Traveler Feedback

Earlier this year I left a horrible living situation that was so traumatizing to the point where I’d rather walk the streets alone at night than come home. I was so stressed that i had hives for 8 months straight. After my first monsoon to west africa with @monsoondiaries (another story), I finally decided to literally stop living in fear.

I scrambled finding a new apartment in the off-season, re-reading the fine print of my lease, finding a subleaser, and to somehow pick up my life and move (again) by myself. 2 weeks later I had a new home with a balcony and a gorgeous rooftop view of the city. i could watch the sunset every night and finally feel safe in my own home. my change in environment was definitely the biggest factor in my personality type change, which makes a lot of sense as to why i suddenly love staying in now.

…I wanted to really analyze how my life has been recently, & right now I feel like a different person, like I need to get to know myself again. I find my interactions with people now are not what I would’ve expected from the Jill I was a few years ago, or the Jill I thought I was until now.

…I’m very happy with my life & who I am now but I still want to be better, & I do so by surrounding myself with genuine people that make me want to be better.

Jillian Kailuna

Côte d'Ivoire

Thank you for having me on this trip and creating an environment and space for strangers to meet each other where they would’ve never been able to under any other circumstances. This monsoon reaffirms my belief that we are all just looking for genuine human interactions, so we may feel less alone in this world and learn to be more confident in ourselves, especially during our darkest and loneliest times. That journey requires and leads us to reflect and refine our values, personalities, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. While I may not have been outspoken throughout this brief time together, it is not a sign of disinterest or apathy. Rather, I’m observing and reflecting, so that I can try to make some sense out of all these seemingly unrelated forces at play.

During orientation, you said you always fuck up somehow on your trips, and by default, disappoint people. I beg to differ. You brought people to together and allowed them to bond together to figure shit out. Thank you for promoting and cultivating such an inclusive experience that I will cherish forever. So, nothing to be anxious about. You’re doing a great job, and despite not having ramen, the ocean view from the restaurant is more than enough.

Anonymous

South Korea

Despite considering myself a decently travelled solo traveller to a number of off the beaten track destinations, having met Calvin in a chance encounter in Sydney i originally signed up with him to his recently organised trip to Armenia for the specific reasons that 1) it was very cost effective, compared to solo travel in that country 2) the itinerary and approach to travel appeared to be well aligned with my own, in that it was hard and fast, adventurous and hitting all the sights whilst still keeping flexibility to change plans, and 3) overall he seemed like a pretty decent guy.

What I encountered surpassed these expectations. On top of delivering on the above, I encountered a trip with like minded individuals sharing what was to prove a remarkable experience in a remarkable country. For many a traveller who prefers solo travel, there are times when you would prefer to give the sometimes rigorous amounts of organisation a break, whilst avoiding the cookie cutter approach of a tour or sometimes having to acquiesce to an itinerary planned out by friends that might not match your preferences. That is where for me Calvin’s approach really excels. We saw all of the key sights of the country, pushed the boundaries in our venture to the disputed region of Nagorno Karabakh, in an informal, flexible setting, and all the while making some personal friends whom I will no doubt retain for a long time.

Nishant Anandan

Armenia, Afghanistan

Altruistic realism: to meet the urgent need for people throughout the world to see each other and reality fairly.

I just figured you should define it: I think you’re creating a home everywhere you go in your monsoons. You’re making a global home through the connections of the people on each trip. I was thinking the song [To Build a Home] says it all – and that you’re connecting the globe – showing people home is a feeling shared together. And we find ourselves in the insecurities of the unfamiliar…and so the people become the familiar. And the bond becomes home. Security through partnership.

Evie Joy

Wales

Thank you for letting me tag along with you! It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip and now I want to see the rest of the pacific islands! Isaiah is awesome and I hope we can go on a trip together.

I’m looking forward to more details about the next island hopping. Have a good flight home!!

