about me

I’m Ariel, a twenty-something Texan. From three years, I taught English in Daejeon, South Korea, but now I live in Madrid, Spain.

Like all those who majored in something English-y, I love to write. I made this blog for my reflections and photography. Honestly, it’s mostly for myself and my family. Sometimes I explore topics like linguistic imperialism, art or grief. But I also have guides on applying to the Auxiliars de Conversación program and the English Program in Korea, traveling and living abroad. When I was about to move abroad, I read tons of blogs in preparation. This blog is my way of passing what I learn forward.

Since I’ve moved to Spain, this blog has been put on the back-burner. Just for a bit. I had no intentions of quitting, but I unexpectedly needed time to adjust and process my big move. These days, I’m less interested in displaying my personal thoughts or happenings. And travel content for Europe is…let’s say, a more saturated (English) market than Daejeon, South Korea. Does the internet really need another guide to London or Berlin? Still, I do have thoughts and photos I want to share, so I hope to be back soon.

More about me: I’m a freelance editor and writer. I also like drawing (@aerimomo). Other loves: poetry, RPG video games, craft beer and kickboxing.

I hope you find something here in my little corner of the internet that you like!

FAQ

Where do you live? What do you do?

I’m an elementary school English teacher in Madrid, Spain through NALCAP (Auxiliars de Conversación program). Before that, I lived in Daejeon, South Korea. I taught English there, too, through EPIK, the English Program in Korea.

Where are you from?

Texas, USA. Well, technically Oklahoma. I don’t have much of an accent either way.

So this is a travel blog. Where have you gone?

I grew up in the US and didn’t leave the country until I was 18. But in the past five years, I’ve been to 14 countries in Asia and Europe.

The full list is: Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Morocco, the UK, Portugal, Germany, and France.

What camera(s) do you use?

For DSLR, I use my dad’s old Canon Rebel Xti. I think it’s almost 15 years old? It still takes great photos.

For film, I have a beloved point-and-shoot Accura Zoom 80. Some photos are from a Chinon CS 35mm (quite heavy so I don’t use it for travel) and a Kodak M35 (rip). Most of my film is shot on Fujifilm 200 but occasionally Portra 400.

Can I buy prints of your art or photography?

You can buy prints at ariography.darkroom.tech. All proceeds go to RAICES and Project ALS.

Can I repost your article if I credit you? Can I use your photos for x? Can I feature your blog on my website?

Sure! Please contact me first and tell me which article/photo of mine and what platform of yours. You must credit me and/or link to my blog.