Swinging the door open with a metallic thud, Santiago walked into the waiting room. He pivoted around as if he were a washed-up dancer, greeting me and apologizing. “Disculpa la demora… Que pena.” I gazed upwards at him from the stiff sofa, petting Miel the house cat, as I’d been doing for the last hour … Continue reading A Room with a View
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
There was a time when I fantasized about traipsing the world by myself, selling jewelry to make money and hitchhiking to cross borders. I'd wear my soles into the ground as I learned new languages and marveled at life's miracles. I was in my early twenties and had just moved to Buenos Aires. The world … Continue reading Why I’m Moving Abroad Alone & Other Life Updates
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
I sip on a six euro coffee and whiskey, feeling the sun gently warming my skin. The foreign, sticky layer of sunblock shines upon my face; I’m no longer in Portland. An aroma mixed of coffee, cigarettes, and wine hangs in the air despite the slight breeze, and dozens of people chatter in Babylonian tongues. … Continue reading Cafe Iruña Musings
When I was young, I promised myself I wouldn't learn to cook because I didn't want to be a housewife. The majority of my existence, I suppose, has revolved around wanting to be free, wanting to avoid domesticity. I haven't wanted to be tied down by possessions, relationships, or negative thoughts that I couldn't do … Continue reading The Dangers of a Domestic Life
When I moved to Argentina, there was much I had to learn not only about the country and the Latin American region, but also myself. At the romantic, idealistic age of twenty-two, I bought my one-way ticket to Buenos Aires. I was prepared to volunteer teaching English, finish the novel I'd started the year before, become … Continue reading Buenos Aires: A Time of Struggle, Awakening, and Transformation
Things do not always go as planned. This is exponentially true when on the road. Life's ups and downs are multiplied and magnified exponentially when you travel. You can't set your heart on seeing Machu Picchu without a cloud in sight, or ending world poverty by volunteering for a month in Nicaragua. You also can't prevent … Continue reading On the Road with Your Parents (what could go wrong?)
Let's be honest. There are some things that, when I was young, I never thought I'd do. After multiple torturous road trips with my parents to Klamath Falls, Oregon, just beyond the border of California, I never understood why anyone would want to live in that farmville of a state. And here I am, living … Continue reading A Trip Unforeseen: Exploring Oregon
I recently took a trip to California to surprise my Dad for his 70th birthday. In between spending time with family, I stayed up late a couple of nights just reading previous journals and essays from high school. (I love to reminisce.) It baffles me how different my view on life was back then, and … Continue reading A 14-year-old’s Life Goals
Chronicles of a Travel Addict 