I've now been backpacking around the world and staying in hostels since I was 19. They've come in all varieties from luxe ones with fast WiFi and a coffee shop to run-down and inhabited by thrifty locals. They've been in big cities like London and Sydney as well as remote villages. I've been … [Read more...] about My Craziest Hostel Stories
Blog
Behind the Curtain: September 2019
I’ve come to look forward to these monthly posts about what I’m into beyond travel because there’s so much more to my life than where I go, despite the fact that it’s something I love. It’s funny how many people respond with their obsessions or agree with mine! As with last month, I’m sharing the … [Read more...] about Behind the Curtain: September 2019
Learning About Apartheid in South Africa
Growing up in public schools in America, we spent a lot of time on European history but very little on the rest of the world. There were brief mentions of the Vietnam War, the British release of Hong Kong, and, of course, Apartheid in South Africa. I didn't know much about the country but I knew … [Read more...] about Learning About Apartheid in South Africa
Touring the Warner Brothers Studio
It probably doesn't come as a surprise that I am a big fan of film and television locations. I've run all over England looking for Harry Potter locations and went on a studio tour for The Walking Dead. On my first trip to Los Angeles in 2011, I was fascinated by the Old Hollywood venues and the … [Read more...] about Touring the Warner Brothers Studio
10 Lessons from a Month in South Africa
South Africa had been on my radar for as long as I can remember. I have a memory of going with my dad to pick up my grandparents from their trip there. They had brought us t-shirts from Kruger National Park. It was only fueled when I met South Africans on my travels, especially in Australia. So I … [Read more...] about 10 Lessons from a Month in South Africa