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I never intended to spend 1 day in Zurich. I was supposed to be there for 45 minutes.  But alas, the case of delayed Spanish flights and shockingly punctual Swiss flights led me to a free overnight stay in the city of Zurich. Honestly, I was excited what with the free hotel and the unexpected […]

zurich downtown buildings with swiss flags

August 6, 2023

How to Spend 1 Day in Zürich, Switzerland

When my grad school roomie James turned 30, he invited a group of us from my master’s program to go diving in Malta with him. While the whole trip was a blast, the absolute highlight was scuba Diving the Um El Faroud wreck. I had dived at a few wrecks before, but this was a […]

um el faroud with female scuba diver

June 2, 2023

Scuba Diving the Um El Faroud Wreck in Malta

Germany has lots of trails, but the hiking near Neuschwanstein Castle is really one of the fairest routes in the land. The castle’s beautifully designed architecture and perfect geographical placement make it a must-visit on any Bavaria itinerary. However, its well-established spot on Germany’s tourist trail makes it a crowded spot. How can you minimize […]

neuschwanstein castle with woman overlooking

August 31, 2020

Ultimate Guide to Hiking Near Neuschwanstein Castle

Since my boyfriend André has been living in the Barceloneta neighborhood for the past nine months working on his master’s degree, he inevitably caught wind of the legendary Wet Deck Summer Series parties that take place at the W Hotel during the summer. We had to check it out, so when Sunday came, we dressed […]

dance party outdoor club with fireworks

June 21, 2018

Summer Party at the Wet Deck, Barcelona

Visiting the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) in Berlin is sadly part of the deal if you’re an expatriate. Many people I know, myself included, have been there many times over and it’s never a fun experience. The hardest part is that it’s next to impossible to make an appointment any sooner than about four months away, […]

mural outside of berlin auslanderbehorde visa office

May 20, 2018

How to Visit the Ausländerbehörde in Berlin Without an Appointment

I’ve read for many years about the wonders of solo travel – why it’s good for you, how to stay safe, why everyone should do it at some point, etc. I’ve always wanted to travel solo, but the first time I ever did, it was completely by accident. On my way home from Barcelona last […]

view of fraumunster church with limmat river zurich and buildings

May 14, 2018

Missed Flights and Food Poisoning: My First Solo Travel Experience

Until the day I die, I will never forget how to count to eight in Italian. Only to eight, with overdramatic emphasis on each number, and kilt-wearing Scottish dancers doing the jig in my memory. Sound bizarre? It was, completely. But it also had a rather deep significance to my family and me on our […]

scottish dancers in a pavilion

April 9, 2018

Family Heritage with a Twist in Maori, Italy