Stephanie Liu

Micronesia Island Hopper

dear february & inner voice,

with no expectation i followed your little trace on the snow and found myself ending up in the magical land, japan.

throwing snowballs, riding side by side with new friends we just met, drinking tasty sake, eating bowls of ramen after snowboarding, taking care of each other & making sure no one fell on the slippery night street, having conversations until our eyes couldn’t open anymore.and numerous more beautiful & unforgettable moments that makes this trip dreamy and real at the same time.

..can we have the dream again, inner voice?

Yuhan Lee

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

[Video]

Lydia: OK Nat, how was your first monsoon?

Nat: I loved it, I don’t know how I’m gonna go back to reality.

Lydia: What was the best part?

Nat: Just hanging out with people who are so fun, who are so spontaneous, who are so friendly, and doing things I really like doing.

Lydia: Did you like the extra [perks]?

Nat: Who doesn’t.

Lydia: Was it nice?

Nat: Yes.

Lydia: Would you come on another monsoon?

Nat: Yes!

Lydia: Next week?

Lydia Chan & Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

[sends podcast video] A long video but this clip of this podcast made me thinking of monsooning. Delayed gratification doing things that in the moment might be hard but ultimately are good for you and most importantly the confidence you get from traveling is very transferable to the rest of your life.

That last day I went down that black bc I knew me challenging myself was more than about snowboarding but doing something I was uncomfortable with.

Bruce Zhang

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Reunion labor day weekend in atlanta for dragoncon!

Taejin Kim

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Niseko 2024 🇯🇵⛷️🏂 Unforgettable memories with some amazing people 🙏🏼💙🙌🏽

Eric Kim

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

So many memories!!

David Park

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Thank u for being the best planner and arranging all the jigsaw puzzles together ❤️. I had a wonderful time!!!

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Dang I’m like really sad lol. Which means! I had to have been really happy while I was here.

Bruce Zhang

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Yes! So happy I decided to full send it and join this trip with a little fomo induced convincing by @⁨Sujay Sheth⁩ and @⁨YuHan Lee⁩. Cannot wait to see you all (mon)soon! 🙂

Kunal Desai

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Great seeing old friends and meeting new ones on this trip! Had an amazing time in such a beautiful place. Thanks to all that helped organize and safe travels – looking forward to many more adventures soon!!

Sujay Sheth

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

I must have gotten so bored of smiling 😂😂😂😂😂

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Thank YOU for being so organized, generous & awesome 🥹 had so much fun with everyone.

Jenny Ngo

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Thank you everyone for a remarkable powdery Japan ski trip. I am grateful for all these memories and laughter we had together.

Sorry didn’t had a chance to properly say good bye to each one of you before I left this morning. I am on the bus to New Chitose Airport now. Hope to see you all very soon on the future trip.

If anyone is visiting San Francisco let me know! Happy to show you around and take you to yummy food places. 🙂

Yuhan Lee

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Best week ever 🫶

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

CALVIN!! Monsoon in Korea!!

Lyla Kamigaki

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

I must admit, Calvin D. Sun picks some really good Michelin restaurants for these trips

Lydia Chan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Put me back in the waitlist for Tomorrowland, final answer. If I get a ticket I will find a way to make it, no matter what.

If I’m gonna go tomorrow land there is literally no other group of people I’d rather go with.

Bruce Zhang

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

I had such an amazing trip. Literally the best in years.

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Jean claude van DAMN we look good 😎

Kunal Desai

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Awesome week with all you amazing people. 🙏🏾. Calvin and I are going to buy the apartment between us and have Monsoon headquarters NYC. When that happens you will have a permanent couch to sleep on.

