A 12 hour plane ride later from Amsterdam we arrived New Delhi, India. I jumped off the plane full of energy - and the first thought in my mind was “…and I’m getting right back on that plane, I’m outta here!”. The terminal was smoggy. Crowded. Smelly. Well I kept moving through and the smog and congestion intensified but as I continued to explore this vast land, I came to appreciate their deep rooted culture and heritage, witnessed amazing sights, mixed modern amenities - awhile thinking nonstop about the unbearable poverty level on every single corner.

Once you’re over the initial fear of renting a car in a foreign country - maybe it’s just me that has never really driven in a land outside the United States?! Rest assured, the only saving grace was that cars “drive” on the “same side” of the road in Canada, a tiny but extremely important detail.

As you begin the trek 120 KM North of Vancouver British Columbia, Canada - to Whistler - you’ll soon forget about the pesky km/h (I mean mp/h is way better, right?)…and don’t worry about having a navigator, there’s only a single road north!

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is absolutely about the journey as you weave through the mountain valleys to the not-so-tiny ski village that served as the backdrop to much of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

The picturesque mountainous background is perfect for more than winter sports; the year-round hiking, biking, entertainment, and dining experiences are simply amazing. But most importantly, watch out for the bears…there will be close encounters as you stroll through the dozens of trails – don’t say you weren’t warned!

“Mom, I saw a real live Giraffe” …. said a 33 year old behaving like a 5 year old to an unimpressed mom. Not in a zoo, but on a safari in the middle of a jungle where the driver was protecting us with a loaded gun…just incase a lion charged our Jeep for a quick human-based snack or the rhinoceros two feet away decided to flip us over. But seeing “zoo-like” animals in their own habitat is incredible.

The undisrupted nature and perfect calmness of these gigantic creatures living their best life just outside of a metropolitan city certainly makes you think about the sharp human divides still exist just a stones-through away. 

One glimpse of 757,500 gallons of water tumbling over the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe falls per second you’ll quickly understand how much force water can have. Simply standing in the vicinity of the mist you’ll be totally drenched!

And after a long day, hop around a few vineyards and see why this is one of the few places in the world that has the conditions to make ice wine!

The canal system connecting all facets of this city to the nearby oceans can be tricky to navigate- especially when the surrounding architecture is captivating ranging from the 17th century to today. But, once you become familiar with the street numbering systems- it’s impossible to get lost and Amsterdam becomes a perfect bike city to explore!

As the third biggest city by population in the United States (Following New York and Los Angeles), positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan there’s an excitement in the air from the bustling city as you pass by well known museums, buildings, monuments, take a quite stroll along the waterfront - or simply watching time slip into a sunset from above…

A not-so-hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest has quickly become certainly one of my favorite cities in North America. Inside the city is what you’d expect, but venturing out into the picturesque suburbs you’ll find amazing hiking, scenery, islands you can only reach by ferry all surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

There’s a few things that you’ll always find me gravitating towards. Sunsets, beaches, and dependable sunny days (okay I guess that’s three things)! A quick escape to a pristine beach coupled with great food and weather is sure a hassle free weekend! 

Its strange to see a Statue of Liberty residing outside of the United States, but is a calming reminder of the American Revolution and the history between our countries. But while wandering the Champ de Mars and Champs-Elysees you’ll experience stunning expansive gardens, beautiful city landscape and architecture, but most importantly the best selection of Gelato and macaroons to be found anywhere!

…And after scouring the endless hallways at the Louvre I still don’t understand the fascination of the Mona Lisa (Ok, other then it is probably the most talked about Leonardo da Vinci piece in the whole world)!

Imagine narrow streets, barely wide enough for a single car to pass weaving through a small Swiss town - covered in confetti, lined with thousands of people waiting for the spectacle of the year: Chienbäse - A fire parade. Men, women, and children carry literally bonfires on their shoulders, or pulling metal carts ablaze. As a ‘float’ passes it’s an inferno of heat just feet away, melting anything in its path, and so hot one has to shield their face. Absolutely remarkably stunning - and it’s all part of annual Carnival celebrations!

The Philippines throughout history has been central to several world-confrontations - most notably when the Spanish-American war concluded Spain gave control of the country to America which remained until after World War II when Manila became independent.

Situated on one of Philippines 7,641 islands (well, the number of islands is variable based on the current ocean tide!), Manila represents the most densely populated city in the world - which is seen at every turn. Workers travel hours to/from work each day from surrounding villages into the city’s center, utilizing one of the most affordable, and popular mode of transport - an overcrowded, each uniquely decorated Jeepney.

I happened to be visiting at the same time as President Obama (although I certainly not part of the presidential motorcade!, haha) - but was strange to see a world leader abroad, but more interestingly the Marine One Helicopter being dismantled and loaded onto a C-17 aircraft as it moved to its next destination.

