For the Love of Culture

I think it takes a certain kind of person to enjoy trips like this, and I happen to be one of them. I could go to rich countries or cities and enjoy all that the tourist areas have to offer, with cushy hotels, over-the-top monuments, and world-class restaurants. The paths well-traveled. Some of those things seem great- I would love to see the Taj Mahal, for example, but more than anything else, I love to see what lies beneath the gilded edges. I...

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Viva Brasil

I wanted to post again when I reached Brazil yesterday, but with next to no sleep on the overnight flight to São Paulo, I decided that I would refrain from sharing any sleep-deprived mumblings I might have. When I reached São Paulo, I made it through customs in about five minutes- a strong contrast to the hour or so I waited when I flew here in 2010. I made it to the gates rather quickly. The gate changed twice- once right after I reached my...

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Hello, Texas!

My first plan of action upon arriving at IAH was to find medicine for nausea and a migraine. After a quick ride to my terminal, I tracked down Advil and Dramamine. Followed by some iced coffee from the Starbucks across the way. Aside from my motion sickness, the flight was pleasant enough. The typical complaints about riding economy, but I was expecting that. I got into the plane very quickly, which is fantastic.My neighbor on the plane was friendly...

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Airport sitting

I am a nervous flier and always try to be at the airport with plenty of time to spare. I have already passed through security, eaten lunch, and am now sitting and waiting for my flight. I was disappointed that my carry-on had to be checked. I was over the situation before it even happened, though, and didn't argue. The next few posts will likely be somewhat boring with various check-ins and some observations while people-watching. When...

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Morning Thunderstorms

I woke up this morning to very loud thunder. I would usually love to sleep in a little longer to the clouds' rumbling heartbeats, but this morning it sent me to my go-to weather app, Intellicast, to make sure that the biggest storms will clear by my takeoff time. I am much better about flights these days, but there are still few things I hate more than stormy lift offs or rough flying conditions - not that anyone really enjoys them. It removes...

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Trip to Brazil

Tomorrow's the day.  My excitement has been building for the last two weeks for my trip to Brazil. Today, I am tingling with energy and my mind feels alert and hyper-sensitive to every noise around me, yet I am also partially checked out of my surroundings. It is a strange sensation; I am noticing everything around me in great detail, yet am focused on the trip. It reminds me a bit of meditation- clearing your mind and focusing, hearing everything...

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6 World Parties For Your Bucket List

When you go to a party, you share an excitement, passion, and celebration of life with everyone attending, and in that way, everyone is connected in a very special way. You are given a unique opportunity to cross cultural and linguistic barriers, simply by experiencing local culture with those around you. There are so many places that I want to see in my lifetime. I crave to understand and experience the cultures around the world that make up the patchwork quilt of humanity. Each piece of "fabric" in this quilt is incredibly rich and rewarding,...

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