About Me

Hello, there! My name is Aries, and I am the guy behind this humble little travel blog. I started this blog purely as a hobby to document the travels I did with my wonderful husband, Brian. Being able to travel is a true privilege, so I don’t take anything for granted. Good or not, I treated each trip like an assignment to learn and explore. Friends and family often joked that I never took a vacation for relaxation, and I always came back feeling even more exhausted. My fast-paced travel style is exhausting, but it is also deeply fulfilling. Whether you're an avid traveler or just curious-minded, I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do.

Like many travel enthusiasts, I was lucky to have parents who wanted their kids to be exposed to the outside world. Even though I had a highly regimented childhood, they always made a point to take us on trips to faraway, if not exotic, places. I discovered the joy of independent travel when I spent a summer studying abroad in Rome. I could still vividly remember the excitement of being in the Eternal City as a wide-eyed twenty-year-old, mesmerized not only by the gorgeous architecture but also by the cultural differences. Fast forward a few years, and I was offered an opportunity to be an exchange student in Moscow. My experience in Russia turbocharged my fascinations with places less traveled.

Where Have I Been Thus Far?

As a small-time travel blogger who does not rely on blogging for income, I have the luxury of only writing about places and things that interest me. You will not see any posts on affiliated link-laden packing lists or recommendations for specific SIM cards, VPNs, or travel insurance. A travel blogger once told me that it is essential to identify your target audience; the more niche it is, the better you can monetize the content. So, who am I writing this blog for? I must admit I primarily write for myself. By writing about our travel, I get to delve deeper into a place’s history and culture. Blogging helps me travel with purpose and brings me so much joy. So if you are reading this blog, I want to thank you for joining me in the travel journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The name of the blog was taken from a beloved late 19th-century Estonian folk song. As an avowed Estophile, my favorite travel experience of all time was to the 27th Estonian National Song and Dance Festival. It is a singularly the most moving cultural experience I have ever witnessed, and yet it is virtually unknown among foreign travelers. Tuljak was a perennial favorite among Estonians and is often performed as the final dance at the Estonian Dance Festival. My experience at this festival epitomizes the joy of travel and cultural discovery. You could read more about my love of Estonia and the Baltic national song festival here.

    In hindsight, naming a blog after an Estonian song may not have been the best branding decision, but it holds a great deal of meaning for me.

  • Although I enjoyed popular destinations, such as Japan or Italy, I have developed an affinity for less well-traveled places. To date, my favorite travel destinations include Oman, Estonia, and Georgia. While not undiscovered, these countries are content to fly under the radar.

  • I was born and raised in Taiwan, an island nation of 23 million located across the strait from China. My family immigrated to the United States when I was sixteen, and subsequently moved to Illinois and New York City for school. Nowadays, my husband and I live in Westchester County, New York, and commute to work in Manhattan on most workdays.

  • I have a full-time job working as a licensed architect in New York. My company has a relatively generous PTO (paid time off) policies by American standards.