And then I put it off because I was still a wee bit angry, and I was travelling. So my eBook sat on my laptop for almost six months.

Until about a week ago. I’m not 100% sure how it happened, but the Mongol Rally slowly seeped into my mind, and then into my heart, and in no time I was writing about travelling for the RIGHT reasons, opening up my eBook draft and spending endless hours doing research and writing the guide. And I love it.

I spent most of last week writing, and reaching out to friends and rally vetrans to test read sections of the book and give me constructive feedback. And while writing about route options I have inadvertently created my DREAM Mongol Rally route – - which is a strong possibility for 2014.

Love it.

Which brings me to my self inflicted hibernation. Summer may have just started, but mine is flying by already. Next week I’m in Manitoba to go Fishing with Ford (yeah, you read correctly!), then I have about a month left with my family before I take on a BIG 3-week adventure (TBA) prior to flying back to Mexico where I’ll be living for six months. SO that means I really need to finish my eBook draft THIS WEEK so I can get it to my test readers for feedback, and then off to The Adventurists for  final approval as I hope to have it published for July 15th!

This is my first eBook, so I am really excited.

I hope y’all will forgive me for taking a wee blog hiatus while I finish my eBook. I’ll be back late next week with Manitoba adventures, and I’ll be on and off Twitter and the facebook page as well.

Have a great week!!

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Importance of Travelling for The RIGHT Reasons
• What You REALLY Need For The Mongol Rally
• Living with TBS

 

“Yay! Mongol Rally! We are going to kick arse. Doesn’t even matter that we met on Twitter cause we will totally make it!” Oh, we made so many ridiculous statements and had many over-the-top-unrealtistic visions of what the Mongol Rally would be like. It was crazy. Seriously. As if Ellen is going to want to interview us. Pffft! (thankfully I wasn’t the one suggesting this bit of ridiculousness)

The excitement surrounding the rally was intoxicating, and in no time the journey turned into a self-absorbed obsession. And yes, I am just as guilty as my teammate in this regard. It. Was. Sad.

I partially blame my TBS. I’m a blogger. I was going to do the Mongol Rally. I needed to blog the crap out of that sucker and reap the rewards. I was on fire! We planned adventures, we joked about the possibility of being arrested, and I overextended myself by making too many blog and freelance commitments. Oy.

The realities of the rally were significantly different. She was disappointed that our instant click didn’t happen the day we met in Prague, and I somehow felt the need to try and force the click. It didn’t work. Like not at all.

Roughly 80% of our time together was filled with tension. I had wanted adventure, and I thought she did as well. As it turns out once the rally started she was more concerned about borders and staying on track. The Mongol Rally turned into a point a to point b road trip where you only stop for gas, food, and a chance to sleep.

This was NOT how I wanted to do the Mongol Rally, and when we discovered a visa issue (her transit visa for Turkmenistan would end the day before I could pick up my Uzbekistan visa in Ashgabat) while sitting on the ferry in Turkmenistan everything came to a head. I was being left behind and given the option to find my own way to Kazakhstan to meet her, or to pack it in and go home. If I had been having an amazing trip at that point I would have tried to get to Kazakhstan. I chose to end my journey. If I could be left behind in Turkmenistan (where there is no international banking, and almost no internet), I could be left behind again in Kazakhstan, Russia, or the wilderness of Mongolia.

Dealing with Failure

Dealing with the aftermath of a failed Mongol Rally attempt was harder than I thought. I wrote a little about it, but truth be told, the very mention of the rally made me angry. Everything I had hoped this once-in-a-lifetime trip would be, failed. Everything. I didn’t see any of the things I really wanted to see. I had very few fun moments. And worst of all, I felt like I had let down my sponsors and you guys, my readers.

Once I was back home I jumped from anger to a fierce desire to show everyone I COULD do the rally and finish it. I said I’d do the rally again in 2013, but then I remembered all the hard work I had done for the rally in 2012 and I decided I needed a break. Plus there was the fact that I had blocked all of my former teammate’s feeds because just seeing her name made me angry. Pathetic, right?!

I was clearly not ready to take on the Mongol Rally again.

When an opportunity came along in March of this year to write about my Mongol Rally experience for Outpost Magazine, I was excited. Until I started writing. As I started writing I was surprised by how much anger I was still harbouring against my former teammate and failed rally adventure, and it took 8 drafts and almost a month for me to write the article. When I finally submitted my 3,000+ word  article I gave the editors full permission to cut whatever they wanted because, “This was the only way I could write the story, and put closure to my experience”.

Deciding To Travel for The RIGHT Reasons

I love this quote…

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” – Richard Branson

After eleven months I am happy to say that I am FINALLY over the Anger phase, and I am barreling into the Start Again phase!

It. Feels. Great.

