2024 in Review

A Year of Travel, Growth and Building Global Link

From the magical streets of Edinburgh to the busy markets of Bangkok, this year took me across the globe more times than I can count.

2024 was filled with movement, milestones and new beginnings. From celebrating in Malaysia to resetting in Colombia, every destination brought something different—new lessons, challenges, and perspectives. For digital nomads, expats and travelers, this reflection is a look at how life unfolds when you're constantly on the move.

Travel reshapes routines, rewires priorities and introduces experiences that wouldn’t happen any other way. This year’s journey led to the launch of Global Link, a brand built around connecting people and cultures. The road is never smooth but every stop along the way added something valuable.

This post breaks down the highlights of the year, focusing on the places that stood out and the experiences that made the biggest impact. It’s not just a recap of cities and countries—it’s a closer look at how travel drives growth, fuels ideas and sometimes forces you to slow down. For those considering the digital nomad lifestyle or long-term travel, this year’s journey offers insight into what life on the road can really look like.

January – A New Year in Scotland and Back to the U.S.

Kicking off the year in Scotland felt like stepping into a postcard. Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, historic skyline and winter chill set the stage for a memorable start to 2024. The Hogmanay celebrations – Scotland’s famous New Year’s festival – lived up to the hype. Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle, live music and the warmth of torches celebrating together made the city feel alive in a way that only happens at the start of a new year.

Beyond the festivities, exploring Arthur’s Seat and walking the Royal Mile offered quieter moments of reflection. Scotland in January carries a certain stillness and that calm felt like the perfect reset after a whirlwind year.

Returning to DC and New York

Coming back to Washington, DC, was a familiar shift. After spending time abroad, the routines and streets of home felt grounding. Even if it was brief, reconnecting with family and old friends brought a sense of stability that’s easy to forget when you’re constantly moving.

A quick visit to New York added some much-needed energy to the start of the year. The city’s winter pace was relentless, and diving into its chaos – even for a few days – was a reminder of why it draws people in. Wandering through Times Square dusted with snow and catching up in Lower Manhattan cafes felt like tapping into a creative spark, setting the tone for the months ahead.

January was a month of contrasts – the calm of Scotland, the comfort of DC, and the buzz of New York. It was a reminder that home isn’t just one place, and sometimes, starting the year in different corners of the world feels like the best way to begin.

February – Back to Colombia

Returning to Colombia after time in the U.S. felt like slipping back into a rhythm that had been waiting for me. The energy of Medellín, with its vibrant streets and mountain backdrops, felt grounding in a way that no other destination quite does. After weeks of moving between countries, settling back into a familiar environment brought a sense of balance.

Colombia offers a unique mix – the liveliness of city life blended with the laid-back nature of its people. Coming back was about reconnecting with the routines that made day-to-day life feel natural.

Reconnecting with Paisa Culture

February wasn’t about big adventures – it was about re-establishing the small habits that make a place feel like home. The gym became a regular stop, not just for workouts but for reconnecting with familiar faces. Evenings meant concerts, exploring Medellín’s nightlife, and catching up with friends who’d been keeping the city warm in my absence.

New connections happened effortlessly, as they often do in Colombia. Whether through gym sessions or chance meetings at local cafés, expanding social circles felt natural. Medellín has a way of making people feel welcome – part of the reason it draws so many digital nomads and expats into its orbit.

February was a reminder of why Colombia continues to feel like a second home. It wasn’t about chasing new destinations, but about enjoying the simplicity of routines and friendships that made everyday life in Medellín something worth coming back to.

March to April – Asia Adventures: Thailand and China

Thailand is one of my favorite destinations, and by March, it was calling me back. Bangkok’s streets were just as vibrant and chaotic as I remembered – a constant hum of life, with street vendors, motorbikes and the scent of sizzling woks around every corner.

