Ep 11: Honeymooning in Ukraine with a side of political protests with Adrian Erlinger

A $2,500 honeymoon, a one-way leap into the unknown, and a front-row seat to political upheaval.In this episode of Risky Routes, Adrian Erlinger shares the story of moving to Ukraine with his wife right after getting married armed with little more than a phone number, a few thousand dollars, and a willingness to figure things out as they went. What began as an unconventional adventure quickly escalated into something far more intense, as Adrian found himself reporting on a contentious presidential election, navigating rising political tension, and eventually stepping into a role as an interpreter for international election monitors.From freezing up in a high-pressure moment of imposter syndrome to finding his footing in a chaotic, unfamiliar environment, Adrian reflects on what it really means to operate when there’s no playbook. This conversation goes beyond travel. It’s about learning that communication isn’t just about words, embracing ambiguity, and realizing that sometimes the most defining experiences don’t give you clarity in the moment… they just push you forward.