2017 was an incredible year for me, both personally and professionally. It felt like a year of constant travel, but when I sat down to do the math, I realized I probably traveled less this year than I have since starting my trip almost four years ago. I wish I were organized enough to give you detailed stats about how many different flights I took or how many total miles I … [Read more...]

When I heard that the World Food Championships was accepting applications for judges, I immediately jumped on it. Unfortunately, when I began sending in my information, I was told applications had closed. "Please keep my information on file for next year..." I replied. But several days later, I received a follow-up email informing me the selection committee had found a … [Read more...]

For anyone that isn't following me on social media (and why aren't you, btw?) -- I've moved to Mexico! Specifically, I've moved to Merida, a city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. I only came with the intention of staying a few weeks to catch up with some good friends and get caught up on work. I thought I'd check out the city and then move on, exploring more of Mexico … [Read more...]

"You're spending the summer in Europe again this year?" my friend asked. "Yes, I'm summering in Europe", I responded. "You know summer can't be a verb," she pointed out. "It can be if you do it right," I told her. This will be the fourth year in a row I’m summering in Europe, and I know the phrase is cringeworthy and pretentious, but I don't care. I don't even … [Read more...]

Background: BBC Travel put out an open call for submissions for their 'Chance Encounters' series. It paid well, and it was a chance to be featured on BBC, so I obviously jumped on the opportunity. The open call requested "...compelling first-person stories about chance encounters: tales of romance, connection or extraordinary kindness." While this is a departure from what … [Read more...]