We’re in a state of economic crisis that this world has never quite experienced before, which means it has never been more important to spend safely and to focus spending habits toward those who need it the most. The world is nearly split, black and white, between the ridiculously rich and those living in extreme poverty. All of the countries in the world are affected by the ‘global economic crisis,’ with the worst being that of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Brazil, among countless others. I run a travel blog and I don’t have much of an economical voice, however I do understand how focusing where my money goes can have a tremendously positive effect on those who are suffering.

I’d like to take a moment to thank all of my readers...
Thank you so very much!
     For without your amazing support, I would still be lost, wandering around in the dark and may never have found continued passion and fulfillment in what I do. Additionally, I’d like to apologize for not expressing my appreciation more often. Once a year isn’t quite often enough to say your thank you’s and to show your appreciation for the important things in life.
     Thanksgiving’s original purpose - like most holidays - has lost a lot of its original meaning. Instead of offer a year-long lingering feeling of gratefulness and connection with all those you love, it’s been replaced with shiny, pretty little things to distract us from the good. Football, turkey and stuffing is not how Thanksgiving started, nor what it was meant to become. Thanksgiving isn't about black friday or the competition of who can buy the most junk for the absolute cheapest price. It's about spending time with those you love and giving back to all others that need it most, and to be thankful for everything that you have.

     When traveling, it’s important to keep an open mind. Especially when your destination is culturally different than anything you’ve ever experienced before. For me personally, I experienced a large cultural change once I arrived in Italy, as it was the first time I had been outside of the States. Attempting to navigate the chaos of Rome’s back alleys and Venice’s canals while being surrounded by locals and Italian only signs was a bit of a shock. If you keep control of your expectations and prior judgements, you can avoid having a negative experience while traveling.

-Discover enlightenment
      I do not necessarily mean religious enlightenment, moreover the enlightenment of self discovery. If you let yourself surrender and become lost in the place you’re visiting and shed all of your preconceived biases, judgements and worries; you then become vulnerable. This vulnerability is a huge step in the right direction - without it you are a tourist, going sight to sight and never changing and never growing - taking nothing from the experience. There is a very strong feeling of freedom, knowledge and understanding once you fully release yourself and connect with your travels - within this feeling you actually begin to find who you really are and whom you wish to become. This is why many (myself included) tend to preach about letting travel change you. If you reach enlightenment through travel, you are never quite the same again - it’s a wondrous experience!  (Photo from EverestUncensored.org)

     Lounging on my porch, overlooking the lake is a favorite past time of mine. A relaxing, soft drizzle permeates the air in a blissful mist - the center fountain echoes of apathetic rain. My feelings are light and my mind is at ease as I focus on the chirp chirp from the birds in the trees of the woods.
     I’ve spent the last few days writing in the comforts of home - time away from the inner city is blissful and necessary sometimes. Although, I’ve been dormant for too long. Today, it’s time to venture out along my old favorite path.

How music can transform your travel experience
     I was walking aimlessly around Paris, thoroughly lost - incidentally, my favorite travel past-time. Although Paris had me feeling a little down; with a heavy feeling of maybe wanting more. I flew right into the Charles De Gaulle earlier that day and took the metro into the heart of city. Paris has to be the #1 city in the world that has the largest expectation for perfection. The City of Light is commonly known as the most romantic place in the world - but I think their idealistic expectations fall short more often than not.