Italy has always held a special place in my heart, a country that draws me back time and again with its extraordinary food, the weight of history in every stone, and the way Italians understand, better than anyone, that life is meant to be lived fully. This summer I am returning for a full month, with more time than I have ever had to explore, wander and absorb. I am beginning in the north, spending time in Venice, Cinque Terre, Milan and Verona before making my way to Florence, one of my favorite cities in the world. My journey ends in Rome, the Eternal City, where I will finally have the time to explore corners of the city I have never seen. This is my ritorno in Italia.

I have always loved the magic of the holiday season, from childhood traditions to the ones I have built over the years. Seattle has always been home, and every Christmas until now has been spent there. After a busy year of theatre and photography, I decided to treat myself and experience the holidays in New York City. I had visited many times before, but never in December. Years of holiday films set in Manhattan filled my imagination and set the stage for what I hoped would be a truly cinematic Christmas.

Kyoto is a city that lingers in the heart, where ancient temples, serene gardens, and living traditions invite you to slow down and take notice. On this return visit, I explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion, taking in both the stillness and the spirit of the city. Kyoto doesn’t dazzle with spectacle; it reveals itself in quiet, thoughtful moments that stay with you long after you’ve left.

I experienced the magic of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto not once, but twice. First on a peaceful early morning guided tour, and later on a solo evening hike through thousands of torii gates to the summit under the night sky and lantern lights.

Recently, I returned to Hiroshima and Miyajima, two places that allowed me to slow down and absorb their history and beauty. Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park moved me with its solemn tribute to the past, while Miyajima's serene atmosphere and iconic floating shrine provided the perfect space to reflect, capture a long-awaited photograph, and feel a deep sense of peace.

Osaka was a city full of surprises … gritty, energetic, and completely different from anywhere else I visited in Japan. From the chaos of Dotonbori to the calm of Nara Park and the timeless beauty of Himeji Castle, each day brought something new.

Located in the Japanese Alps, Nagano is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. It hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and is also home to one of Japan’s more unique sights: the Japanese macaques, or “Snow Monkeys,” who famously soak in hot springs during the cold months.

Tokyo resists easy descriptions. It’s a blend of old and new, where ancient temples meet neon lights and bustling nightlife. It’s a place that’s both orderly and complex, steeped in tradition but also embracing change. People here are proud, searching for a balance in life amidst this crazy metropolis.

I discovered a Tower Records in Tokyo, and, as I stepped into this 8-story golden paradise, my heart was filled with memory and wonder. Each floor offered something different, featuring jazz and classical, J-pop and K-pop. Eventually, I found my way to the vinyl section, and just like that, the teenage version of me began flipping through the bins, wide-eyed and excited.

Amsterdam is the kind of city that rewards having no plan. Over eight days I wandered canals and neighborhoods, discovered a secret Catholic church hidden in an attic, stood transfixed in front of Van Gogh originals, and stumbled into a vintage shop where a pocket watch from the 1920s found its way into my pocket. I also ventured beyond the city to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the car free village of Giethoorn. It was one of those trips that exceeds every expectation and leaves you already planning the return.

Traveling has been an integral part of my life since childhood. My explorations have taken me to 29 countries across six continents, and I’m always looking for my next great adventure. Traveling has broadened my horizons and introduced me to the beauty of our world and the many cultures that inhabit it.