Hello there! I’ve just signed on as one of ReadyMade’s new travel bloggers, and I’m both inspired and humbled by the prospect. I’ve done a fair bit of both traveling and travel blogging in the past, and I love the excitement and inspiration that’s born of visiting new places and meeting new people. I’ll do my best to find and share destinations unique and engaging enough for the crafty ReadyMade crowd, and I’m counting on y’all to send in tips and suggestions from your own hometowns and travels.
I’m also a big fan of the creative stay-cation—not just because it’s Earth- and budget-friendly, but because it can turn up hidden treasures right in your own backyard. I’ve found that sometimes my desire to get away can be satisfied by a day spent visiting the right markets, restaurants, neighborhoods, or festivals.
I’ll also be on the lookout for interesting travel items and books. Recently I read and loved Alain de Botton’s The Art of Travel. Highly recommended.
And now, in the spirit of sharing, here are a few of my favorite photos from past travels.
This is Tom’s Recycled Garden in Athens, and that’s Tom in the CIA helmet. Tom is an eccentric Irish ex-pat, and his garden is a constantly changing installation of recycled junk (and also his home). When I asked him how often he paints, he said “Whenever I have paint.” He gave us those jackets to keep.
I love this ordinary-looking photo for a couple of reasons. One, because it was taken at the very yummy and historic Trzesniewski, a Vienna lunch spot famous for its open-faced “sandwiches,” where Kafka is said to have been a regular. I also love this photo because it was hijacked by the adorable little girl grinning up at the camera from beside me. It may look like I’m about to buy her lunch, but I had no idea she was there until the film was developed.
This one is a favorite for two main reasons. First, I’m touching a monkey — I mean, come on. The photo was taken at the wonderful Osa Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica. Second, though I’m attempting to smile for the camera, I’m actually taking a momentary break from writhing in pain due to a bad case of Dengue Fever. Nothing short of death was going to get in the way of my touching that monkey. Believe it.
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I was so excited to have a comment, but it’s just a test! Oh well.
that Monkey looks like he’s more interested in smiling for the camera than having you touch him.. you must have a way with animals. I like your voice and am looking forward to reading more of it soon!
hehe that little jumped-up Austrian devil girl stealing your scene is classic; she’s like a tiny Michaele Salahi. your face is delish even when you have dengue fever. let’s go on a date somewhere tropical and decadent, and then you can write about!
Wow,from the charming combo of monkey/deadly illness to eccentric chaps gifting you with groovy jackets – you are going to be fun!
@King of Lolcats — Michaele Salahi = hilarious.