“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou
Those words have followed me for years — and they’re the reason this blog exists.
Hi, I’m Mirchaye (some call me Nina). I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the United States at 17 to pursue a career in journalism and digital media. Writing has always been my anchor — from my first journal in eighth grade to the stories I share today. It’s how I make sense of the world.
Motherhood reshaped my storytelling in ways I never expected.
After the birth of my first son, Adam, I found myself searching for honest, practical guidance — especially around navigating early motherhood, identity, and self-care. Too often, what I found felt either unrealistic or disconnected from real life. I wanted a space that reflected the messy, beautiful, in-between moments of raising children — while still honoring the woman behind the title “mom.”
This blog grew from that desire.
Travel has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. As a child, my parents introduced me to the world through travel, planting a deep appreciation for culture, history, and curiosity. Today, I carry that same philosophy into how I’m raising my two boys. I truly believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of travel — not luxury, but exposure. Seeing how others live, learning empathy, and understanding the world beyond our own backyard.
Our family is proudly multicultural, and that perspective is woven throughout this space. My husband and I are intentional about teaching our children where we come from — our languages, traditions, values, and histories. Through travel, storytelling, and everyday life, we’re raising our boys to feel rooted in who they are while remaining open to the world around them. You’ll see my culture sprinkled throughout this blog — in the places we visit, the lessons we share, and the way we experience life as a mixed family.
Is traveling with kids easy? No.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Here, I share family-friendly itineraries, practical travel tips, and honest insights to show that exploring the world with kids is not only possible — it can be deeply meaningful. You’ll also find occasional solo travel reflections, because motherhood doesn’t erase who we were before it — it expands who we become.
At its heart, this blog is about intentional living:
- Raising curious, culturally aware children
- Navigating motherhood with honesty and grace
- Honoring our roots while exploring the world together
If you’re a parent raising a family across cultures — or simply hoping to live more thoughtfully and travel with intention — you’re in the right place. Welcome. 🤍
Yours,
Mirchaye
