Boots, Bikes and Border Crossings
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Winter Lavender and Quiet Remembrances: Celebrating Bulgaria’s Liberation Day
Today is 3 March, officially the “Day of Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Dominion.” It’s a day to honor the volunteers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 and helped set their country free. I marked the occasion with a wander to the nearby village of Sredno Gradishte. My path led through sleepy
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Gypsy horsepower and human moments
Today offered one of those travel moments that lingers long after the dust settles. In the small village of Sredno Gradishte, I noticed two young boys rummaging through a dumpster — a reminder that rural life isn’t always postcard-perfect. Not long after, their father appeared in a horse and cart, rolling in as if from
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Izvorovo – Where Time Wanders and Property Prices Leap
Izvorovo is the small historic village in southern Bulgaria that I currently call home (for now). Tucked into the fertile Thracian lowlands and the gentle foothills of the Sredna Gora mountains, it’s a place where rural traditions still breathe easily. Chickens outnumber cars, gardens are serious business, and the local community hall keeps cultural traditions
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New Neighbours and Next Chapters
Three of the absolute cutest dogs have officially stolen my heart — Dad, daughter and Mum … Charlie, Ruby and Pixie. If this is the welcoming committee, I’d say the next three weeks are shaping up beautifully already. Jane flies out tonight to Egypt, with a little stopover in Turkey to keep things interesting. Some
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Window Seat Reflections and a Turkish Farewell
Feeling a little tender this morning as I gaze out the plane window, waiting for the last passengers to board. Just like that, my Turkish chapter is almost closed. This journey through Turkey has been a beautiful blend of learning, understanding, joy, and deep gratitude — especially for the hospitality, which truly feels endless. Tea
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From Fields to Flurries – Swapping Gumboots for Boarding Passes
Well, we squeezed in two more solid days in the field — and I’m so glad we did! There’s something deeply satisfying about finishing up muddy, rosy-cheeked, and feeling like you’ve properly earned your dinner. But today? A brisk 2 degrees, with snow-rain falling steadily from the sky as if winter wanted the final word.
Visited Countries
Interactive World Map
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Route Plan (Eastern Europe)
Here’s the planned route PDF. Download below.
Route Map
About Me
Happy, grateful, and full of joy – that’s how I see my life. Growing up in the small country town of Karaka, New Zealand, I was a curious little girl who dreamed of seeing the world. At 14, I took my first trip overseas to Fiji, and since then I’ve explored 66 countries, each adventure filling me with wonder at new cultures, unexpected moments, and the thrill of discovery.
I’ve leapt from planes, dived into unseen depths of the ocean, pedaled across borders, and roared through deserts on motorbikes. From crossing the Gobi Desert on two wheels to cruising down to Antarctica, from riding through roads less traveled to moments that took my breath away, I collect memories, not possessions.
Contact Me
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