Travel - Monica Zorrilla

May 18

by monicazorrilla in Blog, Cities, English, Inspiration, Travel 1 comments tags: blog, life experiences, personal travel blog, storytelling, travel, Travel stories, world

The Places I’ve Been, The Stories I Carry

Throughout my life, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different places around the world — some through work, others through vacations, and some simply through the unexpected turns life takes. I’ve visited countries that left me speechless, cities I still miss, and airports where I only spent a few hours but still walked away with a story. I’ve tried foods I never imagined tasting, listened to languages I didn’t understand, met people completely different from me, and learned that every culture has its own unique way of seeing life. Some places I experienced deeply. Others I only briefly touched during a layover. But all of them, in one way or another, left something with me. I have spent more than two decades living in New York after moving from Peru, with many journeys along the way. Over time, I realized I didn’t want to keep all of these stories hidden only in photographs or forgotten somewhere in my phone. I wanted to write them down. This blog was born from that feeling. From the places that shaped me. From unexpected stories. From people. From food. From quiet moments inside airports. From losing a phone in Japan. From unexpectedly running into […]

Feb 20

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Photography, Travel 1 comments

I Don’t Put My Life on Hold

At some point, I stopped waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect trip.The perfect plan.The perfect company. I understood that life isn’t something you prepare for… It’s something you live. I’ve traveled alone because I wanted to go.Not because there was no one —but because I felt like going. I’ve reserved tables for one.Gone for walks without a plan.Organized my home as if it were a temple, not for visitors. It’s not rebellion.It’s an emotional responsibility. I learned that loneliness isn’t always about being alone.You can be surrounded by people and feel disconnected.And you can be physically alone and feel completely at peace. I’ve had long relationships.I’ve had deep friendships.I’ve lived shared chapters and individual ones.All of it is part of life. But what truly gave me strength was this: Discovering that I can hold my own life. That I can travel even if no one is available to join me.That I can dress up even if there’s no event.That I can cook beautifully even if the table has only one setting.That I can buy myself flowers without waiting for someone to bring them. My home is my center.My body is my home.My life is my responsibility. It hasn’t always […]

Jul 07

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Peru, Photography, Travel 0 comments tags: Dunas, Ica, Peru

The Dunes at Sunset in Peru

The dunes in Peru are an impressive natural spectacle. They ripple like golden waves in the middle of the desert, especially in places like Huacachina and Ica, where the sun paints them in warm tones at sunrise and sunset. They are peaceful giants, shaped by the wind, inviting both contemplation and adventure. Whether walking along their peaks, sliding down on a sandboard, or simply admiring the view, the dunes connect you with the vastness and beauty of the Peruvian desert.

May 10

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Life Experiences, Photography, Travel 0 comments

My Journey to Petra, Jordan: A Beautiful Surprise

My trip to Petra, Jordan, was one of the most fascinating and unexpected adventures I’ve ever had. I had heard about Petra before—the famous rose-red city carved into stone—but nothing could have prepared me for the awe I felt standing there in person. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated. The rocks’ colors seemed to shift with the sunlight, painting the landscape in shades of gold, pink, and deep red. Walking through the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the iconic Treasury, felt like stepping back in time. The history wrapped around every stone was exactly what I was craving—ancient, rich, and mysterious. The blend of culture, weather, and warm hospitality made it even more special. The weather was perfect for exploring—sunny but not overwhelming. And the people? Kind, welcoming, and eager to share their traditions and stories. I immersed myself in the local culture, learning a great deal. One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering new food, and Jordanian cuisine did not disappoint. Every bite was a delight, from freshly baked bread to spiced meats and sweet treats. I love visiting new places, learning about different cultures, and trying foods I’ve never tasted. These experiences […]