Hey there, I’m JoAnne; welcome to my travel website.
My love for travel started with business trips to places like Italy, Switzerland, and Japan. I’d often tack on a few extra days to explore, turning work obligations into chances to discover something new. Those early adventures sparked a passion for travel that’s only grown over the years.
When my kids were younger, I made the most of short trips—a week here, a weekend there. Now that they’ve grown, moved out of the house, and are on their own, I’ve embraced the freedom to take longer journeys, allowing me to explore more deeply. Solo travel has become one of my favorite ways to experience the world. Setting my own pace and staying open to unexpected connections makes it incredibly rewarding—like the time a local invited me into their home during a hike to share a cup of tea along with some fresh honey they had just collected.
Not every solo travel moment is profound—some are downright absurd. Like in Skopje, when a woman strolled up to my café table, grabbed my half-bottle of wine, took a swig straight from it, and casually declared, “That was good,” before walking off without another word. I sat there stunned, trying not to burst out laughing at the sheer randomness of it all. Moments like these remind me that travel isn’t just about the scenery; it’s about embracing the unexpected.
As a vegetarian, trying new foods is always an adventure. While finding vegetarian options has become more accessible in many places over time, there are still moments—and occasionally entire trips—where my choices are limited. At those times, bread has often been my go-to. I’ll never forget the rustic Punic bread in Tunisia, baked on the walls of a terracotta oven, or the sesame-studded lepyoshka from Tajikistan. Bread is more than just a fallback—it’s often a wonderful glimpse into a culture, whether it’s served with olive oil, alongside a simple stew, or enjoyed fresh and warm. Those small, authentic bites remind me why I love exploring the world.
My interest in Sociology has always sparked my curiosity about different cultures. I love learning about the ways people live, connect, and adapt, and travel gives me the chance to explore those differences firsthand. Venturing into unfamiliar places and embracing the unknown keeps travel exciting and meaningful.
While hiking holds a special place in my heart, I’m equally passionate about expressing my creativity through photography, stained glass, embroidery, and mosaics. Whether it’s capturing a stunning landscape through my camera lens or piecing together a mosaic inspired by a vibrant marketplace, creativity is how I take a piece of the journey home.
When I’m not traveling, I love spending time with my family and friends—sharing laughs, making memories, and just enjoying each other’s company.
Through this blog, Travels Afoot, I’m excited to share not just my adventures but also the absurd, meaningful, and creative moments that make traveling so unforgettable. Whether it’s a quiet moment over a cup of tea, discovering vegetarian gems, or a funny story like Skopje, I hope to inspire you to create your own stories and connections along the way. Thanks for stopping by—here’s to discovering the world, one step at a time.
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