The year from hell that was 2020 may be over, but 2021 doesn’t really feel all that different just yet. The world is still attempting to come back from the brink and fight off this accursed virus, businesses and families are still out here struggling financially due to restrictions designed to keep people safe, and many industries are still flailing about with all the uncertainty that remains.
Read MoreI could not have imagined, even a week ago, that I would be sitting here, in a Starbucks across the street from Chicago Union Station, finishing up the final post of the year as I wait to board a train headed for St. Louis this evening. But that’s how life goes, things can change in an instant.
Read MoreAs long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to visit Greece. When I finally got the chance to go earlier this year, it was more than a dream come true. From the extraordinary culture to the wonderful people I met, from the gorgeous views to the amazing food that I had a chance to cook myself, it was as if I’d stepped onto the set of every Greek movie I’d ever seen.
Read MoreEveryone — and I mean everyone — should pack a bag and take a solo trip at some point in their lives. Do you need to take seven weeks off work and backpack through Europe? No, not at all. It could be a simple weekend trip. The point is just to go and get out there on your own.
Read More“When we first got to the college, the afternoon that we got there the sun was setting and our rooftop overlooks the entire city of Rome. I remember we got up there and I looked over at St. Peter’s Basilica, which is literally right next door. I was blown away: ‘This is going to be our home? We’re going to live here?’ And somebody said, ‘This is your backyard for four years.’”
Read MoreI awoke Saturday morning and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I hadn't died during the previous evening's shenanigans. Looking around, however, I did notice the yellow mustard stain on my pants, which had been hastily discarded on the floor some eight hours earlier.
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