Stories as souvenirs & homecomings—002
A U.S travel diary and the upcoming launch of Crush Concierge.
what’s on my mind.
I’ve just sat down after a 10k run around my neighborhood in Barcelona. I’ve always enjoyed running but lately it’s my happy place of presence. I can throw on some music or a podcast and just get lost weaving through streets aimlessly.
On today’s run, I tuned into Jay Shetty’s conversation with Deepak Chopra on a somewhat surprising conversation—“How to Ask AI the RIGHT Questions To Grow, Heal, and Live a More Fulfilled Life”.
One thing that stuck with me was the following statement (watch this part of the conversation):
“to be human is to have a story.”
The phrase relates back to the concept of ‘sonder,’ which I love so deeply. By definition, it means ‘the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own’.
When you come to understand this, you realize that you are an extra in the background of everyone else’s story. But the act of conversation and connection can break that barrier and invite you into the supporting cast of that person’s life—momentarily or permanently.
When I travel, the souvenirs that I collect are experiences and stories. Stories of my own and those that I have the privilege to hear from other travelers or locals that cross my path.
If we set out on a trip with awareness of those around us and a clear intention, it can lead to expansion of the mind, heart and soul. It doesn’t have to be a prolific, life-altering conversation. It could be a simple exchange that made you smile or brightened someone’s day.
We crave human connection, yet when we travel to new places—either solo, with a partner, or with friends—we often get wrapped up in an itinerary, seeing the sights, capturing the photo, and moving quickly from one destination to the next. In doing so, sometimes we miss the quiet magic of the in-between moments: an exchange with the barista, the life story of your tour guide, a conversation with your cab driver.
These conversations act as a reminder that every place is made up of people, and those people are shaped by their own stories.
energy givers/drainers
👍🏼 roadtrip planning, showing up for friends, coffee dates, two year anniversary
👎🏼 accidentally deleting all of your files off your camera (thankfully recovered!!!)
where i’ve been.
We landed in America in March to spend some time with my family in Florida and Tennessee, went on a cruise for work, and ended with a week in New York. I’ve pulled a couple of my favorite stops along the way.
✷ orlando, florida
A trip back to my orlando hometown typically includes thrifting, a day on the river, and a whole lot of sweet treats. Most people know the city for the theme parks but there’s a lot more to it with a wildly growing Michelin-approved food scene, independent shops popping up, and accessible access to some of the most scenic nature adventures along the Wekiva River.
food & drinks — the salty donut, east end market, valhalla bakery (vegan!!), the moderne, kaya, new general, black phin, buttermilk bakery, d.b.a, alfies hi fi, otto’s high dive
not amusement parks — wekiva island, farmers markets, kennedy space center, orlando science center, artifact candle, enzian theater, all fired up, lake eola, new smyrna beach
souvenirs — house on lang, gold dust home, miscellaneous market, neighbors, owl’s attic, park ave cds, bobbles and lace, authentic books, honey house vintage
✷ knoxville + maryville, tennessee
Trips home used to just mean visiting florida (dad, brother, extended family) and texas (mom) but now tennessee has been thrown into the mix with a new family compound. Right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find a cluster of charming towns like Townsend and Maryville that claim to be the “peaceful side of the smokies,” plus the more well-known Knoxville.
food & drinks — (maryville) southern grace coffee, beard brothers coffee, the dancing bear, rt lodge, walnut kitchen, peaceful side social, (knoxville) potchke’s, status dough
sights — (townsend) cade’s cove loop and surrounding great smoky mountains national park, tuckaleechee caverns, parkway drive-in, (pigeon forge) dollywood !!!
souvenirs — (maryville) j. danforth mercantile, dandy lions gifts, neighborly books, so many antique shops, (knoxville) market square farmers market
✷ new york, new york
I spent five years of my life living in this city (well, Brooklyn) and am constantly amazed by the sheer volume of magical small businesses and long lines to wait in. A full guide is on its way but in the meantime, here are some of my favorite spots in the city.
food — leon’s bagels, breakfast by salt’s cure (i waited two hours for these pancakes and yes, it was worth it), edith’s sandwich counter, laser wolf, thai diner, little cupcake bakeshop and some vegan gems including le basque and cloudy donut co.
secondhome stays — the manner, ace hotel, freehand, 11 howard, the ludlow, the bowery, fouquet’s new york, nine orchard
souvenirs — the meadow (chocolate shop!), big night, bury your dead downwind, love adorned, corridor, airmail, spirited away na bottle shop, gem home
where i’m going.
Ireland. Boy, planning a trip with your family is hard! I’ve just finished our itinerary for my dad and stepmom’s first trip to Ireland. We’ll be heading to Dublin, Galway, Doolin, Killarney, and Cork. One hotel I’m looking forward to staying in while we’re there? Number 31 townhouse in Dublin.
Greece. We’ve also just booked our summer trip to Athens and Paros for a friend’s 30th birthday. We’re trying to fit one more island into the mix, so open to suggestions! Athens, and Greece in general, have some of the most incredible design hotels out there. My current obsession that I’ve booked a room at: Mona Athens.
what’s to come.
Crush concierge. Curated trip planning with The Hotel Crush launches next week! Leave the research and local recommendations to us—we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for your next trip. To build up our clientele and gather early reviews, we’ll be offering a friends and family rate before transitioning to fixed pricing. Our process is completely custom, and built by what inspires you. Not sure where you want to go? Just tell us who you’re traveling with and what you're into—we’ll take it from there and send you a tailored list of destination ideas.
✷ hotel crush—of the moment.
The Manner, New York City
I dare say that The Manner is New York’s coolest new hotel. Tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined SoHo street, this boutique gem opened its doors September 2025 and comes from the team behind cult hotel The Standard (recently acquired by Hyatt). This hotel oozes personality, thanks to the Milan-based Hannes Peer design studio. It pays a strong homage to retro charm of the 1970s, brought to life through its color palette and decor. With 97-rooms and an inviting, guest-only lobby lounge called The Apartment, the space literally feels like you’ve stepped into a friend’s home (that happens to have fantastic taste). Don’t miss their beautiful restaurant, The Otter, and the speakeasy, Sloane’s—both open to the public—as well as the recently opened rooftop.
✷ Book your stay at The Manner (please note this is an affiliate link).
So excited for Crush Concierge and love that by outsourcing the expertise of planning, you're helping to create space for more of the "magic of the in-between moments" to connect with other people. I now want to be an extra in as many people's lives as possible!