Note to listeners: we're currently on hiatus, returning with new episodes in April 2025. Until then, we're sharing some of our favorite episodes from the archive each week.

Today, we're speaking with Emy Rodriguez, a freelance journalist from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. His writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Fodors, and many more magazines. Emy currently lives in Barcelona, Spain, which is how we initially connected.

In this episode, Emy shares his experiences as an immigrant in Barcelona and navigating the challenges and joys of living in a new country.

Reminder: I'm running a 10-day group trip to Jordan this May. The trip runs from May 18th to 27th and you can get all the information by visiting here.

Throughout February, you can save $150 off your booking by using code GOINGPLACESFEB when you join our trip. The code expires on Fri, Feb 28.

Original Air Date: Oct 11, 2023.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The impact of AI on the writing industry
• How being part of the LGBTQ+ community influences Emy's writing
• Personal perspective versus objectivity in travel writing
• Dispelling misconceptions about the Middle East
• The vibrant creative scene in Amman, Jordan
• Yulia and Emy reflect on the privilege of being able to travel
• What it was like for Emy to relocate to Barcelona

Featured on the show:

• Follow Emy on Instagram @emyrodriguez
• Read Emy’s article in Condé Nast Traveler, Returning to My Hometown in Puerto Rico, Where I’d Struggled to Come Out as a Teenager
• Read Emy’s article in AFAR Magazine, What It’s Like to Be a Queer Traveler in the Middle East
• Learn more about our upcoming trip to Jordan in May here

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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.