From A to Z

As promised people, we are going on a trip 'round the world. More than once in the past I have found myself drooling over pictures from some exotic place that I must then immediately add to my travel list, and yes I do have a travel list. So...we are going exploring. I am going to gradually provide a mini-tour and some breath taking photos from every country around the world. I promise, you haven't heard of half of em. Some do not seem very "hip" or exciting, hell some don't even have running water, but if I live by any philosophy its that every single place can take your breath away and provide you with wonderful experiences.

Stop #1 - Afghanistan

Though probably not your initial choice for a vacation destination, Afghanistan is home to just under 30 million people and is roughly the same size as Texas. Afghanis typically speak Pashto or Dari Persian, though some English and Russian will also be heard. Ladies, should you decide to travel to this wonderful little gem of a country, keep those killer legs and toned biceps covered up, no need to disrespect the locals. Homosexuality, alcohol, and pork products are all illegal. It is also disrespectful to show the soles of ones feet, or for a man and a woman to make eye contact. Also, dont be alarmed to see the majority of Afghanhi women dressed in floor length blue burkas...it is a traditional and important part of the culture.

On a lighter note, Afghanis love to watch & perform theatre, listen to music, and write poetry. They are also well known for their weaving abilities. Family is trump in Afghani eyes. Several generations often live under one roof. Offer up a handshake in this country and they will certainly return the gesture, but people here typically prefer to nose rub and embrace.

Looking for a way to kill some time on the dusty streets of Kabul? Stop by the Gardens of Babur, the ancient citadel Bala Hissar, the Kabul Mueseum, or any of the endless outdoor markets to pick up a Turkman hat or Kandahar embroidery. You could also take a dip in Lake Band-i-Amir or visit the breath taking Panjshir Valley.

Afghanistan, not your conventional beach vacay but an adventure all its own.

Afghanistan in 1992

Some of the destruction that has come to Afghanistan throughout its violent history of war & conflict.

A beautiful, open-air market in Pul i Khumri. (Love all of the yummy colors together.)

Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

Then & Now. Hauntingly beautiful...Sharbat Gula.

Kabul, Afghanistan...the country's capital.

Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.

د الله په امان سره ډېره مينه لري!

(All photos via Steve McCurry.)

What's Missing?

I think I have discovered what is missing in my blog. Any guesses....? Going once, going twice...the answer is a purpose. Sure, I have random stories to tell and things that Id like to share with my readers, but I dont genuinely ever have a purpose to my stories. I am not promoting world peace, or directing readers in the ways of rock hard abs. Or even necessarily offering anything useful.

This purpose is something that I desperately need to find should I want to actually keep up a successful blog. I could write about food, fashion, or fitness but I am not super passionate about any of those. Dont get me wrong, I can whip up a mean omelette and I enjoy cooking, but not enough to write about it everyday. Also, for those of you who know me, know that my favorite fashion accessory is a sweatshirt and messy bun...believe it or not, that does not equal fashion sense.

So, I have decided to venture into the world of passion. I want to write about things that I am passionate about. The big one being travel. Another one being my friends and family. And even another being life in general. I dont want this blog to be another job for me...I want it to be an escape and a source of pleasure.

Buckle up folks, it could be a bumpy ride.

So sorry my lovely readers, I know that I have been neglecting you lately. But, alas, you must bear with me...it is Finals and my priorities, most unfortunately, must be focused elsewhere for the time being.

However, I will leave with you a parting thought or two...

1. Its stressful times like these that I couldn't be more grateful or thankful for the wonderful, amazing, fabulous people that I have in my life. If you are one of them....THANK YOU for keeping me (semi)-sane and making sure theres always (at least) one foot on the ground. I wouldn't be where I am without you.

2. Secondly, check out Obama's "Roasting" of Donald Trump at the White House Correspondent's Dinner. I know I have been blabbing about this to absolutely anyone who will listen...but several days later and I still CAN NOT get over this. You all will get quite a chuckle, believe me.

I literally re-fell in love with Obama after this...& by re- I do mean yes, I loved him already.

Ciao bellas!

Rainy Days

For some unknown reason, I love rainy days. I dont know if the pelting rain drops refresh me, seeming to wash away all of my worries, or if i just enjoy the sound it makes as it pings the ground outside the window.  Either way, rainy days appear to be a break sent from someone up above, almost like the big guy is telling you "Its okay, you can be a little lazy today." Unfortunately though, that is advice that I can not take today. So in order to lift my spirits a bit, I decided to track down a funny video clip (check it out) & post some photography that I enjoy.

"Mrs. Brown Gets a Bikini Wax" (gave me a good chuckle)

How appropriate, I know.

Exactly what I want to be doing.

I think that this photo is absolutely stunning.

How do you make the most out of your rainy days?

Hello Blogger

Well...I have finally done it. I have finally made the transition to another, more grown-up blog site. Congratulations Blogger, you're it. I am still getting the hang of this new site and may have a very minimal, unexciting space until I have the opportunity to get the hang of things, so bear with me!

And now  I find myself with finals upon me and not a moment to spare. In light of this chaos I discovered this article about finding a few more minutes in the day. Check out 30 Ways to Save 30 Minutes a Day.

Ciao Bellas!