I thrived in the dry alpine air and near-constant sunshine of the desert. Plus, the Sonoran-style Mexican food was out of this world. Arizona made me feel equally introspective and alive. It was exactly the kind of trip I needed to kick off my 30th year.
America's Suburbs: A Critique & A Love Letter
I have mixed feelings about the car-dependent suburbs of America. I wish they were more walkable, community-driven, and diverse. At the same time, I have a deep nostalgia for Suburbia because it was my world for the first 19 years of my life.
32 Reasons to Unplug: A Birthday Weekend in the Woods
I planned an entire Dave-centric weekend, complete day-hiking, a wooded cabin, the best burger in West Virginia, and two nights to play as many board games as he wanted.
I Flew Across the Country to Be Boring
Fisherman’s Wharf, on the northern waterfront, offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and a resident colony of sea lions.
When you travel as much as I do, there’s a persistent pressure to maximize every destination. I feel the need to see everything a city has to offer because, well, I’m a travel blogger. I’m supposed to come back to you with stories, with beautiful photos, with proof that a city is worth visiting.
But my trip to San Francisco was different. I simply rested within its labyrinth of alleyways and found the space to breathe.
What Radicalized Me
I had been taught to fear the unknown, as many Americans are taught. I was told to trust a higher power (be it God or my government or both) in spite of my own intuition. I was scared to make a mistake, to be perceived as ignorant. I was ridiculed for existing beyond the norm, even when the norm was harmful. All these factors made it tempting to stay put and avoid any experience that might humble me.
A Local’s Guide To Pittsburgh: Explore The Steel City With Ease
The Duquesne Incline cable car operates daily between Station Square and Mount Washington. Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.
This guide is my tribute Pittsburgh, which I built from years of lived experience and local adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking to fall in love with your hometown all over again, I hope this helps you uncover something new and exciting in The Steel City.
A Weekend in Minneapolis: Exploring “The Happiest City In America”
In 2024, Minneapolis was named the Happiest City in the United States. That designation is likely thanks to its bikeability, ample green spaces, vibrant arts scene, and diverse food offerings. So read on as I outline how you can get a slice of happiness and fill a weekend in this Midwestern metropolis.
A Tale of Two DINKs With a Triplet of Roadblocks
At this point in our lives, we love being DINKs because gives us the freedom to be spontaneous with how we spend our time. So off we set, two childless and carefree travelers, right? Wrong. Sometimes the stars just don’t align, even when you have total flexibility and all the time in the world.
Oh, the Places I'll Go: 2025 Travel Plans and Dreams
Here’s to another year of travel!
Along with my goals for language learning (parli italiano?) and fitness, I have hopes and dreams for travel in 2025. Here I outline six destinations that I hope to visit this year.
2024 Year in Review: Forging Connections in Multiple Countries
A short hike during our annual vacation with Dave’s family.
I’ve dubbed 2024 “My Year of Connection”. After 2 years in New England, I moved back to Pittsburgh and reconnected with my loved ones and the local community. I also traveled to 5 different states and 3 different countries. Check out this month-by-month recap!