I wasn't originally supposed to go on this trip. But at the very last minute I suddenly realized that I'd be an idiot to go to Peru and NOT see the Amazon. It was not at all what I expected it to be. It was much more subdued, more powerful, and significantly less scary than it's made…
When people think of Peru, I imagine what comes to mind is either Machu Picchu or llamas. And those are very accurate assessments as far as I'm concerned. There are indeed a surprising number of llamas and Machu Picchu is arguably the most historically significant landmark in the country. But what ended up being my favorite…
"Sometimes, there's so much beauty in the world - I feel like I can't take it, like my heart is just going to cave in." I watched the movie American Beauty for the first time as an assignment in a fiction writing class that I took my senior year of college. It is a truly bizarre…
I like to take pictures of streets. And looking back through all my old photos to start writing this post, I realize that this is kind of a recent thing for me. I traveled a bit in high school as well but it wasn't until university that I really started to fall in love with…
I imagine it's not easy being one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World." People are always questioning if you're really all that you're cracked up to be and you have to constantly live up to everyone's expectations. It's a tough act. But if you're Machu Picchu, you always deliver. I've been lucky enough to…
The Coffee Culture in Cusco, Peru I studied abroad in Cusco, Peru during the summer of 2014. It was absolutely the best thing I've ever done in my life and I will cherish my experience there forever. I haven't written much about it on this blog because I've been trying to figure out how to…
Okay that's not really true. Your family wants to see your photos, and your friends and roommate might. But the reality of coming back after traveling is often not the glorious homecoming we hope it will be. There comes a moment when you realize no matter how hard you try, that photo will never hold the same meaning…
An Introverts Guide to Travel Hello my name is Devon and I am an introvert. My Myers Briggs personality type is INFP which basically means I'm an idealist puddle of sensitive mush. I'm quite shy and not great at being in big groups of people or being the center of attention. And I've decided to make a career…
I'd like to start off with some kind of angsty pretentious quote like "FILM'S NOT DEAD" or something about how "film really just captures the essence of place better than digital photos do." But of course I don't really believe those things so I'll spare you. I do, however, believe that film is a very…
Dear Peru, You were the first. You are the place where this all started. Six weeks in Cusco was not enough to even begin to take in the bright and vibrant traditions combined with the muted reality of everyday. It was not enough to realize how far-reaching your impact on my life would be. Peru you…
Continue reading ➞ An Open Letter to the Countries I Have Loved
Hours and Miles 