Travel is..
Sometime all consuming - or like that wedge of really gooey chocolate cake - too much of a good thing.
In November I sailed on three cruises, flew back and forth from South Florida to San Francisco for a trade show and for Thanksgiving went to Orlando to my son and daughter-in-law's home. It was too much. I spent most of the past month exhausted. The holidays were on their way so it was time to arrange greetings and gifts and prepare for visiting children. Days off were few and far between.
I last wrote this blog in mid-November, I returned to the gym today for the first time in about six weeks and slowly but surely am getting back to what seems to be normal.
Then I look at the calendar and see we're almost at 2010 and the numbers are numbing! I can't believe we have gone through a decade already and will be beginning another one in 10 days.
It is a time in travel when things seem to be slowly looking up; hotels and airlines are making positive noises about the future and the cruise business is busy building new vessels. Now that I've started to play catch up I look at the future and am already making travel plans well into the new year.
The beat goes on. My 2010 resolution is to keep dancing, but to a slower beat.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Travel is
Travel is.....
Always an eye-opener. In this case, I met Suzanne Somers, the 63-year-old actress/entrepreneur/activist who brought 500 supporters along on the five-day cruise aboard MSC Poesia.
Somers, whose new book "Knockout, Interviews with doctors who are curing cancer and how to present getting it in the first place," a controversial way of looking at the dread disease but a look her followers are eager to take. The book, released last month, is a best seller and one of some 18 books she's written. Her first was a book of poetry she wrote in 1980 and read from on the Johnny Carson "Tonight" show.
Somers played the role of ditzy blonde Chrissy Snow on the 1970s television hit "Three's Company." She left the show and says "and it forced me to reinvent myself."
Suzanne Somers is anything but ditzy. She is a brilliant marketer and a bright woman who has taken her own medical experiences - and research she'd done earlier on alternative cancer treatments and the doctors providing those alternatives - and reached out to thousands of men and women all over the globe. During the five-day cruise she conducted several lecture sessions and had some of her physicians speak. Her advocacy of bioidentical hormones for women has been accepted by many and their testimonials are riveting.
I can't say I accept all her theories, but the concept of recreating one's persona is one concept I hang on to.
She's an interesting woman. I spent a couple of hours with her and consider myself lucky.
That's the serendipity of travel.
Always an eye-opener. In this case, I met Suzanne Somers, the 63-year-old actress/entrepreneur/activist who brought 500 supporters along on the five-day cruise aboard MSC Poesia.
Somers, whose new book "Knockout, Interviews with doctors who are curing cancer and how to present getting it in the first place," a controversial way of looking at the dread disease but a look her followers are eager to take. The book, released last month, is a best seller and one of some 18 books she's written. Her first was a book of poetry she wrote in 1980 and read from on the Johnny Carson "Tonight" show.
Somers played the role of ditzy blonde Chrissy Snow on the 1970s television hit "Three's Company." She left the show and says "and it forced me to reinvent myself."
Suzanne Somers is anything but ditzy. She is a brilliant marketer and a bright woman who has taken her own medical experiences - and research she'd done earlier on alternative cancer treatments and the doctors providing those alternatives - and reached out to thousands of men and women all over the globe. During the five-day cruise she conducted several lecture sessions and had some of her physicians speak. Her advocacy of bioidentical hormones for women has been accepted by many and their testimonials are riveting.
I can't say I accept all her theories, but the concept of recreating one's persona is one concept I hang on to.
She's an interesting woman. I spent a couple of hours with her and consider myself lucky.
That's the serendipity of travel.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Travel is...
Cruising.
For the many who have never traveled by sea, the cruise business is the great unknown. I know it well and I never tire of the rhythm of life aboard ship. To me it is a serene and comfortable way to travel.
I am just off the coast of Ocho Rios, Jamaica now and while I didn't actually go ashore (I have many times before, but had an interesting interview here aboard ship, more about that later), I enjoyed the beauty of this island.
But when it comes to beauty, the ship I am on -- MSC POESIA -- is a real winner. The one-year-old ship is one of 10 in the MSC fleet, and is brand new to Caribbean sailing. European in design and decor and with Italian officers and an international crew, the ship is hospitable and comfortable and a wonderful home away from home.
From the magnificent lucite piano on deck 5 to the soft-serve ice cream on deck 13, from the delightful theater to the two graceful swimming pools and from the delicious spa and fitness center to the interactive in-cabin television sets, the ship is designed to make a sea-going vacation as comfortable as possible.
I believe in criusiing. I think that despite the growth of cabins which has probably doubled in the last 10 years, the demand for this kind of vacation for all ages will also continue to grow.
In the case of MSC cruises the offerings can take travelers to South America, throughout Europe, Canada and New England, and here in the lovely, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.
Bon voyage.
For the many who have never traveled by sea, the cruise business is the great unknown. I know it well and I never tire of the rhythm of life aboard ship. To me it is a serene and comfortable way to travel.
I am just off the coast of Ocho Rios, Jamaica now and while I didn't actually go ashore (I have many times before, but had an interesting interview here aboard ship, more about that later), I enjoyed the beauty of this island.
But when it comes to beauty, the ship I am on -- MSC POESIA -- is a real winner. The one-year-old ship is one of 10 in the MSC fleet, and is brand new to Caribbean sailing. European in design and decor and with Italian officers and an international crew, the ship is hospitable and comfortable and a wonderful home away from home.
