MZ Travels: Tahiti
For the second installment of our MZ Travels series, we follow along with travel blogger Jamie Pedersen (and the Lost Island Marie Tote!) to the islands of Tahiti.
MZ: Tell me a bit about yourself, what you do for work and play?
Jamie: Hi! I am a Southern California native and the founder of Walk Swim Fly Inc., a travel and lifestyle blog and shop that will launch next month! My team and I share our travel experiences to up-and-coming and popular destinations around the world. You can check out some of our adventures on my Instagram.
I spend a lot of time in the ocean and the preservation of marine life is a big passion of mine, as is working with children. I aim to partner with marine conservation companies in the future to provide kids who don't have the resources with tools and experiences to help them learn about the ocean. Teaching children to love and respect the ocean and marine life is something I want to take part in.
Where have your summer adventures taken you?
I just returned from French Polynesia, the Islands of Tahiti to be exact. This is probably my favorite destination to travel to. It is the one place in the world I will always return to. The way the culture and beauty of this place make me feel is indescribable.
Every island offers a different experience and every day is a new journey, not sure of what marine life will grace you with their presence. The locals coexist with the sharks, swimming alongside each other peacefully. Tahiti, and her islands, holds a special place in my heart.
What's been the most memorable place or activity?
The moment that truly took my breath away was unexpectedly swimming with Humpback Whales in Moorea, French Polynesia. Gliding next to these magnificent creatures is awe inspiring ... it feels as if time stops. I have always loved the ocean, but that experience truly made me feel more connected to it than ever before.
How did your MZ bag support your adventures?
I intended to use my MZ bag just as a beach tote, but quickly learned it would be much more useful. During our travels, the top section of my suitcase, which was packed full, broke! My everyday purse didn't have a closure at the top, which was not very practical.
My MZ tote ended up replacing both the broken suitcase pocket and my purse. The tote fit way more items than I could have imagined, it was sturdy, cute, and the perfect size to put at my feet and in the overhead compartment. I will definitely be using this bag for future travels.
Where or what is next?
My husband and I promised each other that for as long as we are able, we will experience a new destination or activity every year on our anniversary. We are coming up on our 4TH Anniversary and are planning to head to San Diego to swim with the leopard sharks out near La Jolla!
Following that, I will be traveling to Ireland and Scotland. I am very much looking forward to the new experience, learning about the culture, traveling scenic routes, and sleeping in a real castle for the first time!