TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Growing up in Romania during the communist era, international travel was something I could only dream about. My first trip abroad was at 18, when I traveled with my parents to Eastern Europe. After the fall of communism in 1989 and the opening of Romania's borders, I embraced the opportunity to explore the world. Even when I had limited means, I made travel a priority because experiencing new places, cultures, and ways of life has always been one of my greatest passions. Over the years, I have traveled throughout Europe, returned regularly to visit family in Romania, explored Australia, and traveled extensively throughout the United States.

I have always believed deeply in the value of life and the importance of treating living beings with compassion and respect. I am passionate about the protection of life, including my pro-life beliefs, and I extend that same respect to animals and all living creatures that share this world with us. 

My love for animals goes beyond simply enjoying them. I believe that every living creature experiences life in its own way and that we have a responsibility to treat animals with kindness. Even something as small as a bee struggling in a swimming pool deserves our attention and help. I have often found myself stopping to rescue a bee or another creature, taking them to the Conservancy for help rather than simply walking away.

Years ago, before my daughter was born, I also helped dogs from shelters that were at risk of being euthanized by taking them out of the shelter and helping find them loving homes. Today, I continue to follow animal rescue organizations and support their work whenever I can. I have a particular passion for horses, but my concern extends to animals of all kinds.

One idea that has stayed with me for many years is the thought that a living creature's life is just as important to that creature as our own life is to us. That perspective has shaped the way I look at animals and the natural world.

This passion led me to create "All Life Is Precious", a personal project where I share information about animals, different species, and things about the natural world that people may not know. At its heart is the belief that education can create compassion. I especially believe that teaching children to be kind and respectful toward animals can help create a more compassionate world.

One of my hopes for the future is to see more opportunities for children to learn about kindness toward animals and respect for all living beings as part of their education.

Cooking is another passion of mine because, to me, it is a form of creativity. I love coming up with new ideas, trying different ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and combining things in unexpected ways. Over the years, I have created several signature dishes of my own. When I serve them to friends and family, I am often asked, "Where did you get this recipe?" - and people are sometimes surprised when I tell them that I created it myself.

Since becoming a mother, cooking has become an even bigger part of my life. I enjoy preparing home-cooked meals for my daughter, and she has always been one of my biggest fans. In her words, "I am the best cook in the world" 

I also enjoy preparing traditional Romanian dishes and sharing the food and flavors I grew up with. On the page below, I will share some of my favorite recipes, including a few of my own creations as well as traditional Romanian specialties, such as "sarmale" (Romanian cabbage rolls) and other dishes that bring a taste of Romania to my kitchen.