The Unofficial Guide to Life
See the world through my unfiltered lens. Meet the people who shaped my journeys. Explore the cities I got lost in. Discover the moments that scared me, amazed me, changed me, and everything in between. Here, you’ll uncover the raw challenges of being alone in a foreign country, of sometimes being too trusting of others, and not trusting enough of myself. Things are about to get juicy.
January 3, 2021
I want to tell you how I got here, and what I’m doing, and what’s in store. In the weeks leading up to my departure, the days passed in a blur as they often do. Time seemed to be moving exceptionally fast and I had that heightened sense of awareness for everything around me because I knew they very soon wouldn’t be.
Continue reading “Arriving”
The next morning, it rained. Wrapped up in my green coat, I made my way over to the 9/11 memorial. It was quite emotional. The names of everyone who died were engraved around the waterfall. A rose is placed on a person’s name on their birthday. It was so surreal to be standing there, knowing that hundreds of people had died in that very spot.
Continue reading “Part 4: The Statue of Liberty”
New York
September 23, 2014
I’ve had an incredible two days and my legs are feeling the result of the incredibleness. I must have walked pretty much all over New York by this point. I’m proud of my little feet! I’m the girl walking down the street with her ponytail bouncing with every step. Continue reading “Part 3: What Happened on Top of The Empire State Building”
New York
September 20, 2014
Somehow, I made it out of that hell hole and am currently sitting in beautiful Central Park. Who knows how many bed bugs I slept with! I could hear the Brazilians snoring all night. I wonder if I snored. At first, I wondered if I’d even be able to fall asleep. Continue reading “Part 2: Dreaming in Central Park”
New York
September 19, 2014
“What will this day be like? I wonder. What will my future be? I wonder. It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free! My heart should be wildly rejoicing! Oh, what’s the matter with me? I’ve always longed for adventure, to do the things I’ve never dared. Now here I am facing adventure …then why am I so scared?” Continue reading “Part 1 – My First Solo Travel: New York”
May 12, 2016
Last week, Paris was bright and sunny — this week, the rains have come but I don’t mind so much. Paris in the rain is hardly any less beautiful. In fact, I think someone once said that Paris is actually the most beautiful in the rain but I can’t recall who at the moment. I think I am so in love with Paris that even if there were thunderstorms and grey skies for eternity, I would still love it just the same. Continue reading “On a Rainy Day in Paris”
Things I Learned Growing Up 