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post-grad trip
  • Joe Dillier

post-grad trip

A long awaited and very much needed journey through North, Central and South America. Photos are shot either on iPhone or Fujifilm xt30ii. Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 7, 2024
    Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    Paris

    Nov 7–11, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    I had booked my flight from Paris to SF long before I knew that I will spend the 3 days before my departure there with photo basel (my employer). Meaning I got to go to Paris for free. I not only got to see (and work at) Paris Photo in the Grand Palais but was also fortunate enough to surprise my sister for her birthday, since she was visiting the city of love for a hyrox (ask her what it is idk). Walking out of the Grand Palais after finishing up my „work“ felt surreal. My travels would finally start and I would see my dear friend again. Excitement must have been written all over my face.Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    SF 1

    Nov 11–18, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After almost not boarding my flight because of border control and the longest, most exhausting flight of my life (yet), I finally arrived in San Francisco. My dear friend Selina, who is on a world trip, kindly picked me up at the airport. Walking out of the BART (train line in SF) felt like a movie. It is everything I imagined and nothing like it at all. We walked around for a bit, bought a huge carton of milk and ate the best burrito ever! I was sound and asleep by 21h and woke up at 4 lol.
    Day 1s program (12.11.24) was walking around Hayes Valley, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden in the Golden Gate Park and enjoying the iconic view of the Painted Ladies. We had the best Sushi at Shizen and met Selinas friend Brad for some nice Tikki-Cocktails at Smugglers Cove. What a great way to start the journey.

    btw. look at the crazy coffee flavours - we had a sweather weather and purple haze, both was delicious and warming.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    SF 2

    November 13, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Selina lived in SF for 2 years, so she had the days planed out (how awsome). On day 2 we took the cable car to Lumbardstreet and walked to the Fishermans wharf. We broused the tourist shops, saw Alcatraz and ate the famous in-and-our burger. We continued to china town and had a beer at Vesuvio.
    After waking up at 6 am on day 3 and reading for a bit i fell back asleep and got some much needed rest. Later that day we went up to Buena Vista Park and got a coffee at Coffee for the People (I got a Purple Haze: Lavender Latte). We walked down Cole Street and got Pho for Dinner before heading back home to get ready to go out. We danced the night away at Cat Club (it was an 80s party).
    I have waited for this journey patiently and apreciate every second of it. It still feels so surreal being here, hopefully this feeling doesn‘t leave me too quickly. I have not felt this grateful and happy in a while.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    SF 3

    November 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Day 4-7 was the perfect mix of chilling, drinking coffee and the ocasional sight-seeing adventure.
    I got a lavender oat latte every chance I got. We walked over the Golden Gate Bridge and further to Sausalito and passed Alcatraz on the ferry back to SF. We had delicious chinese food at Mission Chinese, went to Ocean Beach (it was crazy windy) and saw Conchas Mural (first row in the middle). Grandma Concha is Selinas „relative“ who is letting us stay in her house. She‘s 90 years old and is wise as f*ck. Listening to her stories was not only interesting but also super inspiring. She had a great impact on the latin community in SF, thus the mural.
    We are now off to Mexico-City. I can‘t wait for the rich flavours, vibrant colours and profound culture we‘ll experience there.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    our hostel room lol (don't mind the mess, we just arrived here)1ChilaquilesSelinas Bday dinnerflan for dessert

    Ciudad de Mexico 1

    November 19, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We arrived super early in Mexico City and were therefore quite tired. After checking in to our hostel (a tiny room with just enough space for our bunk-bed) and sleeping a bit, we explored our neighborhood. We got coffee, went to the Museo de Antropología and got some groceries (we got some water and stuff for a quick salad).
    The following day we celebrated Selinas Birthday. After sleeping in we drove down to Coyoatan, got Chilaquiles for Brunch and explored the lovely neighborhood through a walking tour. For dinner we went to a nice restaurant and had some traditional food (i got tlayuda) accompanied by a flight of Mezcal.
    Mexico City is so beautiful!    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    mango chamoyTacos al pastorTeotihuacán1pirámide del solTeotihuacánQuesedilla de chicharronsopeslas calles de coyoacan

