SF Bay Area

End of an Era: The Loss of Pacifica’s Pier and the Chit Chat Cafe

If you visit the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll likely hit all the major attractions – the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Muir Woods – but, like many tourists and even locals, you’ll probably miss one of the quieter, more underrated gems of the area: the quiet coastside city of Pacifica. Pacifica has the aura of a beach town that hit its peak in the … Continue reading End of an Era: The Loss of Pacifica’s Pier and the Chit Chat Cafe

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Travel Diaries

Snowy New Orleans: Remembering Last Year’s Once-in-a-Century Snowstorm

It’s silent on Bourbon Street, save for the sound of my boots crunching on snow and ice. No cars or people can be found. In the distance, if I strain my ears enough, I can faintly make out the sounds of voices, likely congregating near one of the few open bars. It’s Wednesday, January 22nd, the day after historic Storm Enzo struck Louisiana and left … Continue reading Snowy New Orleans: Remembering Last Year’s Once-in-a-Century Snowstorm

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Travel Diaries

2025 Travel Year in Review

Growing up, my family only ever traveled to two places: Disneyland and Lake Tahoe. As I journeyed into adulthood, I started branching out a bit more by visiting Disney World, teaching English in Italy one summer, and then going to New York City, Maui, and Chicago after I’d left teaching and had more flexibility with my schedule. Still, I felt that I had so much … Continue reading 2025 Travel Year in Review

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Travel Itineraries

City Scenes and Forest Greens: 48 Hours in Portland

Stunning views. A vibrant food scene. The most incredible bookstore. This just about sums up what people had told me before I’d ever set foot in Portland, Oregon or any of its surrounding areas. I’d been wanting to visit the City of Roses for years, but plans with friends never quite worked out.  Then, last May, I had the opportunity to present at a conference in … Continue reading City Scenes and Forest Greens: 48 Hours in Portland

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Travel Itineraries

Looking to Chase Some Waterfalls? My Two-Day Itinerary for Visiting Yosemite from April to June

It took me thirty or so years, but this past May, I finally made it to Yosemite National Park. And even with the high expectations I had, Yosemite still managed to surpass every single one. Whether you’re also from the Bay Area and still haven’t managed to make the journey, or even if you’ve been to Yosemite before, I thought I’d include the itinerary my … Continue reading Looking to Chase Some Waterfalls? My Two-Day Itinerary for Visiting Yosemite from April to June

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