A glimpse of my adventures


Let your authentic self be your compass, and witness the Universe unfold its abundant magic before you!

A world traveler, triathlete, and a data expert with a zest for life that knows no bounds.
Originating in Portugal, I was one of the many Danielas born in the vibrant 90s. As a child, my boundless energy kept my mom on her toes, wishing for a moment of stillness.
As a teenager, I dreamt of captivating audiences on stage or chasing down stories as a journalist. But life, as it often does, had other plans. At 17, as I stepped into university, it became abundantly clear that reporting news without infusing my personal perspective wasn’t my calling.
Then came that unforgettable summer in Miami – one month in Florida to study english. It was a journey that unlocked new perspectives and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.
The following year I moved to Paris, France which is when my adventures around the world started… and yeah, I never became a journalist.
That’s right! Very few chapters of my life unfolded exactly as I’d envisioned. Yet, many of them unfolded in ways more dazzling than I could have ever dreamed of. One of the greatest nudges from my parents led me to studying abroad, a decision that came with a whole host of unexpected challenges and growth. Little did I know then, the adventure that awaited – from language barriers to cultural shifts and navigating a foreign job market.
Post-college, the job hunt led me to send out over 100 resumes. The first response? A polite rejection, critiquing my imperfect French. After months, I became so desperate for a job that I started walking the streets of Paris giving resumes to every bar/ restaurant. After many NOs and many restaurant managers mocking me for my clumsy way of handling dishes, an owner of a small Spanish restaurant decided to take a chance on me.
Oh, what an experience it turned out to be! Emotionally and physically demanding, it pushed me to my limits. I can still vividly recall a moment, tears streaming down my face, as a colleague called me to clean a restroom. In that instant, it felt like I was failing at everything I had dreamed for myself. (Yes, I tend to get a tad dramatic…). Looking back now, that period stands as one of the most transformative chapters of my life.
Slowly but surely, things began to shift. My French improved, my circle of friends expanded, and my bank account started to reflect the positive change. After a series of internships, I secured a full-time position, found love, and then… found myself yearning for something more.
Let your authentic self be your compass, and witness the Universe unfold its abundant magic before you!
And so I did! In 2016, I left everything behind, packed a backpack and left for Latin America on a solo adventure. What I soon learned during my travels was that solitude often leads to unexpected connections – you’re never truly alone.
Two years later, I moved to Sydney, Australia with a Working Holiday Visa. The city stole my heart with sun-kissed beaches and the ease of making a good living…
Until a fateful motorbike accident in Bali redirected my path, shortening my time in the land of the Kangaroos to a year.
In 2019, the yearning for new horizons beckoned once more, leading me to Chicago, US, to pursue an MSc in Analytics. For me, attending school in the US was a dream come true.
The two years that followed were dedicated to nothing but studying and job hunting, and my professional journey flourished as a result.
I had the chance to work in some of the coolest tech companies, travel the world, and meet some of the most inspiring people on the way.
In 2024, I officially made New York City my official home!
I said goodbye to my beloved Chicago – my job, my friends, and a chapter of my life. Big moves aren’t always easy, but I knew it was time to spread my wings.
Living in NYC has always been a dream of mine so sometimes it seems surreal to even believe it. I love it here but who knows where life will take me next?
Stay tuned for the next thrilling chapter!
Think about your biggest dream and then go do it!
The brutal truth!
Do what you say!
I started this website in 2016 to share with others my passion for traveling, doing sports, and meeting people. I am still impress and thankful how family, friends, and strangers keep coming every week to check my posts. Thanks a lot, very grateful! 😀
Also, my adventurous spirit has caught some attention from the Portuguese media and I could not be happier about it.
August 2017 – Sic (Juntos à tarde)
Juntos à Tarde is a Portuguese talk show running every afternoon at Sic (television channel in Portugal). I was invited to share about my experience of traveling around for a year by myself. I talked about the places I visited, the people I met, the fears I had.
August 2017 – Sic (Juntos à tarde)
Juntos à Tarde is a Portuguese talk show running every afternoon at Sic (television channel in Portugal). I was invited to share about my experience of traveling around for a year by myself. I talked about the places I visited, the people I met, the fears I had.
April 2021
Bom dia is the first and the oldest newspaper covering news about the Portuguese Communities around the world. This project was born in Luxembourg in 2001 and today has more than 110 000 followers across their social media accounts. Bom dia is run for AND by Portugueses.
March 2020
Bom dia is the first and the oldest newspaper covering news about the Portuguese Communities around the world. This project was born in Luxembourg in 2001 and today has more than 110 000 followers across their social media accounts. Bom dia is run for AND by Portugueses.
September 2019
Bom dia is the first and the oldest newspaper covering news about the Portuguese Communities around the world. This project was born in Luxembourg in 2001 and today has more than 110 000 followers across their social media accounts. Bom dia is run for AND by Portugueses.
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