Antarctica, AQ

destination • outdoors

Antarctica

Coming fresh off my trip, I still can’t believe it was real… A blanket of white natural beauty unlike anything imaginable. Penguins going about their daily business and sea lions just chilling on huge blocks of ice. I just can’t explain how magical Antarctica is, and I can’t wait to go back someday soon!

North Korea, KP

destination

North Korea

The most ‘gutsy’ trip I’ve ever taken was, without question, North Korea. In fact, I had to keep it a secret from my family & friends until I got back safely! Going to Pyongyang, North Korea and running in the Pyongyang marathon was the most surreal travel experience of my life. It was humbling to meet and interact with local Koreans (I can speak Korean), and to witness the most isolated country’s culture with my own two eyes.

outdoors

Ireland

I took my dad on a surprise 7 day golf trip to Ireland & Scotland. We are both huge golfers, so this was a dream trip for both of us. Playing these traditional courses was much more challenging than what we’re used to back home in Arizona, but it was surely a memorable trip! I also enjoyed sightseeing around the two beautiful islands, driving through the tiniest of towns, and eating fish n chips everyday!

Belize, BZ

destination

Belize

Ever since I got scuba certified, it was a goal of mine to dive in the world’s second longest coral reef. Finally, my dream came true when I was traveling around Central America! It’s shocking how clear the Belize waters are — I saw more activity there than anywhere else on earth. A truly magnificent experience.

Ma'an Governorate, Jordan

destination • experience

Petra

One of the 7 new wonders of the world, Petra is an ancient city that’s half natural and half carved into giant rocks in the south Jordanian desert. I had only heard about it a few times before I went, so I didn’t have too many expectations. This place is the real deal if you like adventure, history and mind-blowing structures built into the desert. You have to see it to believe it.

Paris, Île-de-France

destination

Paris

My very first visit to Paris did not disappoint! I surprised Deanna for her birthday with professional photos under the Eiffel tower. Paris was just as romantic, European and classy as I imagined, and I am more than certain that I will be back soon.  The only downfall to Paris is the expensive prices (which rival London) — but there are always ways to do things cheaper and that’s a must in Paris.

Cuba, CU

destination

Cuba

The trip was filed with (too much) rum, cigars, salsa dancing, baseball and I was most surprised by how friendly the locals were! I hope to go back to Cuba someday soon.

Samarkand, Samarqand Region

destination

Samarkand

As one of the oldest cities in the world, and a crucial place on the ancient silk road, Samarkand’s sites and historical vibes were quite impressive. I had the chance to go to Tajikistan & Uzbekistan on a group trip, and it was a great experience! Samarkand is a really laid back town, with a fascinating culture that made me eager to keep exploring. My favorite part of Samarkand was the blue-tiled mosques and mausoleums scatted around the city!

CA, United States

outdoors

Yosemite National Park

Deanna and I took a week-long road trip through California, and we spent a few days in the beautiful Yosemite National Park. It’s crazy that I grew up in the neighboring state of Arizona, but never realized how underrated this park is! We saw giant waterfalls, steep cliffs, luscious lakes and went white water rafting. Sometimes, it’s more fun to explore your own backyard a little more!

Caraga, Philippines

outdoors

Siargao Island

I finally visited the island that was highest on my list in the Philippines. It’s called Siargao – and it has the whitest sanded beaches I’ve ever seen. The entire island has a laid-back, surfer vibe (as it’s the #1 surfing island of the Philippines), and the prices are very cheap (especailly compared to Boracay or Palawan). If you come to Philippines, it’d be a crime not to visit Siargao!