I did everything right. Thirteen years ago, I walked across a stage for the second time, accepted a diploma, and immediately began the long road to paying back what I owed — loans I had signed for as an eighteen-year-old. No grace period squandered, no deferment taken out of convenience. I enrolled in income-driven repayment … Continue reading The light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting further away
The author reflects on a vibrant trip to Mexico City, inspired by its rich culture and colorful architecture, reminiscent of Frida Kahlo's style. Culinary experiences include trying crickets and various Mexican dishes, highlighting the local food scene. A visit to Casa Azul and the Xochimilco floating gardens marks memorable highlights, showcasing Mexican history and tradition.
In 2010 I simultaneously visited my first renaissance festival in the United States, and found the dress I wanted to get married in. I visited a renaissance festival for the first time in Germany, in 2005. I was fresh out of high school, and it was my first time out of North America. I spoke … Continue reading The Renaissance Dress
It was time to meet the alligators. Having never met one, my Cajun Encounters trip was the best welcome to New Orleans (and the South) I could have asked for. We learned so much in the nearly 2-hour swamp tour, complete with Cajun A/C (aka a cool breeze on a boat on the bayou). I … Continue reading Party City – New Orleans
Just a short trip down I-8 from Yuma, Arizona will land you at the U.S. border to the small town of Algodones, B.C. Mexico. You'll pass some of Yuma's notorious green farmlands and make your way towards the region's renowned sand dunes (Glamis being the most famous area). But just before the turn off for … Continue reading Life in a border town
It's been five years since I left the country. The last time was also for a trip to Asia, for work. Again in September. Although just after returning that time, the world would soon shut down completely and I was left wondering if I had brought back or encountered the virus that would change the … Continue reading Five Days Of Seoul
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I peered down at the small towns below, nestled at the base of the 6,000 foot jagged Alaskan peaks, trying to figure out which one might be Skagway. Skagway and Haines sounded so far away and magical when I first heard of them, probably in 2006 when my friend Karen talked about growing up in … Continue reading Adventure to Southeast Alaska
The simple wine that takes us all back to a very specific time in our youth. Just remember the line. "I remember when 30 was old." The recipe is as simple as it gets, no additives, just basic, natural ingredients, and let science do the rest (please see note about Campden tablets and other additives … Continue reading Simple 1 Gallon Strawberry Wine
After a red eye flight from PDX, I arrived early on a slightly delayed flight to Chicago. Just as with my last visit to Chicago, I was immediately reminded of the kindness of Chicagoans. From my seat at the back of the plane I could see the bags being unloaded from the plane and happened … Continue reading Chicago, for Foodies
Poesie Sans, Souci 