It was pouring rain. Not that gentle, romantic drizzle you see in movies, but a proper, gray, soul-dampening downpour. I had just gotten off the tram near Peace Memorial Park, umbrella flipping inside out, soaked through to my socks. The kind of day that makes you want to just give up and go back to bed. But then, as I was standing there, shivering and trying to figure out which way to go, the sky… just broke open. The clouds…
Senegal: A Land of Teranga and Rhythm Let me tell you, stepping into Senegal is like receiving the warmest, most genuine hug from an old friend. The moment I arrived, I was struck by the rhythm—not just the mbalax music spilling from every corner of Dakar, but the unhurried, generous rhythm of life itself. In Wolof, they call it teranga, and it’s the cornerstone of everything here: hospitality, community, and an open-hearted welcome that you feel from the first “salaam aleikum.”…
Samoa: The Heart of the Pacific Stepping off the plane in Samoa felt like entering a movie set for a tropical paradise. The air was thick with the scent of frangipani and the sound of laughter. This isn’t just a destination; it’s a way of life, a slow, gentle rhythm guided by Fa’a Samoa, or “the Samoan Way.” I spent a month bouncing between the main islands of Upolu and Savai’i, and every moment was a reminder that true luxury…
Brazil: A Symphony of Sun, Samba, and Stories My first trip to Brazil was a whirlwind of sensory overload—the rhythmic samba echoing through the streets of Salvador, the vibrant chaos of Rio, and the sheer scale of the Amazon. It’s a country that doesn’t just ask for your attention; it demands it, pulling you into a world of diverse cultures, stunning nature, and a laid-back, joyful energy. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Northeast to the untamed wilderness of the…
Luxembourg: The Grand Duchy That Steals Your Heart Before I came here, I thought Luxembourg was just a financial hub with a fancy palace. Boy, was I wrong. This little country is a fairytale landscape of medieval castles, dramatic ravines, and rolling vineyards that feels like a well-kept secret. The first time I stood on the Chemin de la Corniche in Luxembourg City, looking down at the Grund quarter with its crisscrossing rivers and ancient walls, I felt like I’d…
Thailand: The Land of Smiles, Sunshine, and Serenity My first trip to Thailand felt like a warm hug from a long-lost friend. From the moment I stepped off the plane, the air buzzed with a friendly energy—the famous “Land of Smiles” isn’t a cliché, it’s a reality. I spent a few months crisscrossing this beautiful country, getting lost in the chaos of Bangkok, finding peace in the northern mountains, and island-hopping my way through turquoise waters. It’s a place where…
Have you ever walked into a place and felt like you’d been slapped awake by a thousand colors, sounds, and smells all at once? That’s Marrakech for me. It’s not just a city; it’s a living, breathing symphony of chaos and beauty. I remember my first time getting lost in the medina, convinced I was going in circles for an hour, only to stumble upon a tiny spice shop where the owner, a man with a twinkle in his eye,…
I’ll be honest with you. When most people hear “Australian Capital Territory,” their eyes glaze over. They think of politics, grey buildings, and maybe a school trip they took back in the day. I know, because I used to be one of them. But I’m telling you, they’ve got it all wrong. The ACT, and its centerpiece city, Canberra, is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s a place where you can hike a mountain in the morning, tour a world-class…
Have you ever stood on a mountain peak, looked out over a sea of green forests and sparkling inlets, and felt like you could breathe for the first time in a year? That’s British Columbia for you. It’s not just a place on a map; it’s a feeling. It’s the crisp mountain air hitting your lungs, the salty spray of the Pacific on your face, and the quiet awe of a grizzly bear lumbering through a river. As someone who’s…
I once heard someone call Valencia a “mini-Barcelona.” I had to laugh. Valencia isn’t a “mini” anything. It’s a city with its own soul, a place that feels both ancient and from another planet all at once. The first time I was here, I got lost in the labyrinth of the old town, only to stumble out of a narrow alleyway and find myself staring at a spaceship-like building complex that seemed to defy gravity. That’s the Valencia magic—it constantly…
