2021
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christiansted, Saint Croix | May 1, 2021 |
| 2 | Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas | May 2, 2021 |
| 3 | Cruz Bay, Saint John | May 4, 2021 |
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larnaca, Cyprus | June 7, 2021 |
| 2 | Nicosia, Cyprus | June 9, 2021 |
| 3 | Limassol & Akotiri, Cyprus | June 10, 2021 |
| 4 | Paphos, Cyprus | June 10, 2021 |
| 5 | Ayia Napa & Dhekelia, Cyprus | June 11, 2021 |
| 6 | Varosha, North Cyprus | June 12, 2021 |
Monsooners: Mihaela “I’m The Captain Now” Kracun, Donna “Speed Racer” Vo, Ann “Unaccompanied Minor” Wen, Ambrose “The Shrug” Chu, Jeanette “Birthday Queen” Wong, Uriah “Bee’s Knees” Kim, Belle “La-Thai-n” Suppanaya, Deenah “Emancipation Proclamation” Kaneel, Gina “Club Promoter” Marlar, Patricia “Cat Whisperer” Housiem
Remarks:
“Thank you for an incredible Cyprus monsoon. A birthday trip that easily takes the cake for being the best birthday ever. This experience challenged my love for “vacations” and proliferated my desire to explore off the beaten path. It’s amazing how the universe gave me signs to request specific dates off from work, that magically fit into the exact dates of this trip.
Over the years, I’ve read dozens of Monsoon Diaries blog posts, listened to your speeches, interviews, and (currently listening to the recent Lucky Boys podcast on this flight to Athens) – building my interest to see more, learn more, be more, live more, and travel more. To be part of the journey visiting your last EU country, to be part of the first post-pandemic international monsoon, to finally having the courage to becoming a Monsooner – this was special.
Embarking on a journey to Cyprus with you and 10 other incredible Monsooners, was a dream come true. I have never traveled with a group of such genuine, adventurous, beautiful people who all down to share a journey with each other. The extensive planning, itinerary, and adapting to ever-changing situations really shined through, and contributed to the success of this trip. Since you don’t accept tips, the least I could do is sign up for more monsoons in the future.
While “Nicosia later” is bittersweet and y’all almost made me cry on multiple occasions, I am so grateful to have joined this monsoon; a monsoon that felt like a celebration of life, new friendships, and revitalization of traveling the world to our hearts’ desires again. It was such a privilege to be part of the journey, and thank you for making the monsoon magic happen.
Cheers to more adventures! Safe travels.” – Jeanette Wong
“Currently sitting on the plane with Uriah sleeping next to me (thankfully without the alcohol 😂). Jeanette, Uriah and I (although 98% delusional from no sleep) were in shock that we are quite literally going to be In 3 countries at once within 12 hours LOL all while tackling Athens by foot. And both of which are doing this for the first time ❤️ Thank you all for a much needed post pandemic trip full of healing, love and recovery! Forgive me as I had to spend half my weekdays working through the evenings, but I appreciate you all for your patience, and the courage it took to get on a plane to come to a red taped, divided small island in the Mediterranean with 11 other strangers to share your stories, make a new friend and find a new home in us. I can hands down say this trip is the epitome of “independent, strong ass women” LOL this is the biggest group of women on a single trip I’ve witnessed and been on, but y’all crushed it. No drama, just good vibes, good energy, and endless support.
