31 Countries in 31 Years

Each birthday I try to do some self-reflection on what I’ve accomplished in my past, where I’m at in my present, and what I’m looking forward to in my future. This year, I’ve been reflecting a lot on my past and one of the things I’m most proud of in my life is seeing different parts of the world. Despite being the most airsick-prone traveler as a kid (always throwing up from nausea), hating being on planes, and never wanting to break away from my routine at home - I’m proud to say that I’ve never let any of that stop me from traveling.

I’ve been to 6 out of 7 continents, 31 out of 195 countries, and on roughly 100 million planes (at least it feels that way). I’ve learned that you can “see” how other people live in movies or videos or pictures, but you don’t really “see” it until you’re witnessing it with your own eyes, actually smelling the smells, hearing the noises, feeling the goosebumps on your skin firsthand. I’ve seen poverty - people living in tarps in Cambodia and shacks in the Philippines. I’ve seen wealth and abundance - people dressed to the nines and hotels made of gold in Singapore and Dubai. My travels have shaped me so much as a person - they’ve expanded my worldview and taught me how to have humility and compassion for others, and a respect for different beliefs and ways of life. And the best part is that there’s always more “world” to see. Being on this planet is a never-ending journey of not only physical discovery, but self-discovery too. And if I can cover 31 countries in 31 years, imagine what I can cover over the next few decades :)

One of my life goals is to always have visited at least as many countries as my age. This year, I plan on visiting at least 3 new countries, so I’ll be well past my goal! This year, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the 31 countries I’ve been to (in no particular order) and share ONE picture and ONE memory that stands out to me about that country. Each country I’ve visited holds a special place in my heart and I hope others can find some travel inspiration from my experiences. Here’s to another year of adventures! Xoxo

1. HONG KONGFavorite Memory: Living with my grandparents for a few months in summer 2010. I loved taking the bus to run errands at different wet markets and shopping centers with my Poa Poa. During our bus rides together, she told me interesting sto… — **1. HONG KONG**
**Favorite Memory:** Living with my grandparents for a few months in summer 2010. I loved taking the bus to run errands at different wet markets and shopping centers with my Poa Poa. During our bus rides together, she told me interesting stories and I learned so much about her. I also loved seeing movies with my Gong Gong - that summer we saw Avatar together and we loved it.

2. MALAYSIAFavorite Memory: Malaysia will forever remind me of the time I spent with my Ah Zhou (great-grandmother). I’ll always remember how much she cared about greeting us hello and saying goodbye; she always waited for us to arrive at the airpor… — **2. MALAYSIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Malaysia will forever remind me of the time I spent with my Ah Zhou (great-grandmother). I’ll always remember how much she cared about greeting us hello and saying goodbye; she always waited for us to arrive at the airport just beyond the glass doors, and my last image is of her standing at her front door, smiling while waving us goodbye.

3. SINGAPOREFavorite Memory: Exactly 10 years ago, I celebrated my 21st birthday with my amazing study abroad friends in Singapore. They surprised me with a heart-shaped cake, and that night we went out and danced the night away. When I think of tha… — **3. SINGAPORE**
**Favorite Memory:** Exactly 10 years ago, I celebrated my 21st birthday with my amazing study abroad friends in Singapore. They surprised me with a heart-shaped cake, and that night we went out and danced the night away. When I think of that night, I only remember feeling genuinely happy and giddy with excitement.

4. THAILANDFavorite Memory: Cliff jumping in Koh Phi Phi, the most beautiful and stunning islands I’ve ever been to in my life. I jumped from a pretty high cliff and ended up spraining my tail bone because I hit the water so hard. It was worth it, a… — **4. THAILAND**
**Favorite Memory:** Cliff jumping in Koh Phi Phi, the most beautiful and stunning islands I’ve ever been to in my life. I jumped from a pretty high cliff and ended up spraining my tail bone because I hit the water so hard. It was worth it, although I would **never** do it again - what were we thinking?! Oh, and staying in random Thai hostels with my friends for like $5 a night.

