I have a strong infatuation with experiencing different cultures in very diverse ways. Because it is very difficult for me to travel to these places to experience them first hand, I've been experimenting with resolving this disconnect in various ways. In 2010, I attempted to teach myself both Mandarin Chinese and German. I also took on an endeavor to teach myself how to cook a traditional meal from every country in the world. Another favorite project of mine, was to re-examine a nation's currency, to connect with it's history, people, and economy. In 2009, I explored the Philippines in this respect, diving into their landscapes, key figures, and national symbols. All the while I learned a lot about and fell in love with currency design and Southeast Asian ways of life.