Around the world in Katie days

07/05/2026

A few perfect days up north in Aitkin filled with long walks with the dogs, gourmet meals lovingly prepared by Jeramy, 4th of July traditions, a boat parade, colorful docks decorating contest, tubing across the lake, and the kind of laughter that comes so easily with good friends.

And just when you think the day couldn’t get any better, Minnesota paints the sky in brilliant shades of hot pink.

Grateful for simple moments that somehow become unforgettable ones. 💜🇺🇸 🎆

07/03/2026

There is always something magical about being up north!

06/22/2026

One last beautiful sunrise over the mountains of Montana to say goodbye to us! What a glorious sight to wake up to 💜

06/22/2026

Montana Adventure Report: Horse Edition

Today was one of my favorite kinds of days, horseback riding!

My sister, aunt and I headed to West Glacier for a two-hour ride that was anything but the typical nose-to-tail trail ride. We spent part of the ride on park land and part on public land, climbing hills, splashing through mud, and stepping over downed trees. It felt like a real adventure instead of just a scenic stroll.

By the end, we were that perfect kind of tired—the kind that comes from fresh mountain air, good company, and time spent in the saddle.

A huge shout-out to our guide, Luis, who made the ride even more fun with his stories and great sense of humor. If I’m ever back in the area, I’d ride with him again in a heartbeat.

Montana continues to be absolutely magical.

02/22/2026

✨ I’ve always wanted to visit a predominantly Muslim country during Ramadan, have you ever experienced it?

I’m curious…. what was your experience like? Did you love the nighttime energy after iftar, notice changes in daily schedules, or discover any unforgettable cultural moments or meals? Tell me your stories, tips, or surprises in the comments 👇

🕌 Quick Ramadan refresher:
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, the world’s second-largest religion with nearly 2 billion followers. During this sacred time, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of faith, self-discipline, and spiritual reflection. The fast commemorates when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and is meant to foster gratitude, empathy for those in need, and deeper connection to God. Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called iftar — often turning cities into vibrant, festive hubs after dark.

Traveling during Ramadan can offer a beautiful glimpse into local traditions you might never see at any other time of year.

07/09/2025

Vietnam • Day 6 – Hoi An ➡️ Ho Chi Minh City ✈️ part 1

Started the day like a queen with a chef’s kiss breakfast at the hotel, then off to the airport to continue our G Adventures journey.

Plot twist: I got invited into the first class lounge at Da Nang Airport. And listen I leaned right in. Vietnamese coffee in one hand, Vietnamese beer in the other, and a soda water for balance. Hydration, elevation, and caffeination luxury trifecta. 💅

I even took myself on a tour of the lounge because it was that fancy. I may not have been flying first class, but I lived first class for a solid 47 minutes.

Then chaos entered the group chat. Our flight was delayed, we had to change gates, and suddenly it felt like a flash mob at Terminal 2. But we made it. Somehow. Probably because the travel gods were still impressed by my triple beverage strategy.

07/05/2025

Hoping everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!

07/04/2025

06/27/2025

🍜 Day 5, Part 1 – Oodles of Noodles! 🇻🇳
Today we got hands on (and a little messy in the best way) with the Oodles of Noodles experience at Streets International, a powerful Planeterra Project that empowers local youth through hospitality training.

We kicked things off with a delicious 3-stop noodle tasting tour featuring:
🥢 Cao Lau – a Hoi An specialty
🥢 Bun Bo Hue – rich, spicy, and soulful
🥢 Pho Hoian – a local twist on the Vietnamese classic

Then it was off to the market to shop for fresh ingredients before heading back to the kitchen, where we handmade each noodle from scratch! Every bite tells a story and today, we got to be part of it. 💛
I’ll put the YouTube video of Streets International in the first comment. It’s a very powerful story.