Brett Margolias

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

It’s ok, we’ve had 6 straight days of 🍀✨

Jenny Ngo

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Med school sucks but you guys are amazing. Thanks for teaching me how to board! And thanks to everyone else for cooking and cleaning. This past week is definitely the happiest I’ve been in a long time!! See you all sooner or later 🙂 🙂

Bruce Zhang

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

😘😘😘😘😘😘😘 It was so so so nice to meet all of you and enjoy Niseko together. From the 1st YOLO gondola run to Karaoke! Hope to see u soon! ❤️

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

CALVIN ❤️❤️❤️. Thank you so so so much for such an incredible trip! It was amazing to be a part of it 🥰

Megan Whyte

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Thank you – for being you, for bringing the right vibes, for making it all mesh beautifully. Love you all.

Lydia Chan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

[About not saying goodbye in person] . . . Means we’re meant to meet again even sooner 💕

[About making sure this is just the beginning of her adventures] . . . I am 😉

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Everything reminds me of niseko

Taejin Kim

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Have a safe flight everyone! I’m honored to have met an awesome group of people on this trip. Thanks TJ for inviting me and thanks everyone for being chill af. If yall ever come to Korea please let me know! I got uuuu 👊

Eric Kim

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

I’ve transcended to the next level of sushi heaven

Brett Margolias

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Fancy dinner time at KAMIMURA in Niseko Hirafu Village. That truffle butter was amazing.

Some items were a bit much (potato marinated for 510 days?), but such an amazing experience overall and with great company. I heard the Japanese riesling was top notch.

Taejin Kim

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

How is it only a wk ago we were scrambling for the 7am bus.. feels like a lifetime ago !! I miss our trip!

Natalie Tan

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

[shows photo of Jimmy Butler as his iPhone background] This was my phone background for the last month or so as I was finishing up preclinical.

It’s a picture of jimmy butler, a star player on the Miami heat during the 2020 finals and it’s a photo of him bent over in exhaustion trying to will his team to victory. I used it as motivation to push me through my last little bit of exams.

Calvin: One day you’re gonna put a photo of yourself as your background!

Bruce: I just changed it to this [sends new iPhone background photo of himself on this trip] bc this makes me happy and gives me motivation in a different way . . . That day is today! Haha

Bruce Zhang

Hokkaido Snowpocalypse

Dear lovelies,

I am grateful for the grace, smiles, patience, passion, and warm hearts you shared with me

It was one of the most memorable trips for me because of you

Much gratitude for your presence & sharing

I wish you nothing but love, peace, happiness, joy, and good health

“See you on the road” – Jack Kerouac

“We are all walking each other home” – Ram Dass

🌎🇸🇹🇬🇭🇧🇯🇹🇬🌍

much love.

Lauren Lee

The Gulf of Guinea

. . . . Although the vigorous tempo seems intrinsic to [my friend] Tiger, he attributed this style of travel to his friend Calvin, who had inspired the itinerary for his trip…“Buffet style,” he drew the picture: just a quick sampling of places because, as Calvin reasons, you can always go back after you see what you’re drawn to. Calvin had already taken groups to Iran and North Korea, Tiger informed us. He was planning to do Cuba over Thanksgiving weekend. And he scheduled all of this on breaks from med school. Even as I was undertaking my own adventures, I remember feeling envious of such an intrepid and enterprising spirit.

. . . . Perhaps the most remarkable consideration concerning Calvin’s compelling argument to travel is that there is no compelling argument from Calvin. He does not push unwilling souls to take the plunge. Instead he inspires by example, moving along his (loosely) planned route on his own accord and, much like the force of nature for which his travel approach is named, leaves you to (re)act as you see fit.

Jan Ferrer

Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Cuba

I had too much fun on this trip, Calvin

Lauren Lee

The Gulf of Guinea

Thank you for making this trip so effortless!

Letti Hale

The Gulf of Guinea

Safely landed in HK!! Miss you guys already.

Sandy Rie

The Gulf of Guinea

Everything has been amazing

Letti Hale

The Gulf of Guinea

This trip is already so memorable. I love it.

Lauren Lee

The Gulf of Guinea

My people. I didn’t get to say goodbye 🙁 I’ll see you soon! Thanks for an amazing adventure. Just landed in Cairo – missing y’all.

