This place is special to me because, in the words of beloved broadcaster and naturalist, David Attenborough, "it's a place so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable". Only two hours after boarding a small plane in Sydney, myself, on of my closest friend and her lovely mum landed on Lord Howe Island and what I can only describe as absolute paradise. It is home to only 350 residents, up to 400 tourists and an abundance of animals, plants and sea life, many of which are endemic to the island. With virtually no cars, no keys to your accomodation, and no mobile reception or internet coverage it is the place to come and completely recharge your batteries and soak in the natural environment. Surrounding Lord Howe is the world’s most southern coral reef, and it only takes 5 minutes to get there from the shore. I’ve never seen such vibrant coral and abundance of tropical and sub-tropical fish, turtles, sting rays and dolphins. The rest of the time was spent hiking through the unspoilt forest and mountains, kayaking, cycling, watching the abundant bird life and eating the freshest fish I’d had in ages. There was no need to deprive ourselves of all modern day privileges though. Fine dining was only down the road at a nearby retreat as was a massage for those tired muscles. I feel so privileged to have experienced this World Heritage listed piece of heaven and hope to take my son one day before it too disappears (I might need to save up for the airfare though!). Despite the island’s conservation efforts, last summer was the worst coral bleaching seen due to warmer ocean temperatures. It would be a real tragedy to lose this unique haven.

Kepler is a (fictional) small, and sleepy town tucked in the West Virginian Monongahela National Forest. Located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, the town is sure to notice when something goes bump in the night-- yet there is a secret, stone archway hidden in the woods that the rest of town has yet to hear about. When the moonlight hits just right, where is it that the archway opens up to, and more importantly, what is coming over into Kepler? From the Adventure Zone, the hit D&D podcast from the McElroy family, Kepler is the setting of the Amnesty campaign all about cryptids and monster hunting.

Over the last few years I visited all these places in beautiful Switzerland. I felt in love with the lakes, gorgeous mountains and historic towns. This little country has everything what I fancy: chocolate, cheese, stunning nature and maybe the happiest cows in the world.

Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison is special to me because I find it being one of the prettiest campuses in New Jersey when a blanket of snow envelopes it. Here is my interpretation of that time of year.

This place is special to me because of the time I lived there. Washington DC is known to the rest of the nation for politics, but for the locals, the upmost importance is given to happy hour and BRUNCH! Saturday and Sunday brunches happen all over the city and I wanted to share some of my favorites along with the dish they are best known for. Bon appetit!

A map of Venice and a few popular tourist locations.

I live on the eastern tip of Long Island NY. We have more lighthouses in our township than any other in the US. Here are some of my favorites to draw, paint and visit. You can see them by car and boat. If you love lighthouses you should come visit!

This place is special to me because I will always remember the first time I drove through these neighborhoods and simply could not believe that such a fairytale setting existed in the real world! Earl Young was a self-taught builder and architect who built both commercial and residential structures. The majority of his creations lie within the two areas shown on this map (each mushroom on the map is the location of another Earl Young house). Pure magic! And special year-round, even in winter.

This place is special to me because it feels like a living work of art. The expansive sky paints the dramatic desert below in light that is both energizing and calming. It's an area where artisan craft and skill is honored in everything from food to jewelry to weaving to architecture. I love to walk around the plaza and breathe in the crisp, cool air, surrounded by the beauty of native plants and succulents, warmed by the walls of adobe buildings. Among my favorite things to do are shopping for hand-woven textiles, sipping a handcrafted cocktail or beer, dining on authentic southwestern cuisine, and strolling the stands of exquisite Native American jewelry at the Palace of the Governors. Santa Fe is the embodiment of the state nickname "Land of Enchantment".

This place is special to me because this happens to be my hometown!

Kerala, located in the south of India, is a land of rich green paddies, rivers and lagoons. It's often termed as " God's Own Country". The coastal plain is bordered on the east by a range of mountains in which spices such as pepper, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom are grown for export. And this has attracted traders from all over the world. Fort Kochi is one such town in Kerala, which was ruled by the Portuguese from 1503 to 1682, followed by the Dutch till 1795, and then the British until the year India became independent. It is also home to the oldest European church in India which housed the gravestone of the explorer Vasco da Gama. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the largest art exhibition in India and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia is held in this little heritage town.This is a heritage map taking you on a trail through the various historic structures, hidden cafes, boutique hotels and stores and the main streets of the city.

This place is special to me because I had the privilege of living and studying here for two months in 2013. It was nothing short of magical! Every day felt like I was stepping into a fairy tale, and there were always new nooks and details to discover of this charming medieval castle town.

Aerial view of my campus