ABOUT

Where It All Began

          Growing up, I was fascinated by other cultures and countries. One of my favorite books was People by Peter Spier, which was all about how people from all over the world are different in looks and customs, but that's what makes the world so great. I believe that book helped shaped the person I am today. It promoted tolerance and sparked my interest in learning about how other people around the world live.

          My family never traveled much, so I never got to see the world as I wanted to. But that never stopped me from dreaming. In my freshman year of high school, I started compiling a list of countries I wanted to visit. Sure, America has a lot to see, but my interest always lied in foreign countries, where I could experience greatly different lifestyles, activities, languages, and foods. 

      Finally, in my sophomore year, I got the chance to get a taste of a new culture. I convinced my family to sign up to host an exchange student through a program at my school. For two weeks we hosted a girl from Germany. I made a new friend, learned some German words, and got to know more about her country. Those weeks left me wanting to go to Germany even more than ever. And in the spring of 2016, I got my chance.

           That April, just before my 16th birthday, I traveled out of the country for the first time. For a week and a half, I stayed in Mannheim, Germany in my exchange student's house. Throughout my time there I visited towns and cities around the area with a group of seven other American high schoolers that I had never met before. It was completely out of my comfort zone, but one of the best experiences of my life. By the end of my time there, I didn't want to leave. I had made so many new friends from America, Germany, and Spain, and I had learned and seen so many new things. Germany was beautiful and I couldn't wait to go back or travel more.

          Since then, I've been dreaming of my next trips. My goal is to travel all around the world, whether it be for vacations, work, volunteering, or living. I think you can learn so much more from travel than you can from a book or classroom. Especially with all the hostilities towards other countries and cultures nowadays, travel is more important than ever.

          As I embark on my next adventure, I want to share my experiences and passion with everyone, so I started this blog. Here I will write about my travels, advice for others looking to go abroad, and whatever else I find that sparks my interest.

Thank you for joining me in my travels!

 from my adventures!