7. CHINAFavorite Memory: Visiting the Great Wall with my Poa Poa. It was truly one of the coolest moments of my life. I remember feeling overwhelmed and exasperated by the beauty of it. I visited it again 6 years later, but nothing compares to the f… — **7. CHINA**
**Favorite Memory:** Visiting the Great Wall with my Poa Poa. It was truly one of the coolest moments of my life. I remember feeling overwhelmed and exasperated by the beauty of it. I visited it again 6 years later, but nothing compares to the first time seeing it - it literally took my breath away.

10. CAMBODIAFavorite Memory: Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat and exploring the ruins all day in the sweltering heat! The temples were absolutely massive and beautiful; this is where they filmed Tomb Raider too. Visiting Cambodia was one of the … — **10. CAMBODIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat and exploring the ruins all day in the sweltering heat! The temples were absolutely massive and beautiful; this is where they filmed Tomb Raider too. Visiting Cambodia was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.

13. FRANCEFavorite Memory: Going up the Eiffel Tower and seeing the view of course! It was so gorgeous and even though it was a cloudy day, it was still magical. The tower was weirdly both bigger and smaller than I expected it to be! — **13. FRANCE**
**Favorite Memory:** Going up the Eiffel Tower and seeing the view of course! It was so gorgeous and even though it was a cloudy day, it was still magical. The tower was weirdly both bigger and smaller than I expected it to be!

16. ITALYFavorite Memory: Of all the beautiful photos and things we saw in Italy, I HAVE to choose this one. I’ll never forget sitting in this little boat and laying down flat on my back to go into the Blue Grotto - but the best part was that my Poa… — **16. ITALY**
**Favorite Memory:** Of all the beautiful photos and things we saw in Italy, I HAVE to choose this one. I’ll never forget sitting in this little boat and laying down flat on my back to go into the Blue Grotto - but the best part was that my Poa Poa did it too. If that’s not courage, I don’t know what is!

19. GERMANYFavorite Memory: Freezing our BUNS off in -2 degrees Celsius weather! I want to go back to see more of Germany, but on this occasion I remember walking through town with no jackets and buying socks and soup from this market. — **19. GERMANY**
**Favorite Memory:** Freezing our BUNS off in -2 degrees Celsius weather! I want to go back to see more of Germany, but on this occasion I remember walking through town with no jackets and buying socks and soup from this market.

22. MEXICOFavorite Memory: Eating at the same restaurant multiple times because we liked it so much and didn’t have many other options! We had the funniest waiter and just remember eating lots of chips and guac throughout this particular trip. — **22. MEXICO**
**Favorite Memory:** Eating at the same restaurant multiple times because we liked it so much and didn’t have many other options! We had the funniest waiter and just remember eating lots of chips and guac throughout this particular trip.

25. COSTA RICAFavorite Memory: Hiking through a gorgeous rainforest with the most passionate tour guide ever, and getting to swim in the waterfalls. Also seeing the most gigantic lizards! — **25. COSTA RICA**
**Favorite Memory:** Hiking through a gorgeous rainforest with the most passionate tour guide ever, and getting to swim in the waterfalls. Also seeing the most gigantic lizards!

28. JAPANFavorite Memory: Getting completely lost in the Tokyo Station and going in circles for hours. At the time we were frustrated but looking back all we can do is laugh about it. Japan is one of our top two favorite places because of how unique… — **28. JAPAN**
**Favorite Memory:** Getting completely lost in the Tokyo Station and going in circles for hours. At the time we were frustrated but looking back all we can do is laugh about it. Japan is one of our top two favorite places because of how unique it is (and I love how clean and orderly it is too!).

31. THE PHILIPPINESFavorite Memory: Going on a boats all day long with my study abroad friends around the Palawan islands in El Nido. We stayed in a really cheap hostel in a remote village, where we woke up to the sounds of chickens next door. The w… — **31. THE PHILIPPINES**
**Favorite Memory:** Going on a boats all day long with my study abroad friends around the Palawan islands in El Nido. We stayed in a really cheap hostel in a remote village, where we woke up to the sounds of chickens next door. The water was warm and clear and the islands were untouched - heaven on earth.

