When I think about how I’ve managed the last few months, one long-ago memory comes to mind. It’s 2:00 AM somewhere off the coast of Komodo Island in Indonesia. I’m standing in the rain on the bow of the boat, now dangerously lurching to the right as it sinks into the reef. The crew are […]
Turning 36 in a Year of Uncertainty Read More »
The Balkans have always been my favorite place to travel, but until recently, I hadn’t done much traveling in Serbia. For years, it was the Balkan country I had explored the least, only spending a few days in Belgrade before flying on to Latvia. You can read about that trip here. That changed this year.
Traveling in Serbia — Takeaways from an Unexpected Trip Read More »
Starting my Patreon this year was one of the smartest business decisions I’ve ever made. In a time when COVID decimated the travel industry and I lost upwards of 90% of my income, it gave me a fun and fulfilling way to earn money and partially make up for what I had lost, while giving
How NOT To Turn a Blog Into a Patreon Read More »
Did you know that there is still a little island in North America that is still technically part of France? Visiting St. Pierre and Miquelon is one way to scratch that francophile itch as you explore Atlantic Canada! I visited this quirky little place last summer and was quick enchanted. It’s the kind of place
Visiting St. Pierre and Miquelon, A Quirky French Territory Read More »
Black lives matter. As we fight to dismantle structural racism, it requires all of us to take action — this is not a cause to be carried by Black people alone. The only way to eradicate white supremacy is to have white people tearing it down just as hard. To white people: Working to deprogram
AK Monthly Recap — May 2020 Read More »
It’s midnight and I’ve turned out the lights. My entire body is aching and all I want is to get a good night’s sleep. The pillows are large, the blanket is thick, and the air conditioning is blasting. For someone who likes to be curled up in a cold room, conditions couldn’t be more perfect.
The Ghost of Montenegro Read More »
Is it just me, or did this month majorly speed up? March 2020, the month that coronavirus ramped up enormously, was the longest month of my life. I know it was for many of you, too. By comparison, April seemed to go by in 10 days. This month the hardest decision of my life —
AK Monthly Recap: April 2020 Read More »
Right now we all need comfort — more than we’ve ever needed it. When times are stressful, sometimes relaxing with comforting TV shows is a way to relax and escape for awhile. As a TV connoisseur, I’m excited to share my favorite uplifting and comforting TV shows with you: comedies where you fall in love
Which of These Comforting TV Shows is Right for You? Read More »
Since starting this blog, I’ve shared hundreds of books with you. Books have been the second topic on this site as long as I can remember, and sharing books with you has been one of my great pleasures. And it goes both ways — you guys have introduced me to some truly wonderful reads as
Introducing Adventurous Kate’s Book Club! Read More »
Hi, Amazon. We’ve had a long history, ever since I ordered those first books and DVDs to be delivered to my college mailbox. You indulged my whims, from paleo cooking to crocheting, and you deposited a solid amount of cash in my bank account at the end of every month. Not to mention that fat
Dear Amazon, We’re Breaking Up. It’s Not Me. It’s You. Read More »