Hola, November: A Journey to the Edge of Adventure

She stood at the edge of the world, where the horizon whispered promises of places unknown, and felt the pull of every road, every ocean, calling her name.

Hey there, beautiful souls, November is here, and with the turning of the calendar, I'm welcoming a new version of myself. This version is focused, grounded, and intentional—building her life on the solid foundation of her core values. One of those values is adventure, and as I begin to shape my life around it, I’ve found that the real magic isn’t just reaching the destination but savoring every twist, turn, and unexpected detour along the way.

I used to watch with envy as people seemed to effortlessly hop from one country to another, chasing waves, living that life where the airport is a second home. I dreamed of experiencing faraway places, yet the endless visa applications and the bureaucracy always felt like walls built to contain my spirit, limiting my sense of self. But you know what? Those walls don't get to hold me back anymore. Adventure isn’t limited to grand gestures or distant lands.

So here I am, proclaiming to the world that I am a world traveler. I belong to this Earth, and exploring it is not a privilege for the few. It’s my birthright. And while I'm definitely setting my sights on the bigger adventures—like catching a flight to Southeast Asia, attending art expositions, or staying in unique Airbnbs—I’ve also discovered that the spirit of exploration can infuse even the simplest of everyday moments. It’s in choosing a different coffee shop, wandering through a new mall, or taking a bus ride to a neighboring state. There are endless opportunities to uncover something new if we keep our hearts open.

But today, I want to talk about how I’m bringing the world to my plate. In the spirit of adventure, I’ve decided to cook a gourmet meal from a different country every week. Think about it—what better way to explore the world than to literally taste it? Thanks to the information age, we have no shortage of recipes and cultural stories at our fingertips. My first culinary exploration? A simple yet significant dish—rice and beans. You might be thinking, "What's so adventurous about rice and beans?" But where I come from, we don’t usually eat them together. So, I decided to put my own twist on it by adding a hint of Malaysian flavor. And let me tell you, it felt amazing. It was a small reminder that even the most familiar ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary when we add a touch of curiosity and creativity.

So here’s to more adventures, big and small. Whether it’s catching a wave on the coast of Bali or just trying a dish from a country you’ve never been to, adventure is a state of mind. It’s about saying yes to experiences, to curiosity, and to the unfolding journey. Let's keep our hearts open to every opportunity to make life a little richer, one delicious moment at a time.

With all my heart,

Salima