Reflections and the sunrise at sometime between 4 and 5 am on the salt flats

#antarcticaordie (at Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia)

“Bring the pure wine of
love and freedom.
But sir, a tornado is coming.
More wine, we’ll teach this storm
A thing or two about whirling.” ― Rumi

#antarcticaordie (at Bolivia)

Exploring the Train Cemetery #thatslife #antarcticaordie (at Train Cemetery Uyuni)

These mountains make you feel very small #antarcticaordie (at Bolivia)

I used to be afraid of inversions and a year ago, I never would have imagined being able to hold a handstand. I was always that kid that was too scared to do a flip into a swimming pool.

My inversion journey began in parkour class last year, where I started learning how to front tuck off of a mini trampoline. Then I started taking yoga inversion workshops and started breaking, exploring alternate forms of movement. I was amazed by how interwoven and connected the disciplines of yoga, breaking, and parkour can be. I realize that I still have a long way to go especially with my form, but I’ve definitely faced my fear and I’m making progress.

This post is dedicated to my parkour, yoga, and breaking instructors that continue to inspire and push me @fitqueenirene @felixs_journey #BreaksKru. Thank you.

#antarcticaordie

(at Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia)

¿Cómo se llamas? #antarcticaordie (at Bolivia)

Creativity is absolutely necessary when attempting to exercise in the Bolivian salt flats. Here’s my first attempt at a Superman, inspired by @rockadeezy

#antarcticaordie #ibelieveicanfly (at Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia)

The landscapes in Bolivia are absolutely breathtaking. At nearly 16,000 ft above sea level, we visited some Inka ruins and got caught in a nasty hailstorm. I was only wearing a t shirt but at least I walked away with this image. #valelapena #antarcticaordie (at Bolivia)

Happy Friday! I just arrived at the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, which is allegedly the driest place on earth, but it’s pouring rain right now!

So over the next few days I will be posting some photos of Bolivia, which absolutely captivated me. I truly felt humbled by the heartwarming and kind Bolivians, and also by the majestic landscapes and mountains that surrounded us in the wild. We even went up to 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) and my head felt like it was about to explode.

This is Josefina, our talented chef, Bolivian mother, friend, and partner in crime. We felt such a genuine connection to Josefina and she truly took such great care of us. This is hardly a surprise coming from a mother of 10 kids. She’s usually smiling ear to ear, contrary to this photo, but perhaps she got a bit annoyed that we asked her to sit on the salt flats while we walked across her braids, especially after waking up at 3 am to bake us a cake. Pedro would have been really proud.

#antarcticaordie

(at Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia)

This morning I walked to Bolivia from Argentina and stumbled upon this captivating landscape surrounding the small town of Tupiza.

As I was sitting in the town square I observed some locals playing with their kids and some local women dancing and singing in the streets. Locals greeted and smiled at me. It was beautiful and raw and it made me realize why I enjoy traveling so much.

This world is so much bigger than NYC, Orange County, or even the US; it’s so easy to get caught up in our everyday lives and lose sight of the rest of the world out there. There is so much beauty everywhere on our planet and I want to discover it, experience it, and be transformed by it. I want to have a worldview that transcends cultures and continents.

I have a feeling that I will come home after these 2 months abroad completely transformed.

#antarcticaordie

(at Tupiza “la Joya Bella De Bolivia”)

| WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME |

Today I walk into Bolivia after wandering around this Argentine wilderness

#antarcticaordie (at La Quiaca- Frontera Argentina/Bolivia)

Take me away #antarcticaordie (at Salinas Grandes, Jujuy, Argentina)

A boy and his llama #antarcticaordie (at San Antonio, Salta, Argentina)

Glad to be up in the mountains. This is Salta unfiltered #antarcticaordie (at Cafayate, Salta, Argentina)

A self portrait on Caminito in La Boca, Argentina using a trashcan as a tripod #antarcticaordie (at La Boca, Distrito Federal, Argentina)

Cruising to the beach in Uruguay and thankful for my first summer of 2015! #antarcticaordie #endlesssummer (at Colonia Del Sacramento, Uruguay)

The view of Buenos Aires from my rooftop #iaintmad #antarcticaordie (at Buenos Aires, Argentina)

The best part about being self employed is that you get to choose your own adventure.

Tomorrow I will hop on a plane bound for South America and embark on a journey to Antarctica, my final continent, where I will be the Photographer in Residence onboard an expedition ship. Antarctica has been on my bucket list ever since I was in 4th grade, so this will be quite a meaningful adventure.

I’m incredibly grateful and excited for this opportunity, and it all still feels a bit surreal.

Follow my adventure here #antarcticaordie

(at New York, New York)

Exactly 4 years ago today I relocated to NYC, fresh off of a plane from Sydney, Australia, and literally started over.

I’m incredibly grateful for this journey, and all of the people I’ve met along the way.

People often ask me if I see myself staying in NYC indefinitely, and the answer is YES.

#canigraduate (at New York, New York)

My first task of the year is to plan out my 5 week trip around Argentina and South America before I head down to Antarctica for a month long photo residency.

This year I will slow down and live in the moment, take more photos, and do more personal projects. I think 5 weeks on my own is a great way to kick off the year and dive into these resolutions.

It’s snowing right now in NY and I’m excited for summer again in a few weeks!! Do you have any recommendations and/or suggestions in and around Argentina for me?

#WHPresolutions2015
#antarctica (at New York, New York)