My interest in travel started way back when I was a teenager living in Dublin. I became interested in my father's collection of country souvenir patches and listening to the stories from the places he visited. I decided that one day I would like to see these places too. In school, I loved Geography and History and became fascinated with different countries. I developed a keen interest in the early explorers and ancient cultures such as the Aztecs and Egyptians. In the 80's I moved to the UK for employment. I always knew I would never stay in Ireland. I continued to travel with my friends but finances meant I couldn't go too far. I was delighted to be able to travel to China a few years ago as this was the one place my father said he would love to visit but sadly never got there. My mother was not a keen traveller but there are a number of places she visited that I haven't seen, so they are on my list too!