This ongoing initiative showcases blogs with fewer than 500 subscribers which I think are deserving of more attention. Hopefully these blogs will spark your interest and you’ll check them out. It’s my way of spreading awareness of talented writers whose work I admire.

This week’s featured blog is Travelling Therese. I first came across Therese’s blog a couple of years ago when she left a kind comment on one of my nature photography posts. Her blog hooked me immediately. Therese has traveled the world and has documented her adventures as only a seasoned journalist/traveler can. Her posts share in detail the sights and sounds of various locales, and present an intimate portrait of these far-away destinations. I think what initially grabbed my attention was her many entries about her adventures in Japan. Anyone who knows me can tell you I’m fascinated with Asian culture, particularly Japanese culture, and reading Therese’s stories of her Japanese treks allowed me to experience Japan vicariously through her eloquent and in-depth writing and stunning photography.

I asked Therese if she could provide some background about herself and her travels. Here’s what she had to say:

“I am a retired Australian News Journalist, with a continuing keen interest in travelling to explore the world and its cultures.  As a Journalist, I never actually worked as a travel writer, and only began writing about my holidays as a hobby.

I have been fortunate enough to achieve my travel dreams since my late teens, back in the early 1970’s, when I backpacked on a shoe string budget, mainly staying in youth hostels.  Most of my trips have been self researched and undertaken independently with no assistance from a travel agent.  

Researching and putting together a trip is a large part of my travel enjoyment, and I love sharing what I have learnt with others.  A camera has always been at my side, so I usually have an abundance of my own travel photos to share on my blog. 

I’m still travelling as I move well into older age –  Japan has been my main International area of interest for the past 22 years.

My Dad travelled the seas as a young sailor, visiting many countries around the world, until he settled down to a family life. He had wonderful story telling and writing skills, and his travel tales and experiences sparked my own interest in travelling the world.  A book he gave me when I was a child – Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days – also was a source of inspiration to travel.

As a young teenager I had two possible careers in mind – Journalism or a travel agent!  Luckily, I achieved a Cadetship in Journalism, a well paid job with six weeks holiday time a year that enabled me to travel frequently within Australia and overseas.

By the time I was 25, I had visited 25 countries – some only for a couple of days, others for lengthy periods. I also later lived in Canada for a year and in New Zealand for two years.

Many of my travels when I was younger were embarked on alone.  Luckily, my husband has been my travel companion now for many decades, always ready to follow and support my travel ideas.”

On Therese’s travel blog, you’ll find entries on Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore (another Asian destination that holds a special place in my heart). With so many amazing adventures from which to choose, it was difficult for me to decide on a particular post to showcase here, so I’m featuring three, all of which are representative of Therese’s skillful writing and story-telling, as well as her beautiful photography:

Returning to Japan

AIZU WAKAMATSU – accidental delight!

Amanohashidate (天橋立) – chasing a dragon

Therese’s ability to take her readers by the hand and lead us along with her on her international journeys allows us to experience the joy she feels on her adventures, making Travelling Therese an absolutely wonderful destination of its own. Thank you, Therese, my friend, for showing us the world through your eyes.

Let’s spread the love and support our fellow bloggers.