Confessions of a Wanderlust Addict

Hooray for the Afghan Lady Boxers!

2012-01-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

I first heard about a determined group of lady boxers training in Kabul, Afghanistan in late 2011, which I found to be a refreshing change of pace from the usual terrifying reports of violence and corruption coming from the country. I was reminded of the story again today as they prepare for the Olympic Games in London this summer. I am so glad to see that they are gaining worldwide recognition, and would love to see them in action in person. For now, I content myself by reading and watching video of them training in news reports narrated by fascinated journalists. In a country where the women are executed for adultery and imprisoned for being raped, I find this group of serious boxers and their supporters one of the great enduring hopes for progress. I really have no excuse for not moving forward with my own dreams.

See them for yourselves and prepared to be inspired!

A Literary Celebration of Winter Travel

2011-12-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

“Old Man Winter,” by Wikipedia user Etamme, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

Winter officially begins on December 22nd this year, but the unstable weather has warped the change of the seasons in my mind. July was the only month that actually felt like summer, and late October’s freak snowstorm caused incredible havoc on the leaf-laden trees and the power supply across the Northeastern United States. Even when some recent days in late November felt like spring, I sensed the specter of Old Man Winter lurking nearby. Instead of dreading the inevitable, I have decided to embrace the upcoming season with three great books about winter travel to some of the world's coldest places. Forget the beach umbrellas, sun tans, and palm trees; these travelogues celebrate frigid winter winds, snow, frost, ice, and all those who love it.

The Windward Shore: A Winter on the Great Lakes by Jerry Dennis.
The author immerses himself in the region famous for its fresh water lakes for a complete winter. A knee injury slows him down, but he decides to take advantage of the slower pace to carefully observe and comment on the changes of the season, and how they transform the land he knows well. While staying in a variety of houses in the area, ranging from a log cabin on Lake Superior's Keweenaw Peninsula to a multi-million dollar mansion near the banks of Lake Michigan, Dennis considers human beings’ complex relationship with nature as he explores beaches, woods and the villages around him during the coldest months of the year. His style is both poetic and easy to follow; I finished reading the book wanting my own seasonal introspection; it would not be for a whole winter in Northern Michigan though. I like how Dennis moves through his surroundings with respect for the environment and all who live there. It really is one of the great American travelogues of the 21st century, even though it is concentrated in only one specific area. So instead of a whole season, I would not mind spending a week or two in the Great Lakes region myself one winter. I just have to make sure to acquire all the right thermal clothing to get me through the experience in tact.

Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places by Bill Streever.
This book makes me both fear and appreciate extremely cold climates around the world. Streever pursues “the absence of heat” the way sunbathers bask in the sun, and for one complete year. He is undeterred writing graphically about those who preceded him and the agonies they suffered before dying due to hypothermia, frost bite, starvation, and other morbid conditions that claimed numerous travelers who ventured to frigid landscapes throughout documented history. His descriptions of blizzards, jumping into the freezing waters of an Arctic swimming hole, and how hard it is to breathe on a day that reaches 419 degrees below zero in Fairbanks, Alaska are incredible. I first heard Streever speak about this book on a radio show, and was mesmerized by his account of the truly horrifying experiences he went through in some of the coldest and most frightening conditions I have ever heard of. When I read the book, I can feel the pain and the pleasure he experiences in places like Russia, the Arctic, England, and Alaska, so much so that I shiver, but not in a bad way.

The Palace of the Snow Queen: Winter Travels in Lapland by Barbara Sjoholm.
The far frozen north of the Lapland region intrigues this frequent traveler to Scandinavia, and I can understand why. In this engaging travelogue that covers three separate winters, Sjoholm visits the Icehotel and its artists and architects who re-create this marvel of ice construction every year in Sweden; attends a performance of Macbeth at the Ice Globe Theatre by the River Torne in freezing temperatures; visits a post office in Finland that receives all unstamped mail addressed to Santa Claus; and encounters the indigenous Sami people, who, among other things, have about 200 words for snow in their language. It is a land that evokes mystical, fairytale images of snow and ice in my imagination, but is in fact a real place that is very difficult for those native to and still living in the area, due to the rapid changes to their culture coming from the outside world and the lingering concerns of global warming. It is a thought provoking account of one woman’s journey to and from the land that evokes images of Santa Claus, his elves and flying reindeer. Do I sound silly if I admit I wish he did exist so I could visit his workshop?

These three travelogues show that winter means more than staying indoors, hibernating animals, and wearing many layers of clothing to stay warm. Travelling in the winter, and to cold places, challenges travelers to see and experience themselves and their environments in different, complex ways. The ability of animals, plants and people to survive and sometimes flourish in the coldest, darkest periods of the season demonstrates a resilience I sometimes take for granted. So as much as I dread winter at times, I can sometimes marvel at its savage beauty. These books are a way for me to welcome and make peace with the season, at least until spring returns.

Inspiration at Walnut Beach and Beyond

2011-11-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

Walnut Beach in Milford, Connecticut is one of my new favorite day trip destinations within the New York metropolitan area. I have more of an excuse to go up there often because I have family who live just minutes away from the beach, and the sandbar leading to Charles Island. When I was there earlier this week, I remembered the middle section of Jane Austen's last novel Persuasion, when the main character goes to the seaside with her family and friends and is rejuvenated by the atmosphere. I felt the same way, even though it was a chilly day and I was not warmly dressed. My enthusiasm made me forget the cold in my hands and my ears, and I found myself taking pictures of seagulls and asking probing questions about Charles Island as we attempted to walk to it from the mainland. It is a place to discover out of season, because there is so much you can miss during the summer.

Charles Island in the distance, photographed from Walnut Beach.

Thankfully, my cousin and his wife did not have to worry about flooding during Hurricane Irene (although they did suffer through an extended power outage), especially since their apartment complex is not located right on Walnut Beach. This part of Silver Sands State Park is across the street and around the corner from my cousin's apartment, so I could see for myself how they were safe from destructive high tides during the Category 3 storm. I was shown some remnants of damage from previous storms, but I also observed that extensive repairs had been made, with more going on and soon to follow. Milford is a quiet, suburban town in the early winter months, and the few people on the beach and the boardwalk we encountered were locals who seemed to prefer having it all to themselves. I would feel the same way if I was one of them.

A shot of Charles Island, which was cursed three times. Those not seeking buried treasure are safe, according to local legend.