Deenah, special shout out for producing content and fighting through the exhaustion & your own hardships [back home]. You all took leaps of faith (more than you know) and I’m both humbled and honored you chose to leap with us. Uriah and Jeanette, blessed to be in NYC with you both and thank you for trusting me with your lives in Greece 🇬🇷 Donna, you know I love you but thank you for checking in on me during my work hours to see if I was OK. Mihaela, you already know the deal….don’t get me started. Let’s just cuddle LOL Belle, thanks for coming and being one of the chic-est fashionistas blessing us with your wisdom. Gina, for the best bartender story turned night club private access EVER. Patricia, for shedding new light on architecture and how we observe things from the outside in LOL and for taking the chance to love monsooning. Please don’t be strangers if you’re ever in NYC ❤️ time to have yachts of fun at yacht week 🚤🛥 for an epic reunion. FYI, I won’t be working at all then 😉 we’ll start that online shopping cart soon! And lastly, TY to calvin and ambrose for your patience with us and the awesome company LOLOL safe travels ❤️” – Ann Wen
“💛💛 what an amazing trip and so happy to meet you guysss! You are all wonderful and so much funnn. Couldnt have asked for a better group of people! 💛💛” – Belle Suppapanaya
“I am a bit late to adding my own thanks and thoughts about the Cyprus Monsoon, but I don’t think I would be able to put together words as well as everyone else.
Like some people have pointed out this monsoon was a huge leap of faith after a year and a half of being in a frigging PANDEMIC! It reinvigorated my passion for travel and reminded me why I join monsoons in the first place. Everything that happened was a highlight for me, but my favorite was getting to hang out with such a big group of people who got along so well throughout the entire trip! Thank you everyone for all the stories that we made together and for all the future plans that we will make together. You all inspired, encouraged, and touched me deeply with your amazing energy throughout the trip. Until we all meet again, take care and stay strong! ❤️” – Donna Vo
“Had the greatest time ever!! Hope to see u all before yatch week if possible 😂 But for sure we will keep seeing each other on future trips” – Patricia Housiem
“What an absolutely amazing experience! Love you all~ 😍😍😍 thank you to each and every one of you who challenged me to see life in a slightly different perspective, and esp to calvin for bringing such awesome people together and guiding us this week! Also thanks all for not uninviting me to yacht week 😅” – Uriah Kim
“Each and every one you of incredible humans, THANK YOU for an amazing first monsoon, best birthday EVER (seriously, this was epic),for sharing your stories, wisdom and for being part of such a special experience. This journey was inspiring, meaningful, and reignited the fire to travel the world again post pandemic. Till next time! (yacht week and beyond!! 🛥 ☀️🌊🌎) xoxo ❤️🤗 “ – Jeanette Wong
“Calvin, thank you as always for putting together monsoons that bring together such a diverse group of interesting people. Thank you for setting up monsoons where special moments and events have the potential to happen, it’s one of the best parts of monsooning. I really appreciate what you do and your friendship and support during monsoons. But this one was especially touching after such a tough year of being in a pandemic.” – Donna Vo
“All of this!!! 😭😂❤️ I was so nervous for this trip and now just feel like the luckiest person in the world to have met you all and spent the past week together. Tackling pandemic travel and life challenges together 👊🏼
Y’all are badass and I can’t wait for more adventures!!” – Gina Marlar
“thanks to you and the crew for a transformational trip, definitely will try to do at least one monsoon a year 😃” – Deenah Kafeel
“I’m having a tough time trying to put into words my feelings of this past week. The best I could come up with is that this trip really ‘hit different.’ This past year I felt like I was living outside my body. The past week I felt so present and joyful I stopped myself from crying multiple times a day. (I’m not crying right now, you’re crying)
Being surrounded by you all and engaging in meaningful and playful conversation while exploring a new place has reminded me of the beauty that exists in the world. I hope each one of you knows the immense level of badassaery you hold within you.
