DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Discovering Galena: The Illinois River Town That Once Rivaled Chicago Posted on October 19, 2025December 20, 2025 Explore Galena, Illinois—a historic river town once larger than Chicago. Climb its hillside steps, stroll streets marked with bronze plaques, and visit sites tied to Lincoln and Grant. From trolley tours to panoramic river views, Galena blends beauty, history, and endurance in a way few towns still can. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES When Airports Say “No” to Government Messaging Posted on October 15, 2025December 21, 2025 Airports are my happy place. And yes, travel has always been political. Every passport line, security check, and boarding group reflects systems of privilege and control. Who moves freely, who gets stopped, and what stories are told—it’s all power. So when DHS released a video of Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the shutdown, it didn’t surprise me. It’s just another reminder that politics doesn’t wait at the gate—it boards with us, finds its seat, and flies right alongside. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Oktoberfest 2025: What to do During the Weekend in the Amana Colonies Posted on October 5, 2025December 26, 2025 Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies brings a taste of Germany to Iowa each fall. Between the food, live music, and laughter, it’s easy to forget you’re only an hour and a half from home. It’s not Munich, but it’s warm, welcoming, and worth the drive every single year. Here’s why. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Tired of Paying $7 for Coffee: How I’m Bringing the Cafe Home Posted on September 1, 2025March 15, 2026 I love cafe drinks any time of day—hot coffee, iced lattes, fruity sodas, or lemonade. But paying $6 to $8 each time feels crazy. So I’ve started making my favorites at home, from caramel lattes to dirty sodas, saving money while still enjoying the flavors I crave. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Idiocracy: How America Is Forgetting How to Think Posted on August 21, 2025March 2, 2026 This post reflects on how America is losing its ability to think critically. From small talk that turns political, to loud debates without facts, to systems that reward ignorance, confidence has replaced knowledge. The author questions public discourse, yet still refuses to stop raising their hand for truth. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD What You Need to Know About U.S. Embassy Layoffs: Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think Posted on August 14, 2025December 26, 2025 U.S. embassy layoffs and government infrastructure cuts aren’t just bureaucratic changes—they shape who gets access, movement, and representation. This post explores how dismantling government infrastructure affects passports, visas, and basic services, revealing the deeper impact on power, freedom, and whose voices get heard in a shifting global landscape. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How Brazil Coffee Tariffs Threaten America’s Love Affair with Coffee Posted on August 13, 2025December 20, 2025 President Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee is disrupting a supply chain that provides 30% of U.S. coffee. Prices are rising, shipments are down, and small cafes face the biggest strain. Brazil is redirecting exports to other markets, risking America’s influence in global coffee trade and reshaping coffee culture nationwide. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What You Need to Know: Why Chicago Is the Cultural Center of the Midwest Posted on August 3, 2025February 26, 2026 Chicago’s culture is complex and alive. It’s shaped by working families, bold art, rich history, and political action. Unlike the quieter towns nearby, Chicago pulses with creativity, resistance, and pride. It’s not the story the headlines tell. It’s a city defined by its people—not fear, but fierce love. Read more