June. My first full month not living out of a backpack in what feels like forever. Weird. It’s almost difficult to get used to how easy it is to be home. Still, I managed to be traveling almost every weekend in June and took some time to appreciate places closer to my home turf.

For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t attached to my camera trying to capture every single moment. I savored my time in the different places I was in and I’m so happy for that. Here’s what June looked like through my eyes:

I tasted some amazing craft beer in Boston.

I always make a visit to Boston when I’m home because a few of my best friends from home live there and it’s not too far away. This time around, we went to a craft beer festival! Six girls running loose drinking as many 2 ounce samples as possible turned into a very fun, very hazy night. There’s never a dull moment with these girls! Visiting Boston and seeing my friends again definitely made me happy to be back home.

I hiked mountains in New Hampshire.

I couldn’t pass up a trip to New Hampshire with one of my best friends from high school, Natalia. We rented a house and spent a few days relaxing in the quiet country life of North Conway, New Hampshire.

We also went on a 6-7 hour hike in the White Mountains. It was tough, fun, and gorgeous at the top of Mount Chocorua. It’s surprising that this was probably the first real hike I’ve ever done in the US. I’ve hiked all over the world, but never when I’m in my own country! There are so many cool national parks in the US; now I’m motivated to hike them all!

I visited my old home of NYC.

I couldn’t go too long without visiting my old stomping grounds: NYC! After almost four years of living in New York City, it’s still like a second home to me. I caught up with old coworkers and friends, had some one-on-one time with my cousin’s two beautiful daughters, and made it to my friend Lauren’s bridal appointment just as she decided she’d found the perfect dress. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in a city I once thought I’d never leave.

I ventured north of the border to visit travel friends in Montreal.

I love Canada! I don’t visit Canada often, but I have an awesome time when I’m there. So I went to Montreal to visit Becky, the first friend I met on my Latin America trip. We had great times together in Cancun, Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru where we hiked Machu Picchu (on a budget!). Montreal is such a beautiful, fun city. I absolutely loved it! From poutine to the caesars, Montreal just has it all.

We went to Poutinefest, where I indulged in a pulled pork poutine, biked around the city, and hung out in Montreal’s scenic parks. Montreal is amazing, I can’t wait to go back!

Looking Ahead

Last week boarded a plane to San Francisco on a one-way ticket. And now I’m here trying to figure out my next steps. Crazy, right? Like I’ve said for the past few months, I’m looking for some stability. While the idea of getting a “real” job again gives me an ulcer, it’s also something I’m kind of excited about. Honestly I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m just taking it day by day and seeing what’s going to happen. I really miss Latin America. I miss speaking Spanish every day, I miss being a backpacker, I miss being out of my comfort zone. I might be in a new city, but it’s not the same as the traveler mindset. Adventures come in all different forms. There might not be a backpack on my back, but this is certainly a new adventure.