SoCal Author Hopes Travelogue Inspires Sisterhood

Southern California author Elizabeth Moore Kraus recently published the second edition of her travelogue that details her European explorations with her two sisters. 

“3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking)” isn’t an “Eat, Pray, Love”-type book, Kraus said. “It’s more like eat, laugh, lost.” 

Kraus, who said some of her best memories took place in San Diego, said the trip with her sisters helped her rediscover things about herself and her loved ones. Learn more about her book in this Q&A.

Why did you write this book?

Throughout my travels, I kept journals that collected dust on my bookshelf. When COVID hit, and I found myself with little else to do besides jigsaw puzzles, I pulled down my most recent journal from a three-week, three-country vacation I took with my sisters, Les and Rie. I knew it contained enough fluorescence to transform into a book that would inspire readers to enjoy the sights while experiencing family, relationships, and life’s second act in a renewed light.

Tell me about the impact this trip had on you and your relationship with your sisters.

Sometimes it takes being across the pond (specifically England, Ireland, Scotland) to rediscover things about yourself and the people you love — in this case, three sisters in our sixties. Before the trip, we brushed up against each other; we would stomp off if necessary; we were unsure of ourselves and our sisterhood. The knowledge we gained about each other generated greater understanding and compassion, which removed subconscious tension and erased our emotional distance. In its place, a new path spread out before us, one we continue to appreciate together. Years later, we are still talking!

What are some of your favorite memories with your sisters? How did you decide which memories to include in the book?

My favorite memories include: Navigating language barriers (“to let” is not a toilet), sharing rooms for the first time in 50 years and visiting landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle in Scotland together.

Choosing which backstories to share wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful my sisters supported revealing painful family losses and childhood patterns that shaped our experiences on the trip.

Growing up camping in a weathered tent with my seven-member family throughout California also holds a special place in my heart and served as a touchstone on this trip. When we experienced a physical or emotional storm, our “sister tent” became the symbolic place where we could wait it out, huddle, regroup, and most importantly, reclaim our humor and laughter.

Cherished memories with my siblings that didn’t make it into the book are of trips to San Diego. My parents are natives and I eagerly anticipated visiting my grandparents, exploring the canyon at the end of their street and wandering wide-eyed through exhibits at the renowned zoo. 

What do you hope readers get out of your book?

Our story encourages others to be adventurous. Have you been putting off a trip? Do you have a bucket list that needs attention? Gather up your adventurous spirit, grab a sister, a sibling, or a friend and go to parts of the world you have been wanting to visit.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a collection of short stories and a young adult book about a golden retriever named Murphy, the “Sea Warrior.” I’m also mentoring aspiring authors because it’s an arduous journey. If you are writing a book — keep at it. If you want a shoulder to cry on, or talk with about your book, reach out.

For more information about Elizabeth Moore Kraus and her book, go to elizabethmoorekraus.com.