CITIES
Rome, Italy
After spending a year there, Rome holds a special place in my heart.
There are many things to love about Rome, like the warm colors at sunset and the piazza banter over Aperol Spritz on a warm evening.
I try to return every year, I’m even planning on moving back soon!
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is such an easy city to fall in love with, and I was hooked after my first visit. I always look forward to going back to experience all the city has to offer, even if it’s a short layover.
The town exudes an old-world charm, with streets adorned by stunning Portuguese tiles and the enticing aroma of pasteis de nata.
Osaka and Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto and Osaka seamlessly blend historical landmarks with modern technology and are a quick train ride apart.
I was as amazed exploring Kyoto’s Geisha districts as I was running around Dotonbori at 3 AM after karaoke. Kyoto reminds me of a large village, while Osaka feels like a big city.
New York, New York
While I am one to complain about life in the United States, no city energizes me quite like NYC does.
Growing up in New Jersey, New York has always been highly accessible. I often spent weekends gallivanting around the city with friends. From 2022 to 2023, I lived on the Lower East Side.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
I have always loved visiting Amsterdam; I’m a big fan of the vibe, the architecture, and its picturesque canals.
I never get bored no matter how many times I go; there is so much to do, from exploring old museums to visiting the tulips nearby in the spring, which I got to do in 2022.
Ubud, Indonesia
I admit I was skeptical before visiting Bali for the first time. However, when I got to Ubud, all my reservations quickly faded.
Of all the towns I visited in Bali, Ubud felt the most spiritual and in tune with nature. I was not a fan of the monkeys, though.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
When I first visited Sarajevo, I was instantly amazed by the resilience and friendliness of the Bosnians. The city is where cultures meet and history lives on, with reminders of the war on every corner.
They say if you drink the water at the fountain in Baščaršija, you will return to the city. It’s already worked for me!
COUNTRIES
Albania
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Croatia
Italy
Japan
Netherlands
Portugal
Slovenia
Sri Lanka
Vietnam
MEMORIES
Galavanting around Florence in the middle of the night with friends, making new ones along the way.
We indulged in Aperol spritzes, kicked soccer balls with young Italians, and posed for group photos with 10+ people in front of cathedrals.
Hitching a ride from Tirana to South Albania with an Italian I met on my flight.
After landing in Albania’s capital from Rome, I was going to take the bus, but he graciously offered to drive me for five hours instead, with some stops along the way.
My parents did not like that story, but it was a fun experience with a new friend.
Spending the night on K’Gari with members of the Butchulla Aboriginal Tribe.
We visited thousand-year-old sacred sites, participated in a traditional cleansing ceremony, learned the basic yet important philosophies of Butchulla people, and listened to the tribe songman play captivating pieces on the Didgeridoo.
I really appreciated experiencing their their connection to nature and keeping ancient traditions alive, and I hope one day they can fully have their island back.
Taking a break from the ha giang loop to spend the evening dancing with locals in northern vietnam
Surrounded by locals in a lively square, we drank Saigon beers and danced to Boney M’s ‘Rasputin’ on Facebook Live.
The local kids love playing with tourists who come to stay in town while on the loop, so we made sure to engage and laugh with them as much as possible.
Diving with Ocean Sunfish and manta rays around Nusa Penida.
I often dived during my adventures through Indonesia, this was easily my favorite experience.
This is one of the reasons I love diving; you get to experience marine life alongside the animals, not just above them.
