When it was announced a few years ago that the men’s FIFA World Cup would be held in the United States in 2026, I knew I wanted to go. I had attended World Cups in other countries and was excited to experience one at home. Attending the tournament every four years has become a family tradition that began with my dad and later grew to include me, my uncle, my son, and my husband. My dad has always been a huge soccer fan, and while I follow the sport a little less closely, I am a fan too. We have also loved exploring new countries between matches.
Continue reading “My 2026 FIFA World Cup Experience: Planning, Tickets, and Match Day in the U.S.”Author: Noelle
Noelle’s Monthly Recap: June 2026
June was a fun, whirlwind month. During a busy trip back to the U.S., we caught up with friends and family and attended three World Cup games. Outside of that trip, I also had the chance to explore a few new places near Cheltenham, where we live.
Continue reading “Noelle’s Monthly Recap: June 2026”A Long Weekend in Romania: Exploring Bucharest and Transylvania
I recently went to Romania for a long weekend and managed to pack a lot into just a few days. Going in with very little knowledge about the country, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was able to learn in such a short period. Here’s my experience, along with some thoughts on what I enjoyed most.
Continue reading “A Long Weekend in Romania: Exploring Bucharest and Transylvania”Noelle’s Monthly Recap: May 2026
In May, I interviewed for two jobs, including one where I reached the final two candidates – but neither resulted in a job offer. I also fit in a long weekend in Romania and a short trip to the Malvern Hills. I also experienced my first English heat wave and the start of summer barbecue season. Here’s a look at what I did in May 2026.
Continue reading “Noelle’s Monthly Recap: May 2026”Exploring the Scottish Highlands Without a Car: Day Trips from Inverness
When I was planning my trip to the Scottish Highlands last month, I debated whether or not to rent a car. While having a car would provide more freedom and flexibility, I also felt a little stressed about the prospect of driving on the left side of the road in an unfamiliar area without knowing what the weather would be like. Since my trip was in late April, conditions could really vary.
Continue reading “Exploring the Scottish Highlands Without a Car: Day Trips from Inverness”




