#expeditionistmag

[stochastique-blog]

Tell me what you want ! What you really really want

Finally some gorgeous weather! Take a moment of relaxation today ☀️🌴👌🏼 . . . . . #expeditionistmag #roadtrippin #suitcasetravels #travelbug #travelgram #tripadvisor #mytinyatlas #5secondvacay #relaxing #potd #poolside #passionpassport #palmtrees #summerbreeze #welltraveled #wearetravelgirls #california #knowshowtoparty #instagram #instagood #intsatravel #artofvisuals #vscogood #travelphotography #natgeotravel (at Sheraton Ontario Airport Hotel)

[expeditionist-diaries]

Well folks, so it begins! After many tearful goodbyes, tons of parties and hugs and epic going away trips with my best friends in the world, my trip of a lifetime has finally started in England! First stop of course, was to see my dad. After a long catch-up, lots of hugs and tanning together in the sun, I woke up from an amazing 2-hour nap to dinner already on the table and a Rose-sized glass of wine waiting for me. Perfect 1st day! There have been many strange and wonderful coincidences that have been happening over the past month that I’m becoming more aware of and want to appreciate as they come. A few weeks ago, a close loved one said to me, “The world is opening up for you.” What he meant was that things keep falling into place before me; That the universe is cheering me on and I’m in the right place at the right time. An example: When planning our San Francisco trip, I happen to choose a hotel that was exactly across the street from our chosen entertainment for the evening without even realizing it. Or our Sonoma Valley tour guide telling us that 60% of the time the Golden Gate Bridge and the entire bay are covered in fog and you can barely see it, hence why they painted it the colour they did (fun fact of the day)! The day we were there? Not a cloud in the sky and perfectly sunny. Or today, arriving at Gatwick and getting through customs and to baggage claim just in time to watch my bag loop around to meet me. Or walking to my dads, luggage in tow and going up to his door with the key poised in lock just as my Auntie Tina opens the door to head out for the afternoon. These serendipitous moments are further reassuring me that the current path I’m on is the right one. It’s the road less travelled, but the best one for me. I can’t wait to see what else unravels over the next few days and beyond. XO, Rose -EXPEDITIONIST Diaries

[expeditionist-diaries]

