TravelMAY 7, 2016

4 Years Ago, I Left The U.s. To Explore The World. These 35 Photos Showcase My Experience

Four years ago, at age 19, I left the United States to explore other countries. Because I’m a plant-based chef and holistic healer of various modalities, I was able to live in countries like Costa Rica, Thailand, and Africa for extended periods of time by working at holistic healing centers.

Most days, I’d create top-notch plant-based cuisine, but in my spare time, I’d go on hikes, jump off waterfalls, and backpack to areas of interest.

In Cambodia, for example, I stayed in Siem Reap for a couple of weeks (to see Angkor Wat, of course), then ventured to Phnom Penh to volunteer at an AIDs orphanage. In Thailand, I was the executive chef of a holistic cancer clinic but took time off to experience the floating markets.

In Costa Rica - where I lived for a year and a half - I met people from all around the globe who are inspired to live their best lives, then took intermittent trips to Panama for visa runs.

Bali, Indonesia, had its own perks, as well. Ubud, for example, is a mecca for health-minded foodies and yogis, but my favorite days were spent in isolation on the rice paddy fields.

Kenya, Africa, was by far my favorite place to visit. Luckily, I learned how to take better photos by the time I ventured to the Maasai Mara Reserve for a safari. Between the African people, the breathtaking scenery, and the majestic animals, it was beyond what I had hoped for.

I’m sharing this collection of photos because I find art and purpose in every experience and learned SO much from my travels abroad. I hope you, too, take the time to mix pleasure and purpose while you live your life to the fullest.

More info: bloomforlife.org