I am a curious explorer at heart. I love trying new things and exploring new places…whether it is a new restaurant locally or a new country half way around the world. I’ve traveled to 28 countries and counting, and most of my travels have been solo trips. I find traveling alone to be very rewarding. I’m more likely to meet new people, to experience the local culture more fully, and of course I get to do whatever I want. But it can be challenging and lonely at times too. I’ve always dreamt of traveling for an extended period of time, and I’m finally up for the challenge. With one job wrapping up, I’m taking this opportunity to put my stuff in storage and start wandering. This blog is to document my unplanned plan and my (brief?) life as a nomad.
Yellowstone National Park I lay in my cold tent at 5 in the morning willing myself to get outside of the sleeping bag. I think ‘What kind of person makes themselves get up so early on vacation?’ On vacation! At least maybe we would see some animals on the long, early morning drive through Yellowstone. … More Tight Lines in Yellowstone
Mai Chau, Vietnam I arrived in Hanoi at 5:30a, blurry eyed and with bed head after an overnight train from Sapa. Lam, the guide for most of my trip, picked me up at the train station on his motorbike. My loosely fitting helmet bounced around on my head as we weaved in and out of … More Moonshine Rice Wine somewhere in Vietnam
Taung Gyi, Myanmar When I got back from Myanmar, everyone’s first question was ‘what was your favorite experience?’ And my answer was always the Ferris wheel ride. Lucky for us, the full moon festival had been pushed back a couple of weeks due to weather. It’s famous for its fire balloon competitions. Hot air fire balloons!!! As we … More The Hand Cranked Ferris Wheel
Bagan, Myanmar … More My Burmese Food Experience
Myanmar Myanmar was one of those vacations I that left me feeling lucky to have gotten the timing just right. One of those rare opportunities to experience a country before tourism takes over. And it’s right on the cusp, so go now! While it is no longer the $15 backpackers paradise, it still has a … More Myanmar: Picture Blog
Antigua, Guatemala Often when I travel I wonder if I’m on Candid Camera, International Edition. Whether it’s the guy in Chengdu relentlessly staring at me, refusing to break eye contact, while I try to eat a burger at McDonalds. The man proposing to me on an overcrowded matatu in rural Kenya. Or the Japanese tourists … More Mobbed by Avon in Antigua
Spiller Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California There’s something cathartic about crying in the rain. The rain washing away the tears. Releasing unrealistic expectations of yourself. Accepting reality. Somewhere around Virginia Canyon in Yosemite National Park, I had my moment. It was not pretty. Up until a couple of days before, I wasn’t sure that I was … More Meltdown in Yosemite
Northeast Yosemite National Park, California Gratitude and sense of accomplishment can best sum up my recent Yosemite trip. I spent eight days living in the wilderness with my co-workers. At no company other than Clif Bar can I imagine agreeing to do that. What an amazing experience and amazing company… both my fellow hiking companions … More Yosemite: Picture Blog
Antigua & Lake Atilan, Guatemala The soul knows what the soul needs. And while I love a good outdoor adventure, my body and mind were begging for relaxation. So I decided to bail on the trek up the Actenango volcano (again), and instead decided to head to Lake Atilan for some R&R. Both Antigua … More Guatemala: Picture Blog
Nairobi, Kenya I wrote this story while working in Nairobi, but I held off on posting it because I didn’t want to scare people. However, reading back through it, I realize how much I changed while in Nairobi, and how quickly we adapt and become desensitized to our environment. My first month of walking home, … More A Walk on the Wild Side
One Girl's Wanderlust Adventures 