Small introduction/presentation, job or activity, place of birth or country of origin, training or career, place of living

Shopkeeper of five small family run botaga’s in Puglia, I am from an Irish family, born in London. Forever worked in fashion in Los Angeles and London, now based in Puglia, Italy.

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Tell us about your place of residence, city or region, activity and if or what you like about your hometown?

I live in a falling down 1920’s Liberty house with stellar ceilings and ornate patterned tiled floors in the cosy seaside village of Marittima at the bottom of the heel of Puglia in southern Italy. A sleepy community of olive farmers and fishermen, my house doubles up as a shop as well as my home, makes for a short commute to work ! Anyone who visits seems to fall in love with the authentic and relaxed pace of life , the crystal clear sea and of course the incredible light ! Every article on Puglia mentions always the same restaurants and beaches, just too dull to repeat, you have to come and see for yourselves . It’s a vibe, gentle nature, the freshest of air and grounding beauty .Somewhere to spend slow mornings and drink quarta cafe.

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Your must-see addresses near you? (restaurant, market, gallery, museum, not-to-be missed, intimate or secret address, etc.)

Places of interest near me are Weekend antique markets, Ostuni and Ceglie being the best ones, Caffè d'Oltremare my favourite restaurant in the port of Tricase, Iolanda the best trattoria, Acquaviva my favourite swimming hole in Marittima and Cocoloco the best lido on the Ionian Sea.

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Your favorite places on Earth?

My favorite place on Earth ,that’s easy , Ireland .The land of poets , monks , healers and wise women !Ancient bogs, mountains , rugged terrain and ruins. Home to my family and ancestors before-me, a place I spent my summers as a child running through fields in search of faires !

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Do you think it is important to travel and why?

I have always told my children that there is education and then there is traveling, it’s just that one step further, the leap into the unknown, it influences the books you read , the films you watch , the music you listen to and of course the people you connect with, those who are meant for you, your tribe, those who will stay with you and never be too far away .

What do you think about the future of travel and what we (citizens) need to consider? What would you advise?

In order to grow, to create, to love and to laugh and despite all the obstacles out there we have to stay positive and continue to travel , to adventure always with care and concern for our planet , for the nature and its inhabitants , consciously walking this world with a vision of love and harmony.

As a woman, how do you judge the future of our land or our societies?

Women who are assertive, confident , nature leaders focusing on our powerful feminine energy, encouraging our sisters and daughters to set healthy boundaries and speak with truth and compassion. These are examples we must set for the future, keeping old stories alive of passion and wisdom , bringing understanding, transmitting something extraordinary and new.

How do you think you can contribute to it? Women who stand out to you?

We must contribute on a deeper soul level and not be scared of the unknownListening always to our intuition, illuminating others and shinning light onall we encounter along the way. Love always wins ! Women like Mary Oliver thepoetJane Goodall the explorerGurumkh Khalsa the yogiAll perfect examples of Warrior women !

What would be your travel dream?

Travel dreams are endless. Anywhere remote, peaceful, off the beaten track , somewhere with beautiful decoration and craftsmanship. A place inspiration, to go back home and make Art !