A microcosm of what is to come; Bombay Beach and the [Sultan Sea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Sea) demonstrate the power of agricultural runoff to turn thriving ecosystems into dead-zones. What was once a bustling fresh-water lake destination in the 1960s is now twice the salinity of the ocean and without wildlife. Artists, and other interesting people call this area their home.


Bombay Beach

COVID happened -- and just like everyone else, we thought to go on national park camping road-trip.  
&nbsp;  
Our drive took us through the desserts of Arizona, the rolling hills of New Mexico, towards the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado, and through Utah to Zion and Grand Canyon. Along the way we encountered siblings, friends, and a kind family from Texas that was excited to exchange pictures.


Southwest USA

Another work trip to Norway, another opportunity to travel and see some nature.  
&nbsp;  
I met my partner in Berlin where we explored the markets, dined at cafes, relaxed in parks, and walked around museums until our feet were numb. Then, we headed up north to visit the Norwegian fjords.  
&nbsp;  
The natural beauty of the fjords was unlike anything I had seen before; each turn in the road exposed simply jaw-dropping views of teal water, green hills, and snowcapped mountains.


Berlin & Norway pt. 2 

A month into my job at Aquabyte came my first trip to Bergen, Norway - home to our Norwegian subsidiary and our first customers.  
&nbsp;  
Though most of my time was spent in our Bergen office, I ventured out for snowboarding, visited a fish farm, and spent time at our hardware testing facility.  
&nbsp;  
Having nothing but the best things to say of the country and my coworkers, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.


Norway

It is safe to say that the culture of the Philippine Islands has survived through the decades Spanish, British, and American rule. The food is diverse. The markets are bustling. The loose dogs are many. The children are curious. And the beaches are unreal. Weeks after our return, the country is remembered for what matters most: the locals are relentlessly hospitable, and beyond eager to introduce visitors to the beauty of their country. The neighborhood karaoke stars, boat captains, and tricycle drivers simply want nothing more than to see a smile across your face.  
&nbsp;  
_Dedicated to David J. Levy, my grandfather and survivor of the Bataan Death March. He was my same age when he went to the Philippines under very different circumstances. It is due to his survival of five years a prisoner of war that I am able to go back, in the utmost comfort, almost eighty years later._



Philippines

I made my way to Cuba during the brief period after Obama opened travel, before Trump shut it down.  
&nbsp;  
It is hard **not** to have an adventure in Cuba. Banking, internet, water, and transportation are less predictable than our president himself. It is not the hardest place to travel, but don't expect it to be the most relaxing either.  
&nbsp;  
Eurpean tourism continued to run rampant even during the cold war, and it shows. However, once you grow accustomed to locals calling 'hey friend' asking for cash, the country takes on a life of it's own.  
&nbsp;  
Bike ride along the Trinidad coastline, take self-guided tours through tobacco farms of Viñales, and don't have any expectation of seatbelts.


Cuba

Panama has come to represent the most industrious and westernized capital of Central America. The North American influence is strong; stronger than any other country I have been to south of our border. Outside of Panama City the islands are the main attractions: Bocas Del Toro is fit for party goers, while the San Blas islands are among the most remote and beautiful in the world.



Panama

In Costa Rica, there is life around you at all times.  
&nbsp;  
Once day while walking across the beach, the ground suddenly began to move as hundreds of crabs scattered away. My mind was blown having never seen anything like it. Frogs hopping along sidewalks were as common as stop signs. And more than once, an iguana would appear in the town going about their day.


Costa Rica

Colombia may be best known for its salsa dancing and tumultuous history with drug cartels. It also has some of the most gorgeous natural landscapes I've ever seen, and is a fascinating mix of European influence and Latin culture. 


Colombia

Peru is a special place. We happened to be in Cusco for the annual sun festival, and were lucky enough to witness the massive display of native culture. The sand dunes of Huacachina were unlike anything I had seen, and I appreciated their height even before suffering a minor concussion snowboarding down one. My biggest learning of Peru, frankly, was to never rent a car in a foreign country without reading up on the traffic and driving norms.


Peru

Before my Senior year of college, a "Stanford Overseas Seminar" brought me to Cambodia for 2 weeks. Each hot summer day holds a special place in my heart, and fundamentally shifted my view of the world in its own way. The trip taught me how little I knew of how others live, and how to live myself.  
&nbsp;  
On a small island in the middle of the Mekong, life beyond doesn't matter so long as you can craft a boat with your own hands, plow your own fields, and play soccer with the neighbors.


Cambodia

While in Munich for a university project, my project team and I decided to take a quick detour and visit Sicily. The town we visited was beautiful located on the beach, and felt like there was almost no tourism. It was incredible, albeit shortly lived.


Sicily

In Fall 2014, I studied abroad in Berlin. It was the most formative quarter of my time at university, and one of the best decisions I've made. Several of these photos are from a brief trip to Prague.