I would love to see you all again soon. I look forward to our paths crossing again in Sardinia. 🌊🚤💃👯👯♀️👯♂️🧉🍹🍾🍷🥳👙🍳🌅🍭” – Mihaela Kracun
“i always learn a little something new on trips calvin. it’s why i keep coming.” – Donna Vo
“i probably shouldn’t say this because it will just swell your ego but i think i made major headway in growth from traveling with you.” – Prefers to remain anonymous
“Definitely having withdrawals but also back on the hustle!! First day of a new job!! Did my first anesthesia, pacemaker, and emergency patients ever. Working 13 of the next 14 days until another trip. Monsoons are empowering when you are surrounded by baddassery x11 😎🙌🏼” – Jeanette Wong
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lisbon, Portugal | July 8, 2021 |
| 2 | Ponta Delgada, The Azores | July 10, 2021 |
| 3 | Madeira, Madeira | July 12, 2021 |
| 4 | Porto, Portugal | July 14, 2021 |
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ibiza, Balearic Islands | August 6, 2021 |
| 2 | Formantera, Balearic Islands | August 7, 2021 |
| 3 | Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands | August 7, 2021 |
| 4 | Alcudia, Mallorca | August 9, 2021 |
| 5 | Ciutadella, Menorca | August 9, 2021 |
| 6 | Maó, Menorca | August 10, 2021 |
Monsooners: Jeanette “Sleeping Energizer Bunny” Wong, Ayra “Socrates” Kathuria, Alex “Butt Sangria” Chen, Youssef “Dad, Cut My Steak” Zohdy
Remarks:
“You’re going to make me cry bro. Honestly this was the best time of my life and you can write that down.” – Youssef Zohdy
“THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT MONSOON ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️” – Jeanette Wong
“Youssef and I are just boarding our flight out of Menorca now:( thank you for such a great trip!!!” – Ayra Kathuria
“Miss you all ❤️, I just arrived back in NY” – Alex Chen
“Miss yall too 😪. Hopefully we meet soon again 💓” – Youssef Zohdy
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cagliari, Sardinia | September 1, 2021 |
| 2 | Oristano, Sardinia | September 2, 2021 |
| 3 | Olbia, Sardinia | September 4, 2021 |
| 4 | Cala Gavetta, Sardinia | September 5, 2021 |
| 5 | Bonifacio, Corsica | September 6, 2021 |
| 6 | Isola Spargi, Sardinia | September 7, 2021 |
| 7 | Poltu Quatu, Sardinia | September 8, 2021 |
| 8 | Porto Cervo, Sardinia | September 9, 2021 |
| 9 | Olbia, Sardinia | September 10, 2021 |
| 10 | Lampedusa, Lampedusa | September 12, 2021 |
| 11 | Palermo, Sicily | September 15, 2021 |
Monsooners:
Mihaela “Compass” K., Donna “Spyglass” Vo, Yutong “Melatonin” Zhang, Raubern “Eye of the Storm” Totanes, Ann “The Most Sober Birthday Girl In The World” Wen, Eric “Doggy Paddling Pirate Booty” Pan, Alice “Chief Sunrise Officer” Hong, Justin “Chief Diving Officer” Chiu, Sabrina “Chief Mate” Poon, Ashley “Chief Roasting Officer” Jia, Ashley “Power Naps” Koide, Anderson “First Officer” Lee, Nishant “E-Bike Downed Under” Anandan, Song “Can’t Hardly Wait” Kim, Daisy “Hotel Sardinia” Jing, Alan “Find My iPhone” Hsu, Uriah “Sea Legs” Kim, Nina “It’s Not A Toomah!” Zhou, Sujay “Fashionably Late” Sheth, Leo “Predator Drone” Liu, Alice “Miss Sardinia” Zhang, Jeanette “Chief Sleepy Risky Officer” Wong, Patricia “Art Dealer” Housiem, Gina “Million Dollar Wakeboarder” Fortunato, Tom “Captain Morgan” Chen, Chyne “Papa Bear” Tan, Sampson “The Naughty Pirate” Lau, Priscilla “Rabbit’s Foot Walking on Meteor Showers” Yoon, Gina “Shot O’ Clock” Yoon, Belle “Chief Ambassador” Suppapanya, Alex “Harbourmaster” Yang, Evie “Voices of the Sea” Joy, Christy “Fashion Week” Hoang
Aftermovie:
Remarks:
“Finally on route to home! It was a true pleasure meeting all of you guys and for the most fun of my life. My heart is full 🥰 hope to see all of you guys in the near future” – Eric Pan
“I’ve been missing y’all since Wednesday. I hope we can all get down to business again soon.” – Mihaela K