    Ciudad de Mexico 2

    November 22, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    On day 3 we went to the museum of modern art and saw a „the two Fridas“ by Frida Kahlo. We had some Mango Chamoy in the park and went to the historic center, where i had some delicious tacos al pastor (for only 2.50chf!!!).
    The next day we booked a tour to Teotihuacán - one of the most ancient and influential cities of mesoamerica. It was very impressive and our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. We were quite tired after. I decided to walk around in our neighborhood and finished the day with a delicious quesedilla con chicharron (for 1.25chf). Yum!
    For our last day in Ciudad de Mexico we decided to go back to Coyoacán. We had sopes for breakfast/lunch (i guess that technically makes it brunch) at Fortuna Café. The whole neighborhood was basically a market. The sun was out and so were the people. We strolled around, ate crickets, tasted some mexican chocolate, got churros and a horchata frappé and finished it off with great quesedilllas (2.25chf each). I got one with carne y queso and Selina got huitlacoche y queso (a fungus that grows on the corn). YumYumYum! I can‘t get over this delicious and freaking cheap food.
    Ciudad de Mexico is awsome. So colorful, green (as in lots of plants) and warm (as in welcoming and honest people). We never felt unsafe. If you ever have the chance to visit, i can only recomend it.
    Now we are off to Tulum.✈️    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    Playa Paraíso
    our jungle view1Playa PescadoresMaya ruinasdiet coke core

    Tulum 1

    November 24, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Tulum is not only very beautiful but also super relaxing. We have a crazy nice airbnb with private pool, we each get our own room and in total we have 4 toilets and 3 showers - crazy! We spend our days relaxing, sleeping in and exploring the beautiful nature. I have not been taking a lot of photos since I keep finding myself too distracted with the atonishing views - sorry for that. It is super hot and humid (yes I did get a little sunburnt - oops). We get around the town with our beach bikes which I very much enjoy. There are a ton of butterflies, some big and blue, some yellow and long. I can only say it again: the nature here is breath taking. On Day 3 I went snorkeling. I saw manta rays, fishies and turtles!! It was such a special experience!
    Life is precious!    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    11

    Tulum 2

    November 28, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Tulum was such a relaxing stop. I really enjoyed spending time alone, reading, drinking coffee and taking dips in the beautiful clear ocean water. Altough I have been in the sun for quite some time, I don‘t necessarily look like it (meening I am still very pale).
    Two incredible friends of mine gifted me letters to read while beeing abroad. I not only cherish their words but also the thought behind it. Earlier this week i got to open the one „when I finish acotar 2“. This goes out to them: WTF! I can‘t stop reading. I am almost done with the 3 one now. I don‘t want this to end.
    Tulum is pretty nice altough I have that its as touristy as everybody says. The disparity between poor and rich is very visible and i didn‘t apreciate how some people handle that (meaning some tourists are quite rude and disrespectful).
    All in all I had a blast and enjoyed myself!    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    TunaMicheladaChorillanas y Choripan1Torta helada de lucuma y meringue con manjar1

    Santiago de Chile 1

    December 2, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We arrived late in Santiago de Chile and went directly to my family. I was quite bervous since the last time I saw them was 17 years ago. But after that first embrace it felt like no time has passed. We had a lot to catch up and enjoyed spending time together. I am so happy to be here and get to know my origins a little better. Santiago the Chile is beautiful and we had some great and hefty food as well as never before seen food like tuna. We went to the Zoo, walked around and once again had lots of coffee. Now we are off to a little road trip up north.Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    Valparaíso

