Dog lover,
travel enthusiast,
homebody at heart.
Hey, it’s Marissa—friends call me Riss. I’m a California native with a summer soul. Life’s been kind of wild lately—just trying to follow the light, water what’s mine, and trust what’s meant to bloom.
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➜ My story
➜ Where I’ve been
➜ What I’m doing now
➜ Thoughts along the way
New Zealand to Australia by Sea
A coastal journey aboard Azamara Pursuit—our first cruise experience from Auckland to Sydney, tracing the coastlines of New Zealand and Australia with iconic stops including Milford Sound, Napier, and Hobart.
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Weeklong Stopover in the Netherlands
After two weeks in Tanzania, we couldn’t resist a weeklong stopover in the Netherlands. We swapped elephants and off-road adventures for cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and canals—the kind of Dutch charm that makes you want to linger at every turn.
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Two-Week Safari in Wild Tanzania
Surrounded by wildlife and endless skies, Africa invited us to slow down in the very best way. It was a rare chance to disconnect, lean into nature photography, and feel deeply connected to the world around us.
Shibuya Nights: Our first Tokyo Adventure
Our first time in Tokyo was a feast for the senses. Shibuya Crossings, bullet-train sushi, Mario Kart–style go-karts zipping through the streets, and trains whizzing by—Tokyo is fast, electric, and alive in every direction. It’s a city that pulls you in and never lets go.
Osaka, Kyoto & Nara — Oh Deer!
From Osaka’s neon streets and cozy back-alley izakayas to day trips to Kyoto and Nara, we explored just enough to know we can’t wait to go back.
Hokkaidō Escape: Snowy Days, Onsen Nights
Our very first trip to Japan—and wow, did it live up to the hype. Snow-covered days, steaming onsens. The kind of trip that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.
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Latest Travels
Stories from some of my favorite experiences around the world.
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What I'm doing now
A snapshot of life right now—projects, routines, and everything in between.
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What's Next
Trips to plan, spaces to reimagine, and new stories waiting to unfold.
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Recent Posts
Reflections on the ups, the downs, and everything in between.