You know what I love? Stories of awesome people. They inspire, teach, and lead by example. Such is the case with Chalkboard Heroes, a marvelous new book by Terry Lee Marzell.

Everyone wants to visit Australia - it's true!

Eating horses. Not to mention garlic, snails, frog legs, wine (always, wine).

French women don't get fat.

That ubiquitous striped shirt, accompanied by a jaunty beret.

Bidets, perfume, double kisses, rudeness, oh that Metro, topless beaches, chicness.

Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite.

Culture shock: if you've ever lived overseas, you know what it is. If you're about to live overseas, then it's a good idea to gather some tips to make going through it easier.

It's a well-known fact: learn from experts, and you gain a world of experience and knowledge.

When I was in graduate school, I lived and learned amidst dozens of languages, cultures,  people. There were many international scholars in our program, who braved the cold Minnesota winters in search of knowledge, community, and camaraderie. What I loved most about that was the chance to learn, in-depth, about the world from a diverse group of people.

As a parent, I’m learning a lot about what growing up in the US is like for a young lady. There are many influences on our young women, from the media (ugh) to a few wise and thoughtful websites, books, and experiences.

Do you like time travel? I do, too. And Doctor Who seasons are never long enough. I remember reading time travel books when I was young, and thinking - this is one of the most magical concepts, EVER!

You know when you've found a kindred travel spirit, you can't get enough of sharing experiences? And you talk all night, and then over coffee for breakfast, barely stopping and gleaning each other's knowledge for new places to go, things to see, dishes to try...