    Dec 6–7, 2024 in Chile ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    It was a one and a half hour bus ride from Santiago to Valparaíso. We walked up the hill to our hostel and left our bagage there. Then we continued to take an „acensor“ further up the hill and walked around the neighborhood. Valparaíso is super colorful with lots of little shops that sell trinkets and what not and enjoyed petting all the cats and dogs that we encountered. We shared a piece of cake that basically combined everything good in this world (fruit, cream, manjar and lots of other tasty stuff). We then made our way to a little yellow house that oversaw the „small“ city and had one too many pisco sours. We went to bed at a reasonable time since our bus to La Serena left at 7 am.Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    1el faro monumental
    el faro monumentalel faro monumentalhorsey on the beachjapanese gardenjapanese garden (koi fish under water)

    La Serena

    Dec 7–8, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    After a six hour bus drive we arrived in La Serena, a small beach town. We checked in to our hostel „el arbol“ and were pleasently surprised to find such welcoming vibes here. We sat outside in the garden before going to the japanese garden right next to our hostel. After exploring and resting we started to crave a creamy pasta. We bought all the ingredients to make creamy courgette pasta. It hit the spot. We were very grateful for our cozy bed (we opted for a private room) and slept like babies (I was out before 10pm). After sleeping in we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast at our hostel, hung out in the garden some more and went to the beach. It was very beautiful and relaxing.
    Next stop: San Pedro de Atacama.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    112pepino de fruta

    San Pedro de Atacama

    Dec 9–10, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We arrived in the desert. The air is super dry bit we still enjoy chilling in the hammocks and taking the occasional dip in the pool. After working up an appetite we went into the small city and ate a vegan Ceviche, ensalda patasca and fries accompanied by - you guessed it - pisco sour(s). We booked an astronomical tour for the evening and learned a lot about the stars. The people here are super nice and kind hearted. If you ever find your way to San Pedro de Atacama you should definitely stay at Casa Voyage!
    Tonight we are off to Arica.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    1

    Arica

    Dec 11–14, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Arica has a special place in my heart. We stayed at my grand aunts house and it felt like we were in an all inclusive hotel. Isabel treated us sooo well! She cooked for us and showed us around and most of all spend time with us. I got to connect with my origins.
    Arica is the most northern city in Chile and combines desert with ocean views. My heart is very full (and so is my belly).    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler

    Curacaví

    Dec 14–15, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Conys B-Day party in Curacaví. A beautiful little town outside just 40‘ from Santiago de Chile with a breathtaking scenery. We had the best asado, went to the river and drank lots of Melvin (melón y vino).Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    1

    Pucón 1

    Dec 17–20, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Pucón is absolutely beautiful and offers a lot adventures. I arrived on a rainy Tuesday and spend the day wandering around and exploring the small lake town. That same evening I met some lovely fellow travelers ( a scot dude, a german dudette and an american pal) in my hostel and we made plans for a hike the following day.
    We hiked to the cascadas del río turbio. A place full of natural pools and waterfalls following the stream of an earlier lava eruption. The weather was cloudy but opened up as soon as we arrived there.
    The following day we went to santuario el cañi - a natural reserve. It was a steep hike up and unfortunately the weather turned to worse as soon as we arrived on top. Nonetheless, it was beautiful and impressive. some trees here are (apparently) older than 200 mio. years.
    On Thursday I tagged along with a group. We went to the natural hotsprings los pozones. Because of the several vulcanos here in Pucón, there are several natural hotsprings. It was a great and relaxing experience altough i would suggest to visit the termas geométricas if you can afford. They are supposed to be even more beautiful.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    1

    Pucón 2

    Dec 21–23, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    On my fifth day in Pucón I went to parque ojos de caburgua. I took the bus there and enjoyed a slow day with breathtaking scenary. A group from out hostel went out that night. The next day I had to pack my stuff. I spend the day at the beach (yes, I got a littlr sunburn on my bum) got a churrasco italiano and then made my way to the busstation. I‘ll arrive in Santiago the following day - just in time for Christmas.Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    Christmas shopping madness3Mote con Huesillo2Terremoto1templo baha'ísAsado mmmh🤤1choripan1mi despedida♥️

