I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by. I’m Tricia, a freelance communications specialist and passionate world traveler.

Equal parts nomadic and nesting in nature, I’ve divided my life chapters between the Midwestern United States and Europe. For ten years, I called scenic Heidelberg, Germany home. Nesting among the city’s terracotta rooftops and cobbled lanes, I nurtured the interests I hold dear today: writing, photography, tickling the ivories of a piano, hiking, architecture, yoga, foreign languages, history, and travel.

Brushing shoulders with people in more than 55 countries has shaped the way I view the world and its citizens. It was magical standing in the shadows of the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Petra and Angkor Wat, however, it was the tremendous people in those countries who extended me heartwarming hospitality – often strangers – that left the most lasting impressions. I wonder how the world would be if all individuals were such exemplary citizen diplomats.

This eponymous blog was born in 2011. On it, I share tales of inspiring people I’ve met along the way, as well as images of places I’ve explored. These exceptional people and places have left a stamp not only in my passport, but also upon my heart.

I am married to Shawn, with whom I co-founded Chessboard Communications, a tourism consulting business. We were married in the Heidelberg Castle in 2010. Even today, life still feels like a fairy tale with him. In late 2011, we left our  picturesque surroundings in Germany (and my job as an education program director/training specialist) to embark on an extended sabbatical. Our travels have taken us through Asia, Europe and North America. I’ve been fortunate to have visited 55 countries so far.

Photo credit: Kassie Borreson, Hausfraufotografie.com.

I was raised and educated in the Midwestern United States, living in Illinois until my college years. Though I am an only child, I experienced the joys and challenges of sibling relationships with four international brothers and sisters that my family hosted as exchange students: Pierre (France), Jennie and Conny (Germany) and Attila (Hungary).

My professional passions focus upon writing, international affairs and development, education, citizen diplomacy and teaching. I have an MA in International Relations, and also hold a BA and teaching credential in Elementary Education.

I’d be thrilled to hear from you or work with you. Please email me, or connect via social media using the buttons at the top of this page.

Thank you again for visiting. Until next time!

-Tricia