest

    Guest writer