About The Author

Margery Helen Franklin

Margery Helen Franklin was born and grew up in London, England.

She attended St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University and graduated with a B.A.(Hons) in Animal Physiology before her medical degree, also from Oxford University.

She joined the Pediatric Faculty of the University of Chicago in 1974, but by 1979 the severe Chicago winters drove her to seek warmer weather in paradise.

She moved to St.Croix where she was a pediatrician with the  U.S.V.I. Health Department.

After 2 hurricanes hit the island in the first week, her definition of paradise changed, and she joined a private pediatric practice in the Midwest 2 years later.

Margery spent the last 30 years of her medical career in this practice n Moline, Illinois. She used her office as Twin Rivers Photography Gallery for 3 years before she sold the building in 2025.

Margery Franklin is a seasoned traveler, gifted writer, and passionate photographer with an adventurous spirit. She has enjoyed traveling since childhood, and Margery embraced retirement as an opportunity to pursue more of her lifelong passion for travel, writing, and photography, exploring breathtaking destinations across the globe. 

From traversing the vast landscapes of South Africa to sailing the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, Margery's travels have taken her to more than 50 countries across six continents. With a unique blend of solo, family, and adventure travel experiences under her belt, Margery has crafted a captivating book, "Bedouins and Bears," that will take you on a journey through the decades, revealing her thrilling encounters and invaluable insights.

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