Ride along with me today!
Let’s explore together.
THE SHORT OF IT:
Natalie is one of THOSE “Boomers”, prefers to call her current age stage “freelancing life” & struggles to actually say the “R” word (retirement sounds SO old, that’s what her Dad did.) She is addicted to exploring exotic magical locations across the globe, has learned you don’t have to have tons of money to pursue a dream and delights in making connections with ordinary people of all cultures.
She’s been fortunate to discover heartwarming experiences, been inspired time and again in her travels as well as had a few wild rides then lived to tell the tale! She (well, me…or I,…um, or …well, you get it) is dedicated to humbly conveying as compellingly as she can, the joy of exploration, the details of each of her journeys in the hopes to create a community of happy little cyber travel enthusiasts who love life and humanity a little bit more with each new adventure.
Natalie will tell you a story, help you feel as though you’re riding along. If she can do it, so can you!
SO… How was that? … SHORT ENOUGH? … TOO Short? … Not quite clear yet who I am or just what this blog thingy is going to be?? Well, if that’s how you feel, or, … if you just somehow find an unfinished page compelling …. READ ON!! There’s More!
THE LONG OF IT:
Life Freelancer/Bucket List Buster
I’ve reached my sixth decade, those 60 hour work weeks while raising 5 kids are in the rear view mirror and I find travel has finally become a cherished priority. I’m freelancing my days yet can’t seem to let go of a deep rooted habit, the long “To Do” list. But, now my list has a welcome new title “Bucket” and I’m crossing stuff off right and left !
Why Blog Natalie?
Sometimes life circumstances make it impossible to jump on a plane and follow a travel dream. If this happens to be your situation, don’t give up hope for a future when you can go. My wish is for everyone to see the world, to experience the impact it has on expanding one’s perspective and heart. But, if it isn’t in the cards for you just yet, while you’re still destination dreaming… Join me on a journey or two (or even three, or four, or… ok, ok, you get it!) Nothing would would make me happier. COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE and we’ll explore this beautiful world together!
Or perhaps, you’re ready to go for it and you’ve got a Bucket List of your own that needs Busting! Here’s Hoping you find a story or two here that gets your blood pumping so before you know it you’re booking an adventure. It’s not as complicated as you may think. A little research, a little preparation, the right travel company, and you’re all set to explore the world! You’ve got this. Oh, and never EVER forget that camera.
The Best Part
Truly my greatest joy is connecting with people, learning again and again that we are all so very much the same. Without fail, I find kindness and experiences to warm my heart everywhere I visit across the globe. Humanity can be delightful and each trip provides encounters that fill my soul with hope and goodwill. Of course we’ll delve into the exciting details of iconic locations, but there can also be other treasures to discover, meaningful stories of inspiration and joy. These I promise to share, and often! (HEARTWARMERS and INSPIRATIONS pages will house these special stories).
It’s An Addiction
Travel serves to satisfy my insatiable curiosity and gifts the realization I am a very small part of a much larger fascinating world. Somehow my favorite destination seems to always be the one I just returned from, yet the obsession to explore somewhere new hits once the suitcase is unpacked (and my photos are uploaded). Hence the mantra … #Natalie is a travel addict.
Getting Personal
My partner in crime and favorite travel buddy (actually pretty much my favorite person ever) is my husband, Dave.
Nearly 20 years ago Dave took me on AND my five handsome kids (who happened to be teenagers at the time) SO… obviously he’s not afraid of anything & will jump on any crazy train just to see where it goes!
When we travel, I’m the planner, the researcher, the photographer, the cheerleader and the keeper of the “stuff”. Dave’s the meat and potatoes of our travels; he makes sure we have cash (where/how to get it), understands exchange rates, arranges for any special travel VISAs, and keeps herd on Natalie‘s wanderings as I often get deeply involved connecting with people and get captivated by each exciting new environment… (ok, true confession – “captivated” can turn to mesmerized, a tad risky, and basically my 6’5″ guy has my back, always!).
Oh, and I nearly forgot, Dave’s most important role, that of male model extraordinaire. Basically Dave is the guy in THE photo in every epic location and he knows, willingly or not, that it is expected that he will turn and pose at each iconic spot that sets his wife’s camerawoman heart a flutter. Many have asked, “Hey Dave, where’s your smile?” when viewing this trip photo or that. The man’s smile gets weary a bit when I snap 2000 photos per trip!
#FLAT DAVE
On the occasion Dave’s schedule doesn’t allow him to join me on a trip, he sends a fitting substitute who’s always up for the job, FLAT DAVE. He’s a rather handsome face, always in a good mood & willing to smile, but doesn’t care for a windy day! We’d love to have you follow Flat Dave’s shenanigans on Facebook or Instagram . Come check it out!
When not on one of our international adventures, Dave is still in the working world and manages fraud prevention for a large Midwestern bank. Our home is on a sand pit lake (I really have a thing for a sandy beach) in a small Nebraska village along the beautiful Platte River and we live among some of the kindest, hard workingest, hard playingist people you’ll ever want to meet.
We are empty nesters and have several absolutely adorable grandkiddos (aren’t all grandkiddos adorable…makes having kids worth all the trouble!) This is “Harley” our Shorkie, Shih Tzu Yorkie mix (we actually call his breed the “Sh*tty Yorkie”, ha-ha). Don’t you think that Egyptian camel posing with Dave above looks just a smidge like our little guy? Same coloring and same ‘sunny’disposition!
Good Stuff from Great Minds
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Dr. Seuss
TRIPPIN WITH NATALIE 