I’m testing out a new feature called Behind the Curtain here where I talk about what’s going on with me beyond my travels. Because, believe it or not, most of my days are pretty basic. I travel a week or two out of every month and beyond that, it’s a lot of running errands, working and hanging out with my dogs. This post will also include what I’m reading, watching and working on beyond the travel blogosphere.
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Reading
I don’t always have time to read a book every month, but after a long road trip to North Carolina to help my sister move, I read my blogger friend Lauren’s book How Not to Travel the World in a matter of hours! I highly recommend it. It’s currently only available in print in the UK, but will be released in the US soon. I’m also still working my way through The Night Circus. I’m currently reading these posts:
- What Americans Are Missing Out On in Iran, Matador Network: This is adding Iran to my want-to-visit list, despite the limitations! I even made a Pinterest board about my inspiration.
Watching
I am a binge watching addict, but I’m currently hooked on Mr. Robot. Is anyone else obsessed? I am fascinated by the interweaving stories and the amazing cast. I’m also watching the Buzzfeed web series Whine About It because Matt Bellassai is basically my spirit animal. And as always, I’m re-watching older shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Listening
I know I’m the last one to get on board with podcasts, but now I’m hooked. I listened to all of Serial back in May, but since then I’ve been catching up with the case in Undisclosed. I’m also enjoying Magic Lessons, created by Elizabeth Gilbert, and the new Her Packing List podcast, which I have a cameo on (episode 005!).
In terms of music, I’m loving the new Jose Gonzalez album, Vestiges & Claws.
Working On
I’m working on a lot of projects, including updating my Atlanta guide for AFAR, editing content for the web for my local newspaper, writing a long-form piece for Where Atlanta and a few short ones for a AAA affiliate website. Let’s hope the work continues! And as always, I’m writing on this site and my other site, This Is My South.
To follow along with my freelance writing, check out my Contently profile.
Social Media
In case you didn’t know, I’m on Snapchat! My username is @cairinthecity. I downloaded it so my sisters could send me ridiculous selfies or pictures of their meals, but I’ve had some fun with it. I shared some from my trip to London. And if you’re not convinced on why Snapchat matters, check out this post from Adventurous Kate! I’m also on Periscope using the same username.
And elsewhere on social media, here’s the top Instagram post from the month (pictured above), snapped from a casual Sunday on the Chattahoochee River outside of Atlanta. I wanted to hang out with my sister Sammi before she moved away and the weather was perfect for spending outdoors. She brought her kayak and I rented a stand-up paddleboard for the hour.
Travels
This was an off month for travels, as July was manic, with me working nearly every day before a weeklong trip to England. Instead, I’ve stayed close to home apart from a day trip to North Carolina to help my sister move. I’m heading to New York City this week to work another trade show, my last for the summer.
Next month, I’ll be celebrating two years of Atlanta Travel Massive (!), speaking at the Travel Industry Exchange conference in Orlando about working with bloggers and checking out two new metro Atlanta destinations.
I am trying to cut my addiction of spending too much time on social media!
How Not to Travel the World looks amazing! I’m definitely going to get it – how fortunate that I have a UK amazon account! Thanks for the recommendation :)
Sarah, it’s a quick read but good!