How these five influential stories shaped a family travel blog for foodies.

Jocelyn Lee, family travel blogger, eating asian bowls at a table with her sisters and dad

Hey there! Welcome to a poppy place! I'm super tickled that you're here.

I'm Jocelyn Lee, and I'm all about sharing awesome tips for foodie family travel.

We've got you covered on everything related to where to eat, play, and stay when you're adventuring around Europe with your little ones.

If you're reading this post, chances are you've got some kids of your own. Maybe you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to dip your toes into the world of family adventures.

No matter who you are, I hope that after exploring a poppy place, you'll leave feeling inspired to embrace the joys of traveling with kids, no matter what your family looks like.

Oh, and buckle up because we're all about entertaining you too! Get ready for some fun and excitement along the way. You might hear me crack a joke…

But before you start poking around our curated family travel blog, take a moment to learn a bit about my journey and how my love for food and travel became a major passion in my life. It's a story worth diving into if you are also a ’90s kid.

So, grab your favorite drink and maybe a slice of cheese, get comfy, and let's embark on an incredible adventure together!

How a poppy place started

01 | I COME FROM AN INTERRACIAL FAMILY (IN THE ‘80S)

Jocelyn Lee, family travel blogger, with her three sisters in Portland Oregon as a child in asian outfits

Let me tell you, things have really changed these days, especially in vibrant places like the Bay Area where we live. Interracial families are everywhere, and it's totally a thing!

But back in the '80s, it was a whole different story. Growing up in my neighborhood in Portland Oregon, you could count the number of families that stood out on one hand.

I felt like I was constantly navigating between different cultures, day in and day out. One night, we'd be digging into delicious Kimchi and dumplings, and the next, it would be a classic steak and potatoes dinner.

Lunchtime? Bring on the mac and cheese! And whenever I visited my grandma in Hawaii, you bet we'd be feasting on some mouthwatering Pork Lau Lau.

All those flavors and diverse culinary experiences at home really expanded my palate. And now, as a family travel blogger, I get to live out that passion every single day. It's an amazing journey filled with exploration, delicious food, and embracing the beautiful tapestry of cultures around the world.

02 | A TRADER JOE’S FROZEN BURRITO

Jocelyn Lee, family travel blogger, cooking pasta at her dads house in Portland Oregon

Let me take you back to when I was eleven years old. It was one of those evenings when my dad decided to put us to the test in the kitchen. I guess my mom was tired of cooking every single night, and it was about time we learned a thing or two about preparing a meal.

So there we were, my sisters and I, faced with the challenge of making dinner. And what did we come up with? Trader Joe's frozen burritos! We popped those babies in the microwave, plated them up, and voila, dinner was served.

But let me tell you, that simple meal sparked something within us. We started playing "restaurant" and created menus featuring classics like Kraft mac and cheese and Campbell's bean and bacon soup. Hey, it was the '90s, so avocado toast wasn't even a thing back then.

As the years went by, my culinary skills expanded. By the time I was in high school, I could whip up dishes like curry, tabouli rice, and even chicken cordon bleu. Cooking taught me that every dish has a story to tell, and everyone wants to know that story too!

Now, as a family travel blogger, I get to explore new places through food, uncover fascinating stories, and share unforgettable experiences with my kids. And the best part? I get to condense it all into blog posts for fellow foodies like you who are passionate about traveling for food.

03 | TOMOMI SATO’S FAMILY

Jocelyn Lee eating soba noodles in Japan with host student

Let me take you back to my high school days when I had the amazing opportunity to visit Gotemba, Japan as part of my language program. It was an eye-opening experience, especially when I stayed with a Japanese host family.

At mealtime, I discovered a whole new world of culinary delights. Veggies and fish were staples in every dish, and while the portions were smaller, there were plenty of dishes to make up for it. Breakfast, for instance, could be a spread of leftovers from the previous night, served alongside eggs and presented in several small plates.

Something interesting I noticed was that my host mom never seemed to eat with us. Instead, she dedicated herself to ensuring everyone else had enough rice and something to drink. It was a gesture of selflessness that left a lasting impression on me.

In Japan, I learned that food traditions hold a special place in revealing hidden aspects of a culture. It's fascinating how a simple meal can tell stories and showcase traditions that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Ever since that enlightening experience, I've made it a point to document and share food experiences like these. As a family travel blogger, I capture these moments in bite-sized posts, allowing you to savor the flavors and cultures of the world right alongside me.

04 | A FRENCH GIRL NAMED “ANNE SOPHIE”

Jocelyn Lee with Anne Sophie at the Chinese Gardens in Portland Oregon

Back in high school, we received a surprise gift from our neighbor one summer. It came in the form of a French girl named Anne Sophie, or as we fondly called her, "Sophie."

You see, Sophie was visiting from France and needed some company and activities. Our neighbor, Fred, who happened to be a musician and friends with her famous trumpet player father, thought it would be a great idea to send Sophie our way.

From the moment we started getting to know Sophie and sharing meals together, she couldn't help but express her dismay at the lack of bread and cheese on our table. It didn't take long for us to catch on, and soon enough, we found ourselves making frequent trips to the grocery store every other day, returning with fresh baguettes and camembert cheese.

Our time spent with Sophie, my very first French acquaintance, left a lasting impression on me. It ignited a sense of excitement and adventure that eventually led to the creation of this family travel blog. The joy of discovering new flavors, especially in French cuisine, became a delightful experience that I couldn't wait to share with others.

05 | I MARRIED A MEDITERRANEAN

Jocelyn Lee, family travel blogger, with her husband in Venice Italy in a gondola

Back in 2007, I tied the knot with Edrin Osmani, my better other half from Albania.

Since then, our fridge has been a constant supply of Greek feta and Parmesan cheese, while our pantry boasts an impressive collection of about a dozen pasta varieties.

In a blink of an eye, my everyday food experience transformed from rice and eggs to a Mediterranean feast after marrying Edrin.

After embarking on a six-week adventure, traveling between Albania and Italy in 2008 and savoring the most incredible cuisine, we knew that when the time came to have kids, we wanted to continue exploring the world.

And that's how a poppy place came to be - a blog fueled by curiosity, a deep appreciation for food, and the burning desire to share our family travel experiences with others.

So, welcome, I’m glad you're here!

I truly hope you find joy and inspiration as you delve into the pages of our blog.

Are you passionate about food, and travel, and happen to also have kids? Please introduce yourself!

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