Exploring

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Alicia: My husband and I have explored a wide array of destinations, from the vibrant landscapes of Central and South America to the majestic terrains of parts of Africa, Europe, and the enchanting realms of Southeast and East Asia. Yet, if you were to ask us about our most cherished destination, it would undoubtedly be Albania—a hidden gem nestled in the Balkans that has captivated our hearts. Albania is nothing short of breathtaking. It maintains an…

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Throughout my travels, I've had the unique privilege of visiting 89 countries and calling various cities home. It might sound clichéd, but it is true: I have yet to encounter a country I didn’t enjoy. However, some places resonate with me more deeply; perhaps you've experienced the same wonder while exploring the globe, wondering what makes a place truly special? What if it isn't just the sightseeing, but the stories we weave as we connect with each destination?…

Imagine possessing a key that unlocks the world. This is precisely what a powerful passport represents: unfettered freedom to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and opportunities beyond borders. The 2025 Passport Index has brought to light intriguing revelations about which nations hold such keys, organizing them by continent. This eye-opening report ranks countries based on their citizens’ ease of travel, without the need for prior visa arrangements. It sparks a thought: How do our global connections shape…

Each year, the tech world buzzes with anticipation for Nvidia's GTC conference, a rendezvous of innovation and creativity disguised as a tech symposium. This year was no different, seeing downtown San Jose immersed in a sea of cutting-edge technology and passionate enthusiasts. Arriving at this conclave of brilliant minds, one couldn't help but feel the pulse of ambition in the air. Tuesday was the highlight—the day when Jensen Huang, the enigmatic CEO of Nvidia, would share his vision in a…

The tapestry of violence in Northern Nigeria has been woven over years, marked by threads of despair and turmoil. The infamous Boko Haram, a militant group that seeks to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law, has terrorized communities with their relentless campaign. Alongside them, a persistent strife rages between predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and largely Christian farming communities. This volatile clash, driven by factors ranging from land disputes to ethnic tensions, has contributed to the tragic loss…

Conversations with AI: A New Age of Personal Reflection Just last week, I found myself engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with ChatGPT. The issue at hand had been gnawing at me for weeks, a silent tormentor refusing to let go. I decided to spare my husband and friends the repetition of my woes. How often do we tire from the looming dread of burdening those we love with personal dilemmas? "The best way to get a good idea is to have a lot of ideas," said Linus Pauling, and so I…

There's a significant buzz in the world of global trade, and it seems to have taken root in the fertile grounds of Africa. Not long ago, experts projected a notable surge in Russian agricultural exports to the continent, with an estimation surpassing $7 billion by 2024. If you think that sounds impressive, the anticipated growth, a jump of 19% from 2023, reveals not only the ambitious spirit of Russian trade but also the burgeoning partnership between these distant lands. When it comes to the…

Johannesburg: A City of Splendor and Complexity In the heart of South Africa lies Johannesburg, a vibrant metropolis often affectionately dubbed "Joburg." It's a city where the allure of fortune is palpable—boasting an impressive tally of 12,300 millionaires, alongside 25 centi-millionaires, whose net worth exceeds $100 million, and 2 illustrious billionaires. With a population nearing 5 million, Johannesburg confidently claims the crown as Africa's wealthiest city. It outshines its closest competitors,…

In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump recently unveiled a bold initiative that could potentially redefine pathways to American residency. On Tuesday, he announced a plan to sell U.S. residence permits - dubbed "gold cards" - for a staggering $5 million. This is the latest example of “residence by investment” programs, a concept gaining traction among the world’s affluent seeking global mobility. "With this new 'gold card', we're inviting the world’s elite to invest in America," Trump declared, standing…

Deep in the heart of China's bustling tech hub, a fledgling company named DeepSeek has embarked on a mission that could potentially reshape the technological balance of power. This startup audaciously claims its new AI models rival, or in some instances, even surpass the giants of American tech, all while dramatically slashing costs. In the labyrinthine corridors of artificial intelligence, the buzz is palpable. Just last month, DeepSeek unlocked a wave of curiosity with a paper claiming the training of their…