An Emerald Outlook

WHILE hiking along the famous Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, my local guide, Ollie, instructed me to time a Charlie Chaplin jump-for-joy alongside him. Thanks to a beautiful spring rain, we had barely encountered another soul during our five-mile trek, until we encountered three Ukrainians who captured the image. While the Cliffs of Moher — the “baby cliffs" and "the big boys” as Ollie coined them — will forever remain etched in my memory, so too, will this encounter with fellow travelers. Juxtaposition was tangible: As the sun attempted to peek through storm clouds, there was an acknowledgment of the Ukrainians’ painful few years, shown respectfully with a simple nod by Ollie, who added, “We’re happy you’re here.”

The Cliffs have witnessed both beauty and pain as visitors continually tread along its enticing coastline. Young, enthusiastic, and full of surprising local anecdotes, I’ll forever remember Ollie’s zest for life. Ultimately, this is why we travel — to foster real connection with those encountered along the way. My hope is that you find inspiration to continually travel and dance amidst life’s storms. Afterall, juxtaposition makes both all the more potent. Enjoy the issue!

HAPPY TRAVELS!

ERIN LENTZ, EDITOR IN CHIEF

Contributors

Editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF Erin Lentz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Chamberlain

EDITOR AT LARGE Ignacio Maza

MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Merz

PHOTO DIRECTOR Lisa Rosenthal Bader

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Crissibeth Cooper Ignacio Maza

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Based in NYC, Crissibeth Cooper has been traveling, writing, and taking photos for over 20 years. Her award-winning creative work can be seen in Vogue, Forbes, PRWeek , and Getty. She delights in capturing the most unique, transcendent experiences and sharing them with those who also have chronically itchy feet.

NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT: My camera gear and my notebook! I’m a Sony Global Imaging Ambassador and a lifelong writer; I capture memories through photos as well as the written word.

WISH LIST TRIP:

I’ve lived in four countries and traveled to just over 60. My next big adventure will be a long one through Africa.

WOULD MOST LIKE TO INTERVIEW:

My favorite person to interview, always, is the curmudgeonly local taxi driver with a disdain for tourist traps.

Ignacio Maza is Signature Travel Network's Executive Vice President, responsible for the network's luxury business development. Ignacio's wanderlust has taken him on adventures all over the globe, including Antarctica. His articles and insights have appeared in The New York Times , AFAR , Luxury Travel Advisor , ASTA Adviso r, and many more.

FAVORITE ASPECT OF INDIA: Seeing the spectacular architecture of the Moghul period. Visiting the Taj Mahal was a dream come true.

WHERE TO NEXT : Returning to New Zealand and visiting places in the South Island I missed on my last visit.

CURRENT OBSESSION: Reading all about the Silk Road.