I secondhand caught the travel bug when I was in college. I lived in a residence hall where all the international students resided, and they were all enthusiastic travelers. Living with them opened my eyes to the world beyond the small bubble of Florida where I was raised. After spending four semesters with students from various corners of the globe, I realized that I would be missing out on a tremendous life experience if I didn't embark on my own study abroad semester. Fortunately, I won a scholarship that funded my semester abroad, and I chose Alicante, Spain, the place my best friend studied abroad the semester before. I knew nothing about Alicante other than my friend said it was cheap and she had an ocean view from her bedroom. Perfect, I’ll go there!
My time in Alicante was an exhilarating whirlwind of travel experiences. The city itself had a vibrant small-town charm, complemented by stunning beaches, picturesque mountain views, delectable cuisine, and a bustling Spanish nightlife. It was the perfect base to travel around from. Almost every weekend I found myself gallivanting across Europe, delving into the unique offerings of each country I visited. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, try new foods, and broaden my horizons. Those seven months in Alicante became the most profound and life-changing period of my life. I not only learned how to navigate the intricacies of travel, but I also had the chance to forge deep connections with people who were incredibly different from me. Being far away from everything and everyone I had known forced me to adapt and discover new ways of living. Looking back, I realize that this desire for exploration and embracing new experiences has become somewhat of a recurring pattern in my life—it's something I am constantly seeking.
Since my study abroad experience in 2017, my wanderlust has taken me on a whirlwind journey across the globe. I’m privileged to have called South Florida, Melbourne, Australia, Los Angeles, Lisbon, and now Bali, home. I've always had a knack for evading conventional responsibilities, opting instead to embrace thrilling adventures wherever they may be found (but that's a story for another time 🤪). Through each twist, turn, and bump in the road, I have come to cherish how these experiences have shaped my path and led me to the person I am today. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you, and thank you for being here. I always say “there are 8 billion people on this planet with 8 billion stories to tell.” I look forward to hearing your story one day and sharing in the excitement of your own remarkable adventures!
Hey, I'm Ray!
I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to two amazing Egyptian parents who immigrated to the US two years before I was born. Growing up, I had a typical suburban childhood, playing outside with my neighbors and enjoying weekends at the beach. Every summer my parents would send me to Egypt to embrace our culture, but it often left me feeling like I didn't quite belong in either Egypt or America. Looking back, I realize that this upbringing gave me the superpower of being endlessly curious about different cultures and adaptable to new environments.
As my parents weren't outdoorsy in the slightest, my eyes were opened to the outdoor world when I visited the breathtaking Yosemite National Park in 2014 (my first solo trip ever!!!). Going to Yosemite felt like a spiritual awakening and sparked a deep thirst within me to explore more of the natural world. After completing my education in Florida, I felt a strong urge to leave the nest. I embarked on adventures in Spain and Australia, which only fueled my desire to discover what the world has to offer. I guess you can say I got sucked into the traveler pipeline 😝. Ultimately, I made the decision to move to California, a place where the sky is always clear blue and the mountains meet the shore. It was here that I fell in love with hiking, and being in nature became my favorite pastime. Along the way, I also developed a passion for physical activity, working out every day so that I can continue climbing mountains until I’m 90. I feel the most alive and myself when I’m out in nature, and I aspire to share that magical feeling with you.
I am a whole-hearted, hyperactive Aries who thrives on connection and exploration. My inner child is always present as I approach life with a perpetual sense of curiosity. Adventure runs through my veins, and nothing brings me greater joy than immersing myself in the great outdoors. I say the 4Ms hold the key to happiness: movement, mother nature, music, and meditation. If we all embraced this mindset, I truly believe the world would be a better place.Hiking, swimming, beachside play, running, weightlifting, and dancing at music events—these are my passions, and I wholeheartedly embrace them. I just recently became scuba certified and am stoked to explore the mesmerizing underwater world.
Nice to meet you and I hope to share my passion for travel and adventure with you!
