“Your technique is…interesting” the guide said to me playfully, as I reached the bottom of the Ribeira dos Caldeirões waterfall and clumsily collapsed into the refreshing water. It was my first time rappelling down a cliff, so it wasn’t like I knew what I was doing. Now I know: it’s not like the climbing gym … More Adventure in the Azores
My 82 year old father recently told me he’s been working on a project to enter some of his old travel and hiking journals onto the computer, which he described as a combination of field notes and personal reflections. This was perhaps a bit shocking to me, because that’s how I like to document my … More Budapest
Faial was my last island of the grand adventure. Part of the “triangle islands,” it is very close to Pico – you can see its tall peak very easily from most of the island – and also near Sao Jorge. Horta, the main town, is fairly developed and has a strong maritime and migratory history … More Azores: Faial island
The 4 nights I spent in Flores were marked by epic nature and adventure, on a smaller and less developed island. I rappelled down isolated canyons, zoomed in a fast boat into the open ocean with dolphins, and hiked to epic waterfalls. While I’m leaving with some itchy bug bites and a tired body, my … More Azores: Flores island
Sunday, 8/31/2025 I’m a week into my Azorean adventure, and as I finally slow down for a few hours to rest, I’m overwhelmed by all I’ve done and seen in a short amount of time. Stopping after a week of near-constant movement is difficult but necessary, and I am fighting the simultaneous urge to run … More Azores: Sao Miguel island
8/23/25, AirFrance Lounge at JFK Airport, NYC It’s time for my next big adventure, to the Azores! It has been delightful telling people where I’m going on my next trip – they always ask; I’ve garnered a travel reputation. Some know and express sincere excitement; but about half hesitate for a micro-second before expressing enthusiasm, … More Bem-vindo to The Azores
2025 deteriorated quickly for me. The new president immediately wreaked havoc on the world, and I found it affecting my stability, my sanity, and then, very directly, during the busiest time of year, my work. Meanwhile, I began covering for my supervisor throughout her parental leave, my day-to-day changing dramatically away from leading advocacy campaigns … More Desert Detox in Arizona
Travel has taught me a lot about adaptability. I pride myself on a travel style that leans into discomfort, taking joy in pushing through challenges, or just learning to accept that most uncomfortable things aren’t that bad. A 15-hour flight in a middle economy seat when they run out of meals? Not the end of … More You Deserve Nice Things: Finding Luxury in France
travels.of.tara 