New Zealand’s two large islands have some of the most unique animal encounter opportunities you will ever find. In this post, I’m curating the captivating creatures we enjoyed the company of while trekking New Zealand and sharing the “secrets” so you can enjoy these encounters too.

While on my trip to Egypt in 2019, I took my maglite planning to do some ghost hunting. We’d just arrived in Luxor the day before and as soon as we’d arrived, I’d felt a difference. It was like the air was buzzing, full of energy. Then, the light started turning on. Someone had come to talk.

At 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of the 11th month, Cologne kicks off the European party season (AKA carnival season) with one of the best celebrations in Europe. Think Oktoberfest meets Halloween, complete with epic costumes, beer and brats. This is a party you’re guaranteed to enjoy.

On the outskirts of Savannah sits a massive cemetery, as old as our nation and steeped in as much history. I spent an afternoon here just walking the cemetery lanes, stopping to place my flashlight and see if a spirit wanted to say hello wherever I felt there might be an energy. About an hour into my walk, I found myself near the Bryan family plot when the light turned on and someone seemed to want to say hello.

Looking to hang with a Victorian Princess? Mount Washington offers mountain serenity, friendly foxes and cheeky spirits. A lovely lady who married a European Prince who built the hotel for her. But don’t go thinking this Princess is utterly proper. If you want to get her attention, ask to spend some time in her room.

High up in the Rockies of Estes Park, Colorado sits the victorian hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. But is the Stanley Hotel really an evil place full of malevolent spirits? Well no… and yes!

As an avid traveler and ghost hunter, I always love when I can combine a visit to an interesting place with some great ghost hunting. The Hayes Mansion in San Jose is not only one of the prettiest historic hotels I’ve stayed at, it’s also one of the most haunted hotels. I’ve confirmed at least three friendly spirits there.

Poland is a completely under appreciated country when it comes to travel. This is a culture and people rooted in a pride of being amazing hosts. They don’t care if they’re hosting their cousins or complete strangers. Everyone is family.

I’d been emotional since arrival. The immensity of the massive Ramses II statues at the entrance had overwhelmed me — just as he’d desired. There was no doubt of his greatness in my mind. But in his stone face was also a curve of the lip and softness of the eye that spoke of love—for his people, his country and me, his guest.

As an avid traveler and ghost hunter, I always love when I can combine a visit to an interesting place with some great ghost hunting. The Hayes Mansion in San Jose is not only one of the prettiest historic hotels I’ve stayed at, it’s also one of the most haunted hotels. I’ve confirmed at least three friendly spirits there.

As an avid traveler and ghost hunter, I always love when I can combine a visit to an interesting place with some great ghost hunting. The Hayes Mansion in San Jose is not only one of the prettiest historic hotels I’ve stayed at, it’s also one of the most haunted hotels. I’ve confirmed at least three friendly spirits there.

In 2019, I finally made the pilgrimage to Egypt. The trip awakened my soul (“ba” to the ancients) and has changed me forever. In these watercolors, I share the spiritual, artistic and personal encounters that were Egypt’s gifts to me. Through them, I hope you too can feel her mystic, magnetic draw.

Arriving at Luxor airport, the air was crisp, clear. It was a welcome change from the thickness of the Cairo dust and dirt and pollution we left behind. As we neared town and Karnak Temple, everything became kinetic. I was jittery with excitement, and the air felt busy, almost alive.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love geography, history and world cultures. I’ve just always had a fascination for the people and places that fill this beautiful world, past and present.