Welcome! My name is JoAnn and I have lived with my husband Thalamus in Washington, DC for over 20 years. I am the author of the books Secret Washington, DC: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, DC Scavenger, and Unique Eats and Eateries of Washington, DC (scheduled to release in April 2024).
I’ve written extensively about DC’s hidden histories and peculiarities, active pursuits, and vibrant food and drink scenes. My passion for food and adventure has led me to sharing stories and tips that satiate the hungry enthusiast and inspire the curious traveler. When I’m not writing, you will find me teaching fitness classes, enjoying a night at the theater, and exploring as much of the world as I possibly can.
Together with my husband, we’ve traveled to 59 countries and 47 U.S. states. We’ve smoked honey-dipped cigars in the tobacco fields of Cuba. We’ve belted out karaoke tunes with Japanese businessmen in Japan. We’ve slept in the frigid temperatures of the Sahara Desert. We’ve basked in the phenomenal splendor of the Northern Lights in Iceland. We’ve danced in the streets of India while celebrating the union of friends. We’ve hiked the verdant coffee fields nestled in the Andes Mountains in Colombia. We’ve swam alongside manta rays in the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora and nurse sharks in the diverse and vibrant reef system of Belize. We’ve marveled at extraordinary wildlife roaming the vast and varied landscapes of South Africa and Tanzania. We’ve been humbled by the sheer sight of ancient wonders like Machu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. We’ve learned what it feels like to be weightless in the Dead Sea, paddle the exhilarating rapids of Idaho and Wyoming, surf in Costa Rica, practice the dance-like martial art of Capoeira in Brazil, and venture deep into the caves of Honduras.
We’ve been captivated by Whirling Dervishes in Turkey, tango dancers in Argentina, bagpipe players in Scotland, and opera singers in the Czech Republic. We’ve learned how to whip up chocolate truffles in Belgium, harvest rice in the lush fields of Bali, and cook delicious meals in a tagine in Morocco. We’ve discovered that heaven on Earth truly does exist while watching the sun set upon the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, the magic landscapes of the Amalfi Coast, and the expansive beaches of Nicaragua. We’ve hiked, biked, kayaked, and snorkeled our way across the United States, including 24 U.S. National Parks, Alaska, and Hawaii. And we continue to love and cherish every glorious minute of it.
Anywhere that seems interesting, unique, and/or beautiful is surely on our forever-growing traveling list. Whether from my backyard in our nation’s capital or across the world, I’m thrilled to be sharing travel and dining tips with all of you.
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