5. TAIWANFavorite Memory: Exploring temples and night markets while laughing with my grandparents. Also (not pictured here) but also a standout memory was doing a photo shoot where I got to choose my dress, get my makeup and hair done, and feel like… — **5. TAIWAN**
**Favorite Memory:** Exploring temples and night markets while laughing with my grandparents. Also (not pictured here) but also a standout memory was doing a photo shoot where I got to choose my dress, get my makeup and hair done, and feel like a legit model for the day. I’ll always cherish those photos and that experience of feeling like a princess.

8. INDONESIAFavorite Memory: Sunrise volcano hike up Mt. Batur in Bali with my study abroad friends. We started the hike at 4am in pitch dark. At the top it was so peaceful; we were in the clouds. Our guide gave us banana sandwiches to eat while we … — **8. INDONESIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Sunrise volcano hike up Mt. Batur in Bali with my study abroad friends. We started the hike at 4am in pitch dark. At the top it was so peaceful; we were in the clouds. Our guide gave us banana sandwiches to eat while we watched the volcano sunrise.

11. CROATIAFavorite Memory: Biking around the Croatian countryside in Konavle and going “wine-tasting” with my family at random stops. I’ll never forget the orange-capped buildings, deep blue water, and gargantuan stone gates and buildings everywher… — **11. CROATIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Biking around the Croatian countryside in Konavle and going “wine-tasting” with my family at random stops. I’ll never forget the orange-capped buildings, deep blue water, and gargantuan stone gates and buildings everywhere.

14. MALTAFavorite Memory: Sitting on the water and watching Derek jump into the Mediterranean sea for a swim (still can’t believe he did that). I remember that it was really hot and the town was like a maze of alley ways. — **14. MALTA**
**Favorite Memory:** Sitting on the water and watching Derek jump into the Mediterranean sea for a swim (still can’t believe he did that). I remember that it was really hot and the town was like a maze of alley ways.

17. GREECEFavorite Memory: Derek getting his shirt stolen by a dog in Mykonos. This dog was following us EVERYWHERE and would not leave us alone! I don’t even remember how it happened, but all I know is the dog took his shirt somehow and my family t… — **17. GREECE**
**Favorite Memory:** Derek getting his shirt stolen by a dog in Mykonos. This dog was following us EVERYWHERE and would not leave us alone! I don’t even remember how it happened, but all I know is the dog took his shirt somehow and my family thought the story was hilarious.

20. SOUTH AFRICAFavorite Memory: If I had to pick one, it would be sitting here at the Cape of Good Hope, where I’ve never seen the sky and water so blue. We hiked to the lighthouse and then came down to stare at the scenery. Absolutely incredible. — **20. SOUTH AFRICA**
**Favorite Memory:** If I had to pick one, it would be sitting here at the Cape of Good Hope, where I’ve never seen the sky and water so blue. We hiked to the lighthouse and then came down to stare at the scenery. Absolutely incredible.

23. IRELANDFavorite Memory: My sister in law’s wedding in Galway, celebrating with the whole family! Other than that, venturing around Dublin on my own - I remember going to a coffee shop and reading while drinking hot cocoa and it was so relaxing. — **23. IRELAND**
**Favorite Memory:** My sister in law’s wedding in Galway, celebrating with the whole family! Other than that, venturing around Dublin on my own - I remember going to a coffee shop and reading while drinking hot cocoa and it was so relaxing.

26. AUSTRALIAFavorite Memory: Taking a train to Bondi Beach, then getting my nails done and eating an acai bowl. Bondi was so massive and the water was picturesque. I spent a few weeks here by myself for work and ventured every chance I could. — **26. AUSTRALIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Taking a train to Bondi Beach, then getting my nails done and eating an acai bowl. Bondi was so massive and the water was picturesque. I spent a few weeks here by myself for work and ventured every chance I could.

29. FRENCH POLYNESIAFavorite Memory: Playing catch at the pool and literally laying around doing nothing all day. Tahiti was more secluded than expected but really beautiful, even in February, although it rained almost each day. This was one of the … — **29. FRENCH POLYNESIA**
**Favorite Memory:** Playing catch at the pool and literally laying around doing nothing all day. Tahiti was more secluded than expected but really beautiful, even in February, although it rained almost each day. This was one of the few afternoons where we got some hot sun!

