Polaroid of the Week: Shoe Shiner at Work with Adorable Pregnant Cat in Mérida's Zócalo

Rather than sharing another Polaroid from Berlin, Ive chosen to highlight my current spot: Brighton, England, where Im spending much of this week. After visiting for Brighton Pride last summer, I never imagined returning so soon—travels often surprise me! (Recall my unexpected Amazon adventure in March? No plans for that either.)Just last week, a beach day in Brighton was the furthest thing from my mind, but Im thrilled with this turn. Summer sunshine finally graced Britain over the weekend, del

We arrived in Buenos Aires last Friday, knowing that Yerba Mate—a traditional herbal, caffeinated infusion—is immensely popular across South Americas southern countries. What surprised us was how ubiquitous it is: locals carry their mate everywhere in a cuia, the hollowed-out gourd used for drinking. For those accustomed to toting a large Starbucks coffee all day, the appeal is relatable—but Porteños take it further, balancing a small gourd in one hand and a giant Thermos of hot water in the ot

With two major posts dropping this weekend, Im sharing this weeks Polaroid a bit early. Ive finally visited Hong Kong—a destination on my bucket list for years. Now, Im wondering why I didnt come sooner! Ill return through here on my way back to Europe, so I took it easy this time. Arriving exhausted after my fifth country this month, I skipped the hikes and long sightseeing treks Id planned. The citys intensity—the crowds, noise, and energy—overwhelmed me for the first two days. It took time