Biography
Born in Australia to British parents and raised on the North shore of Long Island, in Stony Brook. I was a nomad from the start with walkabout in my blood. Fortunate to travel extensively as a child, visiting England several times a year to visit grandparents, my parents seized the opportunity to reach beyond the UK and venture through the Pyrenees of France into Spain, across the Alps into Switzerland and then to Germany and beyond. I became enamored with the sound of distant dialects, culture and the arts ( visual, culinary, performing). At 17, I took a position as an au pair/English teacher, for 2 years, working for Hassan II, King of Morrocco. Living between Paris and Rabat/Marakesh – my world of travel broadened tremendously. Upon returning to New York, I studied at Stony Brook University receiving my Bachelor’s degree in the Liberal Arts with a minor in Art History.
I have 2 children; Melanie Jane, and Trevor Daniel.
I have lived in Scottsdale Arizona, St. Thomas, USVI, NYC, NY and am currently living in Dublin, Ireland.
Favorite Travel Quote
“A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step”
– Lao Tzao
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”
– Ibn Battuta
Travel Experiences or Destinations I Feel Knowledgeable About
From the Ancient East to the Wild West – and everywhere in between.
Highlighting
Howth, Dublin and Dublin city center offering iconic attractions, castles, history, literature, music and culture steeped in celtic tradition.
East Cork (Ballymaloe Cookery School) 100 acre organic farm with hands-on cooking courses – instruction with Rory O’Connell and Rachel Allen. World famous Irish cuisine, locally sourced
West Cork/Kerry (Bantry, Clonakilty, Kinsale, Sheeps Head Peninsula and Mizen Head) Hiking, dramatic coastlines, castles and ancient ruins.
When Traveling, I Never Leave Home Without:
A blank journal and pen full of fresh ink!
Favorite Dining Experience While Traveling
Ballymaloe House – locally sourced from the 100 acre farm @ Ballymaloe Cookery School – And SO many more!
Favorite Destinations
London: Portobello Road/Nottinghill – Antiquing
Paris: Montmarte for Art and panoramic views – Saint Germain for shopping
Morocco: Marakesh @ the Mamounia Hotel for a tranquil, yet opulent stay and vibrant souks, laden with culture and a maze of markets. Amsterdam : Museums, long canal walks and exciting night – life. St. John, USVI : Crystal clear waters, sailing experiences, snorkeling and peaceful bliss on the beach
Dream Trip I Can’t Wait To Take
Return to Australia and travel from Sydney – Canberra – Melbourne – Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin ( and then perhaps to New Zealand and the Tonga Islands ! )
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A wildlife conservation and community development ( Educational) opportunity in Africa. Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, etc…
Staycation Ideas
- Private, guided tour and car service with Goldstar Chauffeur , offering a relaxed and luxurious travel experience to all the incredible destinations across Ireland.
- A candlelit evening in a Dublin literary salon, hosted by a contemporary Irish author, where Yeats and Joyce are read aloud and lively discussion flows with local whiskey.
- Private and bespoke hands-on culinary class with professional chef in the original 18th century Georgian Castle kitchen at Howth Castle. Dine on all prepared in the magnificent Butler’s Room, with wine, followed by a private tour of Howth Castle estate.
- A guided horseback ride across the dunes of Donegal, ending with a champagne picnic on a deserted strand.
- A lakeside retreat, to indulge in an outdoor seaweed bath as herons glide by, or relax with a personalized yoga session atop a windswept bluff.