Letti Hale

The Gulf of Guinea

I struggle with putting my rambling thoughts and all sorts of feelings into words that make sense in text and in voice. So, I admire people that can speak effortlessly and engaging, even telling the simplest stories.

One of those people is Calvin.

Calvin’s writing is captivating. In his latest blog post about Syria, the trip I had the privilege of being a part of, captures all the feels I had and the things I miss about the surreal week we shared together in a wonderful country. Have a read! I love it a lot!

Melinda Kwok

Syria

Thank you for making the trip an experience.

Paul Woo

The Canary Islands

Calvin your last blog post was really beautiful … glad to have been [apart of it] … Anyone else feeling like all of it is a bit surreal? Having gone to and left the area when we did?

Rajani Mohan

Syria

Thank you Ophelia and Calvin for an AMAZING week in Syria!

Melinda Kwok

Syria

I had a great time and glad I signed up…Everyone was very welcoming

Leshawn Anderson

Syria

Thank you all. Hope everyone enjoyed this trip. Thank you Calvin for organizing this trip.

Sabrina Cheng

The Canary Islands

Yes, so much so.

Amelia Shillingford

Syria

This was my absolute favorite monsoon. I say that a lot though? 🥰

Mihaela K

Syria

You make my life much more hopeful and complete. It’s your special day, but you’re the gift.

Chris Franz

Syria

I’ve always traveled with a small group of friends or family. But only since last October, I’ve found a joy in #solotraveling. I love the flexibility and freedom in it.

I’m not a very social person in a new setting with lots of strangers. So knowing that it’ll be a large group, I was still drawn to signed up for the 7-day #Syria tour with @MonsoonDiaries x @Golden.Team.Syria. It was my fourth multi-day tour ever, and it was my longest – and it was amazing!
I’ve met incredible people.

We explored and learned together. We ate and drank together. We danced and sang together. We created wonderful memories, in a beautiful country, that’ll last a lifetime.

Melinda Kwok

Syria

Hi! Just wanted to personally thank you for inviting me to the Syria trip. My heart still feels so full. I feel humbled and grateful at the same time! Beyond the amazing group of new people I met, my eyes have been even-more opened to the beauty and importance of traveling and experiencing other cultures. I can’t believe Syria was my 4th country to ever visit!

I think this trip has been one of the most monumental moments of my life thus far, and I cannot wait to see more of the world. Thank you!

My heart is still so full lol 😭❤️

Chris Franz

Syria

JFK bound! Leaving with happy memories, new friends, and lots of saltwater in our clothes. Worth it to spend time with you all in my favorite country 💙

Gina Fortunato

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

CanNOT wait to see you all again! Greece was fantastic and I couldn’t imagine exploring it with any better people. Safe travels and until next time 🥰

Jennifer Schultz

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Couldn’t have asked for a better yacht!

Hi Calvin. I didn’t get a chance to say farewell, but I wanted to say thank you so much for this week!

Andy Jeon

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Nothing but good times and good times only.

Leslie Limo

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Honestly a trip of a lifetime, still feels unreal …  I see more monsoons in my future ❤️

Roxanne Menchaca

Meteora, Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Looking back on it, me signing up for a trip with @monsoondiaries (first time meeting him) on a random night in December to go on the most insane week long yacht party with 40 random people who ended up becoming amazing friends with lifelong memories is a perfect way to sum up year 31 in a nutshell.

Victor Tran

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

EPIC Summer in the Mediterranean @theyachtweek … thanks @monsoondiaries – definitely one for the books…

Hey 👋 still wanted to thank you again (and of course Koichi) for inviting me to be a part of TYW. I felt at home w the group! Everyone is super nice … overall i can say it’s one of the BEST summer trips I ever had. So many friends of mine now want to attend and experience TYW haha.

Benjie Marcelo

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

When a CEO, CAO, CRO, & CMO get together, you make some unforgettable memories. Thank you @monsoondiaries for taking me on this adventure and grateful for everyone who was part of it.

