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Barry Hoy

@asianmapleleaf

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Traveler writer, creator and travel advisor
Quit 9-5 to travel the world w/ @teraj08 ❤️👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻🌎
Inspiring discovery through our love of travel ✈️

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We did it!!! 💍💫 We’re MARRIED!!!
Still floating from the most unforgettable weekend in Washington, DC. We chose DC not just because it’s the nation’s capital, but because it’s home to such a vibrant and powerful LGBTQ+ community. And what better way to kick off WorldPride than by saying “I do” surrounded by love, freedom, and Pride?

What makes this even more special is that it’s also 10 years since marriage equality became the law of the land in the U.S., 20 years in Canada… and this year marks 10 incredible years together for us. Wow. ❤️🌈

Huge thanks to @them and @destinationdc for throwing the wildest, most joyful wedding party we could’ve dreamed of. And thank you @sashacolby for officiating and being such a radiant part of our celebration. We’ll be sharing more soon, but just had to get this out there: WE’RE MARRIED!!!

To my husband @teraj08, my love, my heart, my home… here’s to forever. 💕
@worldpridedc @capitalpridedc #Only1DC #destinationdc #washingtondc #WorldPrideDC #gaymarriage #gaywedding #gaycouple #gaylove #JustMarried #LoveWins #10YearsStrong #FabricOfFreedom
(Outfit 🥼 by @geoffreymac) taken in Washington D. C. by @asianmapleleaf

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a year ago

OMG, we made it onto a billboard in Times Square!! 😱🗽

I moved to NYC 9 years ago and used to walk through Times Square daily on my way to work… I never imagined I would one day see myself on one of those iconic billboards. Seeing a gay interracial couple sharing their love, like any other couple, was a surreal and deeply touching moment. And to top it off, it was us! What?! 👀 One of my driving passions is to represent and normalize LGBTQ+ love and relationships, whether boldly on a big screen like this or more subtly through social media. It is so amazing that this was viewed by hundreds of thousands of visitors to Times Square each day, displayed continuously 24/7 for over a month. This kind of visibility is huge—hopefully it helps challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and show countless people that love is love, regardless of gender or race.

Thank you, @visitwashingtondc, for sharing and taking a bold stand on inclusivity. Your support helps change lives and perceptions, making a real difference.

📸 @connaynay
#timessquare #nyc #newyork #lgbtq #gaycouple #interracialcouple #gaylove #loveislove #diversity #blasiancouple #asianrepresentation #ExperienceDC #Only1DC taken in Times Square, New York City by @asianmapleleaf

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2 years ago

If you’ve been following along with our adventures so far, you know I quit my 9-to-5 corporate job to travel the world with @teraj08 . I figured life was too short to ignore my passion, so we packed up our NYC apartment and embarked on a 7-month around-the-world adventure. We are about 2 months in, and I couldn’t be happier we took the leap towards a life less ordinary. We’re capturing all the moments and making everlasting memories together. And you know what? Life starts now…

I hope you are inspired to pursue your dreams. Save+Share+Follow along our journey of discovery. Also, let me know if you want to learn more about how I saved to retire early and how I planned this trip! Xoxo.

#barryandteraj✈️🌎 #chasingdreams #livinglife #adventureawaits #earlyretirement #aroundtheworld #worldtraveler #motivation #pursueyourpassion #gaytravel #gaycouple #9tothrive #travelblogger #outtraveler by @asianmapleleaf

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3 years ago

Yes, you can cross Canada by train 🇨🇦

Last year, we traveled Toronto → Vancouver aboard VIA Rail’s The Canadian. This year, we came back to finish the journey, traveling Halifax → Montréal → Toronto.

Put the two trips together and I’ve now traveled Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific by rail — almost 6,300 km / 3,900+ miles across the country.

I’ve loved trains since I was a kid, and there’s still something about rail travel that feels a little romantic to me. Yes, it’s slower — much slower — but that’s also the point. The journey becomes part of the trip instead of just the way you get there.

