travel journal
“So, you don’t think that it was fate that you were standing in this line when I got off the phone? Fate? No. I think it’s more of a bladder thing. Hmm. That’s too bad. Cause you see, I happen to think that there’s an explanation beyond reason, beyond all logic, that brought you right to this very spot at the same time that I showed up to this very spot. And why would fate go through all that trouble? So that I wouldn’t have to wait in line. “
— Fools Rush In —
London
Second Solo Trip December 2024
Well well, London was the chosen place this year for my solo trip, and I do not regret it one bit. I do wish I had more time to explore, but unfortunately, my trip was cut short due to an unexpected overnight layover in Atlanta. Regardless of the little hiccup, I still had the best time. I finally got to have my first “Fish and Chips” in Hampstead, which my London-based architect friend insisted I should stay away from. LOL. He was my guide the entire time. I met so many awesome people, and my taxi drivers were all lovely and super friendly. I have been dying to visit the Sir John Soane Museum, and it was spectacular. It was raining that afternoon, so it added some extra excitement. As always, I walked around a lot, discovering the city and its neighborhoods. I met the coolest bartender at Granary Square Brasserie, where I also spent New Year’s Eve with a new soul friend I had met that evening who was very sweet and kind — we vibed. I love traveling because you never know who you’ll connect with, and that will leave an imprint on your soul to carry for the rest of your life. Stepping into the unknown of whether you’ll see them again someday is a beautiful mystery.
I stayed at the Great Northern Hotel-Tribute Portfolio Hotels. This hotel sits in between the King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. I thought it would be bothersome to be in the crowd, but it wasn’t at all. I enjoyed the hotel because of how it made me feel and its convenience. I also think that there was a higher purpose for why I chose this hotel — and I was right!
Lisboa, Portugal
I roamed the streets of Lisboa alone in December of 2023 but in a good way. It was an exhilarating and self-empowering trip because it was the first international solo trip I had ever taken. I was, of course, a bit apprehensive about traveling alone, but I faced my fear head-on and went for it.
I loved the culture, the food, the architecture, and the people there. My itinerary consisted of, well — nothing, which I prefer anyway when I go on trips. I enjoyed walking around, connecting with others, and stopping at places that caught my eye. Sardines are huge in Lisboa! Their sardine shops are like a Louis Vuitton store with red carpet and all. I may have eaten paella almost every night (I stayed away from sardines, LOL), usually partnered with a glass of white wine. I found it easy to get around the city because most people spoke English, and everyone was friendly. I stayed at the Ferraria XVI FLH Hotels, which offered a great location, and their breakfast was excellent!
Why Lisboa? I don’t know…I just felt guided to visit the place and I did! It was one of those spontaneous decisions I will never regret acting upon. When you visit places that have a lot of history, you bring back its essence that somehow unlocks something within you. It’s priceless!!
hokkaido japan
Thanful for my sister who lives in Hawaii being employed by Hawaiian Airline, we were able to cheaply book a last minute flight to Hokkaido. I think that we had two full days to spend there, and we hit a lot of spots within those days. To be honest, that was quite a bit for me, and I was a different person then, but I am super grateful for the experience.
Japanese culture is very polite and obedient. I was impressed by how young children freely walked the street unsupervised by parents or adults. Hokkaido or maybe Japan in general is clean and well kept. I don’t think I saw a single trash anywhere. LOL. The food stores were abundant and well-presented to the public eye. My sister took us to a ramen place which was hidden from the world to see, like a dungeon. The kitchen was surrounded by eating bar table, so we watched them boil and sweat through the steam preparing our delicious ramen. I know it might sound gross, but it wasn’t — I promise!
Florence & venice, italy
Beautiful people, authentic Italian food, captivating architecture, and daily gelato — what else could a person ask for? LOL. These two places left me feeling speechless and goosebumps that wouldn’t go away. Seing the Duomo for the first time was an extraordinary feeling. It was huge!!! Something definitely lit up inside of me after visiting Florence and Venice. I can’t wait to go back!!!
Roma, Italy
I could spend my whole life discovering the historic architecture of Rome. I enjoyed exploring the city by foot while getting lost in those narrow streets more than anything. The appreciation that I have for the history this city offers cannot be described. There was an eerie feeling especially when walking around at night as if spirits were everywhere watching over the city. I am so grateful for having the chance to visit Rome twice, and I am looking forward to discovering more of it in the future.