Hi, I’m Lisamarie. Welcome to my travel blog! I’m a freelance writer and editor with a deep passion for the travel industry and travel writing. I’ve worked in San Francisco’s tourism industry for many years and am a proud member of Sonoma County’s Accredited Hospitality Professional Program and the national Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Program. I’ve always written poetry, but after studying with expert travel writer Don George, it was time to put pen to paper and share my journeys.

My love for travel started while visiting Lebanon and Egypt and falling in love with their cultures. I had never experienced such hospitality and warmth from strangers before. Connections happened on balconies in simple, old buildings, over tea and sweets and conversation. Every place in the Bay Area and throughout my travels that is near and dear to my heart brings me back to a balcony in Beirut. I can always find the exotic in the familiar. That’s the beauty of travel.

This blog is for the local daytrippers and those who want to stay close to home yet travel to unknown places. This blog is also for nature lovers who thought they had to travel across the globe to fully experience the great outdoors. And lastly, it’s for all the dear world travelers who wish to explore our local treasures. Welcome. All of you have enriched my life with your determination to love the world. Join me on travels near and dear. See you on the balcony!