In case you're wondering what it's like to take months and months off of work, here's my take. When I came back from Madagascar in mid-May, I didn't have any plans apart from running (a lot) and swimming (even more), chillaxin', getting a tan and working on my book project on the side. The summer months stretched endlessly in front of me and it was both scary and amazing. I realized that I haven't had this much free time since I began first grade, 30 years ago! And I did stuff I've never done before, just because I had. So. Much. Free. Time.

I just came back from a wonderful vacation in Madagascar where I stayed at the Masoala Forest Lodge on the Masoala peninsula. I flew to Maroantsetra from Antananarivo by private plane and was met by the Blue Fin boat crew for the two-hour boat transfer across Antongila Bay. Staying at the lodge and exploring the rainforest with trusted guide Elysee was one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had and I loved every second of it. I even loved the incessant rain and the fact that my camera stopped working after two days (it got soaked in my backpack). I mean: How adventurous!?