Hello and Welcome!

I initially stated this blog to share my Kilimanjaro climb pictures with my family and friends. I added more travel content over the years and slowly it became more of a travel and cooking recipes blog.

Places and recipes – About me

I have a full time job managing a group of software engineers and (another) full time job teaching in San Diego State University. So, I run this blog just for fun as a hobby. I use every opportunity I have to travel to new places or return to previously visited places that I liked.

I’m not religious, mildly interested in politics, “real”, easy going person. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new cultures and trying new local food when traveling.  I have my rainy days but generally I am in sunny mood just like the city I live in.

I am a mother of a beautifully, mellow and super easy going 25 years old girl and very active, crazy and not-so-easy going 11 years old boy.  My awesome kids are very different but have one thing in common – they both are very opinionated and stand up for their beliefs, which is very important quality that not many people have. Also, I can clearly see part of myself in both of them which is fun, but scary at times.

I enjoy traveling, hiking local trails and walking my dogs on the beach early Saturday mornings. A glass of Pinot Noir in the evening and a double shot of a good espresso once in a while after lunch make me happy.

My Travel Philosophy

I strongly believe that you do not need to be millionaire or have unlimited vacation time to be able to travel. I usually travel on a budget and do not take more than 10 days off at a time.

I also strongly believe that education is very important and you should always invest into yourself prior to investing into your travel. This will not only improve your future “marketability”, but also enhance your trips and fulfill your cultural experiences.

My Travel Style

My travel style is all about connecting with people and sharing unforgettable experiences. While I’ve ventured on solo trips before, I quickly realized that solo travel isn’t my cup of tea. I thrive on the energy of companionship, especially when exploring new places.  That’s why I enjoy traveling with my family. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about showing the world to my kids and watching them exploring new places.

I also love travelling with my girlfriends cause nothing can compare to spending couple of relaxing days in Paso Robles drinking wine and taking pictures or, in contrast, driving icy roads at night when chasing Northern lights in Iceland.

Girls trip are truly special and always full of energy.

My special travel partner is my sister. While we travelled together just to a few remote destinations yet, we explored about every corner of our favorite San Francisco including 17 mile long Cross-town Trail.

My Places

When it comes to places that bring me joy, one of my absolute favorites is Poipu Beach, located on the southern coast of Kauai Island. There’s something truly magical about this pristine stretch of coastline, particularly in the tranquil hours of the morning.

Another favorite spot of mine is Plato Point in the Grand Canyon, where you can cook dinner surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

During our recent trip to South America, Montevideo completely stole my heart. It’s such a relaxed and laid-back destination, with a cool vibe that’s totally underrated by tourists. While other South American cities may garner more attention, Montevideo offers a refreshing escape, allowing you to immerse in its authentic culture and relaxed pace of life.

More about my places here

My Recipes

Cooking is another passion of mine. I enjoy baking, cooking, and experimenting with recipes, often creating at least one new dish or treat each week. While many of my recipes lean towards vegan options, I also love preparing non-vegan meals for my family.

That’s why I share a variety of recipes—both vegan and non-vegan—here on Places and Recipes, so you can explore and enjoy them too. Additionally, I make it a point to collect recipes from my travels, bringing home culinary inspirations from each journey. So, every time I return from an adventure, I bring back not only pictures and travel tips but also delicious recipes to share.

I hope that through Places and Recipes, you’ll discover an inspiration and practical tips to start your own exciting adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a far-flung journey, I aim to provide you with the resources and insights to make your travels memorable and fulfilling. Additionally, if you’re looking for a new recipe to try at home, you’ll find a wide variety of healthy recipes here.

I love talking to people who enjoy traveling and cooking, so feel free to message me anytime with questions, thoughts, or just to say hi! Whether you need travel tips, recipe ideas, or want to share your own stories, I’m here to chat and help you out. Let’s chat and encourage each other to explore new places and enjoy delicious food together!