Author: Rollerbag Goddess

Thanks for joining us on this journey! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a writer and travel essayist with a goal of "Rolling to 100" countries in my lifetime. For me, it's not about checklist tourism, but about deep, immersive travel and the life-changing lessons we can learn from it. In my spare time, I provide writing support to others through Rollerbag Goddess Global Communications. I'll take on almost any kind of writing, including speechwriting, blogging, websites and much more! Travel and food writing are my twin passions, which are only eclipsed by my relentless pursuit of experiences worth writing about.

National Geographic Traveler Announces Photo Contest 2012 Winners

August 15, 2012

Not a winner, not even an entrant, but one of my favorite travel photos from my personal collection. Taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this Hmong hill tribe girl poses outside a wat, or temple, in exchange for baht. Photo by Charish Badzinski.  National Geographic Traveler magazine recently announced the results of its 2012 photography contest. Though … More National Geographic Traveler Announces Photo Contest 2012 Winners

Random Travel Pic of the Week: Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin

August 9, 2012

The Cass Street Bridge, looking from Pettibone Beach. Photo by Charish Badzinski. The Cass Street Bridge (now two bridges, with the addition of the “arch” shaped bridge in recent years), offers a dramatic entry from La Crescent, Minnesota into the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin. From a distance, it’s reminiscent of the sun over the … More Random Travel Pic of the Week: Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Random Travel Photo of the Week: San Salvador Homes

July 31, 2012

San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America. Photo by Charish Badzinski. In El Salvador, the poorest families build their homes out of whatever they can find, from scrap metal to chain link fences to cardboard. Here you see homes lined along the railroad tracks, where trains still run regularly. Wealth in the country is highly polarized, … More Random Travel Photo of the Week: San Salvador Homes

Flash Mob Alert! The Gender Bender ReWedding of Radical and Sparkle

July 19, 2012

Flash mob alert! And you are invited.Photo by Charish Badzinski. As a traveler, there are times when you stumble upon the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable cultural experience.  The blushing bride and a handsome rewedding guest.Photo by Charish Badzinski. For some of us, that chance came yesterday, at the Radical Sparkle ReWedding #3, a … More Flash Mob Alert! The Gender Bender ReWedding of Radical and Sparkle

Realizing the Life You Want: It’s All About Choices

July 6, 2012

On several occasions, I’ve heard people remark about my travels: “Must be nice.” Some say it when I’m not around. Others have said it to me directly. Sunset at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Charish Badzinski. The comment used to feel like a personal jab.  Now, I have a different opinion. I feel sad for … More Realizing the Life You Want: It’s All About Choices

Independence Day and The Charm of Small Town Celebrations

July 5, 2012

Big cities can offer the best fireworks displays, the biggest, most exciting performances by renowned artists, and the largest variety of deep-fried fair foods. Traveling to a large city to celebrate Independence Day can be an extraordinary way to mark the occasion. You could watch fireworks in St. Paul, Minnesota, parked on a postage stamp … More Independence Day and The Charm of Small Town Celebrations