From the magnificent lucite piano on deck 5 to the soft-serve ice cream on deck 13, from the delightful theater to the two graceful swimming pools and from the delicious spa and fitness center to the interactive in-cabin television sets, the ship is designed to make a sea-going vacation as comfortable as possible.
I believe in criusiing. I think that despite the growth of cabins which has probably doubled in the last 10 years, the demand for this kind of vacation for all ages will also continue to grow.
In the case of MSC cruises the offerings can take travelers to South America, throughout Europe, Canada and New England, and here in the lovely, turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.
Bon voyage.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Travel is..
Returning to wonderful places.
Like San Francisco.
I just spent a long weekend in the city by the bay and found it as beautiful and interesting as I did when I first visited many, many years ago.
I've since grown used to bizarre dress, piercings and tats, and what some might call in- appropriate behavior, but the original visits to Haight Ashbury were revealing and stayed with e all these years as many individual "declarations of independence. Today one doesn't have to travel far to see young (and not so young) people with the accoutrements of what we used to call fighting city hall.
But you do have to travel to SFO to get a glimpse of one of North America's most beautiful cities.
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is still home to some of the best and freshest seafood in the world, a fleet of boats that take you to fish or sightsee and views that are dynamite. I took two tours on Saturday: a Blue and Gold Bay cruise that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz and (after a delightful lunch of Shrimp Louis at the venerable Scoma's) took a city tour with Mr. Toad's rides and got up and personal with Pacific Heights and those multi-million dollar homes, drove through the Presidio and down under the bridge, through the Marina and the financial district. The narration and photo ops in San Francisco are remarkable and memorable.
I hope it won't be long until I can return and revisit these marvelous places, but for now I've left a piece of my heart in San Francisco.
Again.
Like San Francisco.
I just spent a long weekend in the city by the bay and found it as beautiful and interesting as I did when I first visited many, many years ago.
I've since grown used to bizarre dress, piercings and tats, and what some might call in- appropriate behavior, but the original visits to Haight Ashbury were revealing and stayed with e all these years as many individual "declarations of independence. Today one doesn't have to travel far to see young (and not so young) people with the accoutrements of what we used to call fighting city hall.
But you do have to travel to SFO to get a glimpse of one of North America's most beautiful cities.
San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is still home to some of the best and freshest seafood in the world, a fleet of boats that take you to fish or sightsee and views that are dynamite. I took two tours on Saturday: a Blue and Gold Bay cruise that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz and (after a delightful lunch of Shrimp Louis at the venerable Scoma's) took a city tour with Mr. Toad's rides and got up and personal with Pacific Heights and those multi-million dollar homes, drove through the Presidio and down under the bridge, through the Marina and the financial district. The narration and photo ops in San Francisco are remarkable and memorable.
I hope it won't be long until I can return and revisit these marvelous places, but for now I've left a piece of my heart in San Francisco.
Again.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Travel is....
Expectation..
The whole world of travel, travel agents and writers, execs at other cruise lines and anyone who's ever gawked at a 2,500-passenger ship, is waiting breathlessly to see Royal Caribbean's big, beautiful and bodacious new vessel, Oasis of the Seas, due out at Port Everglades in about 18 days.
The $1.5 BILLION, 20-deck, 5,400-passengers with restaurants and lounges, a skating rink, flo-rider and climbing wall, will also feature a water show, live Broadway production, an exotic shopping area and open spaces never before seen at sea.
Oasis of the Seas will settle into a weekly seven-day schedule in December and will do a series of short inaugural cruises this month. She sailed from Finland last week and is so large that apparently sailing under a bridge in Denmark had to lower her stacks, but reported no damage. I've seen videos and pictures, read countless press releases and I, like everyone I know, can't wait to see her in person.
I will keep you posted.
The whole world of travel, travel agents and writers, execs at other cruise lines and anyone who's ever gawked at a 2,500-passenger ship, is waiting breathlessly to see Royal Caribbean's big, beautiful and bodacious new vessel, Oasis of the Seas, due out at Port Everglades in about 18 days.
The $1.5 BILLION, 20-deck, 5,400-passengers with restaurants and lounges, a skating rink, flo-rider and climbing wall, will also feature a water show, live Broadway production, an exotic shopping area and open spaces never before seen at sea.
Oasis of the Seas will settle into a weekly seven-day schedule in December and will do a series of short inaugural cruises this month. She sailed from Finland last week and is so large that apparently sailing under a bridge in Denmark had to lower her stacks, but reported no damage. I've seen videos and pictures, read countless press releases and I, like everyone I know, can't wait to see her in person.
I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Travel is
Travel is...
Entertaining.
On Sunday I was privileged to attend a preview of "Hairspray" a show that will be part of the entertainment when Oasis of the Seas the big, new Royal Caribbean ship debuts at Port Everglades last next month.
The show, produced by the talented Royal Caribbean production crew in Hollywood, Fl, is "Hairspray" as you have never seen it before. Performers were recruited from London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. These outstanding singers and dancers and local scenic designers and other technicians created a real "wow" moment. The performance was every bit as good as the production I saw on Broadway a few years ago.
Passengers who no doubt will be gaga over the entire revolutionary aspects of this 5,400- passenger vessel with bells and whistles never before seen on the seas, will love the show. And, love the ship.
I will be aboard her for two days before she begins her seven-day schedule and you can read all about it here.