Country #4 in less than 3 weeks! Belgium was honestly not as high on my bucket list of places to see, so I didn’t allot much time to explore the country but I’m happy I was able to squeeze in as much as I did in the (less than) 48 hours I had between trips. After saying goodbye to Annie and T, I marched my way back to the train station eager to get to my next destination. When I arrived, I was surprised by how much I loved the cozy little city of Antwerp with its narrow curving walkways, interesting architecture, and best of all, the delicious food. The whole city is quite small, and I was able to walk around and see all the major sites in a little over an hour, which suited me just fine, as I was worried I wouldn’t get to see everything I wanted to. Turns out no worry was necessary! Everywhere I’ve been so far is close together and so compact in comparison to home that I tend to forget it doesn’t take nearly as long to get anywhere. On my little afternoon stroll I was able to see the beautiful Central Station (since I trained in), the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of our Lady, the Grand Bazaar, and explored little side streets and alleyways along the way. I had already decided before I left home that I was going to treat myself to a nice meal to kickoff my solo travels, and chose InVINcible as the place I was going to go. Little did I know that I would be rooming with a lovely 17 year old girl named Delphine who was doing a culinary internship at that very same restaurant! I couldn’t believe my odds! For one thing, it reaffirmed that I had chosen InVINcible for a reason beyond my original inclination; I was in the right place at the right time so I could connect with Delphine and get to know her. For another, I was meant to stay a hostel I had previous doubts about, solely due to the name (Antwerp City Youth Hostel). I was worried I would be too old to really connect with anyone and boy was I wrong. Delphine was so sweet and friendly and I blown away by all she’d accomplished in such a short time. Not only was she in grade 11, staying far away from home for the entire length of her internship (in a Michelin star-reviewed restaurant no less), but she had also been lucky enough to have served dinner to the King of Belgium not once, but twice! I was so impressed with her experiences and her love of cooking that there was no other option; I needed to eat at this restaurant. I sat on the test kitchen side where you get to watch all of the chefs preparing each dish, and this was a gift in and of itself, but actually tasting the food and how each dish complimented each other made me stay at the restaurant for over two hours just to enjoy the experience a little while longer. Delphine was in charge of all the desserts for the guests and she made me a sabayon—quite a complicated desert to make—with such skill that she already seemed to be a pro. I can only describe it as a kind of egg, cream, and white wine frothy soup with vanilla ice cream floating in the middle (not the best description, but you get the picture). Amazing! Apparently, to make it correctly, you have to whisk your liquids in a constant figure-8 motion or the soup base won’t froth and the dish is effectively ruined. Mine was perfect, and even the owner came up to me and said “This one is made with love” and smiled as he handed it to me. Delphine was beaming with pride as I loved and devoured every bit of it, and to me, sharing that moment with her was the most special part of my day. I thanked her, the owner and everyone at the restaurant for squeezing me in last minute without a reservation, paid my bill, walked through the Grote Markt as the buildings were being washed in the warm glow of sunset and made my way back to the hostel. The next day I was headed to Brussels, so I hugged Delphine goodbye, made my way back to the train station, and settled in for the ride. I had made plans to do a half day trip to Bruges and Ghent once I checked in to my hostel, and then finish out my night in Brussels where I had already made a bucket list of different beers I wanted to try (When in Belgium, do as the Belgians do.. DRINK BEER!). Seeing four cities in less than 2 days was ambitious and definitely required a lot of energy to keep moving, regardless of how tired I was, but I don’t regret it in the slightest. I also met a lovely girl named Patty from El Salvador who ended up joining me on my mini trip to both cities. In Bruges, we tried authentic handmade chocolates, took a boat ride through the canals, and walked around the city. In Ghent, we visited the Koren Markt, had cherry beers on a patio (obviously), saw the Belfry Tower, and various cathedrals in the city centre before making our way back to Brussels for the evening. By the time we got back to Brussels, it was already 10pm, so there was not much to do except head to the Grand Place and try and find a bar to get our beer drink on (Flight of beers at Au Brasseur? Yes please!). One thing I found a little strange about Belgium was that nearly EVERYTHING closes at 5 or 6pm, even in touristy areas. The only thing left open at night are bars and restaurants, which to me, didn’t make much sense if you’re trying to attract tourist dollars, but apparently it had something to do with worker’s unions. Good thing I made it before everything shut (My timing so far has been pretty impeccable.)! We said goodbye to each other around midnight, promised to keep in touch and went our separate ways. Walking back to the Hostel, I was reflecting on how easy it was to weave in and out of each other’s lives, not just with Patty, but also with Delphine, Juliana, and all of the other travellers I met along the way. This type of fluidity and openness to spending time with literal strangers felt simple and right. I think it’s because we share a common love. We love to explore new cities, learn about other cultures, eat good food, and meet new people. I also think that when you’re experiencing something for the first time it’s exciting and sharing your great memories with others makes it that much more special. Because of this, I couldn’t wait to see who I would connect with in Turkey! XO Rose -EXPEDITIONIST Diaries

[expeditionist-diaries]

Cannot wait to stumble upon little corners of each city we visit, like this one in Brugge. 🤗 Can’t believe this adventure of a lifetime starts in 31 days! Somebody pinch me!😆❤️⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #brugge #bruggebelgium #visitbrugge #bruggegram #bruges #inbruges #brugesbelgium #instabrugge #belgium #belgie #belgiumtrip #flanders #photographylovers #travel #traveller #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelgram #travelgirl #architecture #architecturephotography #buildings #instatravel #instapassport #whatsinaweekend #myproshot #bruggestreets #travelmagazine #expeditionistmag #travelinfluencer ⠀ 📷 @the_other_nicole (at Brugge, Belgium)

[expeditionist-diaries]

"Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin⁠ .⁠ Would you have the courage to drop everything you have and leave to travel the world? What of kind fear strikes through the heart of you? What is holding you back from achieving your dreams?😨🙏🏻🙋🏼‍♀️⁠ .⁠ Find the courage to do something you love, no matter how scary it may seem. Your future self will thank you!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸: @_xpdtnst_ .⁠ .⁠ #expeditionistmag #expeditionistdiaries #responsibletourism #adventuretravel #tanzania #adventurepics #courage #culturetrip #culturetravel #culturegram #cultureshot #africansafari #travelaroundtheworld #later #latergram #explorationgram #travelogues #postcardplaces #travelbug #conscioustravel #africatravel #topdeckrtravel #wellnessandtravel #travelblogger #travelwriter #visitserengeti #ontheblogtoday #culturevulture (at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2f4WosDWD5/?igshid=o3osnw9xy366

[expeditionist-diaries]

