My first bit of travel was through books...as a child, I always got my certificate for 100 books over the summer at our local library. Reading about characters from all over the world developed my imagination and created the seed that would grow throughout my life. As a retired high school English teacher, the same research mentality with which I designed my classroom has also taught me how to travel. My family and friends ask me for ideas on where to stay and where to eat in our different locations, knowing that I have read about every single place and made a list (is it wrong to know several places to eat around the Tower of London?!) I enjoy the idea of travel as well as the travel itself, the mystery of what it will be like and the affirmation that people everywhere are lovely. I do love to see the sights, but I'm mostly drawn to the locals...both in the areas to stay as well as their favorite, little-known excursions. I try to include this in my planning now, always looking for The Road Less Travelled...and remembering that the journey IS the destination. Experiencing the art of travel has become a joy in my life and I hope in yours too! Wherever you want to go, I hope you journey well.