While Oasis will be the largest ship in the world, she will offer an array of entertainment including a water show, myriad restaurant and lounges, a cupcake store - and more.
Royal Caribbean International is a global brand with 20 ship currently in service.
Entertaining.
On Sunday I was privileged to attend a preview of "Hairspray" a show that will be part of the entertainment when Oasis of the Seas the big, new Royal Caribbean ship debuts at Port Everglades last next month.
The show, produced by the talented Royal Caribbean production crew in Hollywood, Fl, is "Hairspray" as you have never seen it before. Performers were recruited from London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. These outstanding singers and dancers and local scenic designers and other technicians created a real "wow" moment. The performance was every bit as good as the production I saw on Broadway a few years ago.
Passengers who no doubt will be gaga over the entire revolutionary aspects of this 5,400- passenger vessel with bells and whistles never before seen on the seas, will love the show. And, love the ship.
I will be aboard her for two days before she begins her seven-day schedule and you can read all about it here.
While Oasis will be the largest ship in the world, she will offer an array of entertainment including a water show, myriad restaurant and lounges, a cupcake store - and more.
Royal Caribbean International is a global brand with 20 ship currently in service.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Travel is...
Travel is...
Exploring.
At least that's what my nine-year-old grandson thinks.
When I returned from Mexico earlier this week, he asked "grandma, what's an explorer?" I explained it was an adventuresome person who traveled in order to learn about other peoples, lands and cultures. I mentioned Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco de Gama and Lewis and Clark. I didn't go into colonization or seeking gold.
That was on Wednesday. On Thursday he had to write a paper on explorers.
"I wrote about you," he told me this morning. Then my grandson added. "my teacher asked if I could bring some of your souvenirs into class on Monday."
So I spent an hour or two packaging some of the souvenirs of 25 or 30 years of travel to over 65 countries for him to show and tell. The "riches" of my life include a piece of the Berlin wall, some rose water holders from Bulgaria, a souvenir packing crate from the Port of Osaka, a lacquered box from St. Petersburg, Russia and items from Israel, Portugal and Korea.
I packed them in a canvas bag, a souvenir from the wonderful German cruise ship Europa and tomorrow he will pick them up.
Whether his teacher will categorize his grandma along with Vespucci, de Gama and Lewis and Clark is another matter. But the fact that my wonderfully intelligent, intuitive and awesome grandson considers travel writing "exploring" is enough for me.
Exploring.
At least that's what my nine-year-old grandson thinks.
When I returned from Mexico earlier this week, he asked "grandma, what's an explorer?" I explained it was an adventuresome person who traveled in order to learn about other peoples, lands and cultures. I mentioned Amerigo Vespucci, Vasco de Gama and Lewis and Clark. I didn't go into colonization or seeking gold.
That was on Wednesday. On Thursday he had to write a paper on explorers.
"I wrote about you," he told me this morning. Then my grandson added. "my teacher asked if I could bring some of your souvenirs into class on Monday."
So I spent an hour or two packaging some of the souvenirs of 25 or 30 years of travel to over 65 countries for him to show and tell. The "riches" of my life include a piece of the Berlin wall, some rose water holders from Bulgaria, a souvenir packing crate from the Port of Osaka, a lacquered box from St. Petersburg, Russia and items from Israel, Portugal and Korea.
I packed them in a canvas bag, a souvenir from the wonderful German cruise ship Europa and tomorrow he will pick them up.
Whether his teacher will categorize his grandma along with Vespucci, de Gama and Lewis and Clark is another matter. But the fact that my wonderfully intelligent, intuitive and awesome grandson considers travel writing "exploring" is enough for me.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Travel is....
Travel is...
Observing.
Wordsmith and radio quiz show host Clifton Fadiman said "when you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable." And we, as travelers, have to observe and honor local customs.
In preparation for the recent travel professionals' convention I attended in Guadalajara, delegates were told something of the customs of socialization in Mexico. We were told to be hands-on in greeting men and women alike.
As I sat in the Guadalajara and Mexico City airports on my way home I watched Mexican men greet one another. (Alright, I had three hours between planes,) but the same procedure played itself out time and time again. One man extends his right hand in a familiar handshake and then - and here's the difference - with the other pats the other man twice on the back. There's nothing sexual in the display, but it looks great and creates a show of good will that could probably be put to great use in the boardrooms and offices of the U.S.
I am always pleased when I see my sons greet one another in a similar fashion. It speaks of familial affection and that precious good will.
There's always something positive to be learned from the travel experience - if we just take the time to observe.
Observing.
Wordsmith and radio quiz show host Clifton Fadiman said "when you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable." And we, as travelers, have to observe and honor local customs.
In preparation for the recent travel professionals' convention I attended in Guadalajara, delegates were told something of the customs of socialization in Mexico. We were told to be hands-on in greeting men and women alike.
As I sat in the Guadalajara and Mexico City airports on my way home I watched Mexican men greet one another. (Alright, I had three hours between planes,) but the same procedure played itself out time and time again. One man extends his right hand in a familiar handshake and then - and here's the difference - with the other pats the other man twice on the back. There's nothing sexual in the display, but it looks great and creates a show of good will that could probably be put to great use in the boardrooms and offices of the U.S.
I am always pleased when I see my sons greet one another in a similar fashion. It speaks of familial affection and that precious good will.
There's always something positive to be learned from the travel experience - if we just take the time to observe.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Travel is
Travel is...
Often quite wonderful.