As we walked toward the sandbar leading to Charles Island, my cousin's wife told me about the cursed history of the place. She knew about the pirate Captain William Kidd, who may have left a portion of his riches under a large boulder on the island and cursed anyone who went looking for it, but I later learned about the curse of the Paugussett tribe, which was made after they lost it to European settlers. Then I learned of yet another curse by a group of pirates who attempted to bury their own treasures on Charles Island, and met an unfortunate end. All I wanted to do was cross the sandbar to the uninhabited island, but we had to turn back before we were half way there; the rising tide washed over a large section of the sand and rocks under our feet, and would have prevented us from returning to the mainland. My cousin has made it there and back several times, which makes me determined to set foot on the island at least once myself.

Before retreating to the mainland, on the sandbar leading to Charles Island.

I used to choose mountains over beaches as my ideal landscape, but I cannot decide between the two anymore. I now believe that both landscapes are equally beautiful and inspiring, especially when you can avoid the crowds to experience the true beauty of each. Interesting beaches like Walnut Beach, the spookiness and allure of Charles Island, and Silver Sands State Park as a whole are definitely worth experiencing, weather permitting, any time of the year. My cousin and his wife are never bored living there, because the location remains awe-inspiring and consistently beautiful to them. For me, these characterisitics make Walnut Beach and the surrounding areas wanderlust-worthy, which is a very good thing.

Top 3 Wanderlust News Bites

2011-11-22T23:00:00.028-05:00

I would venture to guess that when most of my fellow Americans think of Thanksgiving, they think of home, family, food, and giving thanks. I also think of these things, but I cannot avoid keeping my eyes and ears open to any wanderlust-inducing news that come my way. Here are three news stories that may both distract and inspire American travel lovers as they prepare for and partake in this week's holiday festivities. Read on at your own risk!

When I first learned about an orchid that only flowers at night, I almost did not believe it at first. Now I am moving Papua New Guinea ahead of some other future planned locations I plan to vist in my mind. I would love to see the Bulbophyllum nocturnum for myself one day! After all, it is the only one of its kind in the world, for now.

Will Thailand recover from the devastating floodwaters that wreaked havoc on most of the country? Even though the country has just begun the recovery process now that the worst has passed, the volunteers who are part of the massive cleanup are hopeful. I am inspired by the Thai people's persistence to move forward, even with all of the damage and devastation they must contend with in the weeks, months, and even years to come.

I am glad to hear that leisure and business travel is flourishing, even though the costs continue to rise. I may wait until after New Years to do any major travelling to avoid the crowds, and perhaps take advantage of better prices. I am crossing my fingers!

I look forward to sharing more interesting news reports from all over the globe in future posts. Stay tuned!

Tips for Car Travel

2011-11-19T08:30:00.001-05:00

As someone who is used to going long distances, both for work and for fun, I have experienced the highs and lows of car travel, like many others. Unlike some, I have this blog, and would like to share a few common sense tips for those who want to brave the open road more often, either by choice or necessity. Some of these are tried and true recommendations, others not so much. What I prefer I share with anyone open to them.

Don’t always rely solely on your GPS device. In other words, have a tangible map and/or directions handy with you, just in case. I have learned from bitter experience that there are times the satellites just don’t give accurate directions, even when you can update your GPS on computer or laptop. I am currently having issues with the latter issue, so I make sure to keep a hard copy of my directions to places I have never been before. For those worried about wasting paper, you can always text or email the directions to your phone. Just make sure you can charge your phone, especially on very long road trips. This strategy can also help you compare and contrast the accuracy of the directions generated by your GPS versus those found online. A traditional road map stored in your car is always great to have, as it can help familiarize you with the areas you plan to visit and the major roadways leading to them.

Know where the rest stops are along the way. It is also common sense to take care of nature before you get behind the wheel, depending on how long the trip is, the health of you and any passengers along for the ride, and just to make your road trip as comfortable as possible. For long trips more than 2 hours, stop not only to visit a restroom but to also stretch your legs. It is better for overall circulation, and no, alternating between your brakes and accelerator with one foot does not count!

Be careful who you ask directions from, just in case your GPS device fails you and/or the Internet directions lead you astray. What does this mean exactly? Well, choose the garage or gas station or a police officer if you are lucky enough to encounter either before anyone else, and to save time searching. I am usually fortunate when well-meaning strangers I encounter with the directions they have given me, so use your own judgement when approaching people. You can even get directions from more than one source, if you don't trust the first person you encounter. It is all up to you.

Please get enough rest before going behind the wheel. I have seen too many vehicles almost drive off the road because they are sleep deprived. Drive with companions who will talk to you as you drive, and when you do start to feel tired, please do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and pull over! Sleep deprived people behind the wheel can be almost as dangerous as those who have had too much to drink or are high on drugs, or both.

Keep an eye on your car’s maintenance before and during the trip. I know this because I am supposed to go on a road trip this weekend and was unable to take the car I wanted because the "Check Engine" light turned on, in addition to the term "VSC TRAC." The car is fine for running errands before my scheduled appointment for this Monday, but I absolutely refuse to take a chance on a long trip. Take care that your car is in good condition before taking it out, and if something happens when you are on the road, make sure you have access to proper roadside assistance so you can get back on the road as soon possible.

Happy Travels!

Mars Bound Anyone?

2011-11-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

NASA is looking for a few good men and women to visit our neighbor planet Mars. I did a double-take when first learning about the new recruitment of astronauts for its deep space exploration programs, including the one to Mars; there have been cuts to the agency's current programs, after all. I am excited about the potential of astronauts making direct physical contact with the Red Planet in my lifetime. At the same time, I won't hold my breath.

I have limited knowledge about space in general, and admit freely that I was very annoyed when Pluto was demoted from planet to dwarf planet in 2006. I am also fascinated with new discoveries of other planets and stars that go beyond our solar system. Still, I am not waiting for intelligent life to make contact with us, or vice versa, but I am open to the idea of its existence. Mars is the logical next step in space exploration, but the fact that it has taken so long to begin this particular program leads me to believe it will take decades before we attempt to even consider visiting another planet. After all, Mars is our closest neighbor, and shares similar characteristics with Earth, leading to speculation that we Earthlings may be able to live there someday. This is known as the Terraforming of Mars, and it is a plan that is still years from becoming a reality.

Check out NASA's official recruitment ad for the Mars space exploration program and others that will attempt to go beyond where we have gone before, if you are interested. While am fascinated with these new developments, I would like to see more of our planet Earth, and to places that are known; I know this alone will take a lifetime. It will be thrilling to see astronauts make it to Mars, just as decades ago the world watched as astronauts landed on the Moon.

What are your thoughts on Mars and the potential for humans to land there in our lifetime? Are you excited about the possibilities, or does it not interest you at this time?