These volcanic rock formations at the top of Incahuasi Island were truly a sight to behold.⁠ .⁠ The official term for cave exploring is known as spelunking, and while that's quite a funny word, there's nothing funny about venturing into multi-million year old volcanic caves.⁠ .⁠ Try awe-inspiring or breathtaking and you might be closer to the mark when trying to explain the sensations you feel the farther down you go.⁠ .⁠ LInk in bio for more South American adventures!👆🏻👆🏻⁠ .⁠ .⁠ 📸: @_xpdtnst_ .⁠ .⁠ . ⁠ #expeditionistmag #expeditionistdiaries #responsibletourism #adventuretravel #southamerica #adventurel #culturetrip #culturetravel #culturegram #cultureshot #bolivian #travelaroundtheworld #smartertravel #welltraveled #later #latergram #explorationgram #travelogues #postcardplaces #travelbug #conscioustravel #southamericatravel #gadv #wellnessandtravel #travelblogger #travelwriter #visitbolivia #ontheblogtoday #culturevulture (at Incahuasi Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fmOASIocU/?igshid=q4s8kz2v3x7s

[expeditionist-diaries]

Happy Belated Birthday to this beautiful soul. It was an absolute pleasure getting to work with you and you deserve all good things coming your way! 😘❤️💕 For more of this lovely human, check out our interview with her in the link above☝🏼 . . . . . . #expeditionistmag #fashionphotography #editorialphotography #editorial #birthdaygirl #blm #feminist #strongwoman #beautifulsoul #welltravelled #artofvisuals #creativelife #styling #instagram #interview #summer17 #globelletravels #followmefaraway #passionpassport #smallbusinesssaturday #globaltravel #globalcitizen #publishing #onlinemagazine #mytinyatlas #instagrowthboss #travellife #nigerian #creativeoptic

[expeditionist-diaries]

Got a seat with a view 👌🏼Gorgeous Mount Saint Helens from the plane at 🌅 . . . . . #expeditionistmag #explore #travelphotography #mountsainthelens #instatravel #instagood #lifeisgood #cntraveler #mytinyatlas #passionpassport #pnwonderland #welltraveled #wearetravelgirls #suitcasetravels #5secondvacay #potd #afarmagazine #natgeotravel #natgeowild #artofvisuals #agameoftones #travelbug #tripadvisor #travelgram #vscogood #backpacker #wanderlust #yvrtraveler #yvrxsfo #greatnorthcollective (at Washington)

[expeditionist-diaries]

Food for thought. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you today, and always. • • • • • #expeditionistmag #expressions #murals #art #artwork #artrapture #qotd #quote #wearetravelgirls #stayfoolish #streetart #stayyoung #potd #mytinyatlas #backpacker #travelbug #travelawesome #suitcasetravels #welltraveled #wanderlust #love #lonelyplanettraveller #lonelyplanet #passionpassport #vscogood #agameoftones #creatives #yoloba #carpediem #culture

[expeditionist-diaries]

Ubud's Monkey Forest hosts over 670 cuties just like this little monkey family taking a nap. This by far is a must-visit when in Bali. Just make sure you leave your valuables in you bag cuz they are known to have sticky fingers 😉 • • • • • #expeditionistmag #explore #monkeyforest #ubud #bali #wearetravelgirls #welltraveled #suitcasetravels #afar #paradise #jungle #natgeotravel #neverstopexploring #mytinyatlas #passionpassport #pnwtraveler #yvrtraveler #yvrxdpr #instagram #indonesia #indtravel #travelbug #tripadvisor #travelawesome #bucketlistadventures #lonelyplanet #love #lonelyplanettraveller #followmefaraway #family (at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Ubud)

[expeditionist-diaries]

Beautiful Sanskrit-painted rocks to guide your way ❤💕 • • • • • #expeditionistmag #nepal #prayer #prayerflags #himalayas #mountaineering #mountains #welltraveled #instatravel #passionpassport #mytinyatlas #yvrtraveler #pnwtraveler #trekking #instagram #regram #helpinghand #prayer #safetravels Photo: Mike Deane 2017

[expeditionist-diaries]

When you're hungry and wanting something exotic and fresh! 😊😋@the_sunkissed_kitchen is a portion left for me? 🤗 • • • • • #expeditionistmag #instapic #fotd #breakfast #riseandshine #yum #fresh #vegetarian #vegan #fruits #regram #beautiful #foodart #guava #fig #apple #inthekitchen #instagram #5secondvacay #acrossthepond Photo: @the_sunkissed_kitchen 2017 ✨

[expeditionist-diaries]

Tanzania is so beautiful at any time, day or night and especially when you have these beauties posing for sunset selfies. 😍💕✨🌅🐘🐘 // Can you get a better view than this? Debatable...😏 📸: _xpdtnst_ . . . . . . #skyporn #sunsetsniper #skylovers #sunrise_and_sunsets #sunsets #sunset_hub #instapassport #aroundtheworldpix #ig_masterpiece #campinassp #flashesofdelight #travelog #mytinyatlas #afrika #igs_africa #afrique #super_africa #serengeti #expeditionistdiaries #expeditionistmag #elephantsofafrica #travelblogger #passionpassport #ecotravel #conscioustravel #backpacker #topdecker #dswt #creativeoptic #sheisnotlost (at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjTMxegiJ9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gqwog1ishuby

