Philly (Ph)anatic
After traveling across the country from Florida to New York to my home of Shawnee, KS, I can confidently say there is no place more memorable than the city that has broadened my outlook on community and given me a glimpse of the entire world. Ever since I've been a little girl, my yearly trips to Philadelphia have taken me to my home away from home. I started traveling as a baby with my parents,...
Read More 3 min read
Dingle: The Peninsula of Untold Wonders
Nestled among the craggy coastline of the County Kerry lies a hidden gem, full of truly spectacular features. Luscious, green pasturelands roll away towards the mountains in front, while behind, the aquamarine, foamy waves crash against the easily 200 feet tall cliffs. Dotted with rocky shores and picturesque hills, Dingle Peninsula was my family’s to explore on our journey to Southwest Ireland. We...
Read More 2 min read
Xaymaca: The Land of Wood and Water
In the middle of the Caribbean lies a beautiful island submerged by an alpine mountainous terrain and encompassed by the turquoise crystal clear waters of the Caribbean sea. Its unprecedented beauty and dynamic culture are carved amongst the rocks of every parish and highlighted through the loving actions of its people. Jamaica was previously referred to by its first inhabitants as Xaymaca meaning...
Read More 2 min read
Finding Perspective in Ireland
I have lived in Southern California for my entire life. Although I can’t deny the blessing that is our year-long perfect weather, the crammed freeways, dry summers, and busy lifestyle can make even the most loyal of Californians crave a change of pace. During the summer of my freshman year, I was able to experience much more than just a change of pace. An unforgettable trip to Ireland revealed not...
Read More 3 min read
The Great Barrier Reef: A Whole Other World
As we stepped on the boat that would take us to the Great Barrier Reef, I was buzzing with excitement. My family and I had just arrived in Queensland, Australia and a new adventure awaited us. The sun was shining and the sky was clear; I had no idea what to expect, but was so happy I couldn’t keep still. During the boat ride my cousin and I gazed at the view. The water was crystal clear and a...
Read More 3 min read
A Visit to Norway: Fjords and More!
I had heard from those who had visited Norway that its fjords were one of the most beautiful natural formations on the planet. So when my family and I paid a brief visit to Norway as part of a two-week trip across Europe, I figured I would experience a sort of life-changing epiphany upon laying eyes on the country’s famous glacial formations carved out during the last Ice Age. Our trip to Norway...
Read More 2 min read
Europe Without Baggage
Vacation - it is a time when the worries of life are temporarily forgotten as reality is placed “on hold” for a brief period of mental and emotional rejuvenation. From May 27 to June 5 of 2018, I took the vacation of a lifetime in the form of a 10-day tour of Paris, Provence, and Barcelona with EF Tours, an educational...
Read More 2 min read
Home Is Where the Statue Is
This is Vietnam at 6:00 in the morning. I peer out from the tenth story balcony of my hotel, watching her body wake up. Here, somewhere in these winding streets, is a small hospital. This is where my story begins. Sixteen years ago, I was born and taken to an orphanage called Tam Binh. I waited here two years until my adoptive parents took me to America, the land of opportunity. Now we are back, and...
Read More 3 min read
St. Lucia Is Calling All Crafty Kids
St. Lucia is one of the most striking islands in the Caribbean and while beautiful beaches beckon, when it’s time to take a break from sun and sea, an artistic treasure chest should delight young visitors. Turquoise water, lush vegetation and those stunning twin Pitons rising up from the sea equal tropical Nirvana. With such a setting, no wonder St. Lucia is so popular with honeymooners. Many...
Read More 3 min read
Long Nights and Loggerheads
Allow me to set the scene for you. You’re riding in the back of a small vehicle, a cross between a four-wheeler and a pickup truck. Buckets and toolkits rattle beside you. The empty beach stretches in front of you, smooth and silent except for the sounds of the engine. It’s two in the morning, and you’re exhausted, but you won’t sleep. The stars twinkle above you, clearer and brighter than...
Read More 2 min read
Frugal New York City Vacation
Cheap, thrifty, economical and prudent are all accurate descriptions of my mom's spending habits. However, she prefers the word frugal. She clips coupons and shops the “manager’s special” section at the grocery store. She builds her wardrobe by going to 50% off Saturdays at Goodwill and takes advantage of free days at local attractions in Indianapolis. When mom announced we were going to NYC...
Read More 2 min read
My Guatemala
As soon as I heard that Eli’s family had an opening for their trip to Guatemala, I knew I had to go. They were taking teenagers to Antigua to learn Spanish and volunteer. It took some convincing, but they said yes! And, more importantly, my parents agreed to let me go. My high school Spanish would be put to the test in intensive language classes and volunteer work. The other teens opted to help with...
Read More 3 min read