Adventures like the Mongol Rally are not about elevating yourself so everyone can see you. It’s about challenging yourself, discovering more about the places you’re going, embracing ridiculousness, and making the most of every single moment. And that is why I am 90% (I’m a commitment phobic) sure that I WILL make another Mongol Rally attempt in 2014. Gulp.

This run will be very different from 2012. I’ll be seeking out sponsors, but I’ll be making fundraising attempts through my local communities, rather than trying to do it online. I’ll be sharing my adventures through social media and this blog, but I know now that I cannot commit myself to writing a bunch of blog posts on the road. Deadlines + the Mongol Rally = Unnecessary stress.

My second Mongol Rally attempt has nothing to do with my wanting to be awesome, and everything to do with my wanting to see and experience places I have dreamed of visiting for years. It’s about being ridiculous and making new crazy friends. I know my route already, but I’m not ready to share it yet. I’ve made a 90% commitment and as soon as I commit to the remaining 10% I will share ALL of my plans, hopes, and dreams.

I cannot begin to tell you how good this feels. Doing something because you’re passionate about it (not lustfully excited) makes all the difference in the world. Yes, the rally is expensive and I need more than the $5 that is currently in my bank account, but I can make it happen. Passion is power.

Did I mention I am finally in a good place, and this feels really, really good?

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• What You REALLY Need For The Mongol Rally
• Living with TBS
• Reader’s Exposed, Vol 1

 

There are many opinions floating around about what you do or don’t need on the Mongol Rally. It’s a BIG adventure. There are a lot of variables to consider. You don’t want to show up under prepared, or show up looking like you’re opening an outdoor store in the trunk of your rally car. Do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so…

I’m a bare bones kind of traveller. Simple is best (You’re confused, I know. Yes, I enjoy luxe travel experiences, but I also like getting down and dirty. I’m a well-round girl, in more ways than one!). In an adventure like the Mongol Rally I believe less is more. That being said, there were a few rally teams that I was seriously jealous of because they had ‘x’ item and I really wished I had it as well.

Which brings me to the subject of this post. What do you REALLY need for the Mongol Rally? Aside from a toothbrush and a swiss army knife!

Maps

Yes, you do need a couple maps. Please, for the love of all things holy and to avoid annoying other teams, spend $30 on maps! Getting around Europe and Turkey is fairly easy without a map, but once you enter countries like Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, road signs are almost non-existent! Be sure to pick-up maps for Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. **If you can, buy your Russia and Mongolia maps in Cyrillic!

Rope

If you can make it through the Mongol Rally without being towed at least once, then you’re doing something wrong! Visit an outdoor store and ask for good climbing rope that can handle the weight of a small car. A few meters should cost around $20. Remember, rope can also be used for tying down gear, holding up a lean-to for shade, or hanging your teammate when they get oh so annoying.

*Editor’s note: If you commit the act of murder by hanging your teammate, this conversation never happened! But I do want to hear the story behind it…

A Camp Chair

I was totally one of those people who says, “What?! I don’t need a camp chair! Pffft! I can sit on the ground or something”, and then I was on the rally, and it was hot outside, and we were stuck at the ferry port in Baku for more than five hours, and I really, really, REALLY wanted to be sitting on a camp chair. Like really badly. Just buy one. Trust me.

A Sense of Adventure

The rally will test you in ways that you never thought possible. You’ll be pushed and pulled, stretched and beaten (and yes, it is totally worth it). The Mongol Rally is no place for uptight clock watchers. It’s an adventure, and you need to be open to it. Force yourself to relax. Make detours for a party. Sleep in. Stay an extra night in a city you love. Put the peddle to the metal when you realize you’ve spent too much time partying and not enough time driving!

Visas

Although it is possible to obtain some visas on the road, it can be a pain in the arse, and cause some team problems. Apply for your visas as soon as you can and take that stress off yourself. You can either apply on your own (which is cheaper), or use a visa service like The Visa Machine (which is easier).

Baby Wipes

They’re not just for babies. Baby wipes are great for after meals, cleaning off your car (although I’m not sure why you’d want to clean your car during the rally), and using on your delicate parts when toilet paper or soap is not an option. If you can use them on a baby, you can use them on yourself!

A Camera

You CANNOT do the Mongol Rally without a camera! Like if you even try to do the rally without a camera I will hunt you down and shoot you. Seriously! I recommend bringing a small DSLR like a Nikon 1 which allows you to change lenses, but is not big enough to attract a lot of attention. Another good option is a cheap point and shoot camera that you won’t care about if it gets destroyed; which is definitely a possibility!

Another option to consider is a GoPro Hero3 to mount on your dashboard. That way you can catch in car craziness (unless you and your teammate are not getting along), video of you driving, or maybe video of the drunk dude who decides to pass out in your guy during the kick-off party in Klenova, Czech Republic.

Also, remember to bring extra SD cards and an extra camera battery, just in case.

