-
A Silent Mind – Boon or Bane?
Growing up, I found happiness in my imaginary world. These self-created fantasies provided me with moments of positivity and fulfillment. In my mind, I could laugh and crack jokes with friends or people I wished to befriend. I often played the hero, saving others from goons or rescuing them from drowning. Little did I know that this was an escape mechanism. While it may be okay temporarily, it can be a cry for help in the long run. I always had a racing mind. When I shared this with my older cousins, they reassured me that it was normal—that it was human. However, when my racing thoughts began to interfere…
-
Reflections: A Decade of Expat Life
This December marks 10 years since I first moved to the United States, and it feels surreal to think about how far I’ve come. I decided to write this blog to share my expat journey, not only as a reflection of my own experiences but also as a resource for anyone who’s considering a similar path. I moved to the US when I was 25—one of the few milestones in my life that didn’t get delayed (haha). My journey began in a small town in Rhode Island, the tiniest state in the country. I was consulting as an IT professional for my company’s largest client, which meant we came in…
-
Explore Budapest – Best Things to Do
Budapest, the capital of Hungary is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The thing that sets it apart for me is the fact that it has everything one could look for in a vacation. Architecture, history, city vibe, views, nightlife, relaxation, food and so much more! This stretch of Central Europe including Prague, Budapest, and Bratislava is cheaper in general than Western Europe which allows you to appreciate everything and stay within the budget. If you have some spare days, indulge in a massage, a haircut, or anything you would end up paying much more in Western Europe or United States. Budapest comprises of two towns, Buda on the…
-
10 Best Things to do in Prague on your First Trip
One of Europe’s best-preserved cities, Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Known for its rich history and Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectures, the historical capital of Bohemia is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Brewing some of the best beer in the continent, the locals consume the most beer per capita in the world! The historic city center which was also added to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List is mystical and offers an old-world charm. Home to the largest castle in the world, the main city survived the destruction of the world war and retains the rich architectural heritage. Because of the…
-
The Ultimate Vermont Road Trip
Vermont, one of the northeastern states in USA is bordered to the north by Quebec (Canada), to the east by New Hampshire, to the south by Massachusetts, and to the west by New York. It is one of my favorites states not just in in New England but also the entire United States. Vermont is home to more than 100 19th century covered wooden bridges, is a major producer of maple syrup and boasts of a variety of hiking trails and skiing slopes. This road trip is going to take you through diverse stays and experiences. You will get to stay in a 4-star property, spend some time in a…
-
An Epic Maine Road Trip
Maine, almost as big as Portugal, is the largest of the six New England states in Northeastern USA. It is bordered by the state of New Hampshire, the Gulf of Maine and Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. More than 80% of the territory of Maine is forested. It is also home to Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in the state as well as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. A week-long road trip through this scenic state will take you through a lively city, coastal towns, beautiful lighthouses, mountains, beaches, oceanfront views, and a look at it’s thunderous rocky coastline. Along the way you will get to…
-
10 Best Things to do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, one of the most popular gambling destinations and party cities in the United States, was a big surprise for me! While I knew people went there to gamble and party, little did I know there is so much more to this glamorous glitzy city. A destination famous for bachelor/bachelorette parties, Las Vegas is also home to beautiful themed resorts, impressive architecture, a ton of entertainment and dining options, super fun activities, breathtaking day trips, and so much more! My first visit to Las Vegas was with my friends and unfortunately due to a canceled flight, we lost a day. Next time however I had a chance to get…
-
3 Days in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Guide
Amsterdam city located in the North Holland province is the capital of Netherlands and the most populous city in the country. A dream destination for me, it knocked me off my feet as soon as I entered the city center. The city is like an open air museum, so much beauty in all directions! We were lucky to visit Amsterdam in spring, the weather was perfect and helped us make most of our visit in 3 days. Be prepared to see a lot of cycling all around as a quarter of Netherland’s population cycles every day! Amsterdam has been rated as the world’s 2nd most bike-friendly city with 320 miles…
-
5 Days in Florida Gulf Coast
Gulf of Mexico, an ocean basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean is the largest gulf in the world! This oval shaped wonder is located in the southeastern coast of North America and is bounded by five US states. So when we had the opportunity to spend five full days exploring this region, we zeroed in on Florida, home to some of the best beaches in the USA. It was the perfect escape from extreme Boston winter (February) and we couldn’t wait to enjoy the weather in the Sunshine state! While we considered road tripping and hopping from one city to another, we figured it was a better…
-
A Week in Paradise – Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii for me had always been this magical place, a tropical paradise far away that I intended to visit some day in my life. Flying out from Boston and spending a week meant 11 vacation days from work, which I never have enough of considering the annual trip to my home country every year. However, this year we had an opportunity in December plus an affordable flight deal which we couldn’t say no to! It was happening for real and it was time to decide which island we should go to. Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is the only tropical US state and the only one located outside of…