Travel

10/22/25 →

Loved reading about the people behind the movement. Been hearing about most of these places and have them all in my ever-expanding list of places to try :)

NYT: In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors

An article titled ‘In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors’ by Christy Choi and Joann Pai features images of diverse culinary dishes.

10/1/25 →

Back from a week in Nuremberg for work

A person wearing a sweater is sitting at a table with a dish of nachos, two wrapped sandwiches, and a bottle of Blue Moon beer. A man in glasses and a green hoodie takes a selfie in an open office with several people working in the background. A person stands by a large window, looking out at a cityscape featuring historical buildings and a cloudy sky. A cityscape at sunset features a skyline with tall structures silhouetted against a colorful sky. A person is enjoying a large pretzel in a bustling outdoor market with a historical building in the background. A peaceful night scene by a river features illuminated buildings, a bridge with people, and a person sitting near the water. People are gathered at an outdoor market or festival in the evening, with food stalls and illuminated canopies. People stroll through a bustling outdoor market with red and white striped stalls, set against a backdrop of traditional European architecture. Fans wave scarves and cheer at a crowded football stadium during a match. A bustling city street at dusk features illuminated streetlights, passing cars, and people walking along the sidewalk under a cloudy sky. A collection of photo booth pictures shows groups of people posing playfully with various props at a work event. An Air France passenger plane is stationary on an airport tarmac, viewed from inside a vehicle.

⚽️ FC Nuremberg v Hertha Berlin

9/28/25

In Nuremberg for work for the week, and decided to go check out the local football team with some of my colleagues.

We were seated next to the Berlin fans, and unfortunately, the stadium has a running track around it, which I generally really dislike. But other than that fun atmosphere and frustrating experience to watch the home team lose 0-3. Good experience if they were playing better, I would try to go see that more regularly considering I am visiting this town four times a year.

A digital ticket for a football match on September 28, 2025, shows FC Nürnberg vs Hertha Berlin with a score of 0-3 and seating information. Three friends are sitting in a stadium, smiling and posing for a selfie. A large crowd of spectators dressed mostly in blue and white are gathered in a stadium, enthusiastically watching a sporting event. A large crowd at a bustling soccer stadium watches as players and staff display flags on the field with vibrant banners in the stands. A person is holding a schnitzel sandwich while watching a soccer match in a stadium. A person is holding a plastic cup of beer at a crowded sports stadium with a soccer match in progress. A crowded soccer stadium is filled with fans waving red and white flags and banners while players are on the field. A lively soccer match takes place in a stadium filled with spectators under a clear blue sky. A large crowd watches a soccer match in a stadium with clear skies above.

9/8/25 →

First couple of days back in the US for a while, for personal family-related matters

A cozy living room features a fireplace with toys scattered across a patterned rug, surrounded by a leather couch and armchairs. A person wearing glasses and a black T-shirt is seated at a table with a laptop and a Maryland-themed mug, making a peace sign. Shopping carts are lined up in a parking lot in front of a Target store under a cloudy sky. A person is pushing a child in a green shopping cart designed like a car, while another person walks beside them in a parking garage. A person is holding a bottle of Kevita Tart Cherry kombucha with another Health-Ade Cayenne Cleanse kombucha bottle in the background. A café with a mural featuring portraits above the counter and a display menu. A farmer's market stall displays an array of fresh vegetables and fruits under white tents, with colorful baskets and brick buildings in the background. People are enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor market with tents, food stalls, and picnic tables. Two people are sitting in a car, smiling, and holding McFlurry desserts. A large brick house is nestled among tall trees with a grassy lawn in the foreground. A person is grilling burger buns and chicken on a barbecue grill outside on a deck, with various grilling tools and dishes nearby. A small table holds various magazines, a heart-shaped dish, a pair of glasses in a case, and a wireless earbud case. A black pickup truck with a ‘YAKIMA’ logo has a colorful license plate reading ‘NOSUP4U’ at a traffic light, a popular reference to Seinfeld. A golf course with players is set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy blue sky.

9/1/25 →

🏡 🇫🇷 Super excited to wake up to this article about our home and neighboring town in The Times today!

