The art of do-it-yourself travel
Welcome!
We are John O’Neill and Julie Roller, retired teachers and geologists who have spent years traveling and studying the world. We are excited to share with you the stories, lessons, and tips we have learned on the road. Check out our blog to see our stories, and head to the About page to learn more about our story!
Explore Our Recent Travel Adventures
Bulgaria? A Fascinating History, an Uncertain, Hopeful Future
Bulgaria??? People repeatedly asked us this question to express their great surprise when we told them of our trip there. Obviously, the country is not on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but perhaps it should be. It is a country with surprising beauty, a lot of...
Opening Hidden Doors with a Little Local Language
In my experience of traveling in non-English speaking countries, I have found one item to be indispensable: a little knowledge of the local language.
The Stunningly Beautiful Sfakian Coast of Southwest Crete
The Sfakia southwest coast of Crete is one place that people dream about when they want to “get away from it all” to an isolated, quiet, beautiful location.
The Enchantingly Beautiful Samaria Gorge
One of my favorite places in Crete is the incised Samariá Gorge that cuts a swath through the rugged White Mountains on the southwest side of the island.
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.-Mary Oliver, “Sometimes”
What We Do
Explore
Paying attention starts the journey as we experience what’s in front of us & discover what’s around the bend. New sights, sounds & tastes lure us off the beaten path.
Learn
Prepare for the journey then plunge into narrow streets, grand museums or dusty trails absorbing new information enveloping our senses.
ENJOY
Keep breathing, slow down, take in a long look, revel in the moment, grab a table & watch the world go by.
Share
Journal, sketch, converse, question & reflect on our journey along the way and back home.
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The art of travel is the art of seeing what is sacred.
– Phil Cousineau, “The Art of Pilgrimage”
Come home to a place you've never been before.
Not all who wander are lost.
– JRR Tolkien