I learned about Portuguese explorers like Vasco De Gama for example, and their colonization of Brazil. But that was the most I knew about historic Portugal and I’d be a ‘dealer in alternative facts’ if I denied knowing about Portuguese history and culture, or that it was on the top of my European travel to do list. But with low season airline fares and being on only a six-hour flight from New York City, I booked my trip, packed my passport and new film bag (a holiday gift from my dad) and traveled across the Atlantic. Now I have a new found love for this small country hugging the rocky coast along the Atlantic Ocean.

Beautiful. This is how I would describe Shanghai, where old meets new, and where modern structures are kissed with touches of history.

It was October in Iceland, so the weather was harsh, the wind brisk and snowfall was forecasted for the following days. This journey was going to be Marsha and Ed’s first as a couple, their elopement before their big wedding the following year.

When we stepped out of the train station and into Brussels Center that beautiful summer day, I fell in love. The city is diverse and artistic, young and old at the same time. It’s the perfect mix of everything I love about Europe- innovation and preservation.

When the opportunity arose to visit Peru I had to jump right in and go! My sister had been studying in the country for four months, after her program, we decided to travel around and visit different towns, cities and ancient ruins and sites. To experience true, raw culture is to take a step back in time, a place where modern technology isn't present at every turn.

When I visited Khandar a few years ago, I was somewhat of a novelty. A ‘videshi’ (foreigner even though I am Indian) called for the entire women folk to come and see who and what I was all about. I did not completely understand what they were saying but bits and pieces of the conversation led me to believe that some of them had gotten up really early to finish their chores and some even wore their school uniforms because it was the only presentable outfit they had.

I had 2 short days in Northern California and wanted to make the most of my visit. I landed in San Francisco early afternoon and rented a car.

My first stop was a bowl of ramen at Marafuku Ramen and boy, was it worth it. The broth was nice and thick, and the braised pork belly was warm and delicious. One of my favorite things about San Francisco is that the food is excellent.

It was the most magnificent place I've ever visited. We split our time between the South Coast and East Fjords. The South Coast afforded us green flowing waterfalls and black beaches, while East Fjords presented us with beautiful snow-capped mountains and lakes that reflected the sky.

While traveling through the French countryside with my husband and 8-month old I couldn't help but feel awestruck by the French culture. It seems as if every building, windowsill, and cafe holds such rich history and would make for the perfect photograph. It was in a film photographers paradise! But what I really was intrigued by was the everyday life of the French people.

Our story takes place in the hills of Levi in Finnish Lapland. Autumn comes early in the arctic circle and for our couple, the crisp fall weather was the perfect invitation for a morning snuggled up by the fire at their cottage.

Taiwan is one of those countries that I will never get tired of traveling to again and again. My love for the country started when I was a college student while there on a church mission trip and it continued to grow after my husband, who grew up in Taiwan, and I started dating and got married. It transitioned from solely being a place of rich history for me to another home away from home.

Our friend and photographer Perry Vaile recently celebrated her 30th birthday, and a special surprise, in Santorini this spring. Of course, her photographs are stunning, but we also loved learning more about where she journeyed and why. Enjoy!