Sometimes it is a serendipitous mix of learning about another culture and history as well as meeting with friends.
I just returned from Guadalajara, Mexico and the convention of Society of American Travel Writers. I visited with colleagues from Denver and Toronto, from New York and Sacramento, from Fort Worth and northern Michigan. It was a learning experience and an opportunity for a business meeting, professional development and those enjoyable visits with friends.
Sessions on using social media sources professionally and improving writing skills and more brought many delegates as did tours of nearby towns, religious sites - a group even went to a sweat lodge to explore native medical treatments. A city tours drew large numbers.
One of my trips was a tour of the city (town) of Tequila where the popular liquor is produced from the blue agave plant. The tour of the distillery explored every aspect of the drink and offered a look at the many varieties. Consider lime and orange flavored tequila, chocolate and coffee flavored tequila and dozens more.
The food and drink, mariachi music and gracious people made the trip memorable.
Next year's convention is set for Dresden and Leipzig, Germany. In 2011 we head to New Zealand and are in the process of soliciting bids for 2012.
I look forward to all of them.
Often quite wonderful.
Sometimes it is a serendipitous mix of learning about another culture and history as well as meeting with friends.
I just returned from Guadalajara, Mexico and the convention of Society of American Travel Writers. I visited with colleagues from Denver and Toronto, from New York and Sacramento, from Fort Worth and northern Michigan. It was a learning experience and an opportunity for a business meeting, professional development and those enjoyable visits with friends.
Sessions on using social media sources professionally and improving writing skills and more brought many delegates as did tours of nearby towns, religious sites - a group even went to a sweat lodge to explore native medical treatments. A city tours drew large numbers.
One of my trips was a tour of the city (town) of Tequila where the popular liquor is produced from the blue agave plant. The tour of the distillery explored every aspect of the drink and offered a look at the many varieties. Consider lime and orange flavored tequila, chocolate and coffee flavored tequila and dozens more.
The food and drink, mariachi music and gracious people made the trip memorable.
Next year's convention is set for Dresden and Leipzig, Germany. In 2011 we head to New Zealand and are in the process of soliciting bids for 2012.
I look forward to all of them.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Travel is...
Travel is ....
Accepting change.
About 16 years ago my husband and I rented a house in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Why Gulf Shores? It seemed a convenient location for our son and daughter-in-law and their kids in Houston, our son and daughter-in-law and their kids in Orlando and our (then) single youngest son who was flying in from Israel to join his family for a week's vacation. It was a five- or six- bedroom home right on an incredible white sand beach and while a subsequent hurricane blew that specific house out to sea, it was a wonderful family vacation and one we all recall fondly.
Those little kids are all young adults today and many things have changed. I just returned from a three-day stay in Gulf Shores with a group of other writers, and boy oh boy, has Gulf Shores changed!
Where blocks of lovely vacation homes existed there are now high-rise condo after high-rise condo. I stayed in a magnificent resort - Turquoise Place - with great facilities: indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river pool for tubing, a fitness room, sauna and steam rooms, and that same incredible white sand beach. It looks more like the Gulf or Atlantic Coast of Florida than the unique beach community we discovered a decade and a half ago and the area is still lovely with gracious southern hospitality and a variety of eateries, but different. There are many more family-friendly attractions than there were, and a great choice of accommodations.
(Some of the family attractions include the delightful Alabama Gulf Cost Zoo and The Wharf with the largest ferris wheel on the Gulf Coast. A brand new fishing pier and the historic Fort Morgan are not to be missed.)
I also flew Delta for the first time in years and discovered that though one still has to fly through Atlanta, planes were in fine shape, flight crew friendly and competent and scheduled flights right on time. That was the good news.
The bad news was that to fly from South Florida to southern Alabama I had to first fly to Atlanta.
Short story, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the region to others looking for a family destination.
Accepting change.
About 16 years ago my husband and I rented a house in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Why Gulf Shores? It seemed a convenient location for our son and daughter-in-law and their kids in Houston, our son and daughter-in-law and their kids in Orlando and our (then) single youngest son who was flying in from Israel to join his family for a week's vacation. It was a five- or six- bedroom home right on an incredible white sand beach and while a subsequent hurricane blew that specific house out to sea, it was a wonderful family vacation and one we all recall fondly.
Those little kids are all young adults today and many things have changed. I just returned from a three-day stay in Gulf Shores with a group of other writers, and boy oh boy, has Gulf Shores changed!
Where blocks of lovely vacation homes existed there are now high-rise condo after high-rise condo. I stayed in a magnificent resort - Turquoise Place - with great facilities: indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river pool for tubing, a fitness room, sauna and steam rooms, and that same incredible white sand beach. It looks more like the Gulf or Atlantic Coast of Florida than the unique beach community we discovered a decade and a half ago and the area is still lovely with gracious southern hospitality and a variety of eateries, but different. There are many more family-friendly attractions than there were, and a great choice of accommodations.
(Some of the family attractions include the delightful Alabama Gulf Cost Zoo and The Wharf with the largest ferris wheel on the Gulf Coast. A brand new fishing pier and the historic Fort Morgan are not to be missed.)
I also flew Delta for the first time in years and discovered that though one still has to fly through Atlanta, planes were in fine shape, flight crew friendly and competent and scheduled flights right on time. That was the good news.
The bad news was that to fly from South Florida to southern Alabama I had to first fly to Atlanta.
Short story, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the region to others looking for a family destination.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Travel is
Travel is...