A man and a woman with a dog stand by a cobblestone path next to a river, surrounded by trees, with a bridge in the background.

Greater Paris is born, reconfiguring the city. (…) The east (…) [side] has risen, turning the banlieue from Pantin to Romainville into cool, desirable areas. (…) The action is no longer on the Seine River — it is on a 200-year-old canal, the Ourcq.

8/17/25 →

Final holiday pics before getting back to work tomorrow: a well deserved break and staycation!

A child in a red dress walks towards an ornate, historic building with statues and architectural details. A spacious art gallery features ornate ceiling, wooden floors, and walls adorned with large framed paintings, accompanied by plush seating for visitors. A majestic castle stands beside a serene lake under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by lush greenery. Two children in strollers are reaching out to hold hands. A street scene in a sunny city features a vintage advertisement on a building facade, lush greenery, and a small market or kiosk. People are gathered in a bright, modern café with a mirror displaying a decorative world map on the wall. Two women are sitting on a picnic blanket on a grassy area while a small child stands nearby. People are dining outdoors in a courtyard with historic architecture and ivy-covered walls. A young child in a checkered dress walks along a cobblestone path with an adult in the background. A table with a cappuccino, an empty espresso cup, a chocolate chip scone on a saucer with a spoon, a basket of bread, and two people's legs nearby. A cozy café features wooden flooring, modern chairs, round tables, and warm globe lights, with plants and framed art for decoration. A charming Parisian building with classic architecture is framed by lush trees under a blue sky. A plate of penne pasta is topped with mushrooms, cheese, and fresh basil, served on a decorative blue and white dish.

8/6/25 →

Our Parisian/home staycation continues…

Today started with a homemade brunch, before a visit to the Great Mosque of Paris, a delicious lunch, and a walk across town!

Stumbled upon the memorial of the November 13th, 2015 terrorist attacks — a stunning, well-designed square across City Hall

A breakfast setup with a plate of food and a glass of coffee on a table, featuring items like Tabasco sauce and seasoning. A quiet urban street lined with parked cars and scooters offers a view of a tall, ornate building in the background under a partly cloudy sky. A spacious, ornate courtyard features tall arches, decorative columns, and a central fountain. A lush garden with a central fountain is framed by an ornate archway and vibrant greenery. A woman stands near a decorative fountain surrounded by vibrant pink flowers and intricate architecture. A meal featuring a dish with octopus and garnishes is served on a white table alongside glasses of water and wine, with a person in the background. A street with classic European architecture leads to a grand domed building under a clear blue sky. A grand architectural scene features historic buildings with tall columns under a clear blue sky, alongside parked cars and a few people strolling nearby. A street market stall under large trees displays various art prints, books, and postcards on a sunny day. A hand is holding a cup of iced coffee in front of a stroller, where a child is sitting and eating. A simple storefront sign featuring a drawing of a hand is mounted on the corner of a building with blue and beige accents. A historic building with ornate architecture is surrounded by a lush garden and trees, with people walking and relaxing.

8/6/25 →

More holiday shenanigans

A cup of coffee sits on a patterned table outside near a grand building with a clock tower. A man wearing a floral shirt is seated on a couch, interacting with a young child standing beside a marble table with items on it. An adult and a child are walking on a decorative floor in an ornate room with large windows. A person is taking a photo of their reflection in a mirrored table with two cups of coffee on it. A man is helping a young child at a playground with a play structure nearby, while other people and trees are in the background. Appetizing flatbreads topped with vegetables are served on a table alongside two red drinks. A rooftop terrace features a closed umbrella, potted plants, and wrought-iron furniture, overlooking a cityscape under a clear blue sky.

8/3/25 →

Vacation Day 03: 🧋☕️🍦

#CongCaPhe #Paris

A Cộng Cà Phê coffee shop is situated on the corner of a street with beige buildings in the background. A group of people browse merchandise displayed on wooden shelves, with bags labeled ‘HA NÓI’ and ‘DA NANG’ prominently featured. People are standing in line inside a wooden-themed cafe with shelves displaying various products. A cozy café scene features people sitting at tables, engaging in conversation, with a wall decorated with colorful teapots. A park scene shows people walking and gathering near a large reflective sphere and a Ferris wheel under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 2 of our summer break ☀️🏞️🏙️

8/2/25

Went out to Musée de L’Homme for the exhibition on Wax Textile, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, colonialism, ethnography, culture, and global trade.

