Sometimes world history hits too close to home. Literally. I was so close to never being born.

Back in stormy Manila. Learning something essential to stay sane: how to be grateful for the rain.

Though I don't regret it, I'm beginning to understand that refusing to settle isn't a decision to be made lightly.

Maybe someday I'll miss this: midnight walks alone, a stranger in a strange land.

No time for a big adventure on my 30th birthday. But learning more and more to savor the humble moments.

A shot that was months, maybe years, in the making, and every bit earned. This is what life feels like right now.

In The Geography of Bliss, someone says that one should contemplate death five minutes a day to be happy.

I've never really felt like I belonged anywhere. This isn't a complaint. Maybe, subconsciously, I've never wanted to.

Like a reminder from the universe, I'm often asked by friends, family, and near strangers lately: where to next?

On this windy, magical mountain, nights I barely remember, but will never forget.

2pm on a weekday. I'm over this. No more complaining. I'll use that energy to plan my escape.

After five years of literally flying solo (and singing its praises), I have a confession: it's begun to wear thin.

Plenty of famous vistas are disappointing when you actually get to them. This one? More beautiful than I ever imagined.

Crossed the Pacific, turned around, and saw the sunset. Hello friends, let's grab some coffee?

When I think of being content, this is what I picture.

Day 5 of 5 at the beach, and everything feels in sync.

What to do when the front cover of an old paperback rips off? Use it as a bookmark, of course!

#3: Be present.

#2: How to be alone.

On this cold, clear January night, some trick of the atmosphere makes the distant city lights twinkle like stars.

#1: Learn to receive love.

A moment of serenity amidst the craziness of Christmas in the Philippines is the best gift of all.

I guess this place isn't so bad. For now.

Healing hearts 101: sing to your sister.

A heart this full, in the middle of a journey this uncertain. Maybe this is how it should be.

You belong to the world, and the world is in you.

After so many sunrises and sunsets across the world, I feel richer than I've ever imagined.

From the Peruvian Andes to the Swiss Alps. What a crazy year.

Manila, we need to talk.

Someone once told me that those who would see wonderful things must often be ready to travel alone.

"Telling the story is not nearly as important as living the story."

82 days and too many goodbyes later, I am finally home. No one told me it would be this strange.

Probably the best unplanned trip of my life.

Reflecting on an unbelievable past few months - it still has to sink in. Did I really do all that??

"A book, like a journey, begins with inquietude and ends with melancholy."

Finally saw my favorite animal in the world. He put on a nice show for us.

This might be what you call a natural high.

One more drive across the Andes.

The Lares Trail Trek - like The Lord of the Rings, with llamas.

Stumbled on this photo tonight. It was as rare and perfect a day as they come.

29th birthday. It's like that movie said: Life's better with company.

I'm not above a selfie above the clouds.

When was the last time you were face to face with a wild animal? It's magical.

"It's not the mountain we conquer."

A memory: a bus ride to the Great Wall. And at age 24, it was the first time I had ever seen snow fall.

"They say the sea is 2/3rd of the Earth, but inside us, our hearts are an ocean."

To live and dive.