Diving Apo Island next to SCUBA divers along the ocean floor, 30 feet down, on a single breath of air, with no tanks, just a mask, fins, and a feeling of pure peace. If youโd told me 6 months ago that I would be finning around dive sites that require tanks of air I wouldnโt … Read more
As my plane landed in Istanbul I had a whole new appreciation for Turkey. What initially felt like a risk, a danger, coming to a country bordering war zones with ongoing bad relations with the US, ended up being welcoming, complex, and rich with culture and history. Now that I had landed in Istanbul, the … Read more
On this trip, I hit a new level of planning anarchy. Even in Turkey, at its โlevel 3 security threat warningโ according to the US state department, I decided to go with the wind. Two places kept coming up – Cappadocia and Pammukale. For lack of time, I would not be able to make … Read more
The relaxed port city of Izmir was a wonderful respite after the past two months of being busy and proactive nonstop. Despite the long list of sites to see in the city, I intentionally took it slow and saved the fomo for another city. My days were spent leisurely wandering the city observing the contrasts between … Read more
A couple hours south of Izmir lies the city of Ephesus, home to some of the most well preserved Roman ruins in Europe, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient wonders of the world. When traveling, a balance of history, irreplaceable views, good people, and sufficiently giving into your vices makes for a … Read more
The sun was shining bright, reflecting off the concrete ground and walls of the port as I walked through the port city of Mythilini for the last time. One more stroll through its tiny streets. One more overpriced espresso at the corner coffee shop I had become familiar with. As I passed through passport control, … Read more
As my time on the Greek island of Lesvos neared a close, I was contemplating where to go next. For nearly two months, I volunteered with refugees by teaching English and translating in the refugee camps of Lesvos, but it was finally time to move on and backpacking Turkey emerged as a viable option. Backpacking … Read more
Coron Island. The northernmost island in the Palawan islands. Unheard of until recently and surrounded by crystal clear waters, secret lagoons, countless shipwrecks for snorkeling and diving, and white sand beaches. If you enjoy the sun and the sea while getting off the beaten track, Coron should be on your list. The perfectly curated list … Read more
Just as walking through the streets of Paris gives off a certain charm, a feeling, and a vibe that might not reveal exactly where you are, but hints that you are some where unique, so does Beirut. Travel to this part of the world (theMiddle East) is viewed as off limits by some, but travelers … Read more
Contents Why Go to Cairo Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is an easy and quick adventure that can be accomplished in a day, with several other sights as an added bonus. The pyramids are an astoundingly impressive sight, set against the backdrop of a city that’s pure chaos and adrenaline just to navigate. Cairo is surprisingly … Read more