Thailand Thailand Thailand. Of the 9 countries I've visited, there's no where I want to live more than Thailand. Through this experience I developed a deep appreciation for Thai culture and people, and I've never felt more welcomed by a peoples so different from myself. We spent the first part of the trip traversing Bangkok via tuk tuk, and the second part, including my 27th birthday riding through the lush green hills of Phuket. I trained at 2 of the world's most renowned Muay Thai gyms, learning from Kru's who have trained world champions and generational talents like Saenchai and Rodtang. I ate unreasonable amounts of pad thai; shared laughs with the nicest street vendors I've encountered in my travels thus far; snorkeled above enormous coral reefs; played soccer on beautiful beaches; and danced the night away on a few occasions. These photos will never do this experience justice (especially because my camera broke on the third day, before we ever got to Phuket). Nonetheless, I hope that these photos can bring someone joy, and pay homeage to the beautiful people I met in Thailand.

After much debate about where we would explore for my partner's birthday, a shared interest led us to Marrakech, and Merzouga, Morocco. My interest in Morocco likely originated from a college research project a few years back. As part of a study abroad program in which I studied in Cortona, Florence, and Rome, Italy - I researched the impact of Moorish tribes on what came to be known as the Renaissance. Certain innate characteristics of Morocco's people, and geography make it a center for trade, and a wondrous destination for anyone yearning for sensory stimulation. Meticulous preservation of tradition, a spirit of friendliness and perseverance, and an deep affinity for color, inspired me. I hope that these photos convey a bit of that inspiration. The things I saw, and friends I made will stay with me forever.