Week 12: Lisbon

Week 12 was a whirlwind with my sister in town but lots of good memories shared, topped with a visit to my favorite place on Earth! Of the most important things I learned this week: electric scooters are SO MUCH FUN!! Cultural Notes: Easter traditions here do not...

Week 11: Lisbon

Week 11 was one of huge ups and downs. On the bright side, I am still loving Lisbon and signed a contract for a new job! And hey, my sister is in town now for a visit! On the other side, I received the most tragic phone call from my closest friend. I keep explaining...

Week 10: Lisbon

Week 10 whaaatt!? I’m in PORTUGALLLLLL! I am so excited and happy here, I can’t even form coherent thoughts sometimes. I skipped my way through the airport when I landed. And on a more serious note, I want to live here for longer than a month someday. It’s this crazy...

Week 9: Marrakech

Week 9 was quieter, finally. But it was made memorable by a cooking class and a rescued puppy. Cultural Notes: As of a few weeks ago, it's illegal to buy and sell old doors in Morocco. Apparently doors being sold in the medina has been a hot topic and now it's no...

Week 8: Marrakech

Eight was great! But did not come without some challenges, complete with hagglers, sickness (luckily not me), and odors. On the bright side, got to support some amazing women, got some quality time with some of my favorite remotes, and explored some new places. Amal...

Week 7: Marrakech

Week 7 brought a birthday, Italian serenades while riding a camel, and lunch in a town only accessible by foot. Culture Notes: Oranges, orange juice, orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon, chicken with oranges, you name it, it’s here. I’ve never had so many oranges in...

Week 6: Marrakech

Week 6 welcomed Marrakech! This officially marks the longest I’ve been away from home and if I am being honest, I am loving every second. Yes, there are days that are harder than others, but I also pinch myself every day as a reminder how lucky I am to be on this...

Week 5: Cape Town

“Fear= False Expectations Appearing Real.” –Langa township tour guide. Fear has guided some of my journey so far but these words added some perspective for me so I thought I’d share. Week 5 brought a thorough lesson in apartheid, two sunrise hikes with no sunrise, and...

Week 4: Cape Town

Week 4 brought a moving day of volunteering, another amazing hike, and PENGUINS! Also, did you really see a city if you didn’t also see the hospital? No worries, just a minor injury! I am specifically excited to share my day of Positive Impact. Cultural Notes:...

Week 3: Cape Town

Third week in Cape Town included napping with seals, a tour of Nelson Mandela’s cell, and a leopard chase. I’m having zero fun. Cultural Notes: Top of mind this week is language. South Africa has 11 official languages (!!!). From what I understand, this is due to...