Close-up photo of inside of seed from a fresh hibiscus flower (aka Jamaican sorrel). Two whole seeds are in background.

Stunning view of water plunging and spraying over Niagara Falls.

Grilled octopus sprinkled with fresh herbs atop a fava bean puree on a black plate (Chios, Greece)

A pier extending into calm water, reflecting blue sky and fluffy white clouds, capturing the serene beauty of this natural landscape

Closeup of Rambutan fruit isolated on grey background

A Panamanian woman showing off her ornate, traditional blue and white dress as she and her team practice their choreography in the hotel lobby

Elegantly-plated beetroot carpaccio accompanied by a glass of white wine on the side

Redefining Life Through Food & Travel Photography—One Bite, Sight & Story at a Time

Join me as I build a life abroad with a new creative career. This space blends food and travel photography, soulful storytelling, and a front-row seat to the messy magic of midlife reinvention.

The Stories

The Photos

Hey, I’m Mel!

In 2021, I sold my house, quit my career, and set off to find a new country to call home—and, hopefully, more joy. Spoiler: I’m still searching…but I’m getting closer. Along the way, I’ve eaten (and soul-searched) my way through 10+ countries and discovered a new passion: capturing the soul of food and culture with my camera.

Today, I’m a food and travel photographer documenting culinary stories from around the world — from oceanside catches to jungle harvests to cozy kitchen creations. I also share the honest behind-the-scenes of what it’s really like to reinvent your life and creative career in your 50s.

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the 9-to-5, finding a place with better weather (or saner politics), making a midlife career change, or simply shaking things up before life does it for you, you’re in the right place.

More About Me