“Phew! What a week. Thank you all for bringing your incredible souls, to adventure, to explore, and to open our hearts while party our brains out together. We had a stacked roster of people coming from all across the world – and collectively decided to spend a week sailing la costa smerelda with a bunch of strangers – now FAMILY ❤️💚🤍🇮🇹✨. I love you all! This is just the beginning of extended shenanigans 🥳🚀🙌🏼” – Jeanette Wong
“Excited for future reunions and monsoons” – Song
“Justin and I just landed back in EWR 😭😭😭. I’m loling at all the missed transportation!! At least we all made it into Olbia for such a fun week. Can’t wait to sleep for 24 hours straight lol but I had such an amazing week with all you incredible people! So glad I got to meet all of you. This is not goodbye, this is just a see you later!!” – Alice Hong
“Finally got my first full night of sleep in my bed. As much of an introvert as I am, I miss waking up and having company. I already miss y’all” – Eric Pan
“Thanks for a great trip guys!! I had so much fun even though I was dying half the time lol. Look forward to hanging out in NY again and make up for all the late night convos i missed while I slept!!” – Yutong Zhang
“I’ve only be awake for a few hours but can’t stop grinning. Feeling so lucky to have crossed paths with you all.” – Mihaela K.
“Y’all got me feeling mad soft.” – Ann
“Agreed 👍 we are blessed~ 😻this was such a smooth trip” – Uriah Kim
“‘So, how was yacht week’? this pretty much sums it up — here’s to my new favourite people.” – Nishant Anandan
“Where do I even begin about the best week ever?! I was surrounded by like-minded, beautiful, extremely intelligent individuals in the same age range (except Trashley 😘) who have their shit together. Each of you contributed to this amazing week and my positivity and excitement throughout this trip 💕 This is why I had to include as many of you in this post.
My appreciation goes to The Monsoon Diaries who invited me on this incredible journey. As someone who grew up wanting to fit in with society, it caused me to become part of the same crowd minorities call “self-hate” group. I did not want to be identified with other Asians for most of my life. I learned so much about everyone and their similar experiences from this trip. I have learned so much about who I am and my experience and I am finally able to say I am proud to be an Asian American. https://linktr.ee/monsoondiaries” – Ashley K
“It just hit me that it’s over and I heard “the business” at the airport and burst into tears – I never thought tiesto would make me cry. I’m gonna miss you guys a lot ❤️” – Evie Joy
“It’s those moments that go by so fast, but last in your memories forever – these are the times we live for 💙” – Alice Hong
“Thanks for a great week! loved it” – Alan Hsu
“I have after emotions so of course I’m crying now that I’m at the airport – I think the song will have way more emotion/ be better tomorrow” – Evie Joy
“Definitely hit the jackpot in my opinion. While the trip may have cost a pretty penny, the relationships fostered and experiences collectively are priceless. 🏆✨ the potential of where these relationships and experiences can take us, ♾ 🚀 .” – Jeanette Wong
“What an awesome week! 🔥🛥🇮🇹 with The Yacht Week! So thankful to have met all of you (and so many of you who I didn’t get a photo with but you know I love you ❤️❤️❤️). I will cherish our connections and how much fun we had forever! Thanks The Monsoon Diaries for inviting us on this trip. I can always count on you for new experiences outside of my comfort zone! 🙌” – Belle Suppanaya
“I would have never imagined agreeing to go on a trip like this . . . Unknowing and reluctantly saying yes to The Yacht Week was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Some of the most fondest memories were made with these once not too long ago strangers.
