A (Not-So) Quick Introduction
Hello world! First off, thanks for coming on this adventure with me! Here we are, on our first journey together; blogging.
I figured before I jump into the driver’s seat and hit the throttle of storytelling at max speed, I should introduce myself. So…
Hello! Ni hao! Wah Gwaan! (Don’t worry, we’ll get into those later.)
Let’s talk about the start of this journey as it all began a few years ago. Well, many, many years ago actually, but who’s counting?
My first infatuations of photography and travel did not come simultaneously.
My parents, whom I adore, gifted me with my first camera on Christmas when I was around 11 or 12 years old. You know, back in the old days, when you had to buy film and then play the photography lottery if you captured a winning shot after development. We traveled on a smaller scale, visiting the California coast (my home state) and similar beauties. I knew then, photography would always be a part of me, as I tried capturing from the tiniest of sea creatures in the tide pools to the vast landscapes of oceanic trees and waves.
Bigger travels came about when I was around 21 years old, as I embarked on my first international trip to Germany with family, where my grandparents met and married (in a very heartwarming story of an Air Force gentleman and a small-town Germany Schatz). This trip sparked a flame in me; I wasn’t sure what but knew I wanted more of that adventurous spirit fulfilled, exploring new-to-me cultures, and understanding this vast world we are gifted with.
Fast forward a few years, and I met the man of my dreams (insert love sappy story here). We didn’t have the means to travel at first; I mean, we met and wed in Northern California and our first airplane ride together was our honeymoon to San Diego… not all that “worldly”… not yet. But, was it the best trip ever? Yes. Hands down. Every trip is the best trip. We live by the mindset of making the moment, the circumstance, the whatever-the-case-maybe, it’s best. Making the best trips. The best memories. The best experiences to see and soak up this gift of a world. I mean, hey, when are you going to get to experience something like _______________ (insert once in a lifetime experience here) ever again? I have hiked miles to a once-in-a-lifetime waterfall through downpouring rain, later learning the shoes and the jacket I packed for this overseas adventure were water-resistant, not waterproof (very big difference), and did we make the best of it? 100%! Live it, laugh at it, enjoy being human.
So, who am I today?
Today, my heart is a melting pot with my love of photography, my burning flame to travel and truly experience the world, and my joy in writing and sharing my stories with my fellow travel enthusiasts. We have had the privilege to travel the world, stretching from the uneven steps of the Great Wall of China, to the bubbling volcanic lands of Iceland, through the diverse islands of Europe, and to the southernmost penguin-covered terrains of Antarctica. But I strive to not just visit these beautiful locations, I want to experience them. And, yes, there’s a difference. Hitching a ride on the subway through Hong Kong to experience the nightlife. Walking the streets and the open-air markets of Morocco to find the sacred temple. Traversing for multiple days on the Inca Trail through the backcountry of Peru to experience the land with the locals and accomplish a finish line at the Incan icon of Machu Picchu. Being there. Being present, open-minded, awe-inspired, and a student of the locals.
That brings me to introduce The Earth’s Gifts.
A space to share experiences, lessons, and the many laughs along the way. A canvas to share my love for photographing the gifts we have on Earth from every sunrise, sunset, and the blossoming life in between. And a space to learn from one another. I have learned so much from my travels (plus so much more to learn) and the how-to’s of traveling, but we are all students. Our time together is a classroom we can all learn from our versatile experiences, our diverse backgrounds, and our common foundation as travel enthusiasts.
I look forward to getting to know each other as we embark on this journey. Thanks for coming to get to know me and The Earth’s Gifts.
Safe travels!