    Santiago de Chile 2

    Dec 23–29, 2024 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Being in Chile for a whole month meant so much to me. Not only did I get to explore the lands of my origin but I also reconnected with my dear family. During my last week in Santiago I experienced the Christmas chaos in shopping malls, we celebrated Christmas, walked through the city, saw the virgin on cerro san christobal as well as the templo baha’ís, tried endless chilean specialties and ate a lot of meat. I am forever gratefull how my family made me feel so at home. I will be back!Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    view from our room
    açai and yappost new years munchies1cocophotographing people photographing the sunset1how maracuyá caipiroska and pool days makes me feellobsterrrr

    Morro de São Paulo

    Dec 29–Jan 6, 2025 in Brazil ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Morro de São Paulo is a fever dream - a literal paradise. I got very lucky and was able to stay with my dear friend noah and his family in their dream villa by the ocean. Getting there was a hustle where I learned I am not a big fan of ferry boads on the open ocean (everyone was vomiting). But as soon as I stepped back on land i was overwhelmed with the tropical beauty.
    Our days were spend with lots of sun bathing (and actual bathing), walks on the beach, eating delicious brazilian food prepared by our private chef, devouring açai (I am obsessed!), watching true crime documentaries and just enjoying our time together.
    We spend new years dressed in white (as is tradition in Brazil) and celebrated in to the morning hours.
    I will be forever grateful for this experience! Now I am off to Costa Rica.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    1la cavaspot the iguanaKaraoke singingtuna with several saladsspot the slothspot the parrotthe french canadians/north americans (they're so cool!)Nauyaca Waterfallshidden waterfalls1it was higher than it looks okay?11Mango in Costa Rica (only took me 10 years)Monkey

    Quepos/Manuel Antonio

    Jan 8–16 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    A lot of people may not know this but when I was about 13 years old, I made my first bucket list. For some reason the first thing I wrote is eat a mango in CR. 10 years later I did.
    My stay in Quepos/Manuel Antonio is coming to an end. I stayed in a Hotel/Bed and Breakfast in the jungle and my rooms name was „cava“. It describes it quite well since its literally a little cave. There is an outside kitchen, a little pool and loads of wildlife! An older group of friends (french canadian and north american), that get together here every year, kind of adopted me. They fed me delicious food and took me to the Nauyaca waterfalls. I also befriended a Tico (costa rican expression for locals) who not only took me to amazing hidden waterfalls, but also taught me how to surf! Isn‘t that amazing?! There‘s a reason why Pura Vida is the most often used expression here.
    After exploring the Pacific coast, freeing baby turtles in isla damas, seeing beautiful beaches, waterfalls, monkeys, iguanas, tucanes, parrots, sloths and more, I am off to the carribean coast. I am excited for the raggea as well as for rice and beans.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    laundryholy trinityfroggyplaya negraplaya coclespsy dance partyMaracuyásloth mama and babyy1patacones con guacamole, frijoles y pico de galloRice and Beans con Pollo con salsa caribeña

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    Jan 16–24 in Costa Rica ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant town known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and Afro-Caribbean culture. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, great surfing spots, and a unique blend of reggae music, local cuisine, and wildlife. My first 5 nights I stayed in La Ruka. I met a lot of Argentinians (funny enough I also met quite some Swiss people lol) and had a great time here overall. For my last three nights here, I decided to stay in a females only hostel - just to see what its like (and they also had lods of free activities and spoilers it was peak girlhood).
    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a caribbean paradise and although it rained a lot, I had an impecable time. I chilled at the beach, sae loads of wild animals (frogs, sloths, monkeys and more) and had great food. I have to say Costa Rica is very expensive, even for us Swiss people but I‘d like to say its fine.
    I read a lot, went to a psy dance party at the beach, participated in a funk dance lesson that turned into a huge party, had a cooking lesson where we made local food (patacones con guacamole y pico de gallo), made bracelets, enjoyed fresh fruit and spent important moments of reflection.
    Now off to my last stop - New York City.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    arriving at -7 degrees and seeing nyc for the first timebanana puddingchongquing not and spicy noodle soupholy trinity 2.01getting my aura photographed and interpretedslice pizza in brooklynwashington square parkonly in nyc (its -5 degrees!!)skims pop up (might have done some damage)viral hair salon to get my hair washed and blow dried1results hihigirly girl day (my first mani pedi)thai for dinner1

