In today's cultural exchange I am joined by my friend Eshan, who grew up in Tehran, Iran. We met through mutual friends while I was staying in Berlin. The city that Eshan studies in and calls home today. In this episode we dive into our respective countries tenuous relationship with one another, and Eshan helps to dispel some of the assumptions I had about Iran from growing up in the United States. We also discuss what his childhood was like growing up in Tehran, the real impact of economic sanctions on a country, and what it was like for him to transition to life in Germany.

The town of Sintra, beautiful Palace de Pena, and its enchanting grounds are the subject of this travel review. In this episode I break down how to visit this lovely destination and the best times to go. I also discuss some of the history of the palace and some interesting facts about the city of Sintra. In addition I share some of my experiences from visiting the palace and it's grounds, and some insider tips I wish I had known before I visited.

This beautiful city captured my heart, and quickly became one of my favorite places I have ever visited. In this episode I share some of my favorite places in the city to visit, some insider tips I learned from my local host/friend, and some strategies about how to see different parts of the city. I also dive into some of the history of the city, and share some of the personal experiences that made my time in Lisbon so special.

I met João in the jungles of Costa Rica working at a hostel in 2017. We became fast friends, and two years later we were reunited when I visited him at his home in Lisbon, Portugal. We discuss what it was like growing up on a farm in northern Portugal, and talk about the things that make him proud to be Portugues.

The spa capitol of the world and one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, Budapest, Hungary, is the subject of this travel review. I discuss the beautiful Szechenyi and Gellert thermal bathhouses, how much I enjoyed the delicately crafted architecture of the city, and some of the can't miss buildings like Matthias Church next to the Fishermans Bastion. I also talk about the night life in Budapest and the popular ruin bars which did not entrance me. You even get a little history and some fun facts about the city in this episode!

Visiting Cuba, having my first Berlin club experience, and seeing Alaskan Brown Bears up close are a few of my highs from 2019. I also dive into some of the things that made me struggle this year, from experiences to mentalities. It's a long reflection on the year that was 2019, what I learned, what I made, and the new things I tried. This will be the last new and current #Patchat for a few months, so enjoy!

The second largest city in Germany and the musical theater capitol of the country Hamburg, Germany is the subject of this travel review. I discuss my impression of the city from walking through its streets, and talk about some of the best sites to visit there. Including one my favorite and most unique places I have ever visited Miniatur Wunderland. I also dive into a little bit of history about the city, and share some fun facts to know before you go.

I reflect on the feeling of being home after another stint living abroad, and why I feel both sad and happy to be back. I also discuss my continued awkward interaction with customs/border control agents, and review one of the movies I watched on my flight home. In addition I also share some stories about my going away dinner/trivia night that Anja and I hosted and wrote. This is is the last fresh weekly #Patchat for awhile.

The gateway to the black forest and the most eco friendly city in Germany, Freiburg, is the subject of this travel review. I discuss how the towns status as a university city shapes its culture and its politics, as well as some of the history of the city and its famous Munster Cathedral. I also talk about how its easy access to nature and charming streets won me over. In addition I spoke with two former residents to get some insider tips about their favorite places to go in the city.

My first Christmas away from home and one of the most spectacular New Years I have ever experienced are a few of the things covered in this first #patchat after the holiday break and first #patchat of the twenties. I discuss the crazy fireworks of a Berlin New Years eve, my last club night in Berlin, and my eminent departure from Germany. I also dive into the experience of my first Christmas away from home, and how my gracious hosts made my first German Christmas such a success. Stick around for the end of the episode when I reveal my new plans for next year.