Multiple Journeys in Now, Voyager

2011-11-12T12:30:00.001-05:00

The untold want, by life and land ne’er granted, /
Now, Voyager, sail thou forth, to seek and find. -
The Untold Want, by Walt Whitman

There are, in my opinion, some great films centered around travel and the varied experiences travelers encounter along the way. For me, one of the best of these is Now, Voyager (1942), starring Bette Davis. No matter how many times I have seen the film, I am still affected by her powerful, nuanced performance as her character transforms from a victimized and insecure spinster into a giving and more confident woman at the conclusion of the film. Sure, Davis’s character goes to South America on a glamorous cruise and falls in love for the first time during the experience, but there are many more journeys of an emotional nature throughout the film. I was always left with the feeling that Charlotte Vale will keep exploring, both at home and abroad, even after the story ends and her married former lover leaves her with no promises. I always walk away from the film with hope for the heroine achieving satisfaction and happiness, even if marriage is out of the equation.

Charlotte about to embark on her first journey, out of alienation and self-loathing.

For me, Now, Voyager is so much more than the typical romantic drama. After all, she does not marry the man of her dreams, since he is already married and unable to end his marriage. Charlotte does have another suitor who she is engaged to, but that does not work out, so ultimately, she is still alone but no longer lonely. Her inner strength is only realized once she leaves her oppressive mother and condescending family circle in upper class Boston to undergo emotional and physical healing at a progressive sanitarium, run by Dr. Jacquith, portrayed by Claude Rains. It is under his guidance, patience, and insistence that helps propel Charlotte forward and anchor her as life continues to get complicated. He encourages her to go on the sea voyage, after undergoing a successful makeover.

Beginning her "make or break" journey, which includes romance in South America.

Her second maritime voyage challenges Charlotte even further, as she learns to reconcile her newly coiffed appearance and favorable attention of others with lingering feelings of insecurity and fear from her former life. Jerry, her travel companion on the cruise played by the charismatic Paul Henreid, is infinitely sympathetic and undeterred by her past, and falls in love with her during their travels. One of my favorite scenes is when their ship docks in Rio de Janeiro and become stranded on Sugarloaf Mountain due to the terrible driving of their Brazilian guide. Speaking only Portuguese (even though he had a sign claiming he speaks English), Giuseppe does an unfortunate U-turn on a mountain road, and his shift in gears makes the clunky car drive off the road. He stumbles out the car, pleads with his passengers in his native language not to be dead, and continues to “communicate” with the shaken but uninjured couple about what to do next. This comic scene leads to Charlotte missing her ship and spending several days with Jerry and engaging in a restorative yet ill-fated romance. Even though they part with no promise of a future when she flies to Argentina, I always feel that she will be fine; she will never be the repressed spinster anymore.

The following voyages involve her going back home and holding her own with her manipulative mother as a new woman, and then going back to work at the sanitarium after the latter passes away. Charlotte helps Jerry’s youngest daughter Tina (who is a younger version of her old self), a new patient at the facility. All the time that the heroine is doing this, I never got the sense that she is desperate or clinging to her former lover through his vulnerable daughter; Charlotte sincerely wants to help Tina because she does not want her to suffer as long as she did. The heroine transforms from an angry, introverted recluse who feels sorry for herself to a generous, loving woman who wants to help others and can see the bigger picture.

The greatest travel experience is the journey of life, and for me, Now, Voyager encompasses this in less than two hours. It is known as a woman’s film, but to me it is atypical because it does not have the obvious happy ending, but it is not tragic either. It is story that reminds me to stay hopeful and move forward, even when life does not turn out the way I think it should. Perhaps it will turn out even better and more rewarding in ways I cannot predict.

Veterans Day Weekend At National Parks

2011-11-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

The weather in the Northeastern United States is a bit chilly now, but it is expected to warm up a bit this weekend, and the gorgeous fall colors of the leaves should be enjoyed while they last. I hope to take advantage of the free entrance days in the national parks that charge admission all across the country, in honor of Veterans Day. There are about 100 parks participating, so checking out the one closest to you (weather permitting) will definitely be worth your while.

I will be stopping by Thomas Edison National Historical Park in nearby West Orange, New Jersey, since I have never been there before. Great options to consider in New York State are Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Historic Site (which includes the Presidential Library and former home of the late President), and the Vanderbilt Mansion, all located in Hyde Park, New York. All three are definitely worth exploring for a day or two, especially at this time of year. Popular destinations such as Yosemite National Park in California, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming will be incredible to visit this weekend. I would visit them all if I could, with a private plane to usher me to each incredible location. I can dream, can't I?

I know in the Northeast, the cold crisp air and the bright red, orange, yellow, and some green leaves will frame all outdoor excursions gloriously this weekend. Why not include a national park as a part of your weekend festivities? It is a great way to celebrate the country's natural beauty and honor U.S. history at the same time. I look forward to doing both this weekend, so I recommend the same to anyone who is looking for something to do.

Happy Veterans Day!

A Portuguese Colonial Culinary Journey

2011-11-10T20:45:00.004-05:00

When wanderlust addicts like me are in between excursions, we indulge our addiction by delving into books, movies, television shows, and any other media focused on the travel experience. I find myself taking advantage of all of these, and pay attention to some more than others at different times. Right now, I am enamored with cookbooks that explore the cuisines of cultures and histories around the world. By chance, I came across Cuisines of Portuguese Encounters, by Cherie Y. Hamilton, when doing a general Internet search on cookbooks. I am not a great cook, but I have been known to put together some good meals and yummy desserts. Sometimes, my culinary efforts fall short, but I keep trying and am always curious. When I read a brief introduction about this interesting postcolonial cookbook, I went to the library to find the only copy I could find: the first edition, which was published in 2001. While I enjoyed the book in general, I was put off by the lack of photos and its general layout; when I found out that a newer edition came out in 2008, I decided to buy it.

It might surprise some that the first recipe I tried before buying the expanded edition of Cuisines of Portuguese Encounters didn’t turn out well because it was not put in the book correctly, and I still bought it. The truth is I became interested in how Portuguese colonialism influenced and changed cuisines throughout its former empire and how it impacted the rest of the world. What was off in the first edition’s version of “Pastry with the Devil Inside” from Cape Verde (known as Pastel com o Diabo Dentro in Portuguese) was a step that asked for flour to be added a little at a time to the dough, but there was no mention of flour in the ingredient list. In all fairness, I should have read through the whole recipe from start to finish, ensuring I could do it; I have a tendency to buy ingredients and then read through the steps for the first time as I assemble a dish, which is not always smart. When I bought the new edition, I turned to the page for this savory appetizer, and saw that the recipe and related ingredients made much more sense. I will definitely attempt to make it again, now that I have it right. For anyone who is curious about the name, the “devil inside” is hot pepper, and also includes cornmeal, sweet potatoes, and tuna.

