Here in Colombia, today represents a significant shift in history that's almost impossible to ignore, even 70 years later. On April 9th, 1948 Colombia's future was forever changed. After enduring over 100 years of conflict between its two political parties, an assassination and the subsequent chaos, named El Bogotazo, would contribute to La Violencia. This … Continue reading El Bogotazo: 70 Years Later
It’s now been a week since I felt the San Andreas shake beneath my feet, throwing my heart to the ground and my hope into a hellish vision for the future. No, it wasn’t a real earthquake, because if it had been, I would have enjoyed it. As most everyone is aware, one week ago, … Continue reading Donald Trump Blues: My Response to the U.S. Presidential Election
The more I travel, the more I perceive the world as vast, complex, intriguing, yet somehow closely woven . Over the past 11 years- since I began traveling- I’ve been to 22 countries and easily more than 250 cities. Some of these places were memorable, some gave me horror stories to tell for a lifetime, and … Continue reading Five Places Where I’ve Left My Heart- and Must Return
Inspiration is one of those intangible things that make this chaotic, and sometimes mundane, life a bit more magical. Whether it comes from art, music, deep conversation, nature, or exposure to something new, inspiration cracks our minds open, revealing fresh possibilities and realms unknown. This inexplicably beautiful experience brings creativity, motivation, and ingenuity to human … Continue reading Who, Me? The Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Colombia. Drugs. Violence. Guerrillas. Death. Corruption. There is a common misconception within the US- and other first world countries- that these words are synonymous. I decided to write my Master's thesis on La Violencia, or "The Violence", in Colombia to prove that this notion was terribly false. From 1948 to 1958, the country experienced a massive … Continue reading Streets and Scenes of Bogota
Japan is one of the most wondrous countries I've been to. The food is great, the people are very polite and fashionable, trains are always on time, beer is sold out of vending machines, neon signs overwhelm your eyeballs, tattoos are still taboo, and beauty is everywhere. It's a crazy, spectacular, mind-boggling island that would … Continue reading Himeji-Jo in Japan
Admittedly, the beginning of 2013 was quite a dreary one. As I wrote in the past, the months of February and March meant the end of an engagement, but also the beginning of a completely new life for me. I realized what it truly meant to love myself, and what I had been giving up in a futile attempt to … Continue reading 13 Unforgettable Moments in 2013
Vietnam was always high on my list of places to visit. As far as I can remember, my father had always talked about the Vietnam War. He was drafted just after he and my mother married at the age of twenty and nineteen. They married so young in hopes that my dad wouldn't receive that dreaded … Continue reading The Aftermath of War
Chronicles of a Travel Addict 