6. SOUTH KOREAFavorite Memory: Wandering through the endless mazes of night markets in Myeong-dong. They even sold fresh roasted sweet potato at some of the stalls, and it was melt in your mouth delicious. I came here in 2010 with my mom and had a b… — **6. SOUTH KOREA**
**Favorite Memory:** Wandering through the endless mazes of night markets in Myeong-dong. They even sold fresh roasted sweet potato at some of the stalls, and it was melt in your mouth delicious. I came here in 2010 with my mom and had a blast then, but coming back 10 years later was fascinating too and undoubtedly one of my favorite trips ever.

9. VIETNAMFavorite Memory: Going into the underground Cuchi tunnels that were built during the Vietnam War. They were so narrow and dark - it was eerie and eye-opening and scary all at the same time. I also loved eating authentic pho and taking a bo… — **9. VIETNAM**
**Favorite Memory:** Going into the underground Cuchi tunnels that were built during the Vietnam War. They were so narrow and dark - it was eerie and eye-opening and scary all at the same time. I also loved eating authentic pho and taking a boat down the Mekong River.

12. ENGLANDFavorite Memory: Exploring the Harry Potter museum, which was way cooler than I expected. We took a train to the middle of nowhere to get to it, and it was like being in a different world. For some reason we died laughing at a photo of us… — **12. ENGLAND**
**Favorite Memory:** Exploring the Harry Potter museum, which was way cooler than I expected. We took a train to the middle of nowhere to get to it, and it was like being in a different world. For some reason we died laughing at a photo of us that they titled “Have you seen these witches?”

15. SPAINFavorite Memory: I’ll never forget the vibrancy of colors at one of the biggest Barcelona food markets I’ve ever been to. We had fruit juice and crepes and tons of delicious stuff… it was truly a food haven! — **15. SPAIN**
**Favorite Memory:** I’ll never forget the vibrancy of colors at one of the biggest Barcelona food markets I’ve ever been to. We had fruit juice and crepes and tons of delicious stuff… it was truly a food haven!

18. TURKEYFavorite Memory: The ruins in Ephesus, by far, was one of the coolest places. I remember seeing a bunch of holes in one of the old bath house structures, which was their toilet area, and for some reason I thought that was so neat! Loved le… — **18. TURKEY**
**Favorite Memory:** The ruins in Ephesus, by far, was one of the coolest places. I remember seeing a bunch of holes in one of the old bath house structures, which was their toilet area, and for some reason I thought that was so neat! Loved learning about Turkey’s history.

21. ECUADORFavorite Memory: Swinging at the top of the world with my sister. I almost passed out from excitement when I discovered this swing set existed. I could not believe the view and the swing itself wasn’t as scary as it looked! — **21. ECUADOR**
**Favorite Memory:** Swinging at the top of the world with my sister. I almost passed out from excitement when I discovered this swing set existed. I could not believe the view and the swing itself wasn’t as scary as it looked!

24. CANADAFavorite Memory: Sitting on a bench here at Granville Island, eating a delicious soup for lunch while overlooking the water and this view. I remember feeling so content and at ease. This was during my solo trip to Vancouver one weekend - a… — **24. CANADA**
**Favorite Memory:** Sitting on a bench here at Granville Island, eating a delicious soup for lunch while overlooking the water and this view. I remember feeling so content and at ease. This was during my solo trip to Vancouver one weekend - and I loved every second of it.

27. NEW ZEALANDFavorite Memory: Taking this boat to Rangitoto Island and seeing the view of downtown Auckland from across the water. I also loved running around Auckland in the mornings and was amazed at how many shops there were. — **27. NEW ZEALAND**
**Favorite Memory:** Taking this boat to Rangitoto Island and seeing the view of downtown Auckland from across the water. I also loved running around Auckland in the mornings and was amazed at how many shops there were.

30. UNITED ARAB EMIRATESFavorite Memory: Riding camels through the desert (not pictured) which was SO COOL and then having a bedouin-inspired dinner after. We met some really great people that night and just remember being so happy here, knowing I w… — **30. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES**
**Favorite Memory:** Riding camels through the desert (not pictured) which was SO COOL and then having a bedouin-inspired dinner after. We met some really great people that night and just remember being so happy here, knowing I was in the middle of the desert, near Dubai, with two people I love so much.

Renee PiresFebruary 22, 2020