This edition includes appetizing photographs, 70 new recipes, and has been rearranged geographically, all of which are welcome changes. Hamilton’s general introduction to the book and the sub-introductions to each location provide interesting details about the impact of Portuguese exploration on her former colonies’ foods. It was fascinating to learn that the Portuguese brought crops like corn and peanuts from the New World to Europe and Africa, and okra from Africa to Brazil, which deliciously transformed foods from these areas forever. Say what you want about colonialism as a whole, but there were some good things that did arise from these encounters. A profound change in cuisines is one of them.

I am still trying out recipes from the book when I can find the time. My version of Bolo de Mel (Honey Cake) did not turn out as I wanted, but this is my fault; turning egg whites into stiff peaks has never been my strong suit. Still, I remain undeterred, because other recipes from other former colonies such as Goa, Angola, Malacca, Brazil, and Macao continue to entice me. I feel like I am on a culinary travel journey through history into the modern era, which to me is the sign of a really good cookbook. Any book that captivates its readers from start to finish is worth recommending, and Cuisines of Portuguese Encounters is one of them for me.

The State Of Travel Today

2011-11-08T19:00:00.002-05:00

After an unplanned hiatus from posting travel-related content, I am back with a slew of posts planned in weeks to come. I wanted to end 2011 with posts that look ahead to 2012, while also looking to the past when needed. I hope to post four times a week with original content to keep my love of travel alive, and to share it with anyone out there who might have even the slightest interest in my posts.

I must comment on the rapidly changing landscape of some of the most popular countries to visit this year. Like many other global watchers, I am both dismayed and bewildered by the reports of environmental disasters in Thailand and Japan, and the troubling economic news from Italy and Greece that seem to get worse with each passing day. Of these countries, I have only been fortunate enough to visit Italy, and while I have no immediate plans to go abroad this year, the news I hear about all of these countries makes me a bit weary, to be honest.

I am not always listening, watching, and reading news about popular travel destinations from a distance; in the Northeastern United States, Hurricane Irene and a brutal late October snowstorm altered and even terminated my intended travel plans. I hope to make it to upstate New York to visit the town my Mother first lived in when she moved to the U.S. in the 1970s. Several delays due to the unrelenting weather made it impossible in the last few months. Plans to visit nearby Connecticut were also dashed, for the present. As of this evening, there is still too large a number of citizens in the state without power, ten days and counting.

Even with all the dire news of weather-related catastrophes and malfunctioning governments and economies wreaking havoc on people all over the world, my desire to travel remains. I found out today that my reclusive, consistently ill neighbor passed away, and looking back I remember her talking about returning to the Pacific Northwest, where she was happiest, and seeing more of the area "the next time around." She will never get to do this now that she is gone, but I am newly inspired to see and experience as much as I can in my lifetime, with my health and mobility intact. Life is too precious to be wasted, and travel is the way I can enrich my own. I can’t let economic perils and any fears I may have about other dangers stop me from my pursuit of wanderlust.

It’s good to be back! My explorations into all things travel and wanderlust will go on, so long as I am able.

Saturday Musings: Flirtations Abroad

2011-08-20T12:50:00.007-04:00

I am ashamed to admit that I had never before seen or heard of the famous photograph entitled American Girl in Italy or Ruth Orkin, the celebrated photojournalist and filmmaker who took this and many other amazing photographs during her long career. I first learned of it this past week, when I read an article about how the snapshot just turned 60 years old this month. In addition to being a new admirer of Orkin's work, her signature photograph makes me take a look back at my own travels and my friends' travels, and how flirtations abroad have both changed and stayed the same.

I had a friend who met her mother in Italy and traveled to different cities within the country, and when she spoke of the trip, she mentioned how much flirting from random strangers she encountered. It wasn't scary or intimidating, according to her. Instead, it was an ego-boosting surprise, and in a good way. The men who flirted with her never stepped over the line by getting aggressive; it was just admiration for her beauty that they were compelled to express to her. It reminds me of the innocence and romance of "The American Girl in Italy," which must have partially inspired many American women to travel abroad when it was first published 60 years ago.

I am always surprised when I am the recipient of random flirtations abroad from strangers. They definitely doesn't happen often, but when they do and they're playful, I can't help laughing; I do that when I am pleasantly surprised. Of course, when the flirtations are not flirtations but unwanted sexual harassment, I have learned how to protect myself by getting out of the situations as quickly as possible.

The few times I have been in Europe in the last few years, I noticed less random flirtations or sexual harassment, but maybe that is just me, or perhaps things have changed. Whatever the reasons, I am glad sexual harassment has lessened in general, and honestly, I don't care whether or not I am flirted with abroad again. If I am, I will appreciate it and move on; if not, I won't lose any sleep over it. After all, there will probably come a time when no one will give me that kind of attention again (as it may with everyone when they get older), and I don't travel for this reason anyway. Still, while my friends and I continue to have these experiences, we will share them with each other. After all, they help shape our travel experiences, when they happen.

Travel Realities and Fantasies

2011-07-19T21:35:00.007-04:00

There have always been elements in our society who claim that travel is a luxury, especially during these difficult economic times. I believe it is something that with the “bug” should not repress; instead those with wanderlust in our veins should modify to suit our budget and time constraints.

My dream vacation this summer would be to go to Canada, specifically Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables was filmed. The Canadian island really was another character more than just the setting in this miniseries, which was incredible in its own right. I remember watching the program and wishing I could run through the fields and woods, and drift in a small boat in small rivers and be rescued by a dashing gent, just like the heroine in the story. I see Prince Edward Island in my future, but it just won’t be this summer.

Instead, I will stick close to home and take mini trips within the state to places I have only passed through. After all, there are locations which are just a car or bus ride away that I should see; this yearning reminds me of a friend who visited as many islands in Indonesia that she could visit before moving overseas, which I thought and still think is awesome. She is Indonesian, and had never been outside of her country before then, but she was still a better and more experienced traveler than I was. Of course, she could not see all the named 8,844 islands (there are between 17,508 - 18,306 islands, with 922 that have permanent residents), but she has seen more of the archipelago than most Indonesians.

I would LOVE to see the 50 states that comprise the United States of America, and I hope to do so in parts that will satisfy my wanderlust. Kudos to those who have done it and lived to tell the tales! I am envious, but I’ll catch up eventually.

Do you have big, small, or mid-sized travel dreams? Are they going to be realized soon, or are they just ideas at this point? Don’t be shy; most of us have wanderlust longings we may or may not willingly admit to!