All I seem to be doing these days.
Traveling, ticketing for future travel, trying to find reasonable hotel rooms and, oh yes, writing about various travels for various publications and Internet sites. My work involves turning all those on-and-off airplane and cruise ship experiences into dollars - monetizing I suppose is the word - and while it's fun, it can be hard work.
The work is considerably different today from the way I began freelance writing 25 years ago.
When I began freelancing I had a monster-sized and already-antiquated Radio Shack Model 3 that had been in a back room at my husband's office. It was as big as the desk it sat on in an empty bedroom, and the program I used was also a dinosaur. I printed out copies on an early-model printer, sent them off to magazine and newspaper editors and eventually made some sales. In time I learned to use a modem and that metallic connection sound haunts me even today as the copy transferred over telephone lines. But I learned to use the procedure.
Research meant long hours in the library and shlepping home armsful of books.
Along came the Internet and research was right there in my office with me, I opened an email account and suddenly all the rules I'd learned in college, at the newspaper and in my early years as a freelancer were passe. Reaching out to touch someone eletronically became easier.
It is a technology that my grandchildren take for granted, but one I appreciate and respect.
I go back on the road again this week, dragging my laptop and hoping for wireless access, taking notes and taking pictures. I head to a four-day press trip in Gulf Shores, AL and a week later to a meeting in Mexico.
And when I return, I'll write about it all.
Stay tuned.
All I seem to be doing these days.
Traveling, ticketing for future travel, trying to find reasonable hotel rooms and, oh yes, writing about various travels for various publications and Internet sites. My work involves turning all those on-and-off airplane and cruise ship experiences into dollars - monetizing I suppose is the word - and while it's fun, it can be hard work.
The work is considerably different today from the way I began freelance writing 25 years ago.
When I began freelancing I had a monster-sized and already-antiquated Radio Shack Model 3 that had been in a back room at my husband's office. It was as big as the desk it sat on in an empty bedroom, and the program I used was also a dinosaur. I printed out copies on an early-model printer, sent them off to magazine and newspaper editors and eventually made some sales. In time I learned to use a modem and that metallic connection sound haunts me even today as the copy transferred over telephone lines. But I learned to use the procedure.
Research meant long hours in the library and shlepping home armsful of books.
Along came the Internet and research was right there in my office with me, I opened an email account and suddenly all the rules I'd learned in college, at the newspaper and in my early years as a freelancer were passe. Reaching out to touch someone eletronically became easier.
It is a technology that my grandchildren take for granted, but one I appreciate and respect.
I go back on the road again this week, dragging my laptop and hoping for wireless access, taking notes and taking pictures. I head to a four-day press trip in Gulf Shores, AL and a week later to a meeting in Mexico.
And when I return, I'll write about it all.
Stay tuned.
Monday, September 14, 2009
travel is...
Travel is
important to me.
Family even more so.
I had a banner weekend, with an overnight on Thursday after my nine-year-old grandson's basketball practice and dinner. The next morning I took an early ride to get him to school by 7:50AM. It was fun - certainly not part of my daily routine.
Then later that same day, my oldest grandson arrived for the weekend and what a lovely time we had! I am an only child and visits from or to my sons and daughters-in-law and their children are always good, always pleasant and always memorable. Maybe that's because they are also always short.
Whatever the reason it was a great weekend. The concept of sitting over a bottle of wine with my grandson, (it's okay, he's 24,) and having real conversations was remarkable and a concept I shall cherish.
This weekend I'll be off to Orlando to spend time with the Orlando family. It should also be a good one.
I'll combine a car trip (with a friend of some 40 years) with a visit to my kids. What could be better?
important to me.
Family even more so.
I had a banner weekend, with an overnight on Thursday after my nine-year-old grandson's basketball practice and dinner. The next morning I took an early ride to get him to school by 7:50AM. It was fun - certainly not part of my daily routine.
Then later that same day, my oldest grandson arrived for the weekend and what a lovely time we had! I am an only child and visits from or to my sons and daughters-in-law and their children are always good, always pleasant and always memorable. Maybe that's because they are also always short.
Whatever the reason it was a great weekend. The concept of sitting over a bottle of wine with my grandson, (it's okay, he's 24,) and having real conversations was remarkable and a concept I shall cherish.
This weekend I'll be off to Orlando to spend time with the Orlando family. It should also be a good one.
I'll combine a car trip (with a friend of some 40 years) with a visit to my kids. What could be better?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Travel is
Travel is...
Sometimes confusing, to say nothing of tiring. And the planning can be as exhausting as the travel.
September is barely a week old and I'm filling my dance card for the next couple of months. It's a good thing I enjoy traveling, because between now and the end of the year I'll likely be in Orlando with my kids three times; in New York City for a trade show; in Gulf Shores, AL, on a press trip, aboard the inaugural of Royal Caribbean's exciting new Oasis of the Seas and on the Costa Atlantica for assignments.
And then, if I can work out the details, I may join a press trip to Israel.
By then we will be into 2010.
As I've said before, you can't hit a moving target. When I factor in the time to write these assignments, line up new jobs and handle the whole calendar of holidays with my family, I know I won't have time to be bored.
And that - at this point in my life - is what it's all about.
Sometimes confusing, to say nothing of tiring. And the planning can be as exhausting as the travel.
