A PhD in biology isn't the direct route to becoming a travel writer, but my wish to be paid for a travel story recently came true. Not only was it my first paid travel article, but it was also my first byline in a major media outlet. “How did you get your article into the... Continue Reading →
Why did this get published?
by Janice Nigro Good question. I too wonder how my travel story ended up in the LA Times. It did and one thing for sure, it’s easier for me to say, “I am a writer” when people ask. There it is, the proof in print. But with visibility like that comes comments like that (although... Continue Reading →
The cherry on top of the Hawaiian toast
When the stars align, I now believe you can’t stop what lies ahead. Like Meghan and Harry falling in love. In February, I was conflicted about taking a trip to Germany for a friend’s special celebration. The question wasn't whether I wanted to go, it was did I deserve to go. Struggling a bit with... Continue Reading →
An affordable piece of art
by Janice Nigro I had a boyfriend in college who wasn’t much of a romantic. But he did leave me a surprise Valentine’s Day card once in a place where I wouldn’t have expected it. I remember the card still today. Without saying much, I felt it said, "I am thinking of you." The history... Continue Reading →
Shopping on an award miles budget
or when the moon and the stars align...or something like that... by Janice Nigro My phone dinged. Just in those few moments before sleep when you are supposed to have your best ideas that you will never remember. I ignored it. I didn’t want to suffer the consequences of a poorly worded response when... Continue Reading →
The Christmas pasta
by Janice Nigro Families get together over the holidays. Exchanging gifts and watching movies. And eating. And well... eating. Growing up I would say Christmas food for me was a lot about the cookies. My grandmother made the best cookies on the planet. She always had cookies in a cookie box, a rectangular Tupperware number,... Continue Reading →
Arrivederci
by Janice Nigro We think it’s exciting, adventurous, and life changing to live and meet people around the world. I can say with certainty that it is. Right up until that moment you decide to leave, to move on. That final moment when you pass through airport security and you know you will make your... Continue Reading →
Next stop, Omaha
by Janice Nigro The odd bit about some of the less famous (small) places in the USA is that most of us start our lives in them. Or the only other way you might learn about them is by taking Southwest Airlines to fly across the country from one big city to reach another. Last... Continue Reading →
Fusion of art and science: Impressions of my first solo art exhibition
by Janice Nigro I have adventures, but I don’t think they are anything to really boast about today. With the Internet and diverse forms of modern day transport, it’s easy to get out. But making adventures happen when you are home takes a different kind of effort. It helps that I now live only about... Continue Reading →
A train with a view
by Janice Nigro I went to a work interview by metro rail this week. In most big cities around the world, even in the USA, no one would bother to make such a statement. Maybe you wouldn’t want anyone to know! More likely, everyone, or most everyone, uses public transportation there. In Los Angeles, not so... Continue Reading →