Welcome to My Travel Blog – Where Nature, Culture, and Curiosity Collide
- Deborah Ann Martin
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
When I was a little girl growing up in Urbana, Ohio, vacations meant camping at Kiser Lake in St. Paris. No flights, no passports—just tents, fresh air, and the crackle of a campfire. That was our world, and it was all I knew. My grandparents had a camper that they parked along the water's edge, and the cousins and I would camp in tents. I loved the nature trails, swimming, and the people we would meet.
At 14, I worked a summer job for Child Support Enforcement through a program for low-income teens. One day, a woman I worked with returned from a vacation to Ireland. She showed me photos of castles, stone fences, and fields so green they didn’t seem real. I had never seen anything like it. That moment changed me. I realized there was more out there—and I wanted to see it.
At 19, I joined the Navy, ready to discover what else the world had to offer.
My First Glimpse of the World
Puerto Rico and the Islands
My first duty station was Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The first week, they familiarized you with the customs and history, and let you spend a day in Old San Juan before it became a tourist spot. I fell in love with the architecture. It was unlike what I grew up with. All I could think was, people and not machines, did that work.
I took up snorkeling and scuba diving. I got to see a world and explore a world I never knew existed. The beauty of the reefs and the brightly colored fish was amazing. I was like a child exploring a candy store. When I was in the small boats I worked in, I saw the manatees and dolphins swimming around me, not in a zoo or aquarium, but in their environment.
What opened my curiosity even more were the stories of people I was serving with. They would talk about their home states. They talked about the different food and shared their different music, and I learned that every family, state, and country has their own culture. Some of those I worked with were native to Puerto Rico. What fascinated me were the ones from other countries, like the Philippines and the Dominican Republic. There was a world out there that I had no idea existed. Reading about them is nothing like experiencing the smells, the sounds, the sights, or laying your hand on a building that someone made in the 1700s.
While I was there, I visited nearby islands like Vieques, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Being stationed here opened up a new way of seeing the world. The colors, the food, the music, the culture, the different points of view—it all stirred something in me.
The North Atlantic on the LY Spear
Later, I served in Norfolk, Virginia, aboard the USS. L.Y. Spear. We traveled to places I’d never imagined I’d see—like Norway. That country stole my heart. I rode a train through breathtaking landscapes, sailed past quiet, majestic mountains on a river boat, and explored villages by bus. It felt like stepping into a living painting.
I got to see a beautiful scenery cut into a rock at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Walked down to the fishing village where some boats had come in. I went into one of the shacks and had a lobster cooked for me right there. Fresh off the boats. I am a poor, small-town girl. I hadn't even been near a lobster or thought about eating one. My friends laughed, but the fisherman was nice enough to show me how to eat it.
I thought the architecture in Puerto Rico was amazing, but I went to England and France. Wow, is all I have to say. Seeing the paintings you read about in books, seeing the statues, seeing Big Ben in person, and all the iconic places in both countries you read about. There is too much to talk about for this article. But there is nothing like visiting the places you've read about or seen in movies. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for me, seeing it in person leaves you speechless.
What I Love Most About Traveling
Food That Tells a Story
Travel has taught me that food is never just food. I’ve learned that basil tastes different in every country because of the soil. I’ve tasted dishes tied to traditions and stories I’d never heard before. That kind of discovery stays with you.
Food carries history. It tells you who once lived there, what they had access to, and how they made the most of it. Every bite can hold a memory of celebration, survival, or togetherness. Some foods are only served during holidays or ceremonies, passed down from generation to generation like edible heirlooms. The way people gather around food, share it, bless it, or prepare it reveals something personal about their culture and their heart.
When I travel, I don’t just taste a meal—I learn about the people who made it, the hands that taught them, and the stories behind the spices.
Architecture That Reflects Imagination
I’ve also fallen in love with architecture. From centuries-old castles in Europe to vibrant buildings in the Caribbean, I’m constantly amazed at what people can create. The way a building is shaped, painted, or positioned tells you something about the culture and its values. I could stare at windows, doorways, and rooftops for hours.
I may not know the formal name of a style, but I can appreciate the craftsmanship. I can learn its history and uses over time. I once visited an old Civil War train station near Christiansburg, VA. The owners let us see inside. It had old messages on the wall, and they told us the history. Then they proceeded to tell us the history of the 2 buildings by it. One had the oldest working elevator, and the building was said to be haunted. The other building made me laugh; it looked like a double storefront to me. But at one time, one side was a bar downstairs and a brothel upstairs. The other side had a pharmacy downstairs and a doctor upstairs. The ladies said it was a one-stop shop... drink, catch something, see the doc, get your medicines to go home. But they said that there was a connecting door to the doctor, and during the Civil War, they opened it up.