The food alone was reason enough to return. Morning markets filled with fresh fruit, noodle stands tucked into alleys, and late-night som tum (papaya salad) by the roadside reminded me why Thailand’s street food scene is unmatched. Beyond the food, Bangkok’s energy feels contagious. The city's balance between tradition and modernity – with ancient temples sitting just blocks from rooftop bars – makes every day an experience.

March was about soaking up that energy. I wasn’t in tourist mode. Instead, I spent time revisiting familiar spots, finding new food stalls, and appreciating Bangkok’s organized chaos from the perspective of someone who felt less like a visitor and more like a regular.

April in China

April marked a return to China – a place that now feels more like an extension of my world than just another destination. Back in Guangdong, the focus shifted from exploration to settling in and reconnecting with the rhythm of life in China. The markets, local parks and daily commutes became part of the experience, as did navigating the language more confidently than before. This was about feeling embedded in daily life, from the late-night club runs to the early-morning dim sum runs.

April also gave me the space to focus on finishing work and tying up loose ends. China’s environment – busy but structured – created the right atmosphere for productivity. Between the work, there were opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and dive deeper into the layers of Chinese culture that only reveal themselves with time.

These two months in Asia – fueled by Bangkok’s lively spirit and China’s immersive experience – felt like a return to familiar ground. Both places reminded me why Asia continues to feel like a second home, offering lessons, connections, and inspiration every time I land there.

May – First Visit to Malaysia

Landing in Kuala Lumpur for the first time felt like stepping into a city that blends modern skyscrapers with deep-rooted cultural diversity. The towering Petronas Towers dominated the skyline, but what stood out even more was the city’s seamless mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences everywhere – from the streets to the food.

This wasn’t a long stay but it was enough to get a taste of what Malaysia had to offer. I spent the days exploring landmarks like the KL Tower, where the city stretched endlessly beneath the glass skybox, and the vibrant Batu Caves, where the towering golden statue at the entrance felt almost surreal.

But it wasn’t just the sights that left an impression. The food scene in KL was unforgettable. The first bite of nasi lemak – fragrant rice, crispy anchovies, and spicy sambal – was a standout moment. Street food stalls selling satay skewers, roti canai, and char kway teow made every meal feel like an exploration of flavors.

The People and Atmosphere

Malaysia’s warmth extended beyond the heat – the people were incredibly welcoming. Conversations with locals often led to recommendations for hidden food spots or lesser-known markets, reinforcing the feeling that Kuala Lumpur wasn’t just a place to visit but a city to experience fully.

After a week of exploring, I headed back to China to finish the spring term, but Malaysia stayed on my mind. It felt like unfinished business – a destination I’d return to later for a deeper dive. This trip laid the groundwork for what would become a longer stay, but for now, it was just the first taste of what Malaysia had to offer.

June – Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang felt like an entirely different world within China — vast, rugged, and layered with culture that stood apart from the bustling cities of the east. This trip took me through Ürümqi, Turpan and Yining, each stop offering its own unique glimpse into the heart of the province.

Ürümqi, Xinjiang’s capital, was a blend of urban development and cultural heritage. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar was a highlight — a sprawling market packed with Uyghur spices, textiles, and street food. The mountains that framed the city added to the feeling of being somewhere distant and wild.

Turpan looked like another world entirely. Known as the hottest place in China, the heat hit differently here, but the beauty of the Flaming Mountains and ancient Karez irrigation system made it unforgettable. Walking through the Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,000-year-old city carved from the desert, felt surreal. The desert breeze carried stories of centuries past, making Turpan one of the most atmospheric stops of the trip.

Heavenly Mountain and Lake (Tianchi) lived up to its name. After days of desert landscapes, the sight of crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks felt like stepping into a fantasy. Hiking along the trails around the lake offered panoramic views that were hard to capture fully in photos. The peacefulness and cool air were a perfect break from the intensity of Turpan.

