Adventurer of the Month
-Sara De-
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. We want to get to know you!
I am a girl overwhelmed with passion. Whether it is at work, or at play, I am fueled by enormous zeal. Despite my bright and large outward demeanor, internally I am sultry and quite comfortable with grit. I prefer tea to coffee, and signature style revolves around a leather jacket. My favorite music genres are classical and heavy metal. My ideal diet consists of wine, cured meats and cheese.
2) We love seeing photos of your adventures. How did it all start for you?
Travel really became a necessity after being bitten by the bug working as a Nanny in San Francisco. Having the luxury to earn and explore revolutionized my life and the way I use my personal penny to gain perspective.
3) Do you have a favorite trip? And if so, what makes it so special?
My first trip throughout Europe was very special to me. I hit many major cities (Rome, Florence, Paris, Berlin, London) but was overwhelmed by the power of Italy. As someone who studied Renaissance art heavily in high school and into college, seeing the paintings and architectural masterpieces of that period in person rocked my world.
4) You capture the world so beautifully. Do you have any tips on taking and editing photos?
Shoot, shoot, shoot. You can never learn too much, especially about light. As for editing, less is more.
5) What was the first trip you took?
I vividly remember a family trip we took throughout the SouthWestern US in 1997. 5 people loaded in a mini-van, cruised through the red-rock states. Somewhere deep within Utah I remember looking around the car and everyone was asleep accept for me and my dad – we must have listened to N*Sync’s self-titled, debut album on cassette 400 times before anyone woke up. Good Dad!
6) What have you learned along the way, as you’ve explored different places?
Relinquishing control will always deliver a more memorable experience rather than bogging yourself down with a rigid itinerary. Living like a local builds authentic memories. Find a bench and watch a new world stroll by.
7) Do you collect any souvenirs from the places you visit?
Tattoos! I have made it a point to permanently document my travels. My left arm is quite the atlas with collected artwork everywhere from San Francisco, to New Orleans and London to Prague!
I also collect Christmas ornaments! The holidays are a special time and my Christmas Tree is a twinkling reminder of the places, people and experiences I am most grateful for.
8) What makes your heart beat? What do you really believe in, stand for, and want to tell others about?
Achieving the unimaginable makes my heart beat. I never thought I would stand under Delicate Arch; but I did. I never thought I would land (in a 4-seater plane) on a glacier atop Denali; it happened. I never thought I would touch the Berlin Wall – but I have. Not only does my heart beat for this, but aches for it.
I believe in day dreams. I stand for gaining knowledge and wherewithal to turn them into reality. And I make a point to share the methods that have helped me into my life’s biggest moments with ThePennyPerspective.
9) Where do you plan on going next? Any trips in the making?
Currently we are working the details out for a trip to Japan. The next place I visit, I want to feel completely transported – I think Japan will be that place. From cuisine to culture; language to logistics it will be a vast departure from my daily routine and I cannot wait to explore, engagement and learn from its people and customs.
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