Staying Safe Abroad

2011-05-21T07:12:00.008-04:00

"The careful foot can walk anywhere." ~ Chinese proverb

I still remember my first major car accident as an adult; I was in Indonesia traveling through the southwestern coast of Java as a part of a guided tour. I was in one of three vans, sitting in the back seat between my friend and a friend's friend on the third and last day of trip, having just visited a cave filled with bats at 5:00 AM. The driver was driving quite fast, swerving abruptly each time the road curved. I was half asleep (we had quite an early start) when I dropped my cell phone on the floor, and as I bent down to retrieve it, the driver made another quick turn on a mountain road. I felt the van tilt slightly, which caused some of the passengers to shout; then when I thought we averted danger, the van suddenly turned upside down. Everyone in the van hit their heads on the ceiling of the van; my friend's friend's arm went through the window he was leaning against, while my friend stayed lodged in the ceiling. I momentarily blacked out from shock, but I suffered just a sore shoulder; I had no concussion or any other serious injury because of where I was sitting. When I looked down, I saw blood all over my pants, but it was from my fellow passenger's arm. I shouted for my friend, and saw her above me, awake but clearly in shock. All of this happened in a matter of minutes, if not less.

I was the first one pulled out of the van; one of the drivers from another van smashed through the broken window in the back of our vehicle and took me out without further injury. When I looked back at the van, I shuddered when I saw how it was leaning against a guardrail; if it wasn't there, the van would have fallen off the cliff and we would have died. I am forever grateful for that guardrail, and all guardrails out there. After all, one of them saved my life.

I write about this near tragedy now because a friend of mine was involved in a hit-and-run accident when visiting her sister in Turkey recently. She, her husband, sister, and brother-in-law were in a car when another car hit them and sped off. My friend is pregnant, and thankfully she, her unborn child, and everyone else had no injuries. Of course if the same accident happened in the U.S., she admitted that she would have gone to the hospital to make sure that everything was fine. My friend did not seek out medical attention in Turkey.

I instantly remembered going to a local Indonesian hospital that was just down the road from the accident site, and being shocked to see how negligent the staff were to my fellow passengers who had serious injuries. My friend who was sitting next to me did not discover that she had a small crack her vertebrae until the following day, when she and I went to a fancy hospital in Jakarta to get MRIs. Another friend who was sitting two rows ahead of us suffered the worst injuries; her arm was broken and she suffered from nerve damage from the accident, but the local hospital did not properly secure her arm or run tests; as we drove eight hours back to Jakarta afterwards, every time we drove over bumps in the road she winced with pain.

Ironically, my accident took place during the same day and time period that the devastating earthquake hit Yogyakarta, in central Java. Even though I was on the same island, I felt no tremors of any kind. The way I found out about the earthquake was on the televisions in the waiting room of the hospital. I think I can safely say it was not a good day.

My friend's accident and my own remind me of other accidents that happen to people when travelling far from home, and how important it is to plan ahead. If I live and/or travel overseas again, I will make sure to have insurance. People fret about losing their checked-in luggage, but I believe we should worry more about making sure we have security just in case we are involved in accidents. I also remember getting bad cases of food poisoning and fevers constantly during my first six months in Indonesia. While I was lucky enough to making enough money from my teacher's salary to afford my visits to good hospitals and to fill prescriptions, I would have been better off with a travel insurance policy that covers medical care.

There are plenty of travel insurance plans out there; what I would do and suggest to others is to buy a plan from a reputable company that covers accidents, medical care, trip cancellation, lost bags, and anything else that may happen when overseas. Depending on where you go, make sure you do your research on areas that are prone to certain illnesses, such as malaria, typhoid, Dengue fever, and other diseases that may be prevalent where you are going. Definitely get the necessary shots and take the pills you need before going overseas and be careful what you eat or drink. If there are good hospitals and doctors near where you will be, make sure you have their contact information. It's all common sense really, but I did not think seriously about it until I was being pulled out of a van, and when I was running to the hospital due to a bad case of food poisoning.

Planning may sound like a pain, but it is always better to be safe and plan now rather than be sorry and screwed later. I would know!

Images of Western Ireland

2011-04-09T18:42:00.005-04:00

Pictures and even video documentation of places like Ireland can never capture the areas' true beauty. That is a given. Still, I took many pictures to chronicle my recent trip to the Emerald Isle, even though it wasn't as emerald in color yet. I still got beautiful shots that make me long to return to the country, in particular its west coast.

In the village of Lahinch, in County Clare, at the seaside. The wind was out of control, as my unruly hair in this photo proves!

It seems as if the cow was posing for me! But alas, she wasn't; I just caught her in the middle of her late afternoon meal of grass in front of an abandoned abbey.

Some advice when visiting the Cliffs of Moher: avoid wearing hats that aren't secured to your head, because the winds are particularly brutal! My mother wore a hat that flew off and almost went over one of the cliffs, but luckily it fell in a place where my brother could easily and quickly retrieve it. If it landed just one yard away in any other direction, her hat would have fell into the waters below, never to be seen again.

Tales of Northern Ireland

2011-04-02T11:30:00.001-04:00

I really don't know much about Northern Ireland, even though I just visited the area recently. I don't think anyone can really get their bearings in a place they spend only one day in, but general impressions of the Antrim Coast can only be favorable. I was fortunate enough to see some of the country's highlights on a sunny day, even though it began in a dense fog. Our tour guide Bud told us three things on our way across the indistinguishable border through the fog of Ireland to Northern Ireland: first, miles rather than kilometers are used to discuss distance, second, British pounds sterling is the official currency, and finally not to be surprised if the locals are not as friendly as their southern neighbors. I didn't experience the last point personally, but I could definitely sense a difference in the northern air. Was it a bad thing? Absolutely not. Below are some photographs from my day in this land of loyalism.

I'm proud of this shot of one area of the Giant's Causeway, located in County Antrim's north coast, the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. The basalt columns are impressive, and I haven't seen anything like them before. Climbing them was fun too!

Front view of the medieval Carrickfergus Castle, in the town of Carrickfergus. There is a song about the area of the same name; apparently there are songs about every almost every town in the country. I liked the song on the bus ride that I bought the CD with this song and other Irish favorites a few days later in Western Ireland.

On the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, after my brief visit to tiny Carrick Island. We could see Scotland in the distance too. One day, my feet will touch Scottish soil, so help me!

A distant view of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Carrick Island. Only eight people are allowed on the bridge at a time. Was it scary to walk across? Perhaps at first, but it is more secure than it looks. Our tour guide Bud told us there has been only one documented casualty: an over-excited dog.

