​In September 2016, Vena began a journey traveling the globe with only a backpack and her violin, seeking connection from the inside-out. While she knew she was in for an adventure, what she didn't expect was the enormous outpouring of love and generosity from all the people she met in each country, and the surprising ways in which art intersected community. 

2016 - 2017 GLOBE TROTTING:

​ENGLAND | SPAIN | MOROCCO | NEPAL | INDIA | ITALY | CZECH REPUBLIC | GERMANY | IRELAND






​In Ireland, Vena performed in the Esker Festival Orchestra, the SinfoNua Orchestra, and adventured through Ireland and its Aran Islands.

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Vena reunited with her best friend, cousin, and brother on adventures through Prague in the Czech Republic, as well as through Berlin, Hamburg, and Heidelberg in Germany.


In Italy, Vena performed as a member of Music Academy International in the Dolomites Mountains of Northern Italy.





​In India, Vena toured the Taj Mahal in Agra, Amer Fort in Jaipur, she saw the Dalai Lama teach in Dharamsala, and she studied yoga and pranayama in Rishikesh.
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In Nepal, Vena volunteered as a violin teacher at Gurukul Academy in Dang, was featured in a Nepalese music video, and she completed a 200 Hour Teacher Training with Rishikul Yogashala while in Pokhara.




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​She visited and performed at
​New Life Rehabilitation Center in Dang, Nepal.







In Tangier, Morocco, Vena visited music classes at The American School of Tangier, where she performed and spoke about her travels.
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In Spain, Vena volunteered as a home gardener, eco-farmer, and hostel aide. During these experiences, she connected with local communities and families with her violin, even playing at the funeral service of one Spanish family. All of this was made possible through the connections she made on workaway.info.
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​Vena kicked-off her trip in England, where she busked in the streets of London and volunteered at a Buddhist Meditation Center in the English Lake District.