When I left the US and started calling Mexico home, I had no idea how much it would change the way I see the world. Living abroad has given me a different lens—one that's more curious, more patient, and maybe a little more willing to get lost on purpose. The destinations I've explored since becoming an expat aren't just places I've visited; they're places that have shaped the way I move through the world as a gringa navigating life beyond borders.

This blog has always been about more than just travel. It's about the moments that make you pause, the food that surprises you, the conversations with strangers that stick with you long after you've moved on. Whether I'm exploring a hidden corner of Mexico, wandering through a bustling Asian market, or revisiting my roots back in the States, I'm always looking for the stories that make a place feel alive.

Mexico: Home Base and Endless Discovery

Mexico is where I live, and honestly, I could spend a lifetime exploring this country and still find something new. From the colonial charm of San Miguel de Allende to the psychedelic surprises tucked into quiet chapels, from the thermal springs of Media Luna to the haunting beauty of Real de Catorce, Mexico has a way of pulling you in deeper every time you think you've seen it all.

I've driven through central Mexico on road trips that felt equal parts adventure and surrender, celebrated Día de Muertos in Michoacán surrounded by marigolds and candlelight, and soaked up beach vibes in Nayarit when city life got to be too much. Living in San Luis Potosí has taught me that home doesn't have to be where you grew up—it can be where you choose to dig in and build something new.

The Mexico section of this blog is where I share city guides, road trip itineraries, Pueblos Mágicos recommendations, and the kind of practical advice that only comes from actually living here—like how to get a car, navigate driving culture, and find the best street tacos in town.

Cuba: A Time Capsule with Rhythm

Cuba feels like stepping into a different era. The vintage cars, the crumbling colonial buildings, the music spilling out of doorways at all hours—it's a place that refuses to be rushed. I've wandered through Havana's colorful streets, danced salsa with locals who have more rhythm in their pinky finger than I have in my whole body, and marveled at how a country so isolated can feel so full of life.

Traveling in Cuba requires patience and flexibility, but that's part of what makes it unforgettable. It's a destination that challenges you to slow down, to talk to people, to embrace the unexpected. My posts on Cuba dive into what it's really like to travel there, from navigating the dual currency system to finding the best paladares hidden in residential neighborhoods.

Japan: Precision Meets Tradition

Japan is the kind of place that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about efficiency, beauty, and respect. From the neon chaos of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, from the deer that bow in Nara to the snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, Japan is a study in contrasts that somehow all makes perfect sense.

What I love most about Japan is the attention to detail—the way a simple bowl of ramen can be a work of art, the way even the smallest garden is meticulously tended, the way strangers go out of their way to help you even when there's a language barrier. My Japan posts cover everything from navigating the train system to finding the best street food to understanding the unspoken rules that make Japanese culture so fascinating.

China: Big, Bold, and Unapologetically Itself

China is overwhelming in the best possible way. It's massive, it's bustling, it's ancient and modern all at once. From the Great Wall to the terracotta warriors, from the canals of Suzhou to the skyscrapers of Shanghai, China is a country that doesn't apologize for being exactly what it is.

Traveling in China taught me to embrace chaos, to trust my instincts, and to appreciate just how much history can be packed into a single city. It's a place where you can eat some of the best food of your life for a few dollars, where you can get hopelessly lost and somehow end up exactly where you needed to be. My China guides focus on the highlights, the hidden gems, and the practical tips that make a big country feel a little more manageable.

Cambodia, South Africa, and the USA: More Adventures on the Map

Cambodia stole my heart with its warmth and resilience. From the temples of Angkor Wat to the tragic history of the Killing Fields, Cambodia is a country that has endured so much and yet welcomes visitors with open arms. The food is incredible, the people are kind, and the landscapes are stunning.

South Africa surprised me at every turn. Cape Town's dramatic coastline, the wildlife of Kruger National Park, the complex history that still shapes the country today—it's a destination that demands more than a superficial visit. It's layered, beautiful, and unforgettable.

And then there's the USA—my home country, which I see differently now that I live abroad. Coming back to visit means noticing things I used to take for granted, appreciating regional quirks I never paid attention to before, and realizing that being American is part of my identity even when I'm far from home. My posts on the US explore destinations through the eyes of someone who left but never really stopped being a gringa at heart.

Explore the Destinations

Every destination on this blog represents a piece of my journey as an expat and traveler. Whether you're planning a trip, dreaming of living abroad, or just curious about what it's like to explore the world as an American woman navigating new cultures, I hope these guides give you a little inspiration and a lot of practical advice.

Click into any destination below to start exploring:

• Mexico
• Cuba
• Japan
• China
• Cambodia
• South Africa
• USA

Let's keep exploring together.