Then had lunch at Schwartz’s Deli before enjoying the sight, and spending time with some of our friends living close to the Eiffel Tower on Rive Droite.

A vibrant red wall features digital displays with various colorful patterns and the bold word "wax" in the center. A gallery exhibit showcases vibrant, colorful artworks and patterned clothing on mannequins against a white wall. A plate of food featuring a sandwich with pickles, fries, and coleslaw is accompanied by condiments, a glass of beer, and a water bottle on a table. A person is standing on a sidewalk taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and urban scenery. A chalkboard outside a deli humorously references loss of hope, cash, jobs, and bacon, while a person works inside. Two people are taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day.

Day 1 of our summer break ☀️ 🍪 🥃 😘

8/1/25

Including delicious cookies and affogatos from Crème and a visit to the National Archives and seeing the official handwritten “Appeal of June 18th” from General Charles De Gaulle, which he broadcast on the BBC from London while in exile, on June 18th 1940, trying to inspire the French to resist their invaders.

Also: Happy International Spritz Day! Grateful that we have a lovely big Eataly here in Paris 🇮🇹

7/20/25 →

A lovely lovely weekend

A narrow cobblestone street is lined with Parisian buildings and a café with glowing lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.

7/20/25 →

My wife has been sharing some of our most personal cultural stories over on her newsletter

A new series, ‘Living Between’, is introduced as a platform for exploring cultural connections and personal stories, featuring a community of over 500 readers.

7/17/25 →

In a world of food fads, this is why the real French baguette reigns supreme | @monocle.com A person is holding several baguettes in front of a decorative door, accompanied by a text about the supremacy of French baguettes in travel and restaurants

7/13/25 →

Very wholesome afternoon with close friends at the #FondationLouisVuitton for the David #Hockney exhibition yesterday!

A modern architectural structure with curved glass and metal elements stands against a blue sky. A large, golden, flower-shaped sculpture is displayed in a landscaped park setting, with trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A group of people is sitting in a dark room with vibrant, colorful digital art projections on the walls. People are viewing colorful landscape paintings showcased in an art gallery. People are sitting on benches and the floor inside a room with blue lighting and star-like projections on the walls. A group of people stands in front of a modern, angular glass building under a partly cloudy sky. A person takes a photo of a seated individual against a blue backdrop, with natural light streaming in through large windows. People are walking around and observing artwork in a spacious, modern gallery with lit display tables and large paintings on the walls. Two people walk down a sunlit path surrounded by lush trees. Holding a partially eaten sandwich wrapped in foil, a person stands near a stroller with a child inside at a playground. A fast food restaurant counter displays various menu options featuring smoked meats and sandwiches.

Last week’s shenanigans

7/7/25

The end to another eventful week and weekend…

Pics 1-6: Beating the heatwave during a team dinner at Uma Nota, a delicious Brazilian/Japanese fusion place. Passionfruit Ceviche was mindblowing
Pics 7-10: home life
Pics 11-13: Streem food market for Le Food Market’s 10-year anniversary
Pics 14-17: running errands around Rive Gauche
Pics: 18-19: the Olympic Vask is back this summer. Felt emotional, proud, and nostalgic walking past it!
Pic 20: singin’ in the rain
Pic 21: home

A glass of beer with the label 'L.B.F.' is placed on a bright yellow table in a lively bar setting. A group of people are socializing in a lively venue, with a colorful background featuring the words 'BOMB SQUAD.' Auto-generated description: A table displays a variety of dishes including a bowl of thinly sliced fish garnished with herbs, a plate of cubed sesame snacks, and a bowl of fried appetizers with dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: Pink flowers and a cactus are in the foreground with trees and a building in the background. Auto-generated description: A delicious pizza topped with cheese, sliced mushrooms, olives, and herbs is served on a wooden board, accompanied by a glass of red wine. Auto-generated description: Two people are serving plates of food at an outdoor stall with a green and white striped tablecloth. Auto-generated description: A bustling street scene shows people gathered at long wooden tables enjoying food and drinks in an urban setting. Auto-generated description: Bottles of wine and small jars are displayed on a wooden counter in a store with shelves stocked with various products in the background. Auto-generated description: People walk and cycle along a street lined with historical buildings and a French flag visible in the background under a cloudy sky. Auto-generated description: A large balloon and a Ferris wheel are situated in a park with colorful flowers, against a backdrop of architectural buildings. Auto-generated description: Sunlight illuminates a bookshelf with books, a blue soccer ball, and bags on a wooden floor.

