Chasing the Red Dot

In 2019, Irene Genelin and her family sold their organic farm in Minnesota to pursue a life of international slow travel, weaving self-directed learning and community into their daily rhythm. In this debut collection, Irene captures the transformative journey of 2024-a year of peregrinations stretching from the red rocks of Arizona to the vibrant street markets of Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Singapore, before returning to the heartland of Iowa and Minnesota, and finally venturing onward to the ancient landscapes of Italy and Egypt.

Rooted in a deep sense of curiosity, Irene's writing elevates the small, intentional moments that define a life in motion. Through her lens, a shared meal becomes a lesson in culture, and a chance conversation across borders becomes a bridge to a wider world. As a worldschooling parent and lifelong unicyclist, Irene reflects on the challenges and joys of raising a child while navigating the globe, offering a grounded perspective on how travel can deeply connect us to ourselves and the people we meet along the way.

Chasing the Red Dot is more than a travelogue; it is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and find belonging in the most unexpected places.