Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?

After I’ve settled at the airport—been through security, checked in to my flight, and laid eyes on my gate—I typically wander through the airport. Favourite shops of mine are always those filled with snacks, discount designer items, and books. Lately I’ve been noticing that the airports book shops aren’t populated only with beach reads and SuDoKu books; there are always racks and racks of self-improvement … Continue reading Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?

Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most

I consider myself really lucky, in that I grew up with multiple languages around me. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada (the capital, which prides itself on being bilingual) we had French as part of our core curriculum, starting at age 6. I also grew up in a family with a Peruvian-born Dad, and so I heard a lot of Spanish growing up from that side … Continue reading Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most

Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK

There’s a heatwave in the UK, and it. Is. SWELTERING. I can’t stress enough how much the heat in the UK at 33 degrees is unbearable—and how it seems like no one outside the city believes me when I say this. Truthfully, it’s not just the heat; it’s a perfect storm of humidity (the air is hot and damp), the houses were designed to keep … Continue reading Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK

Four Things I Wished I’d Planned Better In Paris

I planned my solo, 10-day trip to Paris for months. I made lists, saved tiktoks, and built myself mini-schedules. But even with all that prep, there were things that I realized too late that I should have booked sooner, gotten to earlier, or educated on myself on more thoroughly, before arriving. I’m hoping sharing my story will help you avoid any of my mistakes! The … Continue reading Four Things I Wished I’d Planned Better In Paris

Three Places That Inspired Creativity in Paris

Paris feels like a city of artists, and I’m convinced they do this by making you feel like you’re not one. Everywhere I looked in Paris, I saw art—beautiful city streets, galleries in every arrondissement, bakeries with featuring artisan pastries. And people who really look like they belong to a bohemian, beautiful city. And it made me want to be part of it. But although … Continue reading Three Places That Inspired Creativity in Paris