Kesi To and Fro Blog
Couchsurfing Host in the Democratic Republic of Congo
My favorite part about backpacking is meeting new people and learning their stories. "Local Lingo" is a part of my site that interviews individuals from all over the world who have made an impact on me. Not everyone gets the chance to interact with locals while they...
Congo Gorilla Trekking – Backpacker’s Guide to Gorilla Tours
Before I left on my backpacking trip to Africa, I promised my mother that I would not visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), since the Congo is known for political instability, corruption, and violence. Well – sorry mom - looks like I broke that promise....
Inca Trail Booking 101
The Inca Trail hike with my 66-year-old mother is be an experience I will never forget. Before I started my RTW journey I asked my mom if she wanted to do the Inca Trail trek and Machu Picchu together. She immediately said yes, even though she had no idea what the...
Sailing the Gitano Del Mar from Panama to Colombia
There are three options to cross from Central America to South America. The Death Option – overland travel via the Darien Gap. Crossing the Darien Gap is only for the overly adventurous type due to the risk of kidnappings, treacherous jungle, crazed drug traffickers,...
Top Ten Most Memorable Things from Guatemala and Nicaragua
I have started a new love affair with Central America. I spent almost one month in Guatemala and Nicaragua, but that was not nearly enough. When I started my RTW trip I assumed one year would be plenty of time, but now I realize more time is needed, especially for an...
A Day Visiting Semuc Champey
My current setting – rocking back and forth on a hammock, disconnected from the outside world, listening to rain pouring down. I just finished a fun filled day at Semuc Champey in Guatemala. I arrived at El Muro hostel in Lanquin after an 8 hour bus ride from Antigua....
A Day in the Life of An Expat Studying Spanish in Antigua
I am so happy I decided to come to Guatemala! The past two weeks have been a nice change of pace from my time in Europe. One of the goals of my RTW trip is to learn Spanish. I decided to start my Central/South America adventures by taking Spanish classes at The...
Reflecting on 3 Months in Europe
I just finished traveling across Europe for 3 months. When I booked this trip last March I made a plan that I didn’t follow: If you look at my itinerary you might be confused that I went around in circles and my route looks very inefficient. Although I probably...
Bilbao, Spain – The Silicon Valley of Food
One of my favorite things to spend money on while traveling is food! At the end of July I was in Madrid and had a great culinary journey. I love trying new foods, so Madrid was perfect with tapas all over. Later in the summer I met a Spanish guy in Croatia who told me...