How a Scaredy-Cat Learned to Dive on Koh Tao

Let me start this by confessing something- I’m a giant scaredy-cat. I think my parents are honestly just surprised that I’ve survived this long traveling the world because I’m scared of… well, everything. My greatest childhood fear was sharks (which I was convinced were lurking in the country club pool), but deep water, rats and the … Read more

Hong Kong: My First Asian Metropolis

Hong Kong was the type of city I was supposed to hate: a city of traffic, pollution, crowded sidewalks, with little to no nature.

But I didn’t hate it. I actually really like Hong Kong. Standing outside in the street breathing in the city’s heavy humidity, with the air conditioning units dripping down, and the people hurrying down the sidewalk and chattering in harsh Cantonese, I found the energy intoxicating.

While Hong Kong is a city I doubt I handle long-term, I loved the four days I spent there.

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21 Hours In Japan

Oh, Japan. Why did I only get to spend less than a day with you when I found you so incredibly magical? If I would’ve had more time (and more yen) I would’ve done it all: eaten takoyaki in Osaka, explored tiny fishing villages, indulged my nerdier side at the Ghibli museum in Tokyo. (Because who doesn’t … Read more

Falling in Love with Southern California

After our fast-paced weekend in LA, we headed south to chilled out Chula Vista for a bit of sun and sand. Instead of staying with a friend, we found a place to stay with a Southern California native and lifeguard through Couchsurfing.

One of my favorite parts of Couchsurfing is that it gives you the chance to explore places you would never have seen otherwise. And it turns out bunking up with a lifeguard host means lots and lots of beach time! 

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