Sunscreen

I can guarantee you will be HOT during the rally. Like really, really hot. In fact you will plan a slow and painful death for any rallier who has air conditioning and brags about said air conditioning. Just because you’re in a car, and melting, does not mean you won’t get a sunburn, in fact you’ll get a nasty one if you’re not careful (I speak from experience). BRING SUNSCREEN!

Warm Layers

I know, I just talked about sunscreen and heat, and now I’m talking about warm layers. These two things do not go together. Actually, they do. You will be melting hot during the day, but during your adventure there will be nights that will chill you to the bone. I am so not even joking about this. Bring a knitted ski hat, a thermal shirt to wear under a t-shirt, warm socks, and a fleece jacket. Or a teammate who is seriously warm blooded and doesn’t mind having your naked cold body pressed against their naked hot body.

Everyone has different needs or wants in terms of the Mongol Rally. The old adage, less is more , always applies. Remember you will be HOT and you will be COLD. Think about how you want to document your rally adventures. Carry maps in case you get lost and need locals to point you in the right direction. Choose your teammate wisely.

So, what is your team name? Which route are you taking? Share you plans and links in the comments!

[This post contains Amazon affiliate links]

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• Living with TBS
• Reader’s Exposed, Vol 1
• The Day My Boobs Went Luxe

 

For me, TBS started slowly, silently. I didn’t wake-up one morning and BAM! TBS! No, it’s a sneaky s.o.b. and to be honest, it was a few months before I realized I had contracted it.

You know that saying, ‘Knowledge is half the battle’? That is such bullsh*t. Knowing I have it does not help anything, in fact it makes it worse because I start to obsess over ideas on how I think I can cure myself. And frankly, there is no cure. Well, not a permanent one. Okay. Fine. There IS a permanent solution, but that would require a lobotomy and an entirely different life, and I am almost positive that if I did that, I’d be miserable until the day I die.

Drastic, but kind of true.

You see, once you contract travel blogger syndrome, it changes you. Like forever.

Symptoms of Travel Blogger Syndrome

• You juggle a DSLR, smartphone (with a lens attachment), and possibly a GoPro and iPad because you never know which piece of equipment you might need, and it would be DEVASTATING if something cool happened and you didn’t capture it in some way or another.
• You do things that are bizarre/unique/odd/crazy because hey, it could make for an interesting story!
• You occasionally look at your twitter account and think, “Who IS that person?! I don’t even remember following them!”, and then suspect you may be sleep following people.
• When you plan trips, you think in terms of angles and story ideas, instead of just going for the sake of exploring a new place. You’re not going to just mindlessly wander through Scotland, you’re going to create a travel plan, maximize your time, and show your readers how much it rocks!
• You think real BIG, pitch your big ideas, and then try to figure out how you’re going to make those ideas work.
• You have business cards to prove that you are a serious travel blogger.
• Your travel blogger to normal friend ratio is at least  3:1.
• You could be in the most beautiful spot in the world, but w work day is a work day. Thankfully you can take your laptop anywhere, so it’s not that bad. Right?
• You use Google maps on your iPhone to pin places you need to remember for later.
• You have to email tour guides to ask them what they were talking about during your tour because you were too busy taking photos, tweeting, instagraming, and possibly shooting a little video as well.
• Your eye starts to twitch and your inner Diva comes out when a hotel or hostel doesn’t have FREE wifi. Are you kidding me?! The TRUMP Hotel has free wifi!
• You have to FORCE yourself to take a vacation. When in the crap did you start FORCING yourself to take a vacation?! That is messed up, yo!

Knowing you’ve contracted TBS is great and all, but once you have it, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. TBS forces you to look at the world in a different way, and although you can force yourself to take a vacation, your brain will still be TBS strong.

I’ve suffered from TBS for almost three years, and hopefully I am getting better at managing it. I’m not as crazy with my gadgets. Okay, it really depends on the situation and how excited I am about it. It one of those things that I need to take one day at a time, and I take consolation in the fact that I am not the only sufferer. And I am incredibly thankful that my father, in his delicate health situation, has not now, nor will he ever, contract TBS. OMG I think I would die if that happened.

Do YOU suffer from TBS? How are you handling it?

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• Reader’s Exposed, Vol 1
• The Day My Boobs Went Luxe
• The Ups and Downs of Solo Travel

 

When I did a tour of the Teotihuacan ruins just outside Mexico City our guide gave us about 15 mins of guided tour fun, and then promptly ditched us (okay, he said it was so we could wander around and do what we wanted for 3 hours, but still!). The ruins were impressive. Yes, I had a panic attack while climbing up one of the pyramids and had to stop, but they were impressive. That being said I was pretty much over the experience after about 2 hours, as were the rest of the people in my group. Unfortunately our guide was nowhere to be found, so we all sat under a tree until he showed up. Yay, Teotihuacan!

When I arrived in Oaxaca a few days later and learned of the ruins