Let’s talk about labels. Labels given to us long ago by our siblings (mine would certainly be 'bossy') that we can't quite shake. Labels we give to ourselves after a bad experience or an ended relationship. But these labels are constantly changing, and it's so important to acknowledge that. To stay in tune with who we are today without saying "I can't" or "I'm not like that" before actually considering the idea or proposal.
Read MoreA quick city guide to Berlin: biergartens, Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop bars, history, culture, and street art...this city has it all. My favorite things about Berlin.
Read MoreThere are few things in life finer than a lazy summer day on a lake. The smell of sunscreen, a page-turner in your lap, maybe a glass of Whispering Angel at your side...dozens of children scuttling over your sandy feet…
Ok, while the last part may fit into my perfect scenario five years from now, it isn’t necessarily a part of my ideal summer day today.
I don’t have the answer for avoiding throngs of people at every beach, but I’ve found my idea of perfection—and isolation—at Donner Lake.
Read MoreMy recent trip to Barcelona was a lesson in revisiting: how differently you can see the same place based on when and with whom you visit it.
Even if my blogging is infrequent, I'd at least like to be better about chronicling trips, as these are the topics friends ask about months or even years later and I always regret not having detailed these experiences somewhere. With that said, we went to Cuba!
The impetus for this trip is nothing you haven't heard before—we wanted to visit before restrictions are fully lifted and you can find Starbucks on every street corner in Havana. Matt and I thought we were going illegally (i.e. through Mexico), but truthfully the 12 stipulations under which Americans can legally visit Cuba are so vague, and no paper work is required, so it's unclear as to whether we even broke any rules.
At any rate, Cuba is a fascinating country and aside from a nasty stomach bug, I thoroughly enjoyed being there and found it unlike any place I've previously traveled. If you'd like to read on, here is a recap of where we visited within the country as well as some general tips for traveling to Cuba (sorry, this is a long one!).
While Southern Thailand can be somewhat polarizing (people either love the beaches and parties or feel scammed by the locals and overwhelmed by the crowds), most people I met while traveling fell in love with Northern Thailand. I didn't really have expectations for Chiang Mai or Pai (again, having no expectations is key) and I fell in love with both cities.
Here's a secret about my trip to Southeast Asia: I didn't do any research. I bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok, had a close friend email me some recommendations, and assumed I would figure the rest out by talking to fellow travelers. Thankfully, I assumed correctly and there were very few (maybe one or two) times on the trip when I thought, "man, I really wish I had done more research." Great adventures can't be too planned, after all.
When I write, I try really hard to avoid cliches...or over-quoting...or inspirational quotes entirely (that's a lie; I LOVE inspirational quotes - guilty pleasure?) but the impetus for my two months in Southeast Asia really can best be summarized by a Rolling Stones song.
You can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes...you get what you need...
I know, I know. But really.