The protagonist of your monthly Letters From Afar is a fearless explorer named Isabelle.

As she journeys around the globe, discovering new sites and cities, she pauses to write you a letter describing everything she encounters.

Although fictional, Isabelle was inspired by a real-life, spirited adventurer named Isabella Lucy Bird, who traveled the world solo in the 19th century.

The real Isabella was an author, photographer, naturalist, and the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society. Despite a lifetime of poor health, she continued her travels well into her 60s, often alone and without knowledge of the local languages or customs. Many of her adventures are captured in her literary works.

Perhaps the greatest inspiration for Letters From Afar comes from Ms. Bird’s well-known habit of writing vivid letters about her travels and mailing them to loved ones.