The sleeper cabins aren’t exactly luxurious, but they have everything you need. You eat onboard, watch the scenery change outside the window, and either get rocked to sleep by the movement of the train… or discover that the movement is exactly what keeps you awake 😂 Either way, it’s part of the adventure.

Crossing Canada by train was something I’d wanted to do for a long time, and I’m really glad I finally completed it.

And apparently I’m not done with long-distance trains yet… Stay tuned for the next country we’re crossing by rail. 👀

Would you rather cross a country by train, or fly and get there faster?

Save this for your Canada bucket list 🇨🇦
#canadatravel #traintravel #viarail #theocean #gaytraveler taken in Toronto, Ontario by @asianmapleleaf

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23 days ago

What if “one day” is closer than you think? 🇭🇰

Hong Kong used to be one of those places I imagined visiting someday. Then someday happened... and somehow became every year.

And that’s the funny thing about travel. Sometimes you visit a place once and move on. Other times, without really planning it, a place quietly becomes part of your story. Hong Kong became one of those places for me. The energy, the food, the views, the little things that feel more familiar every time I come back. ❤️

Apparently once a year isn’t enough anymore... I just booked my second Hong Kong trip of the year for October. 😂

So if there’s somewhere you’ve been saying you’ll visit “one day,” maybe this is your sign to stop waiting.

Send this to the person you want to have that “one day” with. ❤️

#HongKong #DisoverHongKong #asiatravel #bucketlisttravel #travelinspo taken in Hong Kong by @asianmapleleaf

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a month ago

This is 47 🎂💪

Birthday week in LA + Palm Springs 🌴

Hollywood Bowl magic, an escape room victory, roller coasters that may or may not have given me a headache 😂, way too much junk food, mountain air, pool time and a lot of really good memories in between.

Such a fun and memorable week. Thank you @fentonjbailey for hosting us and making it all extra special ❤️

#birthday #thisis47 #losangeles #palmsprings #gaysian taken in Los Angeles, California by @asianmapleleaf

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2 months ago

Little did we know, Annapolis would gather us into its warm embrace and soften every care we carried with us. Here, the rhythm is slower. The air feels sweeter. And the invitation is simple: relax, breathe, and surrender to the art of delight.

To be on the water is to understand the soul of this place. Held by the calming waters of the Chesapeake, we sailed beyond the noise of the everyday. We drifted into stillness, into ease, into a sunset so radiant it felt almost otherworldly. And along the shoreline, where the bay meets the table, we savored seafood so fresh it tasted like the very essence of summer.

But, Annapolis is more than beauty. It is drenched in folklore and gilded in memory. Once the nation’s capital before the founding of DC, its centuries-old edifices stand with weathered grace, their patina holding stories of power, rebellion, brilliance, and pain. From the ambitions and mischiefs of the founding fathers to the resilience and lasting contributions of my Black and African American ancestors.

And, from that complex history, Annapolis has evolved into something luminous: diverse, prosperous, charming, and deeply welcoming.
A picturesque escape from the rush of the world.

We loved beginning our summer here. Cheers to new traditions. @visitannapolis #MDinFocus @visitmaryland #VisitAnnapolis taken in Annapolis, Maryland by @asianmapleleaf

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3 months ago

A Quiet Moment @86statehotel

Sometimes, love reveals itself in the places we least expect, sparked by curiosity, awakened by paths we’ve never taken before. It can begin as something subtle: a quiet instinct, a soft nudge, a feeling that draws us exactly where we’re meant to be, just as the moment is ready to meet us. And before we know it, we’re lifted into the wonder of it all, swept into a story that feels beautifully unplanned.

That’s what happened when we discovered the jewel that is Annapolis. There’s an effortless charm woven through its streets, a calmness that lingers in the air, and a coastal magic that makes time feel softer. With every turn, the gentle summer breeze seemed to carry us further into relaxation, curiosity, and awe. Annapolis didn’t just invite us in, it enchanted us.

Can’t wait to share the next part of our Annapolis story.

