How I started traveling
Bonjourno Dear Friends,
My very first international flight was at age six, immigrating with my family from Syria to Chicago. I still remember the thrill of being on that plane — and because it was my birthday, a flight attendant surprised me with a cupcake. That tiny moment sparked a lifelong love of travel.
As I grew older, I saved all year just to take one trip, and I passed that same wonder to my boys by bringing them along on every adventure. Eventually one trip a year became several, and in 2018 I began offering yoga‑retreat travel to my dear friends and students.
This sabbatical year brought even more journeys. And while each place has been beautiful and eye‑opening, somewhere along the way I realized something important: It was never really about the destinations. It was about learning to trust myself again.
To figure things out. To sit comfortably in my own company. To move through the world without needing permission.
Traveling solo wasn’t always easy, but it changed something deeper than the stamps in my passport — it changed how I saw myself and taught me to trust God more. As Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
And that is why I love taking others with me. I’ve witnessed this same transformation in people who once had never left the country. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of their journey.
So say yes — to adventure, to transformation, to friendships that last a lifetime (the majority of our retreaters stay in contact afterwards) because nothing creates connection quite like traveling with like‑minded souls on retreat.
We still have a few spots open for Budapest in September!
And now, a little glimpse of Sicily…
I began in Catania, a city shaped by Mount Etna, its buildings carved from black lava stone. The energy was youthful and vibrant. Etna last erupted in January, but the lava flows slowly and is diverted when needed — and the locals believe their patron saint, St. Agatha, watches over them.
Next was Taormina, perched high above the Ionian Sea — glamorous, colorful, and full of cinematic views. I earned every slice of bread with all the uphill walking. Sicily’s charm is endless: the musical language, the relaxed pace, and the public transportation (train strikes & lack of Ubers) that test your patience but reward you with pasta, pizza, cannoli and gelato and makes it all worth it!
A day trip took me to Syracuse, once one of the most powerful Greek cities, full of archaeology and sea views. It connects to Ortigia, a tiny island of golden stone and winding alleys and just when I thought I’d had the best meal, Sicily surprised me again — this time with a grilled octopus sandwich the size of my face...lol. It was creamy and perfect, with sautéed potatoes and onions.
Then I reached Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital — a lively blend of Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Spanish influences. Loud, colorful, and full of life. Finally, I took a day trip to Cefalu, a cute seaside town with white sand beaches and a promenade that stretched the length of the town.
Sicily you taught me Il Dolce far niente" - the sweet art of just being, and for a doer like me it’s a great mind shift.
While I’ve met the most interesting and worldly people, I need to head home to refill my love tank with family and friends — and to dream up the next adventure.
Grazie, my dear friends, for coming along with me.
With all my love,
Hanan
