Highlights from 8 months of travel

Across 8 months, 18 countries, 4 continents, 28 states; staying in 53 hostels, 12 hotels, 8…

I bring home many reflections from 8 months away, and countless memories — I better have taken away some wisdom from all that exploration, right?

I do not come home having ‘seen the world,’ or with a somehow global perspective. In fact, something I learned…

As much as this trip was about seeing new parts of the world, it was equally about carving out some time away from my familiar life. I had a pile up questions, ideas, books, and just general interests. I loved my life in NY enough that I never seemed to find time in the…

If South Africa is a study in contrast, Rwanda is practice in disbelief. I usually strive to ask ‘why,’ trying for deeper understanding and new perspectives. In Rwanda, I just kept wondering “how?”

(photo albums: Cairo and Alexandria)

The last hurrah: Egypt was planned months ago — in some ways years in advance — and is a fitting end to the trip. It was always going to be either a disaster or a highlight. I’m so thankful for everyone who made it…

Two months into my (mis-)adventures I had more donts than dos. But after 8 months living out of a backpack I’ve now got plenty of travel advice to dole out. If you’re looking for specific recommendations, poke around my travel map to see where…

South Africa: land of collisions

(Photo albums: Cape Town, Garden Route, Johannesburg)

(photo albums: Nairobi and safari in Amboseli)

Kenya was perhaps the most inevitable country on this trip. In planning mode a year ago, my friends and I debated how to decide where to go. Start with Africa or Asia? Squeeze in South America or save it…