The Luxurious Side of Thailand

August 10, 2017 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

While volunteering at an orphanage in Chiang Rai, Thailand this April and May, I lived in village-like conditions. With that said, I was able to travel during weekends because our foundation did not allow volunteers to stay in the grounds in order to clean, etc.

I visited downtown Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok during my weekends off. Below are some of my favorite photos of my “vacay time,” which was full of affordable three-course meals, rooftop bars and pools, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

An Old City with a New Friend

August 9, 2017 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

As I grow older, my friend circle dwindles down and becomes more tight-knit. This may sound like a bad thing, and at first I thought it was, but I get it now.

I am blessed to have great, close friends in my life who I would do anything for and vice versa.

One of those friends is someone who I met in Sweden. Bethany and I visited each other in Chicago two months ago – I will always cherish our weekend together, full of exchanging study abroad memories, sore feet from walking everywhere, and acknowledging newfound inside jokes!

It was also special because I have been to Chicago several times (many of my favorite childhood memories are from Chi-town) and Bethany had never been there prior to this summer. I was able to show her my favorite places, as well as experience new bars and clubs together!

Bethany, I’m not sure if you’ll see this anytime soon, but thanks for being a gem of a friend! I’m beyond thankful to have met you in Sweden!

Cheers to more adventures together!

Askøy & Bergen, Norway (Part II)

July 24, 2017January 24, 2019 / Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

At the beginning of 2018, I hope to go on a trip to Europe with my brother. He will graduate college in December of this year and has never gone to Europe, so I figure this would be the perfect gift for him (expensive, yes, but perfect…) 🙂

And if that doesn’t work out, then my mom is willing to take his place!

Until my next adventure in Europe, I can look back on the past and cherish the memories I have already made as I excitedly plan on making some new ones in the near future 🙂

I hope you all have a great Monday and a great week ahead of you! 🙂

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Chiang Mai

May 7, 2017May 7, 2017 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

This weekend, I participated in something extremely spiritual and heartwarming. I visited an elephant sanctuary with my friends from the Mirror Foundation. Mind you, we didn’t ride the elephants, nor do we condone that behavior; however, we fed and bathed them!
Riding elephants, no matter how “well cared for” they are, is awful. It’s an exploitation of Thai culture, as well as a form of animal cruelty that I won’t even get into. The bottom line is this: always educate yourself on animal treatment, as well as cultural acceptances, when researching zoos and animal sanctuaries!!!
The experience was incredible. A songtaew picked us up from our hotel in Chiang Mai, where we met three Swedish girls. I recognized the Swedish instantly, and it turns out they lived in Kalmar, where I lived for five months! Small world!
When we arrived, we immediately changed into matching shirts to wear over our clothes. We had an educational lesson about elephant sanctuaries, which ones are proper, and how to feed/behave around the elephants.
Feeding them was beyond what I thought it could be. They didn’t even need the bananas to be peeled for them; the only one who did was the seven month-old male named Ronaldo! How cute!!! We held the bananas behind our backs and fed them one by one. I absolutely loved the experience, even if my hands became muddy from their thick tongues!
Throwing mud at the elephants seemed like an odd task, but we all had so much fun getting messy and the elephants were enjoying themselves! Bathing them off with buckets of water was probably my favorite part, because we could really get up close and personal with the elephants.
My words and photos don’t do the experience justice. Visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary if you’re ever in Chiang Mai!

Volunteering Abroad: Life in Thailand

April 27, 2017 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I’ve been here since April 17, and I can already tell you that my life has changed for the better.

I’m living in a camp/”commune” like setup. I have been living in a room with a mosquito net above my bed, have been taking cold bucket showers, and have been eating a low-protein, high-carb diet (opposite from home given that I’m a celiac).

This experience has been humbling, and to say that is an understatement.

I am currently teaching English at a local orphanage. The children are so grateful to have us there, teaching them and playing with them of course. I have always wanted to adopt children, and my time here has shown me that I’m meant to do this one day.

I will be volunteering until May 13, and I am beyond thankful that I have made this decision. I will aim to not take things for granted when I come home on May 21. I want to live like the villagers here: having less and making the most out of life (always having smiles on their faces)!