During my one hour in the capital city of Belfast after dark, I took this picture of the back of one of the black taxi cabs, which are the preferred transportation used to see the city's murals, depicting Republican, Loyalist, social, and cultural images. We thought we could drive through that area of town and take pictures, but Bud told us he would not risk our safety or his; apparently certain buses have had rocks thrown at them by locals. So the black taxi cab tours of the Belfast Murals is the only way to go, especially for tourists.

I don't know anything about Jury's Inn, except that their bathrooms are clean and the lobby is elegant. The best rest stop I have ever been to so far!

Proof that I was in Belfast; specifically on Great Victoria Street in Belfast's City Centre.

I saw enough to know that I definitely want to go back to have more than a day's experiences in this once war-torn, highly contentious area. I could sense some feelings for and against British rule still simmering under the surface, but thankfully the hey day of violence is over, and travelers can visit Northern Ireland's six counties with peace of mind. I would definitely return, and Belfast will definitely be on the top of my list of places to go back to. Yes, I will have my date with a Belfast taxi cab to see the city's murals, once and for all. And having only seen two of Northern Island's six counties requires me to return to see the others. Yes, there is always more to see, and never enough time!

A Museum That Honors Irish Storytelling

2011-03-26T13:00:00.001-04:00

A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in one of The National Leprechaun Museum's storytelling rooms.

The National Leprechaun Museum is, of all the museums I have ever visited, my personal favorite. There were no grand works of art on display, but what captured my interest is the museum's dedication to bringing visitors into Ireland's mythological history and love of storytelling. Visiting the museum in Dublin during St. Patrick's Festival week was definitely one of my favorite experiences in the city.

When I first heard about the museum, which opened in March 2010, I was intrigued. I knew it had to be one of the places I visited while staying in Dublin. I had only two full days in the city, and so on my first day I made sure to visit the museum with my family. I was immediately impressed by the warmth of the people who worked there and actually encouraged us take pictures and ask all manner of questions during the tour.

Extract from the Irish poem, Fergus Mac Leda and the Wee Folk, dating from the 8th century. This the first known story about leprechauns.

After a basic but thorough introduction of the history of leprechauns, Irish folklore, and the oral storytelling tradition, visitors go off to experience the interactive exhibits. Each room and passageway allow visitors to fully experience the world of Irish folklore through optical illusions, voice overs, creatively designed rooms, and a guide who encourages people to experience it all at their own pace. My favorite experience was in a room where all the furniture is over-sized, so visitors can experience what it is like to be a leprechaun in the human world.

My mother in front of one of the extra-large chairs we didn't sit in; the other chair required us to make a running start so we could sit on it!

At the end of the tour, we went into the gift shop with an area of small tables, chairs, and drawings on the wall. We were all encouraged to draw a picture inspired by our experiences in the museum. There was only one child in the group; the rest of us were adults. It was like stepping back in time to sit down at the little table and draw pictures, and I really enjoyed doing it. I drew a picture inspired by The Children of Lir, a mythical tale about four children of a king turned into swans by their evil stepmother.

My picture of The Children on Lir (weeping) is on the right; the picture on the left of the leprechaun is my brother's.

The National Leprechaun Museum is definitely worth a visit. It uniquely celebrates Irish mythology, folklore, and the general love of storytelling, which I think is neglected in today's world. The museum is a place for those with imagination, whether young or old. If I am fortunate enough to return to Ireland, I would not hesitate to visit the museum again.

Check it out for yourself!

National Leprechaun Museum
Jervis Street, Dublin 1, Ireland

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:30 - 6:30 (last entry 5:45)
Sundays (& Bank Holidays): 10:30 - 6:30 (last entry 5:45)

Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011

2011-03-25T13:05:00.021-04:00

The main reason why I chose to go to Ireland when I did was to see Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade. I have thought about it for a few years, and so when the opportunity to go to Ireland arose, I chose the week when Ireland's biggest national celebration takes place, and the parade in Dublin was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

Dublin's parade was nothing like I imagined it would be; it was actually the coolest parade I have ever seen, live or on television. My family and I arrived early to acquire our places just behind the barricades across the street from the historic Trinity College campus at around 9:45 AM on March 17. We had a few hours to kill, and I was expecting a more raucous crowd, but everyone was surprisingly calm and well-behaved, even as the crowds grew larger in number.

The following photographs are just a few examples to show how multicultural the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin was. It is a far cry from the traditional police and firemen processions that take place in New York City. Don't get me wrong, there were numerous marching bands from Ireland and other parts of the world, including one from North Carolina in the U.S.A., but this parade had images that might frighten small children, and perplex adults. A pig that flies in front of Trinity College? A three-headed pink dog? Eyeballs with heads coming out of them? Check out this small sampling of photos from the bizarre and highly entertaining parade celebrating the most famous non-Irish Irishman in history!

I have more photographs and more commentary about my trip to Ireland. I wish I could post so much more but that would be overkill, so I will be selective, in a good way.

May the luck of the Irish be with all of us, always!

A Travel Fair Any Francophile Would Love

2011-03-24T11:45:00.003-04:00

I'll be honest: my French language skills are sorely lacking. I took the language in high school and college, but as almost anyone knows, if you don't practice it outside of a classroom often, the correct way to formulate sentences, verb tenses, and one's overall grasp of the language fades. Yet as I sat in a language workshop at FIAF's Travel Day Fair this Tuesday, March 22, in New York City, I was able to follow what the teacher was saying, even though I did not speak as much as I would have liked to. The class was all about how to order from a French menu, as well as a mouth-watering discussion about les hors-d'oeuvres, les plats principaux, and les desserts. I walked away from the experience knowing that I will never order les cuisses de grenouille (frog legs) and looking forward to tasting and possibly making Bûche de Noël before Christmas.

FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française) did a good thing by allowing the Travel Day Fair to be free for all, and I hope they will make this an annual event. It was a very good turnout for a weekday, which attests to the event's appeal. In addition to the crash course in French restaurant terms, I also enjoyed visiting the participants' tables, especially those for Belgium, Martinique and Monaco tourism. As a wanderlust addict, I am also looking for the next destination, and these are three places I have never visited before. I took enough literature from each of these tables to start plotting my next travel adventure, and it is not wishful thinking!

All the participants in FIAF's first Travel Day Fair seemed quite enthusiastic about what they were promoting and travel in general. No one is living under the assumption that the travel industry is not still suffering from the enduring effects of the global recession, but I can guarantee that a similar event held one or two years ago would not have been as optimistic as this one was. The Travel Day Fair gave francophiles interested in going to France or other French speaking countries insiders’ tips, information on exclusive deal offers, discounts on housing, transportation, must-see sights, and more. I also renewed my interest in France Today magazine, and would love to include France-Amérique in my magazine collection someday.

