writings by Rachel Rueckert
Despite my long-standing tradition of birthday goals, this year I hesitated to make a “28 Before 28” list. I’m in the process of trying to simplify my life. I’m slashing my ‘to-do’ lists and ‘to-be’ lists. But the good ol’ birthday goals seemed to make the cut, so long as...
Dear Sweden, I’m sorry I never really noticed you in the corner of the world. It was always Austin who wanted to be with you. I’ve spent the better part of my life oblivious to your charms. I’ll just come out and say it—after our latest get together I think...
EACH FALL THAILAND celebrates Yi Peng, the iconic floating lanterns festival held on the first full moon in the second month according to the Lanna lunar calendar. Last year I watched the sky light up with masses of Lanna-style khom loi lanterns, each carrying a wish, a plea for good luck, or a farewell to old habits...
ON THIS DAY one year ago I knelt at an altar, gripping the hand of my best friend who smiled across from me as I took the greatest leap of faith I have ever taken in my life. I remember walking out of the temple to a crowd of supportive friends and...
THIS HAS BEEN, without a doubt, the best year of my life. Before leaving on our trip around the world I made a list of goals (as I do each year) of 26 things I wanted to do before my 26th birthday on July 12th. Here are some photographs highlighting my...
1 llama sweater from Peru 2 travel journals (completely filled) 1 XL sleeping sheet with new stains from the floor of the LaGuardia Airport 1 ribbed tank top from my wedding sporting Amazon River mud stains and the word “bride” written across the front 1 survivor of a D700 Nikon...
We are 312,576 steps, 239 kilometers, and 148 miles into the Camino de Santiago. I have only walked for ten days (three more weeks to go) but have shared miles and meals with new friends from England, Scotland, Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, the U.S., Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Switzerland,...
I DIDN’T REALIZE how drastically diverse the matrimonial traditions and rituals are for each state in India when I first set out to research traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies. I learned a bit about Southern Hindu wedding ceremony traditions by narrowing my focus on one specific region, Karnataka. To be even...
I am the kind of person who enjoys traveling alone, but having a husband along for the ride has been rewarding. With Valentine’s Day today, which we are spending together in India, I thought I would make a tribute to why traveling with your long-term partner is especially awesome. You...
Hi! I'm Rachel. I'm a writer, photographer, educator, and world traveler. Read more about me and this website here.