September is barely a week old and I'm filling my dance card for the next couple of months. It's a good thing I enjoy traveling, because between now and the end of the year I'll likely be in Orlando with my kids three times; in New York City for a trade show; in Gulf Shores, AL, on a press trip, aboard the inaugural of Royal Caribbean's exciting new Oasis of the Seas and on the Costa Atlantica for assignments.
And then, if I can work out the details, I may join a press trip to Israel.
By then we will be into 2010.
As I've said before, you can't hit a moving target. When I factor in the time to write these assignments, line up new jobs and handle the whole calendar of holidays with my family, I know I won't have time to be bored.
And that - at this point in my life - is what it's all about.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Travel is...
Travel is . . .
wanting to stay in your home or cocoon while simultaneously wanting to get on a cruise ship, airplane, train or just jump into a car and drive, (yep, I omitted buses, by choice.) Travel is an addiction - but a socially acceptable one - and whether it's fey little restaurant in New York City, a pottery gallery in North Carolina, or a deli in a Las Vegas hotel, there's always a story to be found.
"Home" is comfortable and contains all the that make up a daily existence including my clothes, photos, books and nearby friends.
In my current home, my husband and I created a comfortable master bedroom. We each had our own bathroom and shared a dressing room. In recent years, when I concentrated on cruise writing almost exclusively, we'd almost always unpack in a ship's cabin and, of course, shared a bathroom. I'd ask, ironically, "why am I doing this?"
The answer is because I love it. I love the experience of sailing into a new port - or revisiting one I've been to 25 times - I love walking the main street, watching locals and tourists interact, buy and sell and learn something about one another. I enjoy soaking up local culture, history and politics and am happy to climb back aboard ship at day's end.
The only tough thing is that these days I climb back aboard alone. It hasn't stopped me. I still travel, armed with my trusty Kindle Bookreader and wonderful memories of all the trips I've enjoyed over many years.
wanting to stay in your home or cocoon while simultaneously wanting to get on a cruise ship, airplane, train or just jump into a car and drive, (yep, I omitted buses, by choice.) Travel is an addiction - but a socially acceptable one - and whether it's fey little restaurant in New York City, a pottery gallery in North Carolina, or a deli in a Las Vegas hotel, there's always a story to be found.
"Home" is comfortable and contains all the that make up a daily existence including my clothes, photos, books and nearby friends.
In my current home, my husband and I created a comfortable master bedroom. We each had our own bathroom and shared a dressing room. In recent years, when I concentrated on cruise writing almost exclusively, we'd almost always unpack in a ship's cabin and, of course, shared a bathroom. I'd ask, ironically, "why am I doing this?"
The answer is because I love it. I love the experience of sailing into a new port - or revisiting one I've been to 25 times - I love walking the main street, watching locals and tourists interact, buy and sell and learn something about one another. I enjoy soaking up local culture, history and politics and am happy to climb back aboard ship at day's end.
The only tough thing is that these days I climb back aboard alone. It hasn't stopped me. I still travel, armed with my trusty Kindle Bookreader and wonderful memories of all the trips I've enjoyed over many years.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Travel is
Travel is fun.
Or it can be.
I am at the tail end of a three-day stay in New York City. It remains the most exciting city in the country -- okay, maybe in the world --- and although I probably could not handle more than three or four days of this pace at a time, I love it.
I worked in New York one summer when I was in college, but at this point in my life a short stay suffices. I didn't get to visit any of the museums I usually try to get to, but did spend a couple of hours at thed Rock "n" Roll Hall of Fame Annex in SoHo. It was terrific and a special John Lennon in New York exit is spectacular!
This trip I stayed at the Hotel ELYSEE on E. 54th St., a hotel originally built in the 1920s but newly redone with wireless computer access throughout and a club lounge with complimentary breakfast and coffee, tea, cookies and fruit through the day. I've visited with friends and family, seen two shows and had great weather (although New Yorkers are complaining about the heat.)
Tomorrow a friend and I begin a road trip, heading home to Florida, but stopping enroute to visit with mutual friends in North Carolina. It will be about eight days before we get home. It's an adventure, but it's worth taking. Why not?
I don't know what I'd rather be doing, or where, or when, or with whom, but for now I'm looking forward to keeping moving. You can't hit a moving target.
Or it can be.
I am at the tail end of a three-day stay in New York City. It remains the most exciting city in the country -- okay, maybe in the world --- and although I probably could not handle more than three or four days of this pace at a time, I love it.
I worked in New York one summer when I was in college, but at this point in my life a short stay suffices. I didn't get to visit any of the museums I usually try to get to, but did spend a couple of hours at thed Rock "n" Roll Hall of Fame Annex in SoHo. It was terrific and a special John Lennon in New York exit is spectacular!
This trip I stayed at the Hotel ELYSEE on E. 54th St., a hotel originally built in the 1920s but newly redone with wireless computer access throughout and a club lounge with complimentary breakfast and coffee, tea, cookies and fruit through the day. I've visited with friends and family, seen two shows and had great weather (although New Yorkers are complaining about the heat.)
Tomorrow a friend and I begin a road trip, heading home to Florida, but stopping enroute to visit with mutual friends in North Carolina. It will be about eight days before we get home. It's an adventure, but it's worth taking. Why not?
I don't know what I'd rather be doing, or where, or when, or with whom, but for now I'm looking forward to keeping moving. You can't hit a moving target.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Travel is
Travel is being flexible.
When the lines for security are long, when flights are late, no rental cars are available despite your reservation, or the upgrade fails to come through, you can't get upset. Well you can, but it usually won't end well.
