As a food-obsessed New Yorker, it is a little difficult for me to admit that I take my city for granted all too often. Regardless of the time of day…
Top things to do and see in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
If you’re thinking of going on holiday to California, it’s well worth checking out one or two of the national parks. Personally, if I were heading in that direction anytime soon,…
The Posh Potty
Funny how a couple years back in America has completely altered my concept of an acceptable toilet. I’d rather utilize a hole in the ground than a mud-smothered, though tiled,…
Heard ‘Round the World
In the Peace Corps, we are not supposed to discuss politics. Not local ones, not ones back home. In the most neutral of times at my site in Barranquilla, Colombia,…
Home Without Walls
“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” – Maya Angelou Making friends has never been difficult for me. I tend to gravitate…
Let Me Take You To……Sedona
Do you have fond memories of a particular place that you visited when you were younger, a place that reminds you of the days when life seemed to be so…
Save Me, San Francisco
“Wait, are these actually hills?” my calves screamed in excitement. Why, yes, they are! San Francisco is more than just a hill-ridden city. It’s one of my favorite cities. Granted,…
Starving in Solidarity: Ramadan Fasting for Newbies
“Have you converted?” they asked me? No, ma’am. “So why are you celebrating Ramadan?” I was doing a solidarity fast in honor of Ramadan (and my own innate curiosity in…
Driving through the Desert
My not-quite-a-week in California was hectic and filled with a genuine desire to see all of the people I have missed over the last few years. But as I hit…
Rush Slowly (Across the Country)
With the open road ahead, I will be setting out on a cross-country road trip this week. And, of course, I’ll be doing it solo, with only the changing American…
Appreciating the Quick Trip
A hardcore traveler sees the nitty-gritty. A true culture lover eats street food and seeks out the holes in the wall. A traveler revered by other self-proclaimed travel lovers packs…
Boxes, Baggage, and New Beginnings
Life comes full circle after your heart breaks. In May, I proudly packed up all my remaining belongings at my parents’ house and shipped them to the east coast, only…
How Diverse is Diverse?
I got into a very uncomfortable conversation within my first month in Florida when my “racial dating background” was put into question. First of all, it’s none of your business…
In my blood
It’s been six months since I left Germany, and I’m stunned. Not only has it been six months- I’ve also officially lived in Colorado longer than I lived in the…
Language and Our World
As an individual with a degree in linguistics, it goes without saying that I am fascinated by language use around the world. I love exploring the field so much that…