Yining, near the border with Kazakhstan, gave me a closer look at Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic mix. The influence of Kazakh and Mongol cultures was more noticeable here, and the rolling green hills were unlike anything I’d seen elsewhere in China. Meeting local Kazakh families, enjoying their hospitality, and experiencing a slower pace of life in Ili Valley was grounding.

Reflections on Xinjiang
Xinjiang was an experience that pushed me out of familiar rhythms. The contrast between desert and mountain, ancient cities and vibrant bazaars painted a vivid picture of a province shaped by history, culture and geography.

The people of Xinjiang left just as deep an impression as the landscapes. Their warmth, resilience, and openness made every stop memorable. From sharing naan bread with strangers to hearing stories passed down through generations, the province offered a rare sense of connection that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Xinjiang felt like one of the most eye-opening and rewarding parts of the year — a reminder that even in a country as expansive as China, there are still places that surprise and reshape how you see the world.

July – A Month in Bangkok

Spending an entire month in Bangkok felt less like a visit and more like a test run for something bigger. The city’s relentless energy, rich culture and never-ending street food scene made it an easy contender for a long-term base in Asia. After bouncing around so much during the first half of the year, Bangkok offered a sense of familiarity wrapped in constant motion — exactly the kind of place that could feel like home.

Days started with street-side iced coffee and ended with night markets buzzing under neon lights. In between, there were temple visits, afternoons in cafés around Thonglor and Sukhumvit and evenings navigating the city’s unpredictable traffic. Bangkok’s blend of chaos and calm was addictive. One minute you’re in a crowded BTS station, and the next you’re tucked away in a hidden bar along the river.

Exploring Bangkok at a Slower Pace

This wasn’t a tourist sprint — it was about living at Bangkok’s rhythm. I spent time exploring different neighborhoods, from the busy streets of Silom and Sukhumvit to quieter areas like Lumphini. Chinatown became a regular stop for late-night bites, and weekends were filled with visits to nights markets and long walks through Benjakitti Park.

A Search for Home

In many ways, Bangkok felt like the first stop in figuring out if Asia could be home. There’s a magnetism to the city that’s hard to explain until you experience it firsthand. It’s loud but peaceful, modern but rooted in tradition. That balance is rare, and it left me wondering if this could be more than just another temporary stop.

The heat, the pollution and the insane traffic could wear you down, but Bangkok had a way of pulling you back in. By the end of July, I wasn’t ready to leave, and part of me knew this wouldn’t be the last time I’d spend an extended stay in the city. Whether Bangkok becomes a permanent base or not, it earned its spot as a place I could return to again and again.

August – A Birthday in Malaysia

Spending my birthday month in Malaysia felt like the right kind of reset. After the buzz of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur’s more laid-back vibe gave me the space to reflect while still keeping things interesting. Malaysia marked the second stop on my unofficial search for a home in Asia and it didn’t disappoint.

Why Malaysia?
It’s hard to pin down exactly why Malaysia felt like the right choice for this milestone, but something about the country’s cultural blend and slower pace made it stand out. There’s a calmness to KL – a kind of balance between urban sprawl and green spaces that felt grounding. Plus, the food scene alone is enough to keep anyone entertained for weeks.

Birthday on Tioman Island
For the actual birthday celebration, I traded city life for the clear waters of Tioman Island. Scuba diving off Tioman was unforgettable – schools of fish, vibrant coral, and the kind of quiet that only exists beneath the surface. It was the best way to disconnect and just enjoy the moment.

Evenings on Tioman were simple – fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, and the occasional beachside bar. No over-the-top celebrations, just a peaceful acknowledgment of another year well-spent.

By the end of August, Malaysia left its mark. It may not have fully claimed the title of “home,” but it cemented itself as a place I’d come back to – a spot to regroup and celebrate life, no matter the occasion.

September – Back to China and Home Again

By September, I found myself back in China – this time with a different mindset. The trip wasn’t just about exploring or catching up with friends; it was about figuring out if China could be more than just a place I visit. Could it be home?

