city guide | denver, co.

Here in Denver none of my footfalls ended in me shattering my tailbone. I think residing in Sweden for six months, much of it in the brunt of winter, prepared me for snowy sidewalks and hidden clumps of ice and the stray zephyr to find some flaw in my bundled attire. I expected Denver’s 10-30 degree days to bite, but I expected deeper toothmarks. My extremities were likely the worst off. My socks ripped on day one, and I used them later not to protect my toes but to scrub scarlet hair dye off a pillowcase.

Slow Tourism in Bergen, Norway

Easter in Bergen yielded dark windows and locked doors, but a little creativity wrought answers to what good coffee truly tastes like, how relentless the appetites of sea gulls are, and how Superman in flight sees the world.

Outside the Pamphlets | Tips for Studying Abroad

Most universities and programs provide study abroad candidates with a packet of some sort which outlines school policies, advises on insurance matters, and provides rudimentary packing lists. As a recent returnee from a 6-month overseas excursion, I can attest to a few more hints that these paper piles might overlook.

Saying Farewell

My tenure in Sweden ends in exactly a week, and the inevitable gesture of bidding the country I’ve called home for five months stands just up the road, awaiting the hour Bus 11 passes it by with me onboard, for the final time.

8 Hours in Hamburg, Germany

The buzzing port city of Hamburg is difficult to leave after earning a taste of its rich waterfront culture. If you only have one day to breathe it in, you might as well make each inhale count.

German Food-iday

Some vacations assume a more culinary focus – in my book, the food and drink of a city, region, or entire country offers an important glimpse into the culture, and a charm which cannot be obtained outside of its borders. Germany fit snugly into such a mold during my three-day tour of Hannover and Hamburg.

Watering Flowers with Champagne | Valborg in Uppsala

Valborg is celebrated throughout Sweden on April 30, but Uppsala is It with regards to grabbing the festival vibe of the holiday.

Photo Journal | Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands.

Stockholm Café Soiree

I enjoyed compiling my Oslo Coffee Shop Hop so much that I decided to extend this concept to Stockholm.

Oslo Coffee Shop Hop

A joyous journey during which I sampled some of Oslo’s most prominent coffee establishments.