I've had some pretty bad luck throughout my year of travels, but I'm not the only one. On my first trip to London, I went with my mom, sister and grandmother. It was a gift for my sixteenth birthday. My Meme is an intrepid traveler herself, having seen every continent, so she makes it a point to … [Read more...] about Losing My Grandmother In London
Europe
Interview with Student Travel Expert Andy Steves
In 2012, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my travel idols, Rick Steves. Today I'm pleased to interview his son, Andy Steves, who has become a travel expert in his own right with his company Weekend Student Adventures. He organizes tours for study abroad students and travelers in … [Read more...] about Interview with Student Travel Expert Andy Steves
Is Turkey Part of Europe?
Our modern concept of Europe is relatively new. It's common to say, "I'm going traveling in Europe for the summer," but what does that mean? What is this collection of independent nations we now call Europe? My background in international politics had me thinking about what Turkey's place in the … [Read more...] about Is Turkey Part of Europe?
An American in Gallipoli
Gallipoli. To some of the world's populations, the name of this town is associated with bloodshed, war, and loss. To others, like most Americans, it means nothing. It's a name not immediately recognized if at all. But to Australians, New Zealanders and Turks, it's like Normandy or Pearl … [Read more...] about An American in Gallipoli
Photo Friday: Blue Mosque at Night
I hope you haven't had your fill of Turkey, both the food and the country, because I'm excited to share some of my favorite photos from Istanbul, taken on my last night in the country before I spent a long night at the airport. I was staying at Cheers Lighthouse hostel in Sultanahmet, located right … [Read more...] about Photo Friday: Blue Mosque at Night