Special thanks to The Monsoon Diaries and The Yacht Week.” – Eric Pan
“Ditto to everything. Exceeded expectations. Hope to see everyone at some point soon! Also thanks Calvin. I’m sure you felt every pebble in the road that did come our way and that surely wasn’t easy.” – Alan Hsu
“Another Monsoon in the books 💕. Feeling so lucky and thankful for this experience to meet incredible new friends from all over the world! Too many to tag 🌈🐙🌊. As usual I wish I had taken more photos, but I suppose that is a reflection of living in the moment.” – Gina Fortunato
“When I agreed to join The Yacht Week for the first—and last—Sardinia & Corsica route, I thought I knew what I was signing up for: living on a yacht for a week, sailing the turquoise waters of Costa Smeralda, exploring new islands and eating Italian/French food every day, and attending extravagant themed evening parties to dance the nights away. It was everything I expected… but it was also so much more. I fully expected to have a good time.
What I didn’t expect was to have one of the best and most memorable weeks of my entire life. I expected to meet new people and make new friends, but what I didn’t expect was the instantaneous connection I made with so many kindred souls and like-minded individuals, and the deeper friendships I forged with so many incredible, insightful, and truly inspiring people. I expected to be a degenerate for a week; what I didn’t expect was to also grow so much from the entire experience, and to learn from each encounter with every new person and from each new place.
From first-thing-in-the-morning photoshoots, to disco dance-offs on top of the yachts late into the night; from casual biking adventures with the most incredible views, to fancy Michelin-rated dinners by the water; from relaxing float-parties in the most gorgeous crystal waters, to fierce competition in a regatta; from our skipper Umberto trusting me enough to give me a chance to drive our boat, to accepting an invitation for a spontaneous joyride from the millionaire whose sailboat I tried not to crash into while driving the boat; from partying every night and sleeping 2 hours a night, to still waking up to catch the sunrise… through it all, I saw people come together in so many ways to support each other, encourage each other, teach each other, and above all, celebrate each other for all our unique differences, flaws, and for everything we are and everything we could be.
We came together as strangers, and we left as a family. I will always cherish the photos, videos, memories, and friendships that I made on this trip. Till the next adventure ✌” – Alice Hong
“Bonifacio, Corsica perched atop a pristine medieval beach town with majestic white limestone cliffs hugging the sparkling shoreline ✨…easily the best-kept secret in France 🥰 and one of my new favorite places in the world, thanks to the crew The Monsoon Diaries x The Yacht Week who made this the trip of a lifetime.” – Jeanette Wong
“Depending on the type of person you are, one’s affinity for risk-taking falls on a spectrum. And, there are different types of risks – ones that harm others – and ones that do not. As we say when reviewing patient consents, no procedure or activity ever comes with 0 risk.
But we can do our best to minimize it. You miss out on *life* if you don’t decide to take some risks.
This trip was an experience where I was able to test boundaries, find an escape, create a rush of adrenaline… all while minimizing risk, to myself and others. When @monsoondiaries asked if I wanted to join his Yacht Week trip, I responded with reluctance. I had doubts about joining an event I would not typically sign up for.
Yet… my desperation to temporarily escape, coupled with my knowledge & confidence in the effectiveness of our vaccines.. pulled me towards a spontaneous, moment-seizing, “yes.” Fast forward to September 2021: I’d held my breath all summer in anticipation of what could change & interfere with my chance to finally escape..
We made it.
Somehow, we got 34 people (in our group alone) over to Sardinia, safely vaccinated & with negative covid results in hand. And…34 people returned home, still negative for Covid. It might sound miraculous, given the way the virus is spreading in certain areas back home, but in actuality.. it just demonstrates the direct, positive correlation with behavior & prevention measures.
