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Hi, I’m Melissa, a sustainability consultant, passionate about nature, exploration, and self-understanding. Thanks for visiting.
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From the blog
From the Blog
Solo in Sámara: Surf Lessons, Crocodiles, and the Realities of Pura Vida
Since this was my first trip abroad, I’d wanted to make the most of it and see as much of the country as possible. I’d booked two locations, thinking that getting around in a country the size of Ohio would be quick and easy. How could it be otherwise? On the morning of day four,…
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Beyond the Tourist Lens: What a Local Guide Taught Me About Sustainability in Costa Rica
For solo trips to new places where you don’t know anyone, I always recommend taking a guided tour on the first or second day. Having a local’s perspective can provide intriguing insights into a people’s philosophy, point you toward hidden gems—and potentially save your ass. The tour I took on my second day in San…
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When Your First International Trip Almost Doesn’t Happen: Lessons from San José
By December 2021, the world had endured twenty months of the disorienting COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself single again, living alone (happily), and desperate to break free from the confines of my apartment for a real adventure. With so much of daily life cast into uncertainty, I needed something good to hold onto, something to…
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about me
Hi, I’m Melissa, currently based in Coastal North Carolina. A naturalist at heart, I have always been curious about why we are the way we are. When I’m not working to solve climate and sustainability issues or walking my dog, Ringo, I love writing about my fascination with exploration, travel, and living a sustainable life. Read more
Journeys on Earth 