Chiang Rai, Thailand

April 24, 2017February 16, 2019 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I have been struggling these past few months, post-graduation. I had been through the ringer with job applications, interviews, and other miscellaneous drama that needs no further explanation. Rather than sulking and doing the same things day in and day out, I decided spur-of-the-moment to volunteer abroad.

I have been living in a “commune-like” setting in a village in northern Thailand. This experience is very much different than home: cold bucket showers, mosquito bites like no other, and copious amounts of sweat.

When you think of Thailand, you think of beaches and tourist destinations, right? But take a moment to consider the poorer side of the nation; I have been teaching in an orphanage and playing with young village children, who barely know English at all. Thailand is more than tourism: it has personality and it truly is “the land of smiles.”

Thank you to all of my friends and family who supported, and continue to support, me through these major life decisions!

Message of the day: always be grateful for what you have. There are others who have less than you, but may be more likely to give more because of it!

A Quick Visit to D.C.

August 31, 2016 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

When I studied in France two years ago, I knew many great things would come from that experience. I knew I would improve my French-speaking abilities, learn about a new culture, and grow as an individual. Never did I expect to have a long-lasting friendship with my roommate, Carolyn!

We have been in touch and have visited each other in the U.S. twice now! Carolyn just moved to Washington D.C. and I spent the weekend with her, catching up and sharing old stories about our time abroad.

Visiting with Carolyn is always a good time! I’m looking forward to where our next reunion will take place!

My Favorite Study Abroad Photos

August 24, 2016August 24, 2016 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

The majority of my photos were taken from my Canon Rebel, but I still have some from my iPhone that I haven’t really shared!

Here are my favorites in chronological order:

I didn’t have a smartphone last time I studied abroad, so I’m thankful I had one this time 🙂

Askøy & Bergen, Norway (Part I)

August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 / Cate Tracey / 1 Comment

Truth be told, I have been avoiding this post for a long time. Norway was the second-to-last country I visited while abroad, and I have been home for a little more than two months now. Things haven’t been the same upon my return; this post solidifies the idea of my big adventure being over. I finally gained the courage to write about my time in Norway because I have to face reality. Although the best chapter of my life is now closed, I know more opportunities will come! I miss Europe, traveling, and my life abroad, but this drives my determination to find a job overseas even more!

My view for two weeks!

I left Kalmar, Sweden extremely saddened; I was leaving not only the best part of my life behind, but also several new friends from around the globe! However, with that said, I knew that my two-week stay in Norway would be a great transition into my normal life back in Michigan.

I visited Norway for two main reasons: 1. It has always been my “dream country” and 2. While my mom was in high school, her family hosted a Norwegian exchange student! His name is Kjell and I was FINALLY able to meet him and his (entire) family! It was such an incredible experience to meet a family I have been connected to through my mom’s stories, letters back and forth, and a montage of photos and Christmas cards over the years.

When Kjell and his daughter, Martine picked me up from the airport, I instantly felt at home. I remember walking with my heavy backpack down this long flight of stairs to pick up my luggage, and as I looked down I could see them waving up at me with Norwegian flags (was it THAT obvious I was an American?)! My heart was full in that moment.

Norway’s islands are connected by several bridges

Kjell and his family live on the beautiful island of Askøy, which is about a half-hour (not even) from Bergen. It was a surreal feeling to drive Kjell’s boat to Bergen and several other small islands in the area.

When I travel, I often find parallels between cities I have been to. Oddly, I found similarities between the countryside of Southern France and the route to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I cannot compare Bergen to anywhere else; it is truly one of a kind…just like my time in this beautiful country.

The first few days of my new adventure consisted of visiting mainly Bergen, and you know, the typical tourist-y stuff. Although I try to avoid cliche attractions and events, there are exceptions. I had to visit Bergen’s famous fish market and visit the highest point of the city! The market didn’t smell the greatest, but the taste of the fresh fish from the North Sea made up for it.

How could I miss this view?!

With Martine and Kjell, I was able to take the Ulriken cable car to the top of Mount Ulriken. Because of all the islands and mountains in this part of Norway, the Ulriken wasn’t the only cable car/ski lift I traveled on.

