More than a decade ago, I studied half a year in León, Nicaragua. For sure, this was one of the happiest times of my life! I totally fell in love with the people, who where so kind, passionate and joyful. I learned not only to get a deeper sense of their culture and language but to live a life far from wastefulness, complaining, jelousy and indifference to others. It was a way of life that shaped me, a way of life I'll never forget. Gracias Nicaragua, mi amor!

Whenever I need a break from the rat race of LA, I like to relax and recharge in Maui. There's something about the smell of the air, the warm, welcoming light and the tasty treats that just soothes my soul. This map highlights all of my favorite places and experiences that make this my perfect place to chill.

Long walks on the beach may be a hackneyed activity but there's a reason it's a favorite for so many. This long sandy beach is just a few steps from my current hideaway and I love walking there on a foggy or sunny day. It's always exciting to watch the waves crashing and the shorebirds having a feast. You can keep on strolling down to Morro Rock and see the adorable sea otters too!

One of my absolute favourite places to escape to is Cubbon Park, also known as the lungs of Bangalore. This green haven was originally created in 1870 and called Meade Park. It was renamed after Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, the longest-serving commissioner of the city. The park is spread over almost 250 acres and is a treasure house of beautiful and exotic plants, including gorgeous bamboo groves. It is a hot spot for nature lovers, joggers, bird-watchers and cyclists. The park is a major reason why pollution levels remain low in the city centre. A trip to Bangalore is incomplete without visiting this little piece of heaven!

My local lido is one of my true happy places and it is particularly magical swimming in the off season of early spring. It's a true London oasis, a beautiful 50m pool backing onto Brockwell Park. It is hard to believe you are stone's throw from the urban buzz of Brixton and Herne Hill. I'm not hardy enough to go in without a wetsuit until the dial hits 18 degrees C. The warm-up hot chocolate post swim is one of my essentials.

Underwater is MY HAPPY PLACE. Illustrated from a memory of one of my earliest scuba dives in Red Sea, Egypt. A school of long yellow fishies were curious and came to say hello, while all around colourful marine life played amongst the coral.

Just as we are familiar with the phrase a journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step, you could view your art practice as fascinating journey as we explore and expand our creative horizons. This foray into Growth Mindset Land will not be without its ups and downs, but think of the view from the top! // We all face very similar obstacles in our creative landscape, from Forests of Frustration, to Plains of Procrastination, but also marvel at the pretty Dell of Delight with its satisfying results and pleasing progress. // Even at the later stages there could be something that could cause a deviation...or a detour from our path. I’d certainly be mindful of monotony, all the tedious things that crop up, maybe a sense of weariness even though we are so close to our intended destination, the Peak of Pride. // If you have navigated this path then you will have a better understanding of the growth mindset that would have taken place in order to reach that summit. I hope there are feelings of pride and accomplishment because it I know myself it is not an easy journey on some days. // Although you will be called upon to muster up a tonne of courage most days, there are many other creatives undertaking the same journey so you will never be alone, and we can cheer each other on.

This map was originally conceived as part of my Skillshare class Daily Art Practice:14 Day Mindset Challenge, about showing up for your art everyday to improve your skill set by getting out of your own way to support your strengths and creativity.

To me, Antarctica is the most special place on earth, because of its indescribable beauty and remote location. I can't find words to describe sitting down on the beach at Desolation Island and watching penguins come and go, so busy in their daily activities. The peace and serenity are matched only by the cool, clean air. Oh, I'm ready to go back now!

This map celebrated some of Texas’s state symbols, like the state sport (rodeo, of course) and the state flying mammal (it’s the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat). Can you find the state pastry and the state large mammal?

A day spent hiking by a lake in Maine is where I am happiest. The sighting of wildlife and the Jordan Pond House popovers with blueberry tea on the lawn at the end of the day is the icing on my happy place cake.

Believe it or not, Miami Beach has a quiet side. Don’t tell anyone!

Did you know California has a state fabric? It’s denim, naturally. This map features state symbols and icons representing the sunny state of California.

These are the foods I miss when I'm away from the Windy City, and that are distinctive in that Chicago way.

Taking a stroll around the block after dinner to pick fallen and overhanging fruits over public footpath.

During pandemic our family has been exploring the island we live on with our 3 year old and looking for fun short hikes nearby to enjoy nature.