Returning to Guangdong and revisiting familiar spots felt comfortable, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being caught between two worlds. The energy was there, the opportunities were there, but something felt different this time. The visit was brief – just long enough to gather my thoughts and sit with the idea of what life in China might look like if I stayed longer.

Home in the U.S.

After months of hopping between Asia and South America, landing back in Washington, DC felt strange but necessary. It was my first time home since January and the contrast between life abroad and life back home couldn’t have been clearer.

DC changed a lot and so had I . Streets that once felt routine now felt almost foreign and familiar conversations with family and friends highlighted how much time I’d spent away. Reconnecting with home was grounding, but it also reaffirmed that my world had grown bigger than the city I grew up in.

September became a moment to catch my breath – a pause to reflect before diving back into the next adventure. It reminded me why I left, but also why I come back. Home isn’t always a place you stay, but it’s the place that lets you reset before heading out again.

October to December – Grounding in Colombia and Building Global Link

By October, after months of jumping between continents, returning to Colombia felt like dropping anchor. Medellín, with its familiar streets and easy routines, became a much-needed place to unwind and recalibrate. The energy of the city was still there, but this time, I wasn’t chasing adventure – I was looking to reset.

November and December were about reflection and planning. Staying put gave me the headspace to reassess priorities and map out the next steps for both personal growth. The slower pace allowed for long walks, afternoons in cafés and nights spent catching up on projects I’d put on hold.

Spending the Christmas season in Colombia felt right – like closing a chapter with purpose. As 2025 approached, I wasn’t rushing to make plans but instead allowing them to unfold naturally. Colombia had become more than just a stop along the way. It was a soft landing and a reminder that growth doesn’t always happen on the move.

Launching Global Link – My Brand’s Beginning
Slowing down didn’t just give me time to relax – it gave me space to create. During this period, Global Link started to take shape. The brand was born out of a desire to document cultural experiences with practical insights for life abroad.

Months of travel had sparked the idea, but it wasn’t until I sat still in Medellín that the pieces started falling into place. Conversations with other travelers, experiences navigating new cultures and the realization that so many of us live between worlds became the foundation for Global Link.

Lessons from a Year of Travel

One of the biggest takeaways from this year was learning how to balance constant movement with the need for stability. Building Global Link while living out of a suitcase forced me to rethink how I approached both travel and work. Jumping between time zones and cities made progress feel slower at times, but it also fueled the brand with fresh experiences and global insights.

When I finally slowed down in Colombia, things started to click. Staying put for a few months gave me the clarity to focus on long-term goals and put systems in place for growth. The stillness wasn’t a pause – it was a chance to refine the vision for Global Link without the distraction of airports and itineraries.

Travel didn’t just shape the content for Global Link – it shaped the values behind the brand. The goal became clear: to bridge the gap between cultures, create a community of like-minded travelers and offer practical, experience-based guidance for people trying to build a life across borders. Looking back, the mix of movement and stillness wasn’t an obstacle – it was exactly what the brand needed to grow.

Conclusion – Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead

2024 was a year of transformation and growth, both personally and professionally. Traveling across continents while building Global Link pushed me to find balance between adventure and stability. Each destination brought new lessons, shaping how I see the world and how I want to engage with it moving forward.

Launching Global Link was one of the year’s biggest milestones. What started as an idea during long flights and quiet café moments turned into a platform that reflects my experiences and desire to connect people across borders. This journey reminded me that personal growth doesn’t just happen when you arrive somewhere new – it happens in the spaces between, when you slow down and reflect.

2024 felt like the start of something bigger – more travel, deeper connections with different cultures, and a stronger push to grow Global Link into its full potential. The journey is far from over, and that’s exactly the point.

Here’s to another year of exploration, building, and connecting – and to everyone out there chasing the life they want, one country at a time.