When I celebrated a low-key New Years Eve at a friend's house last January, I could never have predicted where I would end up. I didn't know that I would be on the road for over 100 days or that I would be featured in AFAR and National Geographic Travel (twice!). I didn't know I would reach … [Read more...] about 2013: My Year in Review
Archives for December 2013
My Favorite Eats of 2013
Why yes, it is that time of year where I get to relive my gluttony favorite meals from my travels of the year. I sure got around in 2013, so my favorite eats are certainly varied. And I've gotten worse about how many pictures I take of my meals, meaning they are much more frequent. To those who have … [Read more...] about My Favorite Eats of 2013
Travel Product I Love: Tieks Ballet Flats
I just received my first pair of Tieks, stunning leather ballet flats that fold up and are ideal for travel. The brand is very clever on social media (check out their Instagram if you don't believe me) and has become a favorite of celebrities like Oprah, brides, and most recently, bloggers. I … [Read more...] about Travel Product I Love: Tieks Ballet Flats
On the Trail of St. Nicholas
Despite some idiotic claims from FOX News that Santa was white, there is a fascinating history behind Saint Nicholas, the real man who is the basis of our Santa Claus. While many of our images of Santa come from advertisements for Coca Cola, St. Nicholas was born in Greece in the third century. He … [Read more...] about On the Trail of St. Nicholas
Is Turkey Part of Europe?
Our modern concept of Europe is relatively new. It's common to say, "I'm going traveling in Europe for the summer," but what does that mean? What is this collection of independent nations we now call Europe? My background in international politics had me thinking about what Turkey's place in the … [Read more...] about Is Turkey Part of Europe?