Dear Dad, There have been so many times I’ve crafted a letter to you in my head around this time of year- April- and then I never penned it to paper. I regret it because each time I was stirred by moments with you, memories that unexpectedly flood in and awareness about you that maybe … Continue reading
When converting to self-hosting doesn’t go to plan
It’s been several weeks since I announced I was converting my blog from wordpress.com to be self hosted on Blue host using wordpress.org… until I confidently did after reading several tutorials that all were in agreement at how relatively simple it was. You know, 8 steps or something and ta-dah? easy peasy. So one late … Continue reading
A blind-date adventure with Lauren from Sobremesa in Spain
It’s almost been a year since beginning this story about my time in one of my favorite regions in Spain, Asturias. Located in the North, it feels like a secret green oasis unbeknownst to many tourists. A trip I planned with an adventurous, like-minded woman who traded California’s hip food scene for diving head … Continue reading
Visions and desires for 2014!
2014. How nice it rolls off the tongue. A few months in (March? Say what!) and I have yet to scribble a few goals and plans for this new year. A year that’s started off with beautiful blue skies and no sign of rain in California and grateful that since I drafted this in early … Continue reading
Reflections of what I gained from my first year in Spain
Flashbacks of my first year seem to pervade my mind right before I give away to sleep. I’m not sure if it’s the fond memories of being lulled to sleep to mini waves crashing to shore every night or the fact that now that I’m in another moment of transition (seems to be constant new … Continue reading
When what you want isn’t what you need. Or is it?
A road trip seemed to be just what I needed. A chance to get away from the job search and the same four small four walls that sometimes engulf me as I figure out my next steps in California. I had just gotten word that after a series of three successful interviews; I had, in … Continue reading
Trekking from the town of Bakio to the beautiful hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
“We have to check out this place San Juan de … when I come visit,” my mom eagerly told me butchering the name in her attempt to pronounce a word so foreign, . “I’ve been having fun pinning photos and making a Spain album on pinterest.” Oh No, I thought. My mom is becoming more social media … Continue reading
In the ESL classroom: Music and lyrics
As of late, interviews have my brain re-winding and churning out memories of examples to share for those various “Tell me a time” style questions. I’ve been reminded of my time in the classroom and thought why not share a successful activity that came about due to necessity when planning when out the window. Playing … Continue reading
Road trippin: Hitting the road without a plan
I hugged the curves in the road curious what lay ahead, gorgeous views, possibly around the next bend driving North on the 101. The adventure of the open road. The unknown and the unexpected. When my traveling friend and I decided to set out we had only a time frame and a direction. North or South was the … Continue reading
Foods I miss in Spain
My last month in Europe was a whirlwind of adventure and reflection. Four cities in 2 weeks and then a road trip in my favorite region in Spain is a lot before saying good-bye to a country you’ve called home for two years. I thought about what I was going to miss about the diverse … Continue reading
2013 Travels in Review: Where did the year lead me?
I can’t believe 2013 is coming to a close and with sunny days in the Bay it’s easily to think it’s Spring rather than December. A new year is upon us and it’s time I start thinking up new goals and dreams for 2014. I thought today is a perfect time to reflect on 2013 … Continue reading
Flashback photo Friday: A bizarre encounter in Berlin
Berlin is a vibrant city full of history with an abundance of cafés, fun boutique shops and lots of art. And lots of young folks. I had a blast roaming the streets solo during the day and hanging out with my couchsurfing hosts in the evening. One of my host’s took the time to show … Continue reading
Why I’m staying in California and the irony of “wanting a career” after lots of travel
Travel comes easily to me so much so that I often joke, you can parachute me out of a plane to an unknown land and I’ll do more than survive. I’ll thrive; I’ll meet new folks, eat the food and I’ll learn the basics of the language to communicate. After my crazy stint of buying … Continue reading
Flashback Photo Fridays: Moroccan men in the streets
One of my favorite past times while traveling is to take to the streets, camera discreetly in hand and stroll like a local. I love watching how a city or small town unfolds from morning till the evening, a glimpse into another world. Business men walking briskly often briefcase or bag in tow, sellers hawking … Continue reading
Flashback Photo Fridays: Snow in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Born and raised with sunny skies that seem to be almost year around, I’m naturally spoiled when it comes to weather. Living in a land of constant humidity? Or suffering through below zero days for days on end or shoveling snow? No thanks. As I look out my window, it seems hard to believe December is … Continue reading
Roamingtheworld 