Weekend Shenanigans

6/29/25

Friend’s Birthday Party
Cityscape
Discovering a new spot for lunch
A walk around the Jardins du Luxembourg
Some more city adventures

6/23/25 →

A nice evening to catchup on Monocle’s latest issue, with a big section dedicated to the best cities for Quality of Life.

Especially delighted to see a quote from Jordane Giuly — with whom I worked during my Spendesk days— about how Paris has improved as a place for business, and especially for technology companies of all sizes. Even less surprising was seeing Lindsey’s name in a quote about how the city has changed over the years.

It’s something that I’ve noticed over the past decade, and part of the reason why I’ve been back living around Paris for the past 6 years. Great quality of life, great work life balance, and — unlike 10-15 years ago— much more welcoming to foreigners and non-francophone visitors than it’s ever been.

Respect the city and its inhabitants and it’ll pay dividends the next time you visit for pleasure or for business :)

A person holds a Monocle magazine while sitting on a patio with outdoor furniture and potted plants. A person is reading a magazine on a patio with outdoor furniture and plants in the background. A page from Monocle magazine discusses urban development and environmental initiatives in Paris. A magazine page details Paris's development and cultural prominence, featuring a small image of a cityscape with greenery. A black Monocle tote bag on a bed is accompanied by a Monocle magazine and a small round tag.

6/22/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 22: hometown #mbjune

My hometown growing up, and the one I live in now.

Auto-generated description: A narrow, cobblestone alleyway is flanked by rustic buildings with warm-hued walls, leading into the distance under a clear blue sky. A sunny plaza features a historic church, surrounding buildings, and people strolling around.

6/21/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 21: silhouette #mbjune Auto-generated description: A silhouetted statue of an angel holding a wreath is set against a dramatic, cloudy sunset sky.

One of my first ever pics taken and edited through VSCO. This takes me back to when I was living in Brighton, about 15 years ago (!) — which is where this pic is from.

6/11/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 11: brick #mbjune

Little brick lanes in Lille

A narrow, cobblestone street lined with historic brick buildings is illuminated by sunlight, creating distinct shadows.

6/10/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 10: rail #mbjune

Highlighting the Chương Dương Bridge in Hanoi from a trip in 2016!

Two people sit on the railway tracks of an old, rusted bridge while motorcycles pass by and colorful buildings are visible in the background.

6/9/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 9: wood #mbjune

A lush garden landscape with vibrant trees and a small water feature is seen through a canopy of leaves.

6/8/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 8: travel #mbjune

A colorful sign reading "Visit Baltimore" is set in a grassy area with surrounding buildings and trees.

5/19/25 →

The end to a lovely weekend

A bottle of Uivo Renegado wine is on a table next to two filled wine glasses and some coasters in a cozy room. A red building with a sign announcing a performance by Soccer Mommy and Bored at My Grandma's House at Le Trabendo. A person is walking on a tree-lined path with a stroller under a canopy of lush green trees. A cozy cafe features wooden tables and chairs, wall art, and a few patrons enjoying their time. A musician (Soccer Mommy) is performing on stage with purple lights illuminating the scene in front of an audience. A tray displays a round loaf of brioche, a pistachio or nut-topped cake, and a stack of glazed pastries. A street scene shows a bike rack with parked bicycles and a sign in French advertising café, magazines, and more. A wall-mounted wooden bookshelf displays a variety of magazines and newspapers in a neatly arranged manner. A cozy bookshop entrance with a glass door, leading into a warmly lit interior lined with shelves full of books. Customers are standing at the counter of a cozy cafe with a variety of drinks and pastries on display, surrounded by framed art on the walls. People are sitting at an outdoor café on a sunny street with a classic European-style building in the background. A taqueria with outdoor red tables and chairs is situated on a city street, featuring a menu above the entrance. A picturesque building with a brick facade stands beside a canal, surrounded by a few trees and people walking nearby. People are relaxing by a canal on a sunny day, with buildings and a blue sky in the background.