Gina Lee

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Melinda and I are flighting out tonight from Santorini. It was great meeting you and the gang. If you set anything up in the city let me know. I’ll stop by.

Maggie Lau

Meteora

Best week of my life.

Gina Lee

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

When no expectations lead to stronger connections in a week like no other 💙🤍 thank you Michelle & @monsoondiaries for this unreal experience!

Vivian Chen

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Thanks for letting Maggie and I stay with you guys! We loved the people! Have a fun and safe time!! See ya at the Syria orientation!

Melinda Kwok

Meteora

Thanks @monsoondiaries for setting this amazing trip to meteora! Met some great people and love hearing their stories on why they are on this trip.

Maggie Lau

Meteora

Had a blast with you all this week. Requesting a reunion hangout in NYC soon.

Phil Li

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Awww Ty love!! I had so much fun with you!! Thank you for such an amazing trip as always! See you back in NYC for the reunions 💗💗

Lyla Kamigaki

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

From a calm solo trip in Crete to a raging Yacht week with 39 mostly strangers living on a boat, the experiences and emotions I felt over the course of 1.5 weeks were so just eye opening and in some sense, humbling/inspiring.

To ALL the people I met along the way, thank you for making the whole trip so memorable and LIT. To everyone else…yes you super missed out so get yo asses out of the clubs/couches/festivals and get TRAVELING

Wesley Huang

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

This trip really instilled confidence in my ability to get along with different groups of people and hold my own … I never felt out of place (which is something I was worried about)

Anonymous

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Thanks for setting everything up & running it so well even with hiccups 🙂 I had a great time

Vincent Yang

The Horn of Africa

I’ve been taking your advice to journal. This reminded me of what I wrote this weekend (not polished or refined by any means, but a note to myself after time spent pondering life while walking in the city):

“I have come to realize over the course of this past year that it no longer matters so much what I do, but with whom.

Surround yourself with people of all different walks of life; backgrounds, passions; emotions; experiences. And share life with them from the mundane to the “significant”. We are all just visitors in these bodies so we might as well enjoy the trip together. Our time will always be too short. Let us not waste it.”

Anonymous

Saronic Islands & Peloponnese

Thank you Rowan and everyone for making my first African adventure extra spectacular. Meeting all of you and listening to everyone’s stories was just as special as the Mundari experience.

Melinda Kwok

South Sudan

Had such a great time with you all!! Get some safe and stay in touch ❤️😎❤️

Nicole Jensen

South Korea

I am on my way to Seoul. I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience. A first for so many things in life. I met some lovely people and I look forward to doing another monsoon very soon.

Bhavana Baswan

South Korea

Friendlier skies this morning, our first monsoon and each of you and our merry collective energy made memories for a lifetime.🌸🌸🌸 Bravo Calvin for being the Northstar and glue for this group adventure, we made it intact, inspired and with visions for another monsoon. We’ll see everyone somewhere on the road ahead, or most likely in NYC🗽!

Liane Wong

South Korea

Just boarded my international flight in Seoul to start my long journey back to KC. Thank you y’all for such a wonderful monsoon!! It was extremely meaningful getting to experience my own culture and where I’m from for the 1st time, and you all made it specialLmk if you’re ever in KC and I’ll take you for bbq🤩

Ginna Dammann

South Korea

Sad that the Monsoon is over but have lots of memories, new friends, and reconnecting with old friends. It isn’t goodbye but see you soon Korea!!

Cindy Kulphongpatana

South Korea

Thank you everyone. Had an amazing experience with all of you. Though it was only a few days for me, it truly felt that I spent the whole week with you guys. I’ll see you all either in Seoul, nyc, and happily anywhere in the world.

Paul Woo

South Korea

At my gate headed to Seoul! It’s been awesome meeting and traveling with all of you! See some of you in Seoul and the rest very soon in future trips!

Sujay Sheth

South Korea

This memory will last a while, thanks @monsoondiaries along with those long convos in Part Il.

