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After spending 4 years living in San Francisco and completing my bachelor degree in International Business and Marking, I had the crazy and brilliant idea, to use my OPT (Optional Practical Training), a 12-month work authorization available for international students, to move and find work in Austin, Texas. Whenever I mention I lived in Texas, people wonder why (a lot), considering all the misconceptions and stereotypes around this area. However, in my case, it exceeded any expectations. I found a home away from home, and it helped me grow personally and professionally. 

If you are interested in coming to visit Colombia, beware you will need to pack clothes for all seasons even if seasons do not exist near the equator. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, hosting 7 different climates, from tropical jungles, glaciers, and even deserts. Bogotá, the capital and largest city in Colombia, is the third-highest capital in South America, with 2,640 meters (8,660ft) above sea level. So do not be surprised if Bogotá forces you to layer up, Medellin feels like the eternal spring, the Atlantic and Pacific coasts are humid and hot.

Emilia-Romagna, also known as the food valley, is undoubtedly one of the richest and finest regional cuisines in Italy. Its collection of PDO's (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI's (Protected Geographical Indication) products like Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and even Culatello di Zibello says it all. Emilia-Romagna is located in Northern Italy, neighboring Liguria, a bit of Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and the Adriatic sea. 

The Langhe is a hilly area in the south region of Piemonte. It is well known for its high quality wine areas, considered to be some of the best in the world. Picture this, hectares and hectares of vineyards over hills are what you will most probably see when touring the area. In 2014 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Monferrato and Roero, for their cultural landscapes and centennial winemaking traditions. As I lived in Bra, I had very easy access to the Langhe region. However, the most convenient way to get around is with car, so keep that in mind. These are different locations in the area that could be visited in one day, but if you could could make each location a day trip on its own. 

There is no better way to spend your ✨ Golden Birthday ✨ than surrounded with the most important people in your life, and in the most spectacular location in the world, New York City. Growing up I remember thinking I had the most inconvenient birth date ever. Like, I honestly couldn't stand the FOMO after Christmas and had to come before New Years Eve? It seems like my cravings to celebrate couldn't take it longer. I spent my childhood never being able to celebrate with school friends my birthday, as everyone would leave for the holidays. However, after many years of growing up to do and maturing, I realize two very important lessons.

There is nothing more fun than spontaneous and express trips somewhere in Italy. We would leave late in the afternoon to make it just in time for lunch in Milano, spend the night, and then train back to Bra after brunch. The train ride is almost 3 hours, so it is the perfect amount to time to relax, destress, and enjoy the view. I hadn't been to back in Milano since 2013, so for me, it was quite exiting, considering I was traveling with two expert foodies.