You've seen the shouting matches, the resolute ticket agent and agitated passenger. It requires patience and it's a mind field.
I've never been patient, but traveling has taught me a few lessons.
While I began this blog as a daily thing, my nine-year-old grandson came to visit and between back-to-school shopping, work on copy due yesterday and some other challenges, I skipped two days. I was upset, I'm not now. And I loved being with my grandson.
I know the only schedule that's imnportant is to keep busy. Whether it is my work, my volunteer work or time with my kids -- whether it is going to the gym, spending time with friends or family or running household errands, I am driven to keep on going.
And I try to be flexible.
But the down side is this. You know what can happen, so it's always there.
For example I am scheduled to fly to New York City Wed. AM. A friend in New York with whom I'm having dinner Wed. night said "we've had a bad summer, lots of planes are late," so of course, that played on my mind. Now South Florida is in the cone for a tropical storm Wed. or Thurs.
I admit, I'm anxious. But, hey, I'm flexible.
When the lines for security are long, when flights are late, no rental cars are available despite your reservation, or the upgrade fails to come through, you can't get upset. Well you can, but it usually won't end well.
You've seen the shouting matches, the resolute ticket agent and agitated passenger. It requires patience and it's a mind field.
I've never been patient, but traveling has taught me a few lessons.
While I began this blog as a daily thing, my nine-year-old grandson came to visit and between back-to-school shopping, work on copy due yesterday and some other challenges, I skipped two days. I was upset, I'm not now. And I loved being with my grandson.
I know the only schedule that's imnportant is to keep busy. Whether it is my work, my volunteer work or time with my kids -- whether it is going to the gym, spending time with friends or family or running household errands, I am driven to keep on going.
And I try to be flexible.
But the down side is this. You know what can happen, so it's always there.
For example I am scheduled to fly to New York City Wed. AM. A friend in New York with whom I'm having dinner Wed. night said "we've had a bad summer, lots of planes are late," so of course, that played on my mind. Now South Florida is in the cone for a tropical storm Wed. or Thurs.
I admit, I'm anxious. But, hey, I'm flexible.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Travel is...
Memorable.
It's funny the things we remember.
I recall my first train ride, first cruise and my first flight.
I was a teenager, and although I was flying from Miami to Chicago in early summer, my mother insisted I wear gloves. White ones. Last week I flew home from Las Vegas with a kid wearing boxer shorts and an undershirt. How times change!
I also remember that a year ago today I sailed from Copenhagen about Holland America Line's brand new and quite beautiful Eurodam. It was the ship's first crossing to the U.S., and a friend had flown to Denmark to sail back with me to the U.S. We called at three Norwegian ports, on to Reykavik, Iceland, around Greenland, to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and back to New York. Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland were new vistas for me, and I loved them all. While I enjoy all cruise ships, that itinerary was very special.
Occasionally people ask me which is my favorite ship or itinerary. I generally answer, "the one I'm on."
It's funny the things we remember.
I recall my first train ride, first cruise and my first flight.
I was a teenager, and although I was flying from Miami to Chicago in early summer, my mother insisted I wear gloves. White ones. Last week I flew home from Las Vegas with a kid wearing boxer shorts and an undershirt. How times change!
I also remember that a year ago today I sailed from Copenhagen about Holland America Line's brand new and quite beautiful Eurodam. It was the ship's first crossing to the U.S., and a friend had flown to Denmark to sail back with me to the U.S. We called at three Norwegian ports, on to Reykavik, Iceland, around Greenland, to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and back to New York. Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland were new vistas for me, and I loved them all. While I enjoy all cruise ships, that itinerary was very special.
Occasionally people ask me which is my favorite ship or itinerary. I generally answer, "the one I'm on."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Travel is
Travel is like a giant mental scrapbook - a collage of picture postcards amassed during a lifetime of travel.
There are oh-so-many.
Consider an anniversary cruise we took with all our kids and grandkids, (at the time we numbered 14, another daughter-in-law and three more grandsons appeared in the last dozen years.) We had multiple cabins in a row, but Carnival obliged me and gave us a cabin at the end of the hall. It was fine until we let the kids know our cabin number, then we had an absolute parade of children of all ages, seemingly all the time, but it was fun. It was a wonderful weekend and one of the many snapshots I will always treasure.
More recently we rented a home in the Cotswolds and our oldest son, his wife and three sons joined us. We were settled into an old stone house in Chipping Camden and each morning everyone had a task.
I went to the fruit store (green grocer's, I believe.) My son bought a couple of daily papers and cheeses, our oldest grandson selected bread and rolls from the bakery, and the younger two helped out. My husband made coffee (because he was the only one who knew how to handle the French Press) and my daughter-in-law did cleanup.
Each day we set out in our van to visit another spot in the area. We saw MACBETH at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, visited one of Churchill's homes and, when we returned to London did many of the sightseeing things we'd been doing for 30 years -- this time with the kids.
One day we opted to go our separate ways and meet in the evening for the theater. My husband and I needed a little alone time.
After walking for a while we suddenly, on Regent Street, heard voices we knew quite well yelling "grandma," "grandpa." Yes - in this city of millions - our family had found us and although we'd had breakfast together some six hours earlier, loved having another lunch as a group.
Those are some of the pictures in my scrapbook that I treasure. And there are many more souvenirs of a lifetime of travel.
There are oh-so-many.
