Couple things I want to share!
First of all, Brazil 🇧🇷 was pretty sick: I had a 10-year reunion with the Christ Redeemer statue, reconnected with friends over churrasco & pagode, went on stunning trail runs in Floripa, and had New Years açaí on the beach. There are so many underrated parts of this country !
On another note, I recently started a new, temporary job in DC. 3 years of traveling the world felt sufficient. It feels weird to sit at a desk all day, and to not live out of a bicycle, backpack, or suitcase anymore.
The opportunity to see (a small part of) the world was an absolute dream come true for me. All I can think about these days is how to pay forward all the kindness I received in my journey and in my life, which is a big theme of my upcoming career direction and life decisions.
But for now, I have to close my traveling chapter. Thank you to everyone who provided a roof over my head, a bed, a couch, a spot on the floor; fed me, showed me their hometown, explained their culture, introduced me to their friends, took me in as family; shared friendship, taught me something, opened my mind. The list goes on and on. Thank you. If you ever visit the US, know that you always have a home with me.
During the last leg of my East Africa journey, I volunteered with @pds_zanzibar in the village of Chwaka, Zanzibar.
Someone told me recently that home isn’t a place but rather a feeling, and this place made me feel right at home. I can’t thank PDS students enough for the showering of love each day, staff for being absolute homies, and leaders for inspiring me to always find the opportunity in challenge.
Can’t wait to come back to this place. See you next time 🙏
Uganda 🇺🇬: Some good ole, classic backpacking from one end of a country to the other.
I’ve been thinking about how I’m in such a unique stage of life where I can be a totally anonymous, wandering observer of society without any responsibilities. I have no idea if I’ll ever be in these situations again, and it makes each day seem special, even if uneventful.
As some girl in a hostel said to me, “When else will you be 28 in Jinja on a Friday night?” (The answer is never)
In Rwanda I was graciously welcomed into Bonnie’s family. Actually I was more than welcomed - I was literally integrated into their family.
From being a groomsman in Safi’s wedding, to milking a cow for the first time in the village, to playing my favorite childhood games, I had so many wonderful experiences that I’ll never forget. Thank you to Bonnie, your family, and the community for welcoming me, accommodating me, and showing me the Rwandan way of life.
On a related note, I’m running a fundraiser for Bonnie’s new guesthouse, where she will continue to host guests while employing local women and offering eco-friendly tours to show Rwanda’s authentic beauty (check @bonniestours ). If you’d like to contribute, see the GoFundMe link in my bio!
✨ From Dream to Reality – With Your Help! ✨ / 💛 Link in bio to donate & share 💛
With the support of our guest @josephpark17 , who believed in our vision and kindly created our GoFundMe campaign, we are building a homestay in Rwanda that will empower women, create opportunities for youth, and welcome travelers into our vibrant culture 🌍🏡
🌱 Imagine a place…
…where travelers learn directly from locals, women lead with confidence, and youth shape their own futures.
Your contribution will help turn bricks into hope and hope into lasting change 🙏
Every single dollar makes a difference 🙌
#FromDreamToReality #SupportLocalDreams #WomenInTourism #BonnieTours #GoFundMe
European detour for the summer - appreciating the food, camping, fjord saunas, road trips in EVs, friend catch-ups, and of course, Wimbledon
Poland 🇵🇱, Lithuania 🇱🇹, Latvia 🇱🇻, Estonia 🇪🇪, Finland 🇫🇮, Norway 🇳🇴, and the UK 🇬🇧
Kind of crazy that with a bit of money and time you can go on a 12-day walk in one of the most majestic mountain ranges of all time. Reminder for everyone to exercise free will today
A big part of my travels has been about learning to listen to my body, including the subtle signals it gives sometimes. Being aware of the physical body is useful for traveling, but also for life in general.
India is such a spiritual land that seems to teach you exactly what you need to learn, at whatever stage of life you’re in. I spent 3 weeks at a yoga ashram and learned much more than body postures, from breathing techniques to how to stand correctly on my feet to a totally different life philosophy based on the body, spirit, and mind.
I’m grateful for my experiences, and will say goodbye for now to my teachers, new friends, and the Ganges. Until we cross paths again 🇮🇳
My home away from home which is my birthplace but also not where I grew up but where I do look like everyone else. And is also my country of citizenship.
A much needed trip to reconnect with my roots, explore the motherland, and eat the OG foods.
