Israel to this day is still one of the best countries I’ve had the honor of visiting. Going to Israel was extremely memorable for a couple reasons: it was the first time I embraced my Jewish roots and it marked the first time I’ve ever left the country (not including Canada – but no one [...]
My love affair with Chicago began the moment I first arrived. The city impressed me with some of the best restaurants, cleanest streets and nicest people I have ever met (not to mention the hottest guys). For some of these reasons (especially the latter), Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world and [...]
Known as one of the most significant archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, it’s no wonder that Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom proved to be my favorite destination in Cambodia. It was easy to see that the ruins had a rich history and you’re able to gain a sense of peace while walking through the different temples. What [...]
If there’s one thing I love about New York City, it’s that there’s always something to do at any given moment. It’s the perfect playground to be spontaneous, wonder around and see what the day will bring. Here’s what a random day for me looked like recently when a friend came to visit from out [...]
Visiting the Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center in northern Thailand, was one of the most memorable experiences during my backpacking adventure. I had seen the park on a National Geographic TV show a few years back and as soon as I saw their travel office in Chiang Mai, I knew it was [...]
December 29th, 2011 
cbrodzky 2011 proved to be an interesting year indeed. Contrary to my blog name, I actually didn’t get to travel much this year. I want to say that 2011 was more about figuring out what would make me the happiest and taking steps to make that happen.
One way was to not feel the burden of not being able to travel because of time and money. Instead, I wanted to discover what would make me happy right here at home. So without further ado, here’s my short and sweet 2011 year in review.
December 27th, 2011 cbrodzky “Dear my teacher!
How are you these days? How is your work and your family? I’m fine. This semester, I got 3.95, so I will receive a scholarship. Christmas’s Day and New Year Day are coming, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And you, I hope you will be always well, and successful in work.
Best regards
Sunlight”
December 8th, 2011 cbrodzky The weather is starting to get a little frigid here in New York City and I would like to migrate to warmer pastures. Here’s a picture from Coronado Beach in San Diego, California, during sunset. Coronado Beach is arguably one of America’s nicest beaches and is picture, postcard perfect.
December 6th, 2011 cbrodzky Israel to this day is still one of the best countries I’ve had the honor of visiting. Going to Israel was extremely memorable for a couple reasons: it was the first time I embraced my Jewish roots and it marked the first time I’ve ever left the country (not including Canada – but no one counts that when you’re from New York), which consequently jump started my obsession with traveling.
I went to Israel on Birthright, an organization that sends young Jewish adults on a free 10-day trip to Israel in order to strengthen the sense of solidarity among Jews and to strengthen Jewish identity and connection. I encourage all who have Jewish blood to apply for Birthright. Even if you’re not Jewish, you should visit Israel anyways. It’s a beautiful country (it’s about the size of New Jersey) with a ton of activities and beautiful destinations to visit.
December 4th, 2011 cbrodzky The only thing I remember during my college years of visiting New Paltz is that it has a great night life. Little did I know that it was home to the Mohonk Preserve and some of the best hiking trails right outside of New York City. A couple friends and I decided to do a 12-mile hike through Meetup to save on any expenses and meet other people with similar interests. I’ve done it through one of those organized trips before it those about $60+. Instead we only had to pay for minor transportation expenses and $12 to enter the preserve.
November 20th, 2011 cbrodzky “Dear my teacher!
How are you?I’m sorry for not emailing regularly. I have worked hard this semester, and today, I have finished all the tests. I miss you very much. How is your job? How is your family? Do you have plan to come back to Vietnam? My class and I are looking forward to seeing you again.
November 20th is Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, but I want to send my best gratitude to you who have instructed me and loved me a lot. I hope you are always well and successful in your jobs.
Here are the photos that my class took on the day we joined the Vietnamese Anthem Singing Contest at the Great Hall.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Sunlight”
November 13th, 2011 cbrodzky I was finally able to head over and visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. If you’re planning a visit to the memorial, make sure you reserve your guest passes in advance.
November 4th, 2011 cbrodzky My love affair with Chicago began the moment I first arrived. The city impressed me with some of the best restaurants, cleanest streets and nicest people I have ever met (not to mention the hottest guys). For some of these reasons (especially the latter), Chicago is one of my favorite cities in the world and close friends know that I want to eventually call this place home. There is just way too much to do in Chicago to be covered in only one post, but here’s a list of the most popular attractions and my favorite tourist traps (keep a look out for a future post on all the hidden gems).
October 29th, 2011 cbrodzky Halloween is finally upon us and this past weekend I had the chance to take a tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Many people make the trek to pay homage to the legendary author Washington Irving and enjoy all the Halloween festivities Sleepy Hollow has to offer.
October 26th, 2011 cbrodzky Time and money always seem to be a reason as to why I can’t take long, well-deserved vacations. Fortunately, weekend trips won’t take me away from the office and are more affordable on my wallet. Boston was a close option and with it being just a four-hour bus ride away, I was able to get out of my city and enjoy a different one. I was able to stay with a friend, which saved on accommodations and there’s plenty to see on foot that’s free. Here’s what I was able to see during my stay:
