Hey Reader! A warm welcome to my life page.
Hi, I’m Maddy – a software engineer with over 17 years of experience in the IT industry, a passionate traveler, a storyteller, and most importantly, a mom to a bright and curious 6-year-old who inspires me every single day. While my professional life has been rooted in technology, my heart has always been drawn to the magic of exploration, creativity, and connection.
This blog is a reflection of that journey – a space where my love for discovering hidden places meets my desire to share them with others in a meaningful, accessible way. Over the years, I’ve traveled extensively, not just to check off popular destinations, but to uncover the quiet, underrated corners of the world that often go unnoticed. These are the places that don’t show up on the first page of a search engine, the ones that aren’t tagged a thousand times on social media and yet, they hold stories, beauty, and experiences that are just as rich, if not more.
What I found during my travels was that so many of these incredible spots were either undocumented or scattered across obscure forums and outdated websites. I often spent hours – sometimes days , piecing together information just to plan a simple outing.
That’s when the idea for this blog was born. I wanted to create a space where people, especially families and parents like me, could find trustworthy, well-organized, and heartfelt guides to places that deserve more attention.
My mission is simple – to make the hidden gems of our world ,especially in and around Vancouver more visible, more accessible, and more appreciated. Whether you’re a local looking for a new weekend adventure, a tourist hoping to experience Vancouver beyond the usual attractions, or a parent searching for family-friendly outings that don’t require hours of planning, I’m here to help.
As a mother, I understand the value of time and the importance of creating meaningful memories with our children. That’s why I focus on experiences that are not only enriching and unique but also practical and doable for families. Many of the places I write about are ones I’ve explored with my child from quiet gardens and nature trails to quirky cafés and community events. Seeing the world through his eyes has taught me to slow down, to notice the little things, and to find joy in the simplest moments.
My background in software engineering has also shaped the way I approach this blog. I’m detail-oriented, curious, and always looking for ways to improve the user experience whether that’s through better navigation, clearer content, or more helpful resources. I believe that good storytelling and good design go hand in hand, and I strive to bring both to everything I create here.
Beyond travel and tech, I’m someone who finds joy in the everyday. I love gardening there’s something incredibly grounding about nurturing life from the soil. I sing often, sometimes just for myself, sometimes with my little one, and always with heart. I write not just for this blog, but as a way to process, reflect, and connect. And I read constantly books are my escape, my teachers, and my companions.
This blog is more than just a collection of travel tips. It’s a living, breathing journal of discovery of places, of people, and of self. It’s where I share not just where to go, but why it matters. It’s where I hope to inspire others to look beyond the obvious, to embrace the unknown, and to find beauty in the unexpected.
I also believe in community. I love hearing from readers – your stories, your suggestions, your experiences. This space is meant to be interactive, a two-way conversation where we can learn from each other and grow together. If you’ve discovered a hidden gem or have a question about a place I’ve written about, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to connect.
Thank you for being here. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning reader, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this little corner of the internet. I hope you leave feeling inspired, informed, and excited to explore whether that’s a new neighborhood, a new trail, or a new way of seeing the world.
Here’s to the adventures ahead the ones we plan, the ones we stumble upon, and the ones that change us in ways we never expected.
Enjoying the blog? If it made you smile or think, consider buying me a coffee! 😊☕
Warmly,
Maddy