There's No Place Like Oz

Today has been one of those rare — dare I say it — perfect days. AND, it’s Australia Day, so c’mon people, HOW MUCH BETTER DOES IT GET? Okay, obviously it could be better — I could be celebrating IN Australia WITH my boyfriend. But things have been pretty challenging for me and my family [...]

This is the second post about my 2008 trip to Istanbul! When I landed at the Istanbul airport in the middle of the night, I felt so alone. I knew I’d meet people and make friends throughought the week — at least I hoped I would — but it was the first time I was [...]

This is the first post in a new series called “the time I went to…”, in which I will FINALLY get around to sharing about my travels pre-Australia. I wrote about them on a super old blog that only my parents and friends Dennis, Evan, and Gunther read (thanks guys!). I want to revisit these [...]

The last few years have been so important to me. In the beginning of 2009 I decided to make long-term travel a reality but kept the secret to myself for a while. In 2010, this St. Patrick’s day baby celebrated the big 3-0 in Dublin with great friends. And if that wasn’t fun enough, I [...]

One year ago today I was working my last (ever) shift at an organic grocery store in Australia. Sydneysiders filled the store, buying last minute items for the holidays. Christmas music from the night manager’s iPod filled the store. All signs pointed to Christmas, but I couldn’t get over the fact that I was wearing [...]

There’s a new meme making its rounds through the travel blogging community, and my Aussie pal Nicole just tagged me. Check out Nicole’s post about her ABCs of travel, and join me on an A to Z (that’s “zee” not “zed”) journey through my travels. A: Age you made your first international trip Many of [...]

The “No Macaron Left Behind” mission was a 7-month, 65+ flavor, calorie-packed adventure! When I left Oz, I knew the mission would continue somehow and in small ways it has — I sampled macarons in London, now own several macaron cookbooks, and have been the recipient of macaron-themed gifts. But let’s be honest. The mission [...]

Last week, just before Thanksgiving, I shared some of the reasons I am thankful for 2011 — it’s been a wonderful, challenging, life-changing year. Over the holiday, a friend from London crossed the pond for a visit, and my family introduced Shel to her first Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and American football and basketball games. As [...]

Of course it’s a good idea to do your homework, but don’t let the logistics keep you from committing to what you really want to do. Be ready to act before you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. -Colleen Kinder, Delaying the Real World- Several years ago I picked up a copy of [...]

One year ago I was celebrating my sixth month in Australia and everything I was thankful for during my time in Oz. With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I wanted to write about the things I am grateful for in 2011. I kicked off 2011 by welcoming the new year in Sydney at Harbour [...]