I love languages, walking around big cities and finding small cafes, not having a permanent home, and fitting my life into a suitcase. I grew up with a Swedish mother and an American father, encouraging my interest in culture and languages at an early age. I never travel without my sketchbook and I have an addiction to coffee, dark chocolate and fresh pineapple. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I talk non-stop about my love for Europe and am obsessive about all things Swedish.

After college I spent a school year working as an English teacher in Guadeloupe. That experience, coupled with having lived and studied in France, gives me a strong tie to the Francophone world and I often throw French words into the mix just for fun. I also believe in using correct French pronunciation with French words used in English -- like croissant and baguette. Some people find it pretentious; I like to think of it as cultured.

Lots of travel writing and adventuring on three continents eventually led to my current position as Senior Editor at Wend Magazine. I get to interview many great travelers and tie together adventure and activism in my writing. A pretty fantastic combination.