Autumn in Montréal

November 30, 2017January 10, 2018Annmarie

Postcards & Prosecco

Montréal, Quebéc

Edition 01 October 2017

It was an all too quick trip work trip. Conference sessions quickly filled up my days keeping me inside the hotel. But late one afternoon, I ventured out and stepped into the brisk sunshine. A few blocks from the hotel, I climbed aboard a city tour for a quick jaunt around the majestic city. Ablaze in autumn splendor, Montréal dazzled and delighted, leaving me wishing for more time to spend in this the largest French speaking city in the world. C’est magnifique!

Summer Solace

July 27, 2017January 10, 2018Annmarie

Postcards and Prosecco

Venice, Italy

Edition 01 July 2017

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to travel.

As a small child, one of my favorite possessions was my suitcase. Delightfully adorned with lavender and blue hydrangeas in a seventies style tapestry, the single handle suitcase, held a place of honor in my childhood. When it wasn’t in use, I kept the suitcase by my bedroom door, in plain sight. I remember wistfully staring at it, dreaming of the places I would carry my suitcase and willing the adventures yet to come.

For more than a decade and a half I have been traveling with students, leading study abroad programs throughout the UK and Europe. I believe travel is essential for education, necessary for understanding, and good for the soul. Mark Twain explained beautifully that, “Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” I see his words ringing true each and every time I take a group of college students abroad. Their worlds change, history confronts them face to face, art overwhelms them, and modern day headlines and the ravages of war walk by them on the street.

University life is great work, meaningful, rewarding, and when done properly exhausting. At the end of my study abroad trips, I return to the same thought. I need some time to myself. To explore and to sit still. To think deeply and to wonder aimlessly. To return to old favorites and to find new adventures. And so nearly a year ago, I set to work planning my sojourn sans my students. In late Spring of this year, after completing my annual study abroad , I returned to Italy and settled in for a more authentic experience in a Venetian neighborhood know as Castello.

At times family and friends joined in the fun and at other times I travelled by myself. Along the way, I collected hundreds of photographs, drank the best coffee, wine, and prosecco of my life, and learned a great deal in the process. Now that I am back in Florida, and unpacking my bags, I’m ready to share my adventures with you. With Venice as my home base, join me as I travel both north and south, east and west to some of the most beautiful places on our planet.

Near the Bridge of Sighs one of my favorite photo spots

Meet Annmarie

August 17, 2016January 4, 2017Annmarie

Hi there! I am Annmarie, the professor, writer, and photographer behind The Professor’s Diary. When I’m not at the university , there’s a good chance I’m off on an adventure of some sort, looking, listening, and learning from the shared experiences of others and their authentic stories. Before I became a professor, I was a broadcast journalist and came to understand and adore the power and beauty of storytelling through images and words.

As a storyteller, I view the world with a love of the literary and a flare for the visual. Communications remains my passion, my craft, and my expertise. When done well, the ability to effectively communicate embodies art, draws us together, and empowers change. And leaving the world a little better, is something I think we are all called to do.

You’re welcome to take a look around and read my diary. Here I’ll share the stories of my life in pictures and words and look for the lessons in it all. Journey with me as I navigate my way through the adventures of this beautifully imperfect life.