'Picaflor, that's what they call a hummingbird here: a snacker, nibbler, pecker of flowers. Is that what I am? A restless searcher of sweet nectar?' In Picaflor, a true story, Jessica Talbot invites the reader to travel beside her as she searches for love and meaning, while traversing the fascinating countries of South America. Along the way she lets go of grief, grasps hold of the present and finds herself occupying her own weather beaten shoes. When unexpected signs appear on her path she asks, 'Is this serendipity or fate?' As the journey unfolds she realises that you don't need to know, it can be magical either way. The story starts with Jessica getting a tattoo of a hummingbird, a reminder of new beginnings. Then a kiss at sunrise in the snow-dusted Andes of Peru sends her on a restless, risky journey that ends in Argentina. As she travels through unknown terrain, new friends give her important insights into the meaning of friendship, and old ties strengthen as she frees herself from the past. It's in the exhilarating but complicated city of Buenos Aires that she finally understands what it means to feel 'home'. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jessica Talbot grew up in New Zealand. After graduating with a Master's degree in psychology and a post-graduate diploma in clinical psychology she moved to Melbourne, where she worked as a child psychologist. She has been living and working in Buenos Aires since 2004. She is married to an Argentine and they have a young son. This is her first book
Industry Reviews
"This is not just a travelogue; although for anyone considering a move to South America, particularly for a woman, it is great reading. This book is very much a personal journey of self-discovery and growth that we could all take a lesson or two from." - BooksellersNZ. "(Picaflor) is rich with travel tales both bitter and sweet and full of light." - The Argentina Independent. ..".I thought the book was a beautiful read and a moving - brave - account of universal themes of longing, loss and acceptance told with warmth and style." - West of Buenos Aires.