After much reflection- I’ve realized Disney and Pringles should share the same slogan: ‘once you pop you can’t stop’! Despite severely overpriced concessions, unbearable heat and crowds most days, in addition to attraction ride queues hours long, it’s a familiar destination to revisit time and time again. There’s something special about reliving the magic for young and old, and always new things to see and experience!

It’s hard to imagine - within the Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area I have always had the feeling I was a part of a significantly diverse community - a worldly “representative group of cultures”.

Well, that was until recently when I started to think about the various ethnicities that comprised our community - after some research, I was simply flabbergasted about the prevalent diversity that existed without me even knowing. Simply put, there are 251 different languages currently spoken In the metropolitan area I call home (before thinking about it I could hardly name five?, Ugh.)

251?! How is that even possible?! Until I blindly realized there are over 6,500 languages in the spoken world. Man, all I can think of is the sheltered life we live! …All that Minneapolis has to offer, is nothing compared to Vancouver.

Needless to say, I have simply fallen in love with this community, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics - a city filled with an accepting, love-filled culture that is quick to accept everyone from all walks of life - amongst the most diverse in the world - catering to all tastes and styles one can imagine on each block.

As the gateway to North America from Asia, I always thought Seattle, WA was my favorite city in the Pacific Northwest; but once you spend a couple summer weeks in Vancouver, British Columbia your perspective will quickly change!

Vancouver is a city that represents an overly healthy (maybe too healthy?!) lifestyle, coupled with impeccable nightlife, non stop movie and TV commercial filming on every corner, coupled with amazing outdoor hikes and activities you’ll quickly understand how so many can call this city home.

Travels have taken me to “Mexico” many times with visits including Tijuana, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas to name a few. While my time visiting for pleasure was exciting, these tourist havens didn’t adequately prepare me for what I was about to experience during my 30 hours in San Luis Potosí.

With my eyes wide open, and out of my comfort zone, I was constantly reminded that I “wasn’t in Kansas” anymore!; when in fact I was a 45-minute plane ride North West of Mexico City - on an elevation plateau surrounded by mountains.

When talking with the locals - you’ll hear that drivers are self-taught (but bad driving fits in with the surroundings?!), there is no legal drinking age, and almost anything goes…my hosts would continually echo the sentiment “don’t forget where you are, Matt”!

Outside of the harrowing experiences of not being able to navigate airports easily, Starbucks not having an appropriate “Been There Series” mug for this adventure, being screened multiple times for Corona Virus, not being able to easily communicate with everyone (thank goodness for Google Translate!) it was an amazing experience.

A city with developing infrastructure, from an outsider’s perspective, could easily be considered ‘controlled chaos’, however, locals have tribal knowledge of the social norms and behavior expectations. But what was most remarkable was the sincerity of the people, the hospitality, and genuineness made me feel right at home.

At my hotel and being shuttled around town to various destinations I found the modern marvels of home, saw challenges all cities face around the world, and non-stop desire to be the best and informed of world challenges and opportunities.

The first time I visited San Francisco many years ago with my family the most vivid memory I can recall is taking a ride on one of the famous cable cars departing from the top of Lombard Street (maybe this sounds familiar as the road with switchback hairpin turns carefully easing down the embankment that’s too steep to even walk; passing by multi-million dollar homes?) - while on the tram headed downhill I was being crowded out and pushed off the train! After the feared nearly falling off and tumbling down a hill (an understatement) - my dad fended off the encroaching (larger sized!) passengers to make a space for me…phew!

In any case, after that experience, I was happy to return to the financial center of Northern California representing the second-most densely populated city in North America.

It’s fascinating to bike from downtown, past the Oakland Bay Bridge, through Fisherman’s Wharf, admiring Alcatraz from afar, continuing thru the original Ghirardelli factory, and finally onto taking in a spectacular sunset resting behind the mountains and Golden Gate Bridge.

I had forgotten how beautiful San Francisco is, the diversity in both cultures and businesses that can be found and call this city home.

While Disney World in Orlando, Florida has significant connection and resemblance to Walt Disney himself; Disneyland in Anaheim, California is actually the only theme park that was built, supervised, and opened by Walt Disney!

With Sleeping Beauty’s castle as the centerpiece for the Land, it’s a fun mix of historical rides from when the park first opened, to modern marvels of recent films.

The Disneyland park is, of course, well decorated for all the holidays - and while you’re searching for the coveted Hidden Mickeys don’t forget to swing by and have a twice-fried corn dog! Like everything involving Disney pay little attention to the price (haha) but this could easily be one of my top 3 favorite foods in the park (of course preceded by the churros!).

Waking up in the middle of the Rocky Mountains to a stunning sunrise and when you take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the surrounding beauty - it’s hard to articulate the correct words…

Big Sky, Montana - both a town located a short drive Bozeman and a world-famous sky resort leave little to the imagination for being one of the hidden gems of the United States.

Representing the second biggest skiable terrain (following Park City, Utah) in the country - you’ll appreciate a non-switchback drive to the mountain village, dense snow-packed base, fresh powder on many of the over 100 trails, some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet, but most importantly vistas and scenery that will captivate your attention for days.