The city of Bergen itself has a rich viking history, something Kjell takes much pride in. During my first visit to Bergen, Norwegian royalty were near Parliament and university buildings. Kjell is a police officer in Bergen and Askøy, so he was hoping we would have a better chance of seeing the royalty if he was talking with his friends and coworkers! It was a good strategy, but unfortunately I didn’t meet a prince or anyone close.

Courtyard in Bergen

Traditional, iconic wooden homes (Bryggen)

I would have to say that my favorite thing about Bergen (aside from the food and people) are the Bryggen that greet you as you ride into the city by ferry or boat. Inside the wooden buildings, there is a famous nightclub and also a traditional Christmas shop. I live near Frankenmuth, Michigan (a faux-German town with a world-famous Christmas shop), and I was impressed with the Julehuset in Bergen!

My boat rides with Kjell were some of my most cherished memories of my time in Norway; I was able to learn more about Norway, his family, and even my own family through Kjell’s stories.

Historic cruise ship boarding near the Bryggen

I will be sure to share more stories and photos in other blog posts! This is only a mere sample of my Norwegian adventure.

Budapest: Photo Essay

May 25, 2016 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

I really had no expectations while visiting Budapest; all I knew was that I would have a great time! The city is green, affordable, and the people were friendly! I would definitely recommend visiting Hungary’s capital city, especially if you’re on a tight budget like me!

Adventures in Edinburgh, Scotland

May 16, 2016February 16, 2019 / Cate Tracey / 5 Comments

Once Johanna and I parted ways with our friend Taylor in Dublin, we ventured off to Edinburgh!

The above photo is our view from the hostel we stayed at! Who else could say that they slept across the street from something as beautiful as this?!

Johanna and I are both of Scottish heritage, so being in an area of such rich history and culture meant the world to us.

Being able to casually and conveniently stroll within the castle walls was one of my favorite parts of the trip; this is something that is extra special as an American! Our country is so new that castles are alien to us, thus why it is on many of our bucket lists to visit them in Europe. The Edinburgh Castle is one of my personal favorites not only because of its size, but because of its deep-rooted history with England and so on.

Mary Queen of Scots is one of my ancestors; being in the location where she and her family lived years ago is something I will never take for granted. I am truly proud of my Scottish and French heritage on my mom’s side!

The following day, the two of us went on a free walking tour recommended by our hostel staff. I wasn’t surprised to see two stereotypical things about Scotland on our tour: whisky and scotch signs, as well as cashmere scarves! I had to try some and buy some…

Although I saw what I imagined in Edinburgh, it was refreshing to see things that I didn’t anticipate, such as colorful, bright buildings.

Our tour guide was so knowledgeable (Sheldon Cooper status) and was extremely passionate about J.K. Rowling’s influence on Edinburgh, and vice versa. He showed our group the places in which Rowling received her inspiration(s) while creating her infamous Harry Potter characters; she took character names from this here cemetery!

Of course we had to visit where Rowling sent her sons to school (aka: Hogwarts’ inspiration)!

This little puppy statue is lucky, only if you rub his nose though!

The above photo was taken as Johanna and I had tea in the cafe in which Rowling penned her ideas for Harry Potter: Elephant and Castle. The bathroom was filled with what I’ll call “Potter Postings” from fans; her brother-in-law who owns the cafe tried covering them up at first, but fans are “too” passionate for Potter!

The two of us also climbed (part of, a VERY small part of) Arthur’s Seat. We were ratchet and didn’t feel like climbing the entire thing; all the rich and sweet food we ate must have had us out of shape! From what we did see, it was as incredible as expected!

Simply wandering around Edinburgh was enough to make Johanna and me happy; the contrast between the day and night in the city is parallel to Edinburgh’s light and dark sides (of history, culture, etc.).

And obviously, the food was solid in Scotland. If only this macaron place was in my hometown…

We meet again, Big Ben!

April 11, 2016 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I visited London during the summer of 2014 and left a piece of my heart there! The charm, the elegance…all of what London had to offer attracted me and made me want to go back!

I was supposed to visit London with a friend at the end of March, and although our plans changed last minute, I am thankful I was still able to see the city that captured my heart nearly two years ago.