Hi there!

My name is Mariana.

Welcome to my travel blog, Under Mountains in the Moon, where I share my adventures through writing, photography, and art!

A little about me

I was born and raised in Mexico City, where, though being one of the busiest cities on Earth, I was always sure nothing interesting would ever happen to me. However, growing up watching the Crocodile Hunter, Globe Trekkers, and Lord of the Rings, I always knew I was destined to live great adventures somewhere far away. 

When I turned 15, I took my first trip overseas: I backpacked with a friend from Edinburgh to London for three weeks, and it was awesome. I’ve never felt that freedom before, and after going back home, I got a post-trip blues just by thinking about all the places around the world I was missing out on.

My wanderlust just increased over the years. I would spend most of my savings during high school and university on short weekend trips with my friends to different parts of Mexico.

After graduating in Communications, I won a scholarship to study Screenwriting in Vancouver, Canada. I instantly fell in love with the city and decided to stay, taking a second degree in Creative Writing. Eight years later, I moved to Toronto, where I currently work as a freelance writer and photographer. 

About Under Mountains in the Moon

I always loved traveling, but making a career out of it seemed to me like a wishful thinking for the longest time: everything had been written, photographed, or filmed, and my discoveries were nothing compared to what older and more experienced professionals shared.

However, I’ve found that throguh my writing, my photography, and my art, I can share my experiences in my own personal way. As a Mexican female traveler, animal lover, and a foreigner in my home country, I have a lot to say!

Under the Mountains in the Moon is my creative outlet, where I can combine and share my love for traveling, photography, art, and writing while, hopefully, helping others to find useful tips and get inspired to travel too!

More fun facts about me

• I’m a dual citizen! I hold a Mexican and a German passport, plus, I’m a permanent resident of Canada (Yay!).
• I have a small travel and nature photography and art business. I sell prints, greeting cards, and mixed media art in Etsy, gift stores all around Vancouver and Toronto, and arts and craft markets.
• If you haven’t guessed it by now, I’m a huge Tolkien fan. The name Under Mountains in the Moon comes from one of his poems in the Hobbit titled The Road Goes Ever On.
• You’ve probably noticed English is not my first language. Please be patient with my occasional mistakes. After eight years of using it in my daily life, it is as hard (and easy) for me to speak Spanish. 

Once again, welcome to my travel blog, and thanks for visiting!