I can still vividly remember the feeling of first setting foot in Nha Trang. It wasn’t a deserted beach or an overly luxurious resort. Instead, Nha Trang appeared to me like a dynamic coastal girl, vibrant and full of life, yet still possessing a down-to-earth, friendly charm. Just taking a deep breath was enough—the salty tang of the sea breeze, the golden-honey sunlight, and the rhythmic sound of the waves washed all my deadlines and worries away. Nha Trang isn’t…
The Heartbeat of Africa: My Story in Angola Before I went to Angola, my knowledge was limited to what I’d seen in documentaries—a complex history and a resilient spirit. But when I touched down in Luanda, I found a country that is so much more than its past. It’s a place buzzing with a vibrant, modern energy, yet with ancient traditions still alive in its small villages. Angolans are incredibly warm and welcoming, and their love for music and dance…
The Secret Heart of the Pacific: My Story in the Solomon Islands If you’re looking for a place where adventure isn’t a theme park ride, but the real deal, pack your bags for the Solomon Islands. My first impression was of a place that feels completely untouched by the modern world. The islands are home to a diverse mix of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian peoples. The culture is deeply rooted in tradition and a system called kastom, where traditional ways and…
Argentina: The Passion That Steals Your Heart My first time in Argentina, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I’d seen the tango, I’d heard about the steak. But I was not prepared for the full-on, passionate embrace of the place. It’s not just a destination; it’s a feeling. You feel it in the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, the electric energy of a fútbol match, and the quiet awe of standing before a colossal glacier. The culture here is…
France: A Symphony of Elegance and Art de Vivre The first time I stepped off the train in Paris, I was hit with a feeling that’s hard to describe. It’s a blend of old-world charm, effortless sophistication, and an undeniable passion for life. France isn’t just about the monuments; it’s a feeling. It’s the aroma of fresh croissants in the morning, the quiet rustle of leaves in a provincial park, and the sound of people laughing over a shared bottle…
The Dragon’s Land: A Journey of Epic Proportions I’ve been to a lot of places, but nothing quite prepared me for the scale and soul of China. It’s not a country you visit; it’s a world you step into. One moment, you’re hiking the Great Wall, feeling the weight of millennia beneath your feet, and the next, you’re zipping through a modern metropolis like Shanghai on a maglev train, completely mesmerized. The sheer diversity is a head-spinner. It’s a land…
Ethiopia: A Story Etched in Stone and Spirit My first memory of Ethiopia is the smell of frankincense and the sound of ancient chanting echoing from a church. This country is not just a destination; it’s a living museum of human history. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, the home of one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, and a land that has never been colonized. This has given it a fiercely proud, unique culture that is unlike anywhere else…
New Zealand: A Land Forged by Fire and Ice The moment my plane landed in Auckland, I felt it. A sense of peace, a feeling of stepping into a place that was both ancient and wild. From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the glacial valleys of the South, New Zealand, or Aotearoa as it’s known in Māori, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The air is clean, the people are kind, and every corner holds a new, jaw-dropping…
Mexico: A Land of Color and Corazón The moment I stepped onto the streets of Mexico City, I felt a jolt of energy. The sounds of mariachi music, the smell of sizzling tacos al pastor, and the vibrant colors of the papel picado banners—it was all a beautiful, chaotic symphony. Mexico is a country of deep contrasts, where ancient Mayan ruins stand testament to a powerful past and bustling, modern cities buzz with life. It’s the art of fiesta, a deep reverence for…
Italy: A Symphony of History and La Dolce Vita I remember my first time getting completely lost in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. The sun-drenched cobblestone alleys, the clotheslines strung between buildings, the scent of fresh basil and laundry—it was like walking into a film set. Italy isn’t just a country; it’s a feeling. It’s the art of la bella figura (making a good impression), the loud, passionate conversations over a shared meal, and the way every city, town, and village has a story…