@visitannapolis #MDinFocus @visitmaryland #VisitAnnapolis taken in Annapolis, Maryland by @asianmapleleaf

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3 months ago

This is summertime in DC. We got married last year in DC during World Pride, so coming back this time of year for @capitalpridedc feels like a true homecoming. I love that the nation’s capital celebrates the spirit of Pride all year round, but it’s during the summer where that spirit comes to a climax for 10 action-packed days. In times like these, it warms my heart to see the people of DC stand tall as beacons of hope.

With so much to do, we enjoyed our time in DC and checked out as many events as we could pack into our schedule like:
• The RIOT! Party🕺🏾at @echostage
• Drag Bingo 🔢 at @unconventionaldiner
• The Capital Pride Festival & Concert 🎶🎤
• Dined at some of DC’s best (and 🌈 friendly) eats 🍽️ @uchirestaurants @pastis_dc @lyledc @succotashrestaurant @clydes_restaurant
• Neighborhood hopped, including a gorgeous stroll around Georgetown🚶🏾
• R&R’d during our stay at the @lyledc 🏨
• Joined in the camaraderie of the Capital Pride Parade 🏳️‍🌈🎊(of course!)

For those of us that may feel a bit uneasy or have lost a little hope recently, let’s keep each other uplifted and continue to fight and advocate for equality, inclusivity, visibility, and compassion in the name of love. Happy #Pride365 #Only1DC @visitwashingtondc taken in Washington, DC by @asianmapleleaf

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4 months ago

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that made the city and our time there unforgettable. ❤️

We came to Annapolis expecting a relaxing waterfront getaway. What we didn’t expect was how many little moments we’d still be thinking about after we left.

@visitmaryland @visitannapolis @86statehotel
#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #VisitMaryland #CouplesTravel #gaytravel

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that made the city and our time there unforgettable. ❤️

Some memories come from grand experiences. Others come from eating ice cream on Main Street and realizing you’re in no rush to be anywhere else.

@visitmaryland @visitannapolis
#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #MainStreetAnnapolis #TravelMoments #CouplesTravel

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that made the city and our time there unforgettable. ❤️

Somewhere between debating flavours and deciding whose was better, this became one of those unexpectedly memorable travel moments.

@visitmaryland @visitannapolis
#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #annapolis #travelcouple #gaytraveler

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that made the city and our time there unforgettable. ❤️

Our home for three nights. The kind of boutique hotel that becomes part of the destination itself.

@86statehotel
@visitmaryland @visitannapolis
#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #BoutiqueHotel #HotelStay #gaycouple

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that made the city and our time there unforgettable. ❤️

The more we wandered, the more we realized Annapolis isn’t just beautiful. It’s layered with stories waiting to be discovered.

@visitmaryland @visitannapolis
#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #HistoricAnnapolis #HistoryLovers #CulturalTravel

During our three days in Annapolis, it wasn’t one big moment that stood out. It was the collection of little moments that ma taken in Annapolis, Maryland by @asianmapleleaf

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4 months ago

We thought Annapolis would be a quick getaway.

A few days by the water, some good food, and a chance to slow down.

But somewhere between the historic streets, the stories, the harbour views, and a sunset cruise with @darlingcharters, we found ourselves staying present and slowing down.

Three days later, we weren’t ready to leave and were already talking about coming back.

Thank you to @visitmaryland and @visitannapolis for introducing us to a city full of history, character, and waterfront charm. Special thanks to @86statehotel , @annapolismaritimemuseum , and @bannekerdouglasstubmanmuseum for being part of the experience.

What’s a destination that surprised you and made you wish you had stayed longer?

#MDinFocus #VisitAnnapolis #VisitMaryland #MarylandTravel CouplesTravel taken in Annapolis, Maryland by @asianmapleleaf

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4 months ago

One wedding. One friendsmoon. Countless adventures.

And somehow, we’re just getting started. ❤️

Happy anniversary @teraj08 ! 😘😘😘

#anniversary #lovestory #gaycouple #couplegoals #travelcouple taken in Washington D. C. by @asianmapleleaf

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5 months ago