Bagan

My travel philosophy is rooted in immersion, adventure, educational and personal growth. I believe in immersing myself in local cultures to experience the world from a completely different perspective, meeting countless interesting people, and seeing sights that I had only ever dreamed of, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the Caribbean, for example.

Having visited over 45 countries, I believe this demonstrates how adventure is a central part of my travel philosophy. I once hiked one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world, The Ijen Volcano, in Indonesia. Watching the sunrise over that breathtaking landscape was a moment of absolute serenity and awe that I will never forget. I’ve also embarked on daring journeys, such as taking a local train from Mandalay, Myanmar, and traveling across the country to do a 3-day trek in Hsipaw, an area affected by civil war.

Personal growth is another cornerstone of my approach to travel. Participating in an 8-day Vipassana silent retreat in Koh Samui, Thailand, and another one in Rio de Janeiro, as well as crossing the border from Thailand to Laos on a 3-day boat trip along the Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia, opened my mind and spirit to new dimensions.

With a degree in Culinary Arts, I’ve volunteered on several occasions to cook for the homeless. A memorable experience was when I spent a month in Merimbula, Australia. I cooked for the hotel staff and had the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world. It was a humble and incredibly educational experience.

In essence, my philosophy of travel is a balance of cultural immersion, adventurous exploration, and personal growth.