    NYC 1

    Jan 25–27 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 0 °C

    I am so glad I decided to end my trip in NYC. It is such a cool and authentic city and I feel truely inspired. This is a summary of my first three days: My flight landed on Saturday at 6am. Going through border control and arriving in the city was quite easy. I left my backpack in my hotel and was off to eat my first bagel - I got an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. I then proceeded to walk down prince street and continuing through Soho. My destination was the Magnolia Bakery in Chelsea where I tried their famous Banana pudding and wow was that delicious! I then mademy way to the high line and enjoyed my banana pudding there on a sunny bench - mind you its was -7 degrees! The high line ended at Hudson Yard where I window shopped a little bit. Since lunch time was getting closer, I decided I wanted to try the viral chinese restaurant called „1915 Lanzhou hand pulled noodles“. If your ever in NYC, you have to try it! After that I browsed some vintage shops before heading home to my Hotel where I called it a day pretty early (and after 22’000+ steps) since I was sooo tired.
    The next day I took the Subway to Bushwick where I enjoyed lavender latte and an almond croissant before heading to Williamsburg where I shopped at some vintage stores, got my aura photographed and read, got a slice of spicy vodka sauce pizza and spend a shit ton of money (🥲). I then took the subway back to the City where I went to some Pop Ups (usually you get free stuff hehe).
    The following day was a pamper myself day: I got my hair washed and blow dried in Chinatown, walked through different neighborhoods, got loads of coffee, ate more pizza, got my first mani pedi and ended the day with some thai food.
    Lets see what the next few days bring.    Read more

  • Joe Dillierpost-grad tripTraveler
    traffic jameverything bagel with jalapeño cream cheesePrince Pizzanaughty pie (vodka sauce, peperoni and ricotta)BroadwayTime SquareTime Squarewicked on broadway (!!!)Lunar new year celebrations in Chinatownwalking the Brooklyn BridgeManhatten BridgeJulian, the mexican

    NYC 2

    Jan 27–30 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    The adventure continues. On Thursday I grabbed Bagels at Leons Bagel along with a coffee. I then made my way to the Central Park where I promenaded for a bit and enjoyed the view. I walked through the Upper East Side before getting a slice from Prince st. Pizza. This place is well known for their thick and delicious pizza and was quite close to my Hotel. I rested for bit before heading out to the Time Square and Broadway. My gift to myself was a ticket to see wicked on Broadway!! I definitely fan girled (a lot) and might have cried (a little) as well. It was so special to me. Not necessarily because of the musical but more because I was enjoying myself so much, even „alone“.
    The 29th of January was the Lunar New Year so it only made sense to go to Chinatown and see the Parade as well as celebrate it. 2025 is the year of the Snake and guess what: I was born in the year of Snake. I hope this also means, that it will be my year haha. I got lunch at super taste, a place recomended to me by my friend Basim. Very unexpectedly I was approached by a guy who invited me to sit and eat with him. We got along very well. He is Mexican and lives in Cancun. Funny enough we had kind of the same plans for the rest of the day: walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, go to Washington street and see the sunset. On a whimp we decide to spend the rest of the day together. He invites me to some drinks and a stand up comedy show (as a friend!). I had an absolute blast and it was definitely a worthy ending to my stay in NYC.    Read more

    Trip end
    January 31, 2025
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