Culture & Connection

Photography has always been my trusted companion on journeys, seeing with me through lenses and helping me capture moments I would later cherish. Yet, as I dove deeper into diverse cultures, the more it became apparent that snapping photos involves more than just clicking a shutter. It's a delicate act of storytelling—one that must respect its subjects and their world.

Tea has always been my trusted travel companion, offering me comfort and warmth in far-flung places. Through my journeys, I’ve come to appreciate that a cup of tea is a reflection of culture and tradition. Each country, it seems, pours something uniquely their own into the interplay of tea leaves, water, and time.

When I think about the places that have left the deepest marks on me, it isn’t just landscapes or monuments that come to mind. It’s hands. The calloused, patient hands of artisans who shape, weave, carve, and cook—transforming raw materials into vessels of culture.

There’s something unforgettable about being pulled into a circle of people, whether you’re huddled around a campfire, gathered in a living room, or standing in a crowded square. Words float into the air, carrying laughter, wisdom, and emotion that feel bigger than language itself. My first encounter with a story circle happened by accident—while detouring through a small Moroccan village. I thought I was just passing through, but those hours in that circle became the highlight of my entire trip.

Traveling can be as illuminating as flipping through the most vivid pages of a novel. It's not just about moving through different time zones or capturing selfies at iconic landmarks; it's about immersing yourself in the subtle symphony of cultures, ways of life, and sometimes, unspoken customs.