When you know nothing about a country, it is difficult to imagine what it will be like. When you know a few sparse facts about a place, it is easy to imagine, however unconsciously, that this applies evenly to all people of all backgrounds in all landscapes. It is easy to fall victim to the single story. And imperative to challenge it. I was first introduced to the idea of the single story upon my return from Nepal. I had spent three months volunteering on a development proje

When one first steps into Venice, it seems like a fairy-tale world of its own. It appears glossily delicate as though it has been preserved intact from the damages of time. But is this as much a perfect facade as that of cities like Los Angeles? When we boarded the sleeper train from Paris to Venice, the conductor walked around to check everyone’s documents. Since we were due to to cross into Switzerland and then Italy in the middle of the night, he asked to take my passport