The boat to the left is named the Rigil Kent. I was 6 years old when we went to live in Sydney, Australia and explore the Great Barrier Reef. This was the beginning of what would be a life long adventure.

A year earlier, my family moved to Tamil Nadu, located in the southeastern portion of India. It was there I learned about the Hindu culture, food and music. It is an amazing place for many reasons but most of all for its people. I have never lived anywhere else where they would give you so much while having so little.

The mid-west was my home base as we ventured to locations like Switzerland, France, Fiji, Seychelles, Kenya and New Zealand. My parents love to snorkel and explore the tropics. I am very grateful to have shared these adventures with them but soon had some of my own.

Spain was the first trip I took alone. It is an amazing place I have lived and visited on a few occasions. Madrid was the first and last time I was on a motorcyle....If you have ever been there you know it is a busy and exciting town full of people. The crosswalks are like rush hour at midnight as they move about the city. It was fun to see but prefer the quieter locations in Spain. My favorite spot was Alhambra because of its amazing architecture, fortified strongholds and Moorish influence. I really enjoyed the train ride from the South of Spain heading north watching the countryside scattered with olive trees.

My favorite place so far to visit was the South of France, known as the Cote d'Azur. It was the combination of warm weather, ancient coastal towns and incredible wines! I was amazed by the older cities, especially Eze, clinging to the cliffs since 2000 B.C. My trip included visits to the homes of artists from the impressionist period, including Renoir and Picasso. My mother's art has inspired me to understand and appreciate contemporary art.

In 2007 I traveled across Ireland. My journey started in the streets of Dublin, and moved westward to the quieter towns of Athlone on the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise, and Westport in the County of Mayo. I climbed Croagh Patrick, a nearby mountain in Westport scaling 2150 feet. The legend claims that if you climb it three times you will pass to heaven. One climb down....two to go!

I also attended a local wedding and confirmed the Irish do in fact love to drink! The wedding reception really kicked off at about 1am when the River Dance girls came out to perform. Ireland is an incredible place to see and enjoy when talking with the locals over a pint of beer.

Recently I went for another visit to Hawaii. Living on the California coast makes this trip destination easy. Sometimes my sense of adventure just includes relaxation. We saw Haleakala, the volcano towering over Maui, the crater of Molokini just offshore for diving, and various dive spots along the west coast. It meant a lot to share this time with my parents and to enjoy another adventure together.

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