I’m Inga Aksamit, an award-winning author, globe-trotting adventurer and veteran oncology nurse. I write about human connection, compassion, and adventure – whether traveling to distant lands or inner journeys of the heart.
As a classic adult third-culture kid (TCK), my comfort zone is in that liminal space between my passport country and other corners of the world. My first major expedition was at four years old, clutching Mom’s hand on the tarmac in Northern California before flying to Lahore, West Pakistan to join Dad, who was already engineering a new irrigation project. I emerged as a restless adult after attending 20 schools in four countries.
Nursing taught me how to care for people, and oncology nursing taught me the power of compassion in the face of insurmountable challenges. Listening to patient’s stories helped me understand the forces that shaped them, a skill I learned in schoolyards around the globe when I needed to make friends fast. It’s the same with travel. Connecting with people elevates travel beyond simple vacations.
I have a deep appreciation for other cultures, but only a fuzzy idea of where home is. I’ve grappled with how my nomadic upbringing affected who I am, and now accept that home is wherever I am. I currently reside in Sonoma County, California with my adventure-loving husband, my lazy cat and a flock of happy chickens.
My books are available on Amazon and include:
- Highs and Lows on the John Muir Trail
- The Hungry Spork: A Long Distance Hiker’s Guide to Meal Planning
- The Hungry Spork Trail Recipes: Quick Gourmet Meals for the Backcountry
- An Unofficial Acclimatization Guideline: Your High-Altitude Guideline for the John Muir Trail.
My travel stories and personal essays also appear in many anthologies and print and digital outlets.
I’d love to connect with you. Drop me a line here or message me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