[expeditionist-diaries]

Hey hey Monkey! I see you! 🐒👀 // Spending your afternoon with this little guy wouldn’t be so bad, just make sure you keep your shiny things away from him, he’s known for having ‘sticky fingers’...😏 📸: @_xpdtnst_ . . . . . #skyporn #topdecker #expeditionistdiaries #expeditionistmag #passionpassport #serengeti #instapassport #aroundtheworldpix #ig_masterpiece #campinassp #flashesofdelight #travelog #mytinyatlas #monkeysofafrica #afrika #igs_africa #afrique #super_africa #ontheblogtoday #visittanzania #creativeoptic #suitcasetravels #ecotravel #conscioustravel #visitafrica #natgeocreative #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #lonelyplanettraveller #lonelyplanetmags (at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjoMEHjfqb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mf882n01brwo

[expeditionist-diaries]

TURKEEEEYYYYY!! I woke up early and checked out as quickly as possible so I could make my way to the airport because today was the day I was finally going to Turkey! My Topdeck tour didn’t start until the day after, but I wanted to spend a day in Istanbul beforehand so I could get a feel for the city. After a short plane ride and a long airport shuttle, I arrived at Cheers Hostel and was greeted by the loveliest guys running the front desk. They were so helpful and sweet, carrying my bag upstairs for me and giving me recommendations on the best places to go for dinner, nightlife, and everything in between. I could totally see why this place was awarded best hostel in Turkey by TripAdvisor several years in a row, based on the service alone. I settled in and headed out right away. First thing to do? Order myself a Turkish coffee. I wandered around the city and made my way through the city centre, taking in the impressive sites of the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. I eventually came across a lovely restaurant in the Hippodroma de Constantinopela area called Alemdar Terrace Restaurant. In the 3 years since Addie had been to Turkey, I had been told about a million times that I had to try the Maanti once I arrived (a traditional Turkish-style ravioli in a dill yogurt sauce and butter), so of course I ordered that with my Turkish coffee. I’m happy to say it was absolutely delicious, even after it had been hyped up in my head for so long. During dinner, I got a little bit of a show when the table next to me ordered a testi kebab dish. The clay pot containing the kebab came to the table on a tray that was still on fire, and the waiter proceeded to spin the tray around while tapping the pot with a knife until the top broke off and the kebab was served. Quite the spectacle (and now a new bucket list item because it looked and smelled divine)! The next day I relaxed in the hotel where my tour would start that evening and had some much needed me time. I took a little walk up to the Grand Bazaar, forgetting that it was Sunday and the Bazaar was closed (I had honestly lost track of what day it was quite some time ago and knew only the dates I needed to fly here or train there), so instead, I ordered another Turkish coffee, sat on the patio of a little restaurant just outside the Bazaar, and pulled out my journal. The waiter saw me with the journal and came up to ask me what I was writing about. I told him I was writing about my experience and impression of Turkey so far (very positive in case you hadn’t already picked up on that). He was happy I was loving his country and its friendly people, and was very sweet and offered me a fresh corn on the cob from the little stand across the square. I accepted, he ran across and got it for me, and we ended up having a lengthy discussion on life, love, religion and everything. Another chance encounter with another friendly stranger. Collecting these moments with people all over the world makes it feel much smaller in a way. There’s this sense of connectedness that makes you feel less alone in the universe, and I adore the sensation. More to come on my new favourite in the next post! XO Rose -EXPEDITIONIST Diaries

[expeditionist-diaries]

If you’re looking for a unique travel experience, we recommend traveling on horseback through the Mongolian steppe. ⠀ //⠀ Photographer Pehuen Grotti rode over 400 km on a horse he got in Oulan Bator with the Tsaatan people in Mongolia, documenting his travels and the result was gorgeous. ⠀ Take a look in the link above! ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ ⠀ #folk #mongoliansteppe #style #conscioustravel #offthebeatenpath #travelawesome #mongolia #traveldeeper #oulanbator #horsebackriding #immersivetravel #travelmagazine #expeditionist #expeditionistmag #travelogue #visitmongolia #photographermongolia #culturegram #explorationgram #discoverabroad #curioustraveler #lonelyplanet #lonelyplanetmags #wearetravelgirls #welltravelled #5secondvacay 📷 @namgarlkhasaranova @pehuengrotti (at Mongolia)