There’s something magical about waking up in a new city, the kind of magic that makes even the sound of unfamiliar traffic exciting. My recent trip to Kyoto, Japan, reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about feeling alive in the unknown, embracing the unfamiliar, and finding pieces of yourself scattered around the world. Whether it’s sipping tea in a traditional machiya or watching the sun set over Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto left an imprint on my soul I won’t soon forget.The quiet charm of bamboo forests, the rich scent of street food drifting through Nishiki Market, and the way ancient temples stand still in time—it all felt like stepping into a storybook. I wandered without a map, letting curiosity guide me through hidden alleyways and serene gardens