Hello, world

Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry,
but by demonstrating that all peoples
cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die,
it can introduce the idea that
if we try and understand each other,
we may even become friends.

Maya Angelou

My journeys can be your journeys.

These are a few of my favorite places on Earth.
I hope you get to experience all of them in person some day.

PARIS

I was lucky enough to live in Paris for six months after graduating from college. To this day, it remains the most inspiring and educational six months of my life. It inspired my spirit, gave me a new sense of self-confidence, made me even more curious about the world, and taught me a great deal about life…plus, I learned how to speak a little français on the side. Paris is still one of my favorite cities in the world, and it still feels like home.

Spain

No pasa nada. That’s one of the many things I love about Spain. It means no worries and having a lust for life. I lived in Spain for two months and learned to live the no pasa nada way. It is still a part of my life today. Hopefully you can experience some no pasa nada y jamón Ibérico muy pronto.

DISNEY THEME PARKS

I have been to every Disney theme park in the world and have worked in two of them. Here are some tips for experiencing the magic in five different languages.

Bhutan

Bhutan measures success not by Gross National Product, but by Gross National Happiness. The happiness of the people, environment, government, animals, nature…everything. There is truly something magical about being in a place that puts such value on life rather than money. It is good for your soul, and you feel completely at peace while experiencing all that Bhutan has to offer. Your soul could use some Bhutan.

Los Angeles/Southern California

A sprawling metropolis of everything. As the Red Hot Chili Peppers say, “It's the edge of the world and all of western civilization.” You can go from surfing to snow skiing in the same day, enjoy a five-star meal and a two-dollar beer in the same night, and somehow still get 72-degree weather in both January and August. I love L.A.

Las Vegas

Viva las craps tables and the energy that makes Vegas, Vegas. Even if you don’t want to shoot some dice, there is plenty to do that will make your dollar last longer.

JAPAN

Japan will restore your hope for humanity after experiencing the people and culture of Japan. The Japanese pride themselves on making visitors feel welcome and genuinely cared for. It is hospitality at its absolute finest. Respect and compassion for others are simply a way of life. The world could learn a lot from Japan. I took the photo above from the summit of Mt. Fuji after hiking all night. It was a beautiful moment.

HAWAI’i

Aloha says it all. The meaning of Aloha is “the joyful sharing of life energy in the present.” This is exactly what we all need more of right now. Your soul feels nothing but Aloha when you’re in Hawai’i and there’s a special energy that fills the warm island air. Aloha is calling, and you must go.

Austin

Yee haw. Get ready to bathe in barbecue sauce and Barton Springs. Just stay away in the summer. The heat is brutal and might make you question why you would ever want to go to Texas.