Today I said a frantic goodbye to Albany as I struggled to get my life packed up for the next five months. I’m currently en route to Martha’s Vineyard, where I’ll spend my first July 4th in six years in the good old USA — and then I’m off! It was pretty hard to say goodbye to my hometown right in the middle of its most gorgeous season, but I know I’ll be back for a nice chunk next summer. It’s hard to believe that in just one week I’ll be reporting from the departures terminal at JFK. These four and half months stateside just flew by.
I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my mom’s side of the family this week, so I’ve scheduled some fun mini-posts to keep things fresh around here while I’m beach bumming with my cousin and stand up paddling with my sister! Now, onto Photo of the Week…
Photo A
The Troy Riverfront Market
Photo B
Home sweet home
Photo C
Ready to hit the road! And a little preview of where I’m headed…
Which photo is your favorite?
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I’m giving away Rebtel credit and some sweet swag over on my Facebook page! Enter soon — winners will be drawn on Monday.
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Many thanks to the Daily Travel Podcast for having me on this week’s episode! You can have a listen here.
Thanks for coming on the show, Alex! Such an easy interview and inspiring chat. Have fun in the Vineyard — I’m not far, on the Cape!
Not a bad place to be this week π Enjoy the sunshine and thanks for having me!
Where abouts are you heading in England? It’s my home country, so I could always give you some recommendations π
Just a week in London, Kiara! Have to pop over there anytime I’m in Europe to see my girlfriends who have all moved there π I can’t wait to see them!
Photo B: pictures of one’s hometown are always represented in a new bright light, especially after having been around the world!
Even when they are quick iPhone snaps π
I like the giant clam looking thing, mainly because it looks like a giant clam, which is weird.
Ha! That’s The Egg. It’s a really iconic theater/even space in Albany, and a very defining part of the skyline obviously! I had my senior prom there.
I’m going for Photo C this week. There is something about seeing travel books in a line that makes my heart flutter!
Oh, you should see the whole lineup on my bookshelf then! π
C! Nothing like a stack of guidebooks to get you pumped up for a trip! Love those old suitcases too π
Those are some of my prized possessions! Some were hauled off the street on trash day in Brooklyn, and others are family heirlooms.
Love the vintage suitcases and guidebooks photo!
Thanks Ashley! Luckily I’m not bringing all those guidebooks… only the two for countries that are new to me π
I love A! Two things that make me giddy, flowers and fonts π Safe travels.
Couldn’t agree more Shaz, love it! π
B, that egg intrigues me. I’d definitely like to check out New York’s capital city someday!
And are you going to Malta on this Europe trip? I am fascinated by that country, and its people–I haven’t been and I have only met a few Maltese, but they have all been memorably awesome!!
I am indeed going to all the countries named on those guidebooks π I have a week in Malta coming up and I can’t wait!
I’m hoping to put together a 48 hour guide to Albany at some point — I’d love to have more travelers come to my hometown!
You have to do some diving on the Greek Islands and tell us what it was like,
I’m going diving in Santorini, can’t wait! I’m not sure if I’ll make it into the water in Ios and Mykonos, but Santorini will be exciting.
Definitely photo C! Although I really like the quote on photo A..
Thanks for your email on Malta – I’ll remind you when you’ve left π
So excited! Can’t believe how quickly I’ll be there.
C for me!
Home may be where the heart is, but you’re all about travel and adventure!!
Yup, I love the perfect balance of both! <3
Photo A was just the quote I needed to hear today of all days so it definitely wins my vote! Have a great 4th of July π
Thanks Miriam! I can’t wait for all the red white and blue ahead!
Love the quote of Photo A!
It is beautiful, isn’t it! Never seen it before π
I’m going to go with C… it’s no surprise your thailand book is the most beat up!
Ha, that book is from my trip back in ’09! I bought another one in 2012 I think but I gave it away on the road.
Photo C! Can’t wait to read your next adventures π
Thank you so much! I have so much more to share about being home first too!
I am choosing photo C. Holding a passport is a privilege. The guidebooks remind me to get out of the post Portugal blues and start planning my trip to the Baltics in September.
It is a privilege indeed! I LOVE travel planning… enjoy the journey!
Will you be going to Koh Tao? Just thinking my daughter maybe able to meet up with you somewhere?
And the Peonies – always my favourite. Reminds me of my garden when I was a child π
I am indeed going back to Koh Tao! I can’t wait to return and hunker down for a few months of hard work and sunshine!
Hi Alex! I found your blog when I was planning our holiday to Indonesia this summer and I’m a loyal reader even since π
Which cities are you planning to visit in Belgium (my homecountry) ?
Make sure you visit Antwerp, it’s were al the cool kids live π
Hey Ellen! I will be in Boom for Tomorrowland for the majority but I’ll otherwise be based out of Belgium. Planning a day trip to Ghent and Bruges though!
Exciting trip ahead of you! I LOVE Greece, looking forward to reading your posts. I spent 6 years living in London and I miss being able to travel around Europe so easily, definitely one of my favourite regions in the world
Every part of me is excited for Europe… except for my wallet π
5 months of travel ahead. Sounds exciting and I look forward to seeing where you end up.
Congrats on the podcast feature.
Also enjoy your celebrations on Friday.
I’ll plummet for picture A this week. Very nice quote on the right hand side picture.
Thanks Guy! I can’t wait to announce my trip next week π
Looking forward to hearing about any diving around Greece and Malta!! Have an amazing trip as always
Me too! Except for the cold… I’m going to be wrapped in neoprene!
C for me…I love the vintage suitcases! Happy and safe travels π
They are some of my prized possessions! If only I could take them on the road π
Photo C. I’m in Greece right now! It’s great. x
Awesome! I am so insanely looking forward to the Greece portion of my trip. Get me there now!
a is very charming! the quote is not one that I’ve seen before but I absolutely agree. And I love the angle in B. Whew your next adventures seem so exciting, can’t wait to hear about Greece!!
I know! Big announcement post about that adventure coming up next week. CAN’T WAIT!
I love photo C. It is a special feeling to read guidebooks and get all excited about a country and day dream of traveling there. My bookshelf is also packed with Lonely Planet books :).
When and where are you coming to Thailand?
I’m arriving in Thailand in late August and heading directly to Koh Tao to park my butt on the beach and work on some big projects somewhere fabulous and familiar π I can’t wait!
Well have an awesome time! I love London π One of my best friends lives there too so I try to fit a visit in about 3 or 4 times a year (but then I only live 3 hours away so it’s a little easier for me!
Yeah, I aim for once a year or two. Any more than that and my wallet starts to sob!