Goreme, nestled in the heart of Nevsehir, is a testament to nature's artistry. Here, centuries of wind and rain have sculpted the limestone into peculiar, towering formations known as "fairy chimneys." This otherworldly landscape also whispers tales of human resilience; early Christian monks carved entire settlements into these rocks, seeking refuge from invaders.

Istanbul is an aesthetic explosion on the senses, and easily the most beautiful city I have been in. I arrived bracing for scams and tough bargaining, only to be met by locals whose hospitality was as boundless as their patience as I fumbled through my broken Turkish. Spending a month there in the winter, when Istanbul doesn't have as many tourists, allowed me to truly connect with the city's western and distinct eastern heart, watching it gently thaw from winter's chill into spring.

Landing in Ho Chi Minh City to the tune of "Ho Ho Ho Chi Minh" playing on the aircraft’s sound system immediately set a festive tone. My anticipation for Vietnam's largest city was sky-high, and it absolutely delivered! The city was developed during French colonial rule, and the past is visible everywhere: grand, triple-story trees lining boulevards, elegant Colonial-era churches, and stately Indochine-style public buildings. It's a masterclass in urban planning, where French aesthetics seamlessly merge with Vietnamese creativity in everything from charming signage to powerful wartime propaganda posters.

The moment we stepped into Hoi An Old Town, it felt like stepping back in time. It was a delightful change of pace, as there were no roaring motorbikes in this UNESCO protected world heritage site, just the gentle whir of bicycles and the quiet shuffle of feet. Every building, from the ancient merchant houses to the ornate temples, told a story. The yellow walls and yin-yang tiled roofs glowed warmly in the afternoon sun, adorned with vibrant lanterns that, by night, transformed the town into a magical spectacle.

Hanoi is busy, dense, and chaotic. But if you manage to stay long enough, you get to see its romantic, whimsical side. Hanoi captured my curiosity like no other city, with its French colonial buildings and planning, its imperial Chinese presence setting the background for its distinct Dai Viet spirit. I spent my trip researching its history by reading books, visiting Vietnamese war and art museums, and taking personal accounts from cab drivers and vendors.

I flew straight to Bangkok in the summer after wrapping up my second semester at Georgia Tech and met my husband at the airport after a year of long distance. We stepped out and were immediately greeted by the monsoon season's heavy downpour and the city's buzzing energy. From our hostel on Khao San Road—the backpacker’s capital of Bangkok—we began exploring Bangkok.

For three blissful weeks, Chiang Mai became our home, a welcome change after two weeks of island hopping and beach towns packed with tourists. We started our stay in the walled Old Quarter, soaking in the milder climate and truly local feel. It was wonderful to slow down, just appreciating the ancient temples and the rhythm of daily life within those historic walls.