Karen Berger, Writer

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with what lies over the next ridge, across the ocean, on the far riverbank, across town.

When I was a kid, I collected things from other countries: stamps, coins, dolls in national costume, postcards, chatchkies, seashells, rocks. It didn't matter what it was as long as it came from somewhere else. I spent a good part of my childhood allowance at the local mall, not in the clothing shops with my friends, but in the so-called international store, where you could buy such treasures as a wooden box from Thailand or a tiny skirted soldier doll from Greece. Back at home, my nose was usually buried in a book or a magazine, more often than not, National Geographic.

My other passions were (and remain) the outdoors, music, and writing. As an adult, I pursue all of them, although I haven't yet figured out how to do them all at the same time.

Having hiked more than 17,000 miles on six continents -- as well as having advanced skills in scuba diving, cross country and downhill skiing, horseback riding, mountaineering, backpacking, and kayaking -- I've developed an international reputation as an outdoor and adventure travel expert. I'm especially interested in environmental issues, and in successful projects to conserve our wild places and habitats. For information on my outdoor writing, please visit www.hikerwriter.com.

I also have an urban, cultural side. I studied classical piano at Northwestern University, and later studied jazz piano in New York. In addition to writing about music, I teach, gig, and record. I've been an editor at a music magazine, I've interviewed many leading musicians, and I've written three books on music. And, consistent with my childhood collecting habits, I have amassed a nice assortment of drums, string instruments, and percussion instruments from other countries -- some of which I can actually play.

As a traveler, I have to say that my taste in souvenirs has improved since I was a kid. As a matter of fact, I've become an enthusiastic collector of unique souvenirs, and am writing an e-book on souvenir shopping around the world. My enthusiasm for exploring has remained every bit as strong. I remain an incurable romantic about places far away, and I look for stories that make connections between my readers and the people and cultures of my destinations.

Music, travel, and the outdoors form the triad that supports my writing life, providing never-ending sources of wonder and a constant stream of new experiences.