My love affair with travel began when I was 16.  I was able to visit our exchange student we had the previous year, in Paris during the summer of 1985.  I had traveled some prior to that with my mom and sister but nothing like France.  This was  my first trip ‘abroad” . I remember feeling so overwhelmed but excited as I strolled the narrow streets of Paris for the first time.  The hustle of a big city, the gorgeous buildings, famous landmarks, and the designer boutiques were even better than I had expected.  The French people were so sophisticated!! Even the teenagers as they discussed politics, drank wine, and discussed books and music at a level I had not experienced at home.  I can still smell the bakeries (aka le boulanger)and the scent of coffee drifting out of the cafes that lined the street.- it was so invigorating! That was also my first solo trip …how brave I was at 16!  Such a memorable trip.  It had such a big influence on my life, inspiring me later in life to have a career in the travel industry. . 

What is it about travel that I love?  It has expanded way beyond the streets of Paris.  It’s that unexpected encounter with a local  in a little town that blossoms into a new friendship. It’s getting lost in a big city; only to find a quaint shop , delicious bakery, or bookstore that creates a fond memory. It is sitting around with friends and listening to their stories about adventures they have had in parts of the world I have never been. .

I have a long list of places I want to see and revisit.  I can never get enough of the mountains, beaches, and little towns we have right here in the states.  The appeal of Europe is always top of my list.  I long for adventures in Istanbul, Greece, Israel , Tanzania, and the lure of South America has been pulling at my heart as well. I invite you to follow my blog and instagram so you can travel with me.   I hope my stories make you laugh, dream, and inspire you to travel.

Bon voyage!