Explore beautiful places
Discover everyday beauty
Reflect on meaningful stories

Slow down. Notice beauty. Discover the stories waiting all around you.

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"Travel is not a reward for working, it's education for living."

— Anthony Bourdain

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

— Saint Augustine

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

— Helen Keller

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries."

— Aldous Huxley

"The journey not the arrival matters."

— T.S. Eliot

"Not all those who wander are lost."

— J.R.R. Tolkien

"Adventure is worthwhile in itself."

— Amelia Earhart

"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit."

— Frank Borman

Sharing Stories, travels, and life's lessons since 2011

Meet Mae

Hi, I'm Mary Rosalie “Mae” Olandesca.

Since 2011, I've been sharing stories inspired by the places I've visited, the people I've met, and the lessons life has gently taught me along the way.

The Other Side of Mae began as a way to document my travels, but it has grown into a space where beautiful places, everyday moments, and meaningful stories come together to remind us that life is worth celebrating.

I'm so glad you're here, and I hope these stories inspire you to slow down, notice the beauty around you, and discover the stories waiting in your own journey.

More about Mae →

From the Journal

Curated thoughts, places, and everyday moments to inspire a slower, more intentional perspective.

Beautiful Places

Brand storytelling, editorial travel features, and photography that bring place to life through a thoughtful, experienced lens.

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Everyday Beauty

Speaking, consulting, and creative partnerships crafted for travel, lifestyle, and women's midlife reinvention audiences.

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Reflect on Meaningful Stories

Tailored journeys designed for curiosity, connection, and luxury experiences that feel effortless, elegant, and meaningful.

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Begin Your Journey

Mae is a featured author in What if the beauty you're searching for has been around you all along?.

Download The Beauty Around You: A 7-Day Guide to Slowing Down, Noticing More, and Finding Meaning in Everyday Life—a free guide designed to help you discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Through simple daily prompts and thoughtful reflections, you'll learn to slow down, notice the beauty that often goes unseen, and uncover the meaningful stories waiting in everyday moments.

Because beautiful places help us discover everyday beauty, and everyday beauty leads us to life's most meaningful stories.

Start your journey today. Simply enter your email below to receive your free guide.