May 19, Airport Lounge, JFK. Finally, the time has come for my next big international solo trip. It’s been a long 4 months of waiting for travel, even with a couple of great long weekend trips. This one is special, and I’ve been buzzing for weeks in anticipation. It’s not just a trip to Peru, … More Peru: Milestones and Machu Picchu
New Orleans is one of my places, a special city that over time has wormed its way into my soul and constantly calls me back. I got to know it as a volunteer, rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina while chaperoning a teen group; and have returned several times as a tourist. It’s a city of … More Tara goes to Jazz Fest
Oh, sloth. What is it about you that brings so many people so much joy? Is it your sly smile? Your fuzzy cuddle-ability? Or is it your sluggish movement that reminds us of our inner lazy bums? Whatever it is, I’m hooked. It’s one of the things that drew me to visit Costa Rica this … More Ode to the Sloth: A Costa Rican Adventure
Mexico City’s Dia de Los Muertos holiday taught me a new way to process death: through joy. As someone who grew up in the U.S., celebrating the dead and finding true happiness in their memories is not the way I was taught to grieve. No: death is supposed to be finite and sad. But things … More Orange and Blue
“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
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