breaking bread.

well hey. where to begin.

My name is Allie. i'm a cook. and this is Travel Sprout. the idea of this name is the growth of something—or someone—despite unfavorable conditions. and travel is the ultimate catalyst for that growth.

we've all been inspired by the sight of ivy crawling up the side of a building, a tuft of grass pushing through a crack in the concrete, or a lotus flower blooming in a muddy pond. or at least i have. so for me, traveling is nourishment for the soul. despite all life's horrors, suffering, and obstacles to overcome, there is still good out there. good food, impressively surprising people, and breathtaking landscapes. finding travel years ago gave me an extraordinary way to find enjoyment in life, despite hardships... travel fosters my growth. it’s ever shifting my perspective and broadening my mind. keeping me open and curious. it offers an escape. and it’s when i feel the most alive.

not to mention the food that comes with it... like how lucky are we that tacos exist?

some tacos i've made.

I’ve faced many unfavorable conditions in my life. we can delve into that more a little later. i certainly don’t leave all of my anxieties and fear at home while i hop on a plane to wherever. but i never let that stop me from moving. it’s hard for me to stay still. and i know that if i want something in life, it doesn't come easy. There’s an insatiable drive within me that won’t allow me to cease, fueled by my passions of food, cooking, and exploration.

i know the internet is overflowing with travel information and influencers. and i know i don’t even hold a candle to my hero, the late Anthony Bourdain.

(the world was better with him still here.) but beyond just wanting a space for myself that logs my adventures, i thought i could also offer a respite for weary travelers (or travelers-to-be) - a place to rest, read, and snack. maybe an escape, or conduit to one. a space that might be more relatable for those with spicy brains like me. i don’t intend to shy away from anything but my truth, which often involves dark humor, tasty food, and a dose of mental illness.

Whether you’re embarking on your own journeys or dreaming about future escapades, or simply just bored, and are giving up after this paragraph anyway. I hope you find something here. even just solace. and i promise to do my best to try to keep short attention spans engaged. neurodivergent gang, i should probably just end it here then, huh? I'll leave you with this then: 

welcome to Travel Sprout. 🌱 bread broken.