Category: Travel
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New Memories Unlocked

I’m at the airport in Frankfurt, sitting on the roof terrace under a bright blue sky with a view of the tarmac, waiting for boarding. It’s one of those in-between moments that invites reflection—and after the week I’ve just had, there’s a lot to take in. I came to Germany for a very special reason:…
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Thoughtful Design

There’s something so satisfying about a design that just makes sense. Like the touch-free water refill station at SFO—seamless, hygienic, and even better, you can choose between chilled or room-temperature water. A small detail, but one that makes all the difference. No plastic waste, no germy buttons—just an easy, well-designed way to fill up and…
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Nature Recharge

I’m back in San Francisco for the weekend, soaking up as much nature as possible, and today was my first time hiking Mount Tam. Hard to believe, considering it’s basically the Bay Area’s backyard playground. Mount Tamalpais (or just “Mount Tam” to locals) is the highest peak in Marin County at 2,571 feet. It’s known…
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Back to work

But Still Thinking of that Beach! The city is cold, the office is the opposite of a beachfront escape, and my inbox is full. Still, my mind keeps wandering back to that soft sand and turquoise water—long walks, lazy lunches, no schedule to follow. A nice contrast to today’s reality. So for now, it’s back…
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Cobá

Deep in the Yucatán jungle, the ruins of Cobá offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. Once a major trade hub with 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, Cobá’s vast network of sacbeob (white stone roads) connected it to distant cities. Unlike the polished ruins of Tulum, Cobá still feels wild—roots creeping…
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Josephine in Tulum

I needed a break—a little holiday somewhere warm, vibrant, and far removed from the relentless pace of New York. Tulum, with its white sandy beaches, lush jungle, and laid-back atmosphere, turned out to be exactly that. The shift was immediate as soon as I landed. The air was thick with humidity and warmth, the kind…
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Languages

Learning a new language is a mix of curiosity, frustration, and small victories. But there’s also the realization that fluency isn’t just vocabulary and grammar, but identity, nuance, and self-expression. English on Broadway captures this beautifully in its story of Iranian students preparing for the TOEFL exam. It’s about ambition, belonging, and the quiet loss…
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Berlin Wall

After all the holiday meals, a little sightseeing was a welcome change. Walking along Berlin’s East Side Gallery, I stopped at the iconic mural of Breschnev and Honecker locked in a fraternal kiss. Titled “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” and painted in 1990 by Russian artist Dmitri Vrubel, it immortalizes a…
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Wintergarten Berlin

The Wintergarten Varieté in Berlin is a step back in time—a venue where vintage charm meets contemporary flair. I recently spent an evening there for a show paying tribute to Josephine Baker, and it was a wonderful blend of entertainment and history. The performances captured Baker’s essence: playful, bold, and captivating. From dazzling dance numbers…
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Merry Xmas

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas, wherever you may be celebrating! Here in Berlin, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Christmas market at Schloss Charlottenburg. Sipping Glühwein under the glow of festive lights with the stunning Baroque palace is a wonderful start to the holidays. Once a summer…
