Hi, there and welcome to our blog! We’re thrilled that you’re here and that you’ve found your way to our site. You might be wondering who we are and what this blog is all about. Let’s clear things up!
Who are “we”?
We are a husband-and-wife duo in our thirties, born and raised in the beautiful country of Austria. We have been a couple since we met in dance school at the tender ages of 15 and 16. For us Austrians, attending dance school and learning the traditional Viennese waltz is still a cherished tradition. Our first trip together was to the stunning Altaussee lake in Styria when we were 16 and 17. Since then, we’ve constantly broadened our travel radius. So far, we have traveled four continents together.
Currently, we’re based in the New York City area, which is why our blog features a section called “Tales from NYC.” Having lived here for quite some time, we’re excited to share our love for this amazing city with you. Traveling isn’t just a hobby for us; it’s a true passion. In our daily lives, we pursue rather “normal” jobs – nothing too extraordinary.
Why “wandering cardinals”?
We are both true wanderers at heart, always seeking new destinations, thrilling adventures, and authentic local traditions, cultures, and flavors. During our many years in the United States, we came to know and love a very special bird: the cardinal. When we first spotted them on a walk around our neighborhood, we joked that someone must have lost their canary – they truly look exotic and stunning.
But our fascination with cardinals goes beyond their appearance; they resonate with us on a deeper level. For one, cardinals have bright red plumage, just as we do – one of us with red hair and the other with a red beard! 🙂 However, we didn’t name our blog after cardinals solely because of our shared looks. Cardinals are often associated with guidance and a sense of direction, which aligns perfectly with the themes of travel and exploration. Their vibrant red color also symbolizes passion and energy, making them a fitting emblem for our blog. In Japan, cardinals are seen as symbols of happiness, good luck, and devotion in marriage, which ties back beautifully to our story.
How do we travel and what’s the intention of this blog?
Overall, our trips are usually quite packed, allowing us to balance efficiency with relaxed exploration and moments to “stop and smell the roses.” We travel with curiosity and an open mind, seeking authentic experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. From immersing ourselves in local traditions and cultures to savoring regional flavors, we believe in making connections that leave a lasting impact. For us, travel is more than just a journey – it’s a way to discover the world with a sense of wonder and adventure. On every trip, we try to include at least one “special” adventure – can you spot them?
The intention of our blog is to share a blend of personal stories and practical insights from our travels. It’s not meant to be a step-by-step travel guide or a detailed personal diary, but rather a balanced mix of our travel highlights, experiences and reflections. We aim to inspire others by sharing the moments that made each journey unique while offering tips and ideas that could spark your own adventures.
What’s the structure of our blog entries?
To keep things clear and concise for you, each post follows our signature WH-sections:
1. WHY… did we visit this place?
We share the inspiration or reasons behind visiting a destination. What makes it special or worth adding to your travel list?
2. WHEN… is it best to go there?
Timing is everything in travel. We’ll highlight the best times to visit, whether it’s for ideal weather or unique experiences.
3. WHAT… were our main highlights of this trip and what would we like to see there next time?
Before delving into the details in the next section, we provide a valuable overview of the top experiences from this trip and what we’d add to a future visit to this destination.
4. WHERE… did we go?
Here’s where we get into specifics: the spots we visited, the activities we enjoyed, memorable food we tasted, and the experiences that made this destination unforgettable for us. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, this section outlines our full itinerary.
5. HOW… to tackle this destination?
This section offers practical advice for travelers: how we got around, where we stayed, what you might want to bring, and tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Of course, the content of each section may vary depending on the destination. We hope this format makes our posts easy to follow and packed with value! All pictures you see on this website were taken by us and are 100% unedited and not enhanced in any way – no filters!
Finally, let us fly you around the world like cardinals and join us in exploring our beautiful planet!