And yes Calvin reminder to us all to listen closely to our intuition and meaningfully – esp post COVID – that fellowship is the point after all.

Liane Wong

South Korea

Thanks for doing Korea justice 🙏 better than expected for all🌞

Anonymous

South Korea

Thank you to everyone who I met on this epic Monsoon. So many adjectives to describe how this adventure was.  It is hard to put into words.  Love to each and every one. I hope to see you in NYC or on other Monsoons.  Miss all of you already!! This is not goodbye but see you later!❤️❤️

Cindy Kulphongpatana

South Korea

Had an amazing time with you all! Safe travels and look forward to many more adventures 🎉

Sujay Sheth

South Korea

Back in Seoul~ lovely meeting all of you, such a great group of people💛 reach out if you ever want to come back and our times align again~ see some of you back in New York or this summer! 🌞

Tina

South Korea

“Thank you for spoiling us with all the good variety of delicious and interesting food Calvin. I for one appreciate it.

Paulette Young

South Korea

Made it home! Thanks again for all the memories! Best moments in three sentences or less would be…running to catch the DMZ bus and making it by the skin of our teeth, 90 second dance party in a photo booth for 10 with 20 people crammed in, and sunsets with peanut ice cream by the ocean. So many more to choose from but y’all are amazing and I couldn’t imagine traveling with anyone else ♥️

Jennifer Schultz

South Korea

Flew to JeJu Volvanic Island. Got stuck in an elevator. Sang karaoke. Hit the cafes, lava tubes, beaches, and waterfalls. Frolicked in the flowers. Jammed to K-pop. Awed at the cuteness of EVERYTHING. Thank you @monsoondiaries for leading the way and all the other monsooners for making South Korea such an incredible trip

Nicole Jensen

South Korea

Thank you everyone for making this monsoon possible. I truly enjoyed all of the conversations I’ve had with each of you, however long, brief, or fragmented they were. I believe those are more memorable than the places we visited. Ok, maybe the following are comparable:

– finding famous Netflix lady’s stand and seeing some of you eat a second dinner, or to the point where you almost vomited.

-shisha LED lights

-when I posed for a pic thinking I was a flower

-picking live seafood for dinner

-listening with wide eyes to a 6am history lesson

-cooking then eating ramen on the steps by a river, like a hobo

-being rejected by an inanimate object: nasam cable car

-seeing 6 napkins blocking the millions of bbq pork oil particles from splashing on your skin

– tangerine coffee

– view of seoul from the mens restroom

Guys, I’m legit tearing. Writing this makes me reflect a lot.

Eric Ma

South Korea

Walking home in the rain feeling slightly defeated after another 12 hour day in the office… shove my hands in my coat pockets to stay warm only to find my visa line number from Côte d’Ivoir. Smile quietly to myself at the memory of being in a completely different world only a few short days ago ❤️

Gina Fortunato

Côte d'Ivoire

Despite the heat I’m really glad I pushed myself to go! Thank you for having me and for doing all the research you did about the area so I didn’t have to. My parents can’t wait to hear all about it!

Kelsey Carniglia

West Africa

Thank you for showing me some of africa and asia for the first time 🤩 can’t wait to come back to istanbul for meat moot and hamams and i’ll update you about the wedding on sunday!!

Jillian Kailuna

Côte d'Ivoire

It’s good to be back, can’t put into words how much I’ve missed this. And it’s also amazing to see the growth you’ve made since I last saw you. Thanks for … St Louis … It means so much to me.

Evan Danek

West Africa

Next Monsoon in Florida?

Noureen Rahman

West Africa

You know… all the feels, been writing a bit off and on this time though. Processing it all. Thank you for helping me get out of my comfort zone once again in a place I would have never dreamed of going before. Feeling very tired and reflective. And very glad to have kbbq to look forward to this weekend ❤️❤️❤️

Gina Fortunato

Côte d'Ivoire

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