Consider an anniversary cruise we took with all our kids and grandkids, (at the time we numbered 14, another daughter-in-law and three more grandsons appeared in the last dozen years.) We had multiple cabins in a row, but Carnival obliged me and gave us a cabin at the end of the hall. It was fine until we let the kids know our cabin number, then we had an absolute parade of children of all ages, seemingly all the time, but it was fun. It was a wonderful weekend and one of the many snapshots I will always treasure.
More recently we rented a home in the Cotswolds and our oldest son, his wife and three sons joined us. We were settled into an old stone house in Chipping Camden and each morning everyone had a task.
I went to the fruit store (green grocer's, I believe.) My son bought a couple of daily papers and cheeses, our oldest grandson selected bread and rolls from the bakery, and the younger two helped out. My husband made coffee (because he was the only one who knew how to handle the French Press) and my daughter-in-law did cleanup.
Each day we set out in our van to visit another spot in the area. We saw MACBETH at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, visited one of Churchill's homes and, when we returned to London did many of the sightseeing things we'd been doing for 30 years -- this time with the kids.
One day we opted to go our separate ways and meet in the evening for the theater. My husband and I needed a little alone time.
After walking for a while we suddenly, on Regent Street, heard voices we knew quite well yelling "grandma," "grandpa." Yes - in this city of millions - our family had found us and although we'd had breakfast together some six hours earlier, loved having another lunch as a group.
Those are some of the pictures in my scrapbook that I treasure. And there are many more souvenirs of a lifetime of travel.
Monday, August 10, 2009
travel is ...
Travel is essentially what I do.
I make plans for one trip while working out the details for two or more upcoming journeys in my mind. I can drive my near and dear crazy - I know - but it seems I need that next travel experience much like a junkie needs another hit.
It's often an assignment which dictates my travels, or a professional meeting with other travel journalists, but occasionally I hop a plane to visit a son, daughter-in-law and grandkids in Orlando or Houston. I just returned from a four-day trip to Las Vegas with one son, his wife and their 12-year-old son. It was a great few days and taking my grandson to see Terry Fator at the Mirage, (it was family fare,) was great fun.
Now I'm planning a quick trip to New York then a car trip home with a friend, stopping along the way to visit other friends in North Carolina. I have one deadline this Friday, another the 24th so my trusty laptop travels with me.
As I said once before, I'm a travel junkie. It's tiring, but someone has to do it........
I make plans for one trip while working out the details for two or more upcoming journeys in my mind. I can drive my near and dear crazy - I know - but it seems I need that next travel experience much like a junkie needs another hit.
It's often an assignment which dictates my travels, or a professional meeting with other travel journalists, but occasionally I hop a plane to visit a son, daughter-in-law and grandkids in Orlando or Houston. I just returned from a four-day trip to Las Vegas with one son, his wife and their 12-year-old son. It was a great few days and taking my grandson to see Terry Fator at the Mirage, (it was family fare,) was great fun.
Now I'm planning a quick trip to New York then a car trip home with a friend, stopping along the way to visit other friends in North Carolina. I have one deadline this Friday, another the 24th so my trusty laptop travels with me.
As I said once before, I'm a travel junkie. It's tiring, but someone has to do it........
Sunday, August 9, 2009
travel is...
Travel is a getaway, a profession and a way of life. For me it has also become a salvation.
I have been a travel writer for more than 20 years. About six weeks after my husband died in December of 2007 an editor sent me out on assignment. She asked me to cover refurbishments recently made to an older Carnival cruise ship. The cruise line said I could bring a guest and I did.
It wasn't easy. My husband had accompanied me on dozens of cruises out of Port of Miami and while my friend was with me, it was all quite comfortable and familiar, and other writers were aboard the ship for the same "story," there was more than a tinge of self-pity in my travel gear.
But I did it. I did it with the help of friends - many of the travel writers I have been with on cruises and land trips over some 25 years of covering the industry - and with the support of my family and friends. And I have continued to travel and write.
I was lucky to have had a long marriage and a husband who always encouraged my work.
And now, 20 months later, I am still writing away. I've begun this blog because writing has become a part of me and while I can't necessarily dance, I gotta write.
Travel has also become an integral part of my life. I encourage any newly single men or women out there to take any opportunity to travel. Whether it's a short drive to visit aunt Mary or a cross-country trek to see your grandchildren, don't give in to self pity. Travel safely,
I have been a travel writer for more than 20 years. About six weeks after my husband died in December of 2007 an editor sent me out on assignment. She asked me to cover refurbishments recently made to an older Carnival cruise ship. The cruise line said I could bring a guest and I did.
It wasn't easy. My husband had accompanied me on dozens of cruises out of Port of Miami and while my friend was with me, it was all quite comfortable and familiar, and other writers were aboard the ship for the same "story," there was more than a tinge of self-pity in my travel gear.
But I did it. I did it with the help of friends - many of the travel writers I have been with on cruises and land trips over some 25 years of covering the industry - and with the support of my family and friends. And I have continued to travel and write.
I was lucky to have had a long marriage and a husband who always encouraged my work.
And now, 20 months later, I am still writing away. I've begun this blog because writing has become a part of me and while I can't necessarily dance, I gotta write.
Travel has also become an integral part of my life. I encourage any newly single men or women out there to take any opportunity to travel. Whether it's a short drive to visit aunt Mary or a cross-country trek to see your grandchildren, don't give in to self pity. Travel safely,
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