Travel

Chicago is where I was born, but I am truly a citizen of the world and a perpetual student of life.

From the beauty that is lake life in Traverse City, Michigan to the incredibly energy of Barcelona, Spain - I move in a lot of directions throughout the year.

From the hustle of New York to the quiet beaches of Cabo San Lucas, and from the historical Washington, D.C. to my familiar streets of Florence, all feel like home to me in one way or another. I spend much of my life in the air getting from one place to another and I love it.

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One place that is always close to my heart, though, is Italy. Truly the place where my soul feels at home and where my heart feels full. As I pour over works of art, walk the city streets, learn the regional specialities, and celebrate the friendships that have carried me through decades, I have learn about me, who I am, and what I need to be the best version of myself.

And isn't that the point of travel? To increase your awareness of the world around you, to participate in it. I live to learn about new cultures, languages, foods, landscapes and traditions so that at the end of the day we all realize how connected we are and how small this great big beautiful world really is? Here is your passport to adventure as my travel buddy. I plan on sharing everything from travel tips to favorite eats and everything else I encounter while traveling. And remember, I travel solo, with my husband and sometimes even with a caravan of 4 horses, two dogs, a motorhome and my gold cart! So trust me when I tell you the travels are diverse, different and rarely boring. 😃

How I always find myself in Tuscany

How I always find myself in Tuscany

Photo: Collin Pierson It is always with a heavy heart that I leave Florence, Lucca and all of my loved ones. Many years ago, I found myself here. I learned about the woman I wanted to become. I learned about independence, and communication. I learned how to take...
Destinations: Firenze; Mercato Nuovo

Destinations: Firenze; Mercato Nuovo

Photo: Collin Pierson There is not much that is better than time with my dad in Italy. We have had so many adventures and shared a lot of laughter here throughout my life, but especially on Italy trips. I am really, truly happy to be here with him. As many of you may...
Destinations: Montalcino, Italy and a day of wine tasting!

Destinations: Montalcino, Italy and a day of wine tasting!

…”Where you are is who you are. The further inside you the place moves, the more your identity is intertwined with it. Never casual, the choice of place is the choice of something you crave…” ~ Frances Mayes The thing about Tuscany, what makes it so truly...
Destinations: Santa Croce, Firenze

Destinations: Santa Croce, Firenze

Photo: Collin Pierson Is there anything better than being in a place that I love with the people that I love? The fall is my favorite time of year here in Tuscany. I love warm coats, less tourists and brisk walks. Welcome to Florence, @caitlynshiels! First up on the...
Destinations: Piazzale Michelangelo, Firenze

Destinations: Piazzale Michelangelo, Firenze

Photo: Facibeni “To see the sun sink down, drowned on his pink and purple and golden floods, and overwhelm Florence with tides of color that make all the sharp lines dim and faint and turn the solid city to a city of dreams, is a sight to stir the coldest...

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