An MFRW Author Post

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Travel and writing go hand in hand. As a writer who has spent her entire life longing for distant lands, I can say that some of my greatest inspiration has come from the smallest details of new places – an exchange in a cafe or an uncomfortable train ride through foreign terrain. A few years back, I studied abroad in Europe, visiting over 20 cities in nine countries in just over three months. It was a whirlwind, and it changed my life in a ways I’m still learning, years later.

I haven’t been everywhere, far from it, but I have seen enough of the world to know how much more I need to visit, how many places demand exploration and immersion. Below are just a few of the trips I have yet to take.

 

emperor-penguins-429127_1920Antarctica – It’s a little crazy, I know, but I like the idea of testing my mettle against some of the world’s harshest elements and seeing how I fare. More than that, however, I’m drawn to the idea of exploring such a wild and intensely natural place – one of the few left on earth, as well as seeing some of the most amazing wildlife there is. Antarctica is certainly extreme, but what doesn’t kill you definitely makes you stronger.

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African Safari – Another extreme one, but admittedly I’m a gigantic nature and science geek and I just really like the idea of breaking far out of my comfort zone to explore an environment totally foreign to me. There are countless amazing cities in Africa I would love to explore and understand, utilizing a global age to better inform my ideology, but I am especially drawn to the nearly timeless nature of the great reserves. The trick with a trip like this would be picking a program that benefits local business owners while keeping the animals safe. 

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The Great Barrier Reef – Literally I would get over all of my fears and learn to scuba dive, surf and swim with carnivorous animals. I’m a huge environmental activist and the sad truth is that The Great Barrier Reef is a disappearing habitat, one I would love both to protect and see before the opportunity escapes us. Australia also just feels like the kind of place where adventurers go, and I think it would push me out of my comfort zone and make for amazing content.

Carnival in Venice/Rio – When I was living in the Netherlands, we celebrated Carnival in a tiny town, population 300, and it was the craziest week of my damned life. These people drank from dawn to dawn for a week straight, stopping only to host parades, throw a perpetual dance party and dress up. In the Netherlands, Carnival is only celebrated in the south, the Catholic part of the country. Amsterdam and more north is Protestant, and they frown upon the frivolities and sinful behavior of the party. I loved Carnival, and I would give anything to experience it in one of the two most notorious places on earth – plenty of fodder for the romance novelist there! 

carnival-411494_1920Scandinavia – Living in the Netherlands gave me a little insight into how their Scandinavia neighborhoods behave, and it’s amazing. Now, given the chance, I’d move back to the Netherlands in a breath. I loved that country for its ideology, art, history and just about everything else. Scandinavia’s social programs, green initiatives and remarkable beauty have always called to me, and I look forward to the chance to explore each of the amazing countries to the fullest extent. 

aurora-731456_1920These are just a few places or adventures that I dream of. Travel has always been an important part of my life and who I am, but I like to think that finding adventures doesn’t need to be time-consuming or costly.

Though I revel in the idea of a month spent in a cottage in Ireland or New Year’s in Madrid (this actually might happen!) I try and find stories and inspiration in the every day. I am lucky enough to live in Nashville, but more than that, I am a writer – and the best part about being a writer is that you can go on any adventure you want from your own home. In your imagination, at least. ♦

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