Where in the world am I?

January 25, 2025

So I may have gotten so immersed in Portuguese experiences that I lost track of this blog project. But never fear! I have plenty of wonderful photos and stories to share. Watch this space!

My sister and I are currently enjoying some VERY overpriced airport food at our gate in Philadelphia. Almost back to Phoenix!

January 16, 2025

January 15, 2025

5PM: We arrived in Lisbon a few days ago, and it’s been absolutely amazing to be back in Portugal. As we’ve been exploring the city, I’ve found that memories of my first solo trip in 2018 resurface now and again. I often hear myself saying “I’ve been there!” But this time, I have my little sister to pose for me while I inevitably take 500,000 pictures. I’ve been following the instructions of Juan from my farmers market — “drink lots of wine!” Tomorrow we’re off to Sintra, or as I like to call it, Portugal’s adult playground!

6AM: A week in Phoenix flew by! I got to see my friends, spend time with family, and pick up clothes — old and new (my farmers market fits are about to pop off). Of course, life has its ups and downs; last week, a careless Arizona driver hit me while we were leaving the mall I grew up near. Luckily, no one was injured, and the other driver’s insurance is covering the repairs to my car. I’ll be able to pick up Fernie when I come back from Portugal. Hopefully he’ll be good as new and ready for the long drive back to DC!

January 8, 2025

*My sister’s cat, Jasper, helping me pack for Portugal*

3PM: It’s weird being back in my hometown, staying in the house I grew up in. When I walked into the kitchen on Monday night, I felt way too tall, as if I was expecting to have to reach on my tippy toes to get into the upper cabinets or up high in the fridge. The counters felt way too low. Overall it’s the same house but there’s all these details that are unfamiliar. It’s probably been four years since I set foot inside.

Despite the strange feelings I have being back in Arizona, I’m really enjoying seeing my friends and family. I want to be able to take this time to slow down and enjoy just living in the present. I do have some remote work to do (gotta pay the bills somehow) but I’m happy that I get to take a bit of a step back and have some fun this month. Let the adventures begin!

January 6, 2025

4PM: It’s the final stretch! I just stopped in Allentown, Arizona to get some Navajo fry bread before I head for Phoenix. Fry bread + honey + powered sugar = YUM. I’m excited to be done driving!

January 5, 2025

7:30PM: I’m at my hotel — finally — and guess what? I’m in New Mexico! Heading West means I’ve gained a couple hours, so I decided to keep pressing on and take advantage of the tiny bit of extra daylight. I refueled in Amarillo, enjoyed my favorite Italian sub from Firehouse, and drove the last 90 minutes in the dark to the little town of Tucumcari. As I crossed into the desert, the flat, two-lane interstate grew eerily familiar, and even in the dark, I could make out the Southwestern landscape I knew all to well. I’m glad to be leaving the snow and wind behind, and I hope tomorrow will be an easier drive as I complete the final stretch to Phoenix.

7:30AM: I woke up bright and early just in time to catch a sitcom-style scene in the Waffle House next to my hotel. The staff were laughing and joking (yes, at 7:30 in the morning), filling the tiny restaurant with loud Southern conversation as I enjoyed my good-for-the-price “All-Star Breakfast.” I’m eating quickly and so I can get on the road; today I’m on a mission to travel more miles than yesterday!

January 4, 2025

8PM: 1,066 miles down, 1,243 miles to go! It’s the end of day 2 and I’m just shy of halfway there. Today’s drive was a lot easier than yesterday, and I even made it one town past Conway! I’m staying in Morrilton for the night. I’m planning on hitting up Waffle House tomorrow morning before I get back on the road. Tomorrow’s goal is Amarillo, Texas!

12PM: I made a planned stop at the Parthenon. Confused? So was I when I found out there’s a full-scale replica of the Athenian Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee. I just had to stop and see it for myself. What I didn’t realize is the Parthenon is in the same Centennial Park that Taylor Swift wrote about in her song “Invisible String.” There’s even a bench dedicated to her and her beautiful love song.

*No need to visit Greece when you can see the Parthenon in Tennessee!*

8AM: Good morning! I had a king size bed all to myself last night — what a treat! I’m just about ready to leave my hotel and snag some breakfast before hitting the road. Today’s goal: Conway, Arkansas. I’m already enjoying a custom playlist made for me by my friend Mickey (@god.ding on Instagram). Y’all know my tastes very well!!

January 3, 2025

9PM: I stopped 30 minutes short of Knoxville to snag a better deal on a hotel room for the night. Also… I was tired. Going to sleep early so I can get back out there around sunrise!

3:30PM: Stopping in Roanoke to refuel and take a short break! So far I’ve enjoyed a couple episodes of Normal Gossip and listened through “In the End It Always Does” by The Japanese House. Highly recommend both! On to Tennessee!

10AM: And I’m off! My goal is to make it to Knoxville for my first night on the road. Follow along to see how far I get today!