5/14/25 →

“Kyle Goon: The Baltimore ‘O!’ is about community pride. Don’t lecture us about it.”

We’re here, we’re proud of the place we live, and we want it to thrive. (…) The “O!” is a Baltimore thing. It’s a Maryland thing. It’s about a shared identity and community that we’re all rooting for, which is patriotic in and of itself.

[≠

5/11/25 →

Very happy to be home 🏡 🛬

A New Yorker magazine cover features an abstract design with a silhouette of a person holding a baseball bat against a patterned background. A stylized illustration on a magazine cover features an art deco design with geometric shapes, displaying the title "The New Yorker" and the date May 15, 2023.

5/9/25 →

Food, it’s good!

A person wearing sunglasses is sitting outdoors, drinking from a large container with a straw.

5/9/25 →

Half day in Baltimore’s inner harbor and discovering Pratt Street Farmer’s Market for lunch (aka Charm City)

A street scene features a curved road leading to a pedestrian crossing, surrounded by brick buildings and trees under a partly cloudy sky. A waterfront scene features modern buildings, calm water, and the Maryland state flag flying prominently. Skyscrapers and a building with the sign "IT'SUGAR" are set against a blue sky with clouds. A colorful "Visit Baltimore" sign stands in a grassy area surrounded by trees and urban buildings. A waterfront scene features calm water, city buildings in the distance, and a clear sky with scattered clouds. A waterfront scene featuring boats docked near a brick pathway, modern buildings, and a blue sky with scattered clouds. A historic brick building with large smokestacks is reflected in a body of water, set against a partly cloudy blue sky. A street scene features a brick-paved pathway lined with modern buildings and outdoor seating, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. People are gathered around food trucks and a menu board in a brick-paved urban area under a partly cloudy sky. A lively outdoor market features people walking among vendor booths and tents on a sunny day. A traffic utility box covered in graffiti art featuring a detailed portrait is situated on a street corner next to a blue vehicle. Two people walk towards a waterfront with a large sailing ship docked nearby on a sunny day. A museum exhibit features various dinosaur skeletons and fossils displayed in a spacious hall with large windows. A street scene features a row of brick houses with trees and a parked car in the foreground.

5/9/25 →

Day out to Washington DC: always like the architecture and being able to walk all around!

Local DC Bros are the worst, local city folks are the best!

A café counter displays a menu board with various food and drink options, alongside pastries, snacks, and a selection of cookies in the foreground. A train interior features a staircase with a sign reading "NO SITTING or STANDING on STAIRS," leading to seats filled with passengers. The United States Capitol building is seen under a dramatic cloudy sky, surrounded by greenery and pathways. Several people walk towards a large historic building with three American flags and a prominent statue in front, under a partly cloudy sky. A spacious hall features an ornate, domed ceiling with people walking or gathered near a modern, green glass installation on the marble floor. A modern architectural complex features circular-topped buildings with a mix of curved and straight lines, set against a cloudy sky and framed by wide stone steps. A person stands at a crosswalk facing the U.S. Capitol building under a cloudy sky. A historic building with tall columns stands on a sunny street lined with parked cars and other urban structures under a clear blue sky. A street scene features the corner of a building with "Hotel Harrington" signage and a few pedestrians near a crosswalk. A bustling street scene features a colorful Chinatown gate with construction workers, orange cones, and modern buildings in the background. Several flags are displayed on tall poles along a pathway, with a building in the background under a cloudy sky. A stone building facade features a central doorway with the word "COMMISSION" above it, flanked by decorative lamps and steps leading up, with an architectural relief above. A bustling urban street features historic red-brick buildings, a pointed tower, pedestrians, and traffic under a partly cloudy sky. A colorful, urban building with sports-related murals stands on a city street corner under a clear sky.