Traveling, to me, is more than just moving from one place to another—it’s about experiencing how different the world can be depending on where you stand. Every city, town, or remote village has its own rhythm, its own way of life that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time. I love immersing myself in new environments, observing how locals interact with their surroundings, and gaining a deeper understanding of how life unfolds outside of my own daily routine.
One of my favorite aspects of traveling is the food. There’s something special about trying the dishes a place is known for, whether it’s fresh seafood in Dutch Harbor, deep-dish pizza in Chicago, or a comforting bowl of something homemade in a small Alaskan town. And of course, no trip feels complete without sampling the local coffee and beer—two things that tell their own stories about a place’s culture and traditions. Each sip connects me to the region in a way that feels personal, like a small but meaningful act of appreciation.
Seattle is a place that I love. For many reasons, one of which is that the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners are there. For me, Seattle was the first “big city” experience that I had after I turned 18. Sure, Anchorage, Alaska, is the big city for Alaska, but in many ways, it pales in comparison. Seattle felt like a world of its own—bustling with people from all walks of life, filled with history, culture, and a passion for things I love: sports, coffee, and incredible food. Some of my favorite restaurants and breweries are in Seattle. Rocco’s serves up some of the best pizza in the city, while Taylor Shellfish Farms and Elliott’s Oyster House are my go-to spots for fresh seafood. Redhook’s Brew Lab is perfect for a great beer and a solid burger, and no trip to Seattle is complete without stopping at Dick’s, a true Seattle institution for burgers and shakes. And of course, coffee is a way of life there—there are too many great roasters and cafés to list, but one I truly love is Kuma Coffee.
Chicago is another city that has left a lasting impression on me. The variety of museums, from the Art Institute to the Museum of Science and Industry, makes it a place where I could spend days just learning and exploring. And then there’s the food—Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is an experience in itself, with its thick, cheesy layers, but I also have a deep love for Italian beef sandwiches, which are messy, flavorful, and everything great about Midwestern comfort food. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is a place where history feels alive. Walking through the city, you can sense the weight of its past, from Independence Hall to the cobblestone streets that have seen the birth of the United States. And, of course, Philly’s food scene is iconic—cheesesteaks are a must, and the city’s soft pretzels are unlike anything else. Another memorable reason why
A friend asked me for advice on travel, and I offered this “If traveling gives you a different perspective of life and on life, than traveling will have been worth it even just once”
Beyond the experiences, traveling is about creating memories. The places I’ve been—New York City, Atlanta, Nebraska, Detroit, Vancouver, and beyond—are more than just locations on a map. They are collections of moments, from walking through historic streets to standing on a rugged coastline, feeling the salty air whip against my face. Every trip leaves me with something new: a story, a lesson, or simply the desire to return someday and relive it all again. At the same time, those memories fuel my excitement to discover new destinations, to continue exploring and seeing the world through fresh eyes. That’s why I love taking photos—to capture those experiences, to freeze time just long enough to remind myself why the world is worth exploring.