There was also a prize drawing, which included trips to Paris, Martinique, Rail Europe passes for France, and much more. I unfortunately did not win anything, but I was happy for one of the winners who was present to receive the for a trip to Martinique. I am undeterred, because I know that I will be there someday. FIAF's Travel Day Fair sparked my interest in all things French again, and it is no coincidence as far as I'm concerned.

Northern Ireland And St. Patrick

2011-03-17T19:02:00.012-04:00

Wandered from the Antrim hills,
Wandered from the Killalas rills,
Patrick heard upon the breeze
Voices from the Irish seas.
~Author Unknown

The day before St. Patrick's Day, I was fortunate enough to take a driving tour with my family through Northern Ireland, including Ballypatrick, the area in which St. Patrick lived as a Roman slave, herding sheep. The land did appear to me to have changed so much since the days when the soon-to-be purveyor of Roman Catholicism to pagan Ireland herded sheep; the land is both harsh and beautiful, and it must have inspired him to escape, and yet return to someday as a man with a message.

Twenty four hours later, I stood at the parade barricades with my family to see Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade with thousands of other Irish and foreigners alike for just over four hours, and my thoughts occasionally went back to my eye-opening trip to Northern Ireland, which included its breathtaking coast line, the impressive Giant's Causeway, the very brief drive-by in Belfast, and so many other little villages and towns that are too numerous to describe here. Needless to say, I tried to imagine what Patrick (or Padraig, as he is known in the Irish language) would have of thought of it all, and if he ever dreamed that his name would become the symbol of Christianity all over Ireland and Northern Ireland.

I will post my pictures of the area and write further on this and other interesting experiences in this land of literature, conflict, cultural pride, religious turmoil, and so much more next week. In the meantime, Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone out there!

The Traveler And The Tourist Unite

2011-03-15T15:20:00.010-04:00

I don’t know how to begin writing this particular post. Do I call it writer’s block, or just the inability to choose one particular aspect of my current trip to Ireland? Many not-so-major things have happened since my arrival on Saturday, and yet I feel like I am incapable of giving any of them justice here. Still, I will try my best.

I just came back from a very typical tourist experience: the one day bus tour outside of Dublin to County Wicklow. I personally enjoyed all aspects of the trip, because of the filming location areas used for some good (and not-so-good) Irish TV and movies we visited. Our tour guide Martin first stopped our bus overlooking Loch Tay, or Guinness Lake in the Wicklow Mountains, which was used in the movie Excalibur; I think he mentioned another show or two, but I was too busy gawking at the gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains, and black in color due to the accumulation of peat. We went on to see some pretty landscape nearby, which was used for the very mediocre P.S. I Love You and then saw some areas used in Braveheart, the great (yet highly fictionalized) historical epic about the Scottish hero, William Wallace.

The next great place we visited was the village of Avoca, which was special to only to me (and my gregarious guide, of course) because it was the setting for Ballykissangel, the lovely Irish drama about an English priest falling in love with an atheist pub owner in a small village, filled with quirky characters. It had three wonderful seasons, and then took a nosedive in the remaining three, which prevents the show from having a better legacy, in my opinion. None of the other tourists had heard of the show except me, but I didn’t care. Sure, it is a tourist trap, but for those who loved the show, taking pictures outside of Fitzgerald’s Pub and Avoca Church can be a treat. The food is quite good there too.

Sure, I am a tourist here in Ireland. But when travelling with family and in such a short time, organized tours are the best way to be introduced to a new place. I will take advantage of this convenience two more times; tomorrow, I go to the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, and other locations in Northern Ireland, and on Friday I will take off to the West. When I return to Ireland (hopefully), I will know what places to explore further because of these initial introductions.

I am off to do some night exploring around the area of my apartment in the Grand Canal area, a non-touristy thing to do, I might add. I think the traveler and the tourist in me are no longer in conflict; if anything, both sides cooperate with each other and adapt to each travel experience. When it comes to travel, I can be whatever I want, and I have no one to answer to but myself. I think everyone should approach the act of travelling in this way!

Return To The Land of Éire

2011-03-11T10:30:00.006-05:00

“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.”
~ Maya Angelou

To say I am excited to return to Ireland after almost fourteen years is an understatement. I know that so much has changed since I was there, but I am so giddy about my trip that I actually find my mind turning constantly to my upcoming trip, wherever I am. The anticipation is so thick, I think I could cut it with a knife, if that was even possible.

I don't necessarily believe in past lives, but I will say that if there is such a thing, then I will know I lived in Ireland sometime in history. There is something about the "Emerald Isle" that grabbed hold of my heart when I first went with a group of party-loving girls on an extended weekend break to Dublin from London, where we were attending school. Sure, there was plenty of Guinness to go around, and other very frivolous activities going on each night I was there, but it was during the days when I really fell in love with Ireland. Taking the leisurely train ride to Bray, a seaside town just 12 miles south of Dublin, really sealed the deal for me; the sun shined brightly that day in June, and I remember laying out on the stony seafront overlooking the Irish Sea, and feeling quite comfortable doing so.

Dublin itself was also a great treat for me. When visiting Trinity College in Dublin, I became so jealous of all the students who had the privilege to attend the school. I even enjoyed the Guinness Storehouse tour, even though I had had my fill of the drink the night before; I was just so interested in the process of turning water, malt, roasted barley, hops, and yeast into the popular beverage, so I willingly drank as much of the complimentary half pint I was given after the tour was completed. The consequence to this was I didn't consume any more food for the rest of the day, even though the tour finished just before noon!

This time around, I will be in Ireland for a few more days than before, and my family and I will stay in an apartment, which is cheaper and far more convenient than any of the Dublin hotels. Through my Mother's vacation membership, we found a great deal on a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, which is managed by Your Home From Home. I actually prefer this, because we won't have to buy all of our meals at pubs and restaurants every day. I look forward to going to markets that local Dubliners frequent to get together ingredients I can turn into meals in our "home away from home" kitchen.

At the same time, I am not ignorant to the Irish financial crisis and changing political climate. Once an EU superstar, Ireland has been hit very hard, forcing an estimated 1000 Irish citizens to leave the country to find work. I know the optimism of the late 1990s may not be discernible at this time, but I have always admired the resilience of the Irish people throughout history, and I know it is still there today. I may have romantic memories of my first short visit to Ireland all those years ago, but I am looking forward to making new, down-to-earth ones in the 21st century.