Of course, I’ve got much more to say about the trip itself but for now, this is an appreciation post: Gratitude for the privilege to have been vaccinated, for science, & for all of the people who worked tirelessly so that we could have a bit of respite from the work we all put in towards forward progress.” – Sabrina Poon
“Thank you ❤️. I didn’t realize how bad I needed that trip. I’m so antisocial sometimes but it really opened me up. I’m legit still crying” – Anonymous
“Sailed across Sardinia and Corsica with a group of 25 yachts from all over the world and it was such a dream! Thanks to Calvin for bringing us together and everyone for the incredible memories.” – Alice Zhang
“As a firm believer in being created and placed in our current lives for a purpose…the right place at the right time is no small thing. The late night walks over the course of just a few days definitely opened up a part of me that I had lost or maybe just allowed to be hidden away long ago… I’m very thankful 😊 and looking forward to future adventures and experiences.” – Anonymous
“You listened to me when I was finally able to open about . . . You provided insights that I wouldn’t have been able to come up with on my own . . . our friendship has grown deeper for that and I’m so thankful.” – Anonymous
“Also didn’t get a chance to say but just wanted to say thanks for making the yacht week such an incredible experience. Didn’t know what to expect but it blew all expectations outta the water. Im glad I came.” – Eric Pan “Met some amazing people on this trip and can’t wait for our next adventure! 🔥 This is what’s possible when everybody’s got their shit together and is vaccinated and tested! Zero covid cases for any of us this entire trip. 💯” – Alex Yang
“hey all! so it’s finally time for me to head back to reality. i wanted to say that this has been one of the most memorable trips i have ever been on. amazing experiences shared with even better company. it was great getting to know you all and hopefully we’ll see each other again soon on another adventure! 😉” – Donna Vo
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | October 10, 2021 |
| 2 | Jebel Fihrayn, Saudi Arabia | October 11, 2021 |
| 3 | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | October 12, 2021 |
| 4 | Ta'if, Saudi Arabia | October 13, 2021 |
| 5 | Mecca, Saudi Arabia | October 14, 2021 |
Monsooners: Mihaela “Compass” K., Salwa “Queen Boss”, Mohammed “Jokes at The Edge of the World”, Abdulaziz “5 Stars”, Jazzie “Maktoub”, Maram “O Canada”
| Destination | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Salvador, El Salvador | November 19, 2021 |
| 2 | Tazumal, El Salvador | November 20, 2021 |
| 3 | Santa Ana, El Salvador | November 20, 2021 |
| 4 | Cerros Verde, El Salvador | November 21, 2021 |
Monsooners: Brandon “Dakota Sur” Bowar, Chyne “West Side Story” Tan, Nina “Prom Night” Zhou, Kimmy “Peer Pressure” Wu, Tony “Hambre” Fung, Rajani “Wine O’ Clock” Mohan
Remarks: “I’m not into group travel at all, but this didn’t feel like group travel. It felt like I was with a bunch of friends, even if I just met all of you . . . Calvin, this is really going to be one of my top 5 travel stories of all time.” – Nina Zhou
“I have enjoyed every trip [with you]. Not throwing shade at any adventure [but] wanted to thank you again for this trip; it was one of the best times I’ve had traveling. I think it was a combination of such a non touristy place and the people that seemed to mesh well.” – Brandon Bowar
“Impromptu long weekend get away to El Salvador, monsoon style ✅
Spent a few days exploring a new city, eating pupusas & chorizo, climbing ruins, jumping in lake water, hiking a volcano, taking in views, singing carpool karaoke, catching sunsets, making new friends, philosophizing on a rooftop with gas station wine. Shoutout to The Monsoon Diaries – this was exactly what I needed.” – Rajani Mohan
“Nov 22 2021::: Breakfast with Dr. Rajani Mohan ( Family Medicine and Sports Medicine ) before headed to the airport. Glad to have seat side by side with Tony Fung on the Delta flight back to New York. Safely landed in NY by 4.
Thank you so much Dr. Calvin D. Sun and all for the wonderful incredible enjoyable getaway.” – Chyne Tan
“Happy Thanksgiving to all of you wonderful people.” – Brandon Bowar
“Grateful to have met you all!” – Rajani Mohan
“Same here :)” – Tony Fung
“Grateful for our memories together.” – Kimmy Wu
“Grateful to have met you guys!” – Nina Zhou
