Karen Haid, author, blogger and teacher is also a cultural explorer who goes to places best described as "off the beaten path."
She lived in Calabria,Italy for 4 years teaching school, meeting locals, and soaking up ancient sites and the rugged terrain.

Her book: Calabria: The Other Italy paints a compelling picture of present-day Calabria: the good, the bad and perplexing. It combines travelogue with an insightful exploration of everyday life and culture. Her Italian fluency gives her work the feel of being more an insider than an observer.
In her second book: Basilicata: Authentic Italy she goes just north of Calabria, to the most mountainous region of Italy, and again, reflects the spirit of the place and the people.
How is it that an American woman from New Jersey deeply connects to a place that most tourists avoid?
How does one immerse themselves in a different country in ways to connect with locals and fully experience the culture?

Tuesday’s Circle will afford the opportunity to hear stories and
insights of Karen’s life-changing journey to a mysterious land that would otherwise be closed to outsiders. In conversation with Karen will be Pat Benincasa.