I plan to write and post as frequently as possible all next week. Please check back often to see what I'm up to in the land of Éire!

Finding Rare Travel Book Gems In NYC

2011-03-10T10:50:00.000-05:00

I love getting lost in almost any bookstore I wander into. Even though Barnes & Noble stores are the ones I usually visit because they are EVERYWHERE, it is always a special treat when I find myself in an independent book store. The Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore is always a treat for me, because when I walk into the store on Madison Avenue at 35th Street in New York City, I feel like I am taking a step back in history, and that is a good thing.

Rare books on travel and exploration surround everyone who enters into the store, and the proprietor will answer questions and leave customers alone if they want. It is easy to spend an afternoon or even the day going through the two large rooms filled with vintage books and maps from all over the world. I walked in not expecting to buy anything, but when I saw the books on Ireland, I knew I had to get something. I will be in Ireland very shortly, so when I found A Literary Guide to Ireland by Susan and Thomas Cahill, I bought the 1979 Scribner Library edition immediately. It is just the book I need, because it delves into Ireland's literary landscape in great detail, and I plan to visit some of the areas highlighted in the book. I can always get information here and there from the Internet and in small sections in a Fodor's or Lonely Planet Guide, but to have it all in one book, and written in a personal and descriptive manner is far better.

I was the only customer in the store, but that was not a bad thing for me. The proprietor noticed me pouring over the books in the Irish section and took pity on me; he reduced $5 from the price, so I paid $15 instead of $20. I had no problem paying the full price for the out-of-print book, but I was very pleased that he did that for me.

If anyone out there has a love for rare travel books and they happen to be in New York City, I would strongly encourage you to visit The Complete Traveller Antiquarian Bookstore in Murray Hill. The books can be very expensive, which is understandable, but you might find a perfectly priced gem, like I did. It is definitely worth the trip, especially if you are tired of visiting your local generic bookstore chain stores.

Luggage Longings

2011-03-08T10:00:00.003-05:00

I am still entranced by images and stories of elegantly dressed travelers with their matching luggage boarding airplanes, trains, and cruise ships of yesteryear and disembarking looking fresh and revitalized. I know that unless you travel first class on planes, the possibility of feeling great after a long flight is unlikely. And when it comes to luggage, I usually choose the most practical and cost efficient pieces I can afford, even though I dream of this purple leather carry-on bag I was gawking at in a local major department store recently. I walked away from it because it was way too expensive; the infatuation died when I saw the price tag.

I am generally not extravagant, but I have always desired a gorgeous set of durable luggage to take with me wherever I travel. Now that most airlines are charging passengers for the bags they check-in, the strength of this inclination has lessened considerably. It also does not help that my existing pieces look more beaten down and dirty every time I retrieve them from every baggage claim in every airport I have been to in the last year. I also have a fear of losing luggage, as many of my fellow passengers around the world have endured. In the real world, I will pack my belongings in reasonably priced bags that won't make me broke.

When I think of the ultimate set of luggage that exists only in a celluloid dream world, I immediately think of Joe Versus Volcano, known primarily as the first film Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan ever appeared in together. It is about a man who decides to leave his lackluster life behind after he is diagnosed with a strange terminal illness; he is encouraged to throw himself into a volcano in a tiny island far away by a rich businessman for a variety of reasons, and this same businessman gives the main character an unlimited budget to buy what he needs for the long voyage. When Joe (played by Hanks) goes to buy luggage for his trip, the salesperson deduces from his description of the journey that he needs the "Holy Grail" of luggage. The trunks save his life when he is stranded at sea more than once, being waterproof and durable beyond imagining during his travel trials. At the end of the film, I found myself wondering about and wishing for the great trunks from the movie, even though I know those that do exist don't possess the supernatural ability to save the day.

In the meantime, it's Target, BJ's, or Kohl's for me. I will go to specialty stores like Flight 001 for travel items of all sorts, but their luggage pieces are far too expensive for me, unfortunately. Samsonsite, TravelPro, Briggs & Riley, and so many other brands have great offerings, and there are many deals out there; still, they cannot beat those wonderful trunks Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan sailed off on top of. I still have my dreams.

Travel Quote Of The Week

2011-02-24T23:51:00.003-05:00

The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.
~ G.K. Chesterton

This quote resonates with me when I think about travel these days. Travel, like life, can be messy and highly unpredictable. But many do not like or welcome this, both at and away from home.

Tourists tend to shy away from the unknown and undocumented in travel guides, magazines, and the Internet, while travelers enjoy the challenges of cultural situations they have had little or no contact with previously. While the terms traveler and tourist are often used interchangeably, I tend to differentiate between the two whenever I can. I usually call myself a traveler, with some tourist tendencies at times.

Do you consider yourself more of a tourist or a traveler?

The Compassionate Traveler

2011-02-22T21:20:00.006-05:00

One of the many stories I heard after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami was how some tourists who booked their vacations before the disaster and arrived soon after the tragedy expressed no desire but to go on with their trips as usual. I understood that they may or may not have been able to cancel or re-schedule their plans or get most or all of their money back, but the thought of over-privileged tourists laying on a section of a beach unaffected by the tsunami and bossing around the locals in Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka still sends chills down my spine. How could anyone be so cavalier after such a devastating catastrophe? Where was basic empathy in these people?

I could never be so apathetic to places and peoples I am fortunate enough to see and experience on a firsthand basis. I just do not have it in me. So when my upcoming trip to Ireland was finalized and I started hearing more stories about the country’s collapsing economy and the flight of Irish men and women to other countries for employment, it stirred sympathy in me. I love Ireland; it is a country I previously spent only a few days in, but my time and experiences there were so precious that I have been keen to return ever since. I am eager to go back and gain new experiences in the "Emerald Isle," and it will be during St. Patrick’s Day week, which is even more exciting. At the same time, I am sensitive to Ireland’s troubles, and will be respectful of the locals and the surroundings I am fortunate enough to visit again.

How will I do this? I will start by purchasing locally made and distributed Irish products when I am there, and I will be sensible about it. I do not plan to go over my budget, so what when I part from my Euros, it will be because I did not buy impulsively. It may seem like a small, insignificant thing to do, but it is the least I can do.

So for any of you out there who may be going to Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, or any other country that is currently going through or recovering from devastating and dangerous events, please be safe and and be compassionate. If the latter is not in your nature, then you might as well stay home. The world is much more than a human playground for those with the money and the general means to exploit it for selfish reasons only. Travel is best enjoyed when the traveler is humble and appreciative of his or her surroundings and the people who inhabit them.

My name is Pauline and I am a compassionate traveler.