Defining Magical  [maj-i-kuhl]:
1. Beautiful or delightful in such a way as to seem removed from everyday life.
2. Mysteriously enchanting.

To me, a magical destination isn’t so much a place of great mystique, or a destination loaded with lore and epoch fantasy, it’s a place that transforms my mind, beliefs, and understanding of my own existence. These places are almost always serendipitous at best, surprising you with their beauty, immensity, emotion, and power. Typically, I visit areas of the world that are known for their natural beauty, for as a photographer, I’m drawn to these types of lands. As a writer, these are the regions of the world that tend to inspire me the most – they play upon my hopes and dreams, bringing forth my fears, judgements, and inhibitions, while tempting me to feel and to understand. I leave with part of my soul left behind, as I am forever romantically intertwined and intimate with these kinds of destinations.

20,404 miles (32,837 kilometers), 20 countries, 201 nights, 73 different beds.

A journey can be as simple as a traditional rite of passage, and as monumental as a life changing, soul empowering path. For me, my European trip of 2013 changed me, tremendously. It took me, and left me alone, with only myself, as I am, without barrier or judgement, nor ego. Once raw and unsheltered, I realized so many beautiful harmonies and jives of this world, as well as the meaning of life, and I knew exactly what I wanted out of my time here. There were points of agony, and tinges of grief, because when all began to clear, I could perceive who I was – my short fallings and potentials were evident to me. And even though moments like that of a soft trauma, came and went, a new day always prevailed. My travels refined me, softening my angers, tearing away my judgements, and dictating away my confusions and my complexities – little was unclear about my life, my past traumas and defining moments were relived, slowly and with pain, but there always was victory, through hope and compassion. As compassion came and went, understanding was left in the wake.

Without you, my lovely readers and precious supporters – more like my friends – I would not be able to do what I love or be able to travel the world as I do… And I wanted to take the time to let you know how I appreciate you so!

“The most worrisome tragedy in life is the death of inspiration, where the value in living is lost and wild spirit ceases to cling to life. As if the eyes that had once seen and dreamed and lusted for color now glaze over and go forth unseeing. There is no greater sadness than the crushing of a soul, where fire that once burned oh so bright, dies and smolders forevermore.”
–Brandon Elijah Scott, Eye & Pen.

Seeing the sights, learning the culture, and eating the food are always fun little highlights when traveling, but what truly makes the destination come alive is when you experience a true connection. Most seasoned travelers will tell you that the people make the place... Because making a connection with locals who live their lives differently, perhaps uniquely, offers a whole new world of experiences and possibilities. The moment you slow the pace of your travels and look passed the sights, the tourist traps, and all of the junk littered in-between, it’s easier to let travel change you. And when you’re looking back on your wanderings with romanticized memories, you will typically fantasize about the people and the conversations, and the adventures you shared, rather than the fish and chips you ate or that nifty looking ancient ruin.