Buildings have a story to tell if someone is listening.
Nature That Calms My Soul
And then there’s nature. It brings me peace. Whether it’s a mountain road at sunrise or the stillness of a forest path, I feel most at home surrounded by the natural world. I love waterfalls that tumble over rocks like music, wildflowers growing where no one told them to bloom, tree-lined paths that feel like green tunnels leading to nowhere—and everywhere.
I love the sound of ocean waves crashing on the shore while seagulls call overhead, their wings catching the breeze like kites. I’m drawn to stormy skies that roll in with drama, reminding me that beauty doesn’t always look calm. I watch deer tiptoe through the woods, birds dive through the air, and squirrels chatter like they’ve got something to say. I love seeing animals in their own space, unbothered and free.
No two places are exactly the same. A stream in one town runs slower than the one in the next. The trees lean differently, the clouds move differently, and the light hits the leaves just right in that one spot you’ll never forget.
Nature speaks in quiet ways—but when you stop to listen, it always has something beautiful to say.
How I Travel Now
These days, I travel differently. I’m over 55. I’m a grandmother. And I’ve faced health challenges. But I still go—just at my own pace.
I take day trips, weekend escapes, and sometimes longer vacations when I can. I look for affordable options and places close enough to drive. I stop to smell the flowers—literally. I believe in finding beauty in ordinary places.
Whether I’m watching the sunset over a lake, walking through a town square I’ve never seen before, or sipping tea at a roadside café, I’m soaking in what the world has to offer—one moment at a time.
What You’ll Find on This Travel Blog
This blog isn’t about luxury or packing your calendar with activities. It’s about real travel, simple joy, and discovering the beauty around us—no matter our age, budget, or limitations.
Here’s what you can expect:
Nature-Based Adventures: Walks, scenic drives, waterfalls, state parks, quiet beaches, and cozy cabins
Cultural Experiences & Food Traditions: I’ve learned from the way people cook, eat, and celebrate across the world
Global Architecture: The buildings, doors, windows, and towns that made me stop and stare, and the history or stories that might go with them
Realistic Travel for All Ages: Stories and tips for grandparents, those over 55, or anyone with physical challenges
Tips and Reflections from the Road: What I wish I’d known sooner—and what still surprises me today
I believe every destination has its unique charm. To capture this, I'll not only visit popular attractions but also explore lesser-known spots. For example, rather than just visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, I’ll venture to the quaint neighborhoods filled with local shops, hidden gardens, and charming squares.
By discussing how I discover these hidden gems, I hope to inspire my readers to think creatively when planning their own trips. A simple stroll through a local neighborhood might lead to an unexpected discovery—a local artisan shop or a beautiful mural that captures the essence of the community.
Encouraging Reader Participation
One of my goals with this travel blog is to build a community. I want my readers not only to engage with my content but also to share their experiences. Therefore, I plan to include a section at the end of each post that invites readers to find similar treasures in their hometowns or while traveling.
After COVID, many people stay inside. Some stopped doing any activities. Some just don't know what to do because, like me, I didn't know other things existed or could be enjoyable. So share your stories and adventures—whatever it is, I want to hear about it!
By fostering this sense of community, we can create a wealth of unique stories and recommendations that benefit everyone involved. Imagine the incredible resources we could gather together—travel anywhere in the world with the insights of seasoned explorers!
Tired of the Same Old Routine?
If life’s starting to feel a little predictable, maybe it’s time to shake things up—just a bit. You don’t have to spend a lot or go far to feel something new.
Here are a few simple ways to break the routine:
Take a scenic drive and stop at roadside stands or farm markets along the way
Pack a lunch and read a book at a state park or quiet lake
Look for an overnight stay in a nearby town you’ve never explored
New experiences don’t have to be expensive—they just have to be different. Curiosity is enough to get you started.
Come Travel with Me
You don’t need to have a lot of money, a perfect body, or a passport to enjoy travel. You just need a little curiosity and a willingness to see things differently. This blog is for anyone who’s ever thought, “There’s got to be more than this.”
Let’s explore together—slowly, meaningfully, and joyfully.
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