Remember your why. People often proffer this advice whenever attempting something hard. Like running a marathon. Or starting, then completing an advanced degree. How about starting a blog. Or a new job. Life is hard, and certain seasons are harder. You could see the despair in their eyes. The hopelessness. The helplessness. The longing for…
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Connecting over hockey in Montreal
Sport… and hockey I am a self-professed sports fan. While I don’t go crazy about them, I do consider it a mission to attend sporting events wherever I go. This desire has led me to see hockey in Canada and France. I’ve watched soccer in England, Peru, and Argentina. I’ve attended cock fighting in Ecuador…
Happy Birthday Ampelmann
Today is Ampelmann’s birthday. Let’s all start to sing…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday dear sweet Ampelmann…Happy Birthday to you. Wait, who/what is Ampelmann, you ask? This is ‘die Ampelmann’. He is a cult hero, and certainly one of my favorite symbols. EVER. He is Berlin-born and Berlin-bred. Ampelmann is the East German…
Uxmal and la ruta PUUC
Back when I was 21… Once upon a time I had crazy dreams of being a cultural anthropologist or historical preservationist or something that would allow me to travel and be the #historynerd that I truly am. But then the reality of these jobs set in. 1. They are few and far between 2. Most…
Climbing the tallest peak in Wales
Taking on Wales’ tallest peak A South Carolinian stumbles into a quaint bar somewhere in Northern England. Well, well, isn’t this the set-up for a hilarious punchline! After braving my initial weeks in Stafford, I suddenly feel an overwhelming itch to flee the town. But as a foreigner, I’m as clueless as a kangaroo in…
Some beach; Some where
The first time I saw you I was intrigued. There was something there that was definitely missing from the long term relationship I had just ended. We met at the most common of places: my work, not a crowded bar, not at a grocery store, and certainly not anywhere romantic, like a white, sandy beach. You were…
Losing my religion in Vatican City
Hanging with popes at the Vatican I once read that it would take ten years to view every item in the Vatican Museums. Even if I had 10 years to spare, I would not choose to spend them exploring ever inch of an art museum. So one day at the Vatican Museum it is. It…
Traveling Recap–Did it Change My Life?
As my travels are winding down and I’m looking for a more permanent existence, I have started doing a little reflection on my trip. 16 months away is a long time to be away. Was it life changing? Not in any dramatic way [although I did make one big decision as a result of my…
Oh Canada, why you gotta treat me so bad
Travel: It’s not all fun and smooth sailing. Once upon a time, Canada gave me an exceedingly hard time at the border crossing. My entry to Canada wasn’t smooth. I was questioned like everyone else, but then I was singled out for additional inspection. I guess border guard 1 didn’t like the vague answers I…
That time I went to the Galapagos Islands
I don’t know if I ever mentioned that time I went to the Galapaos Islands. I think going to the Galapagos Islands are one of those things that are on nearly everyone’s [ok maybe not everyone, but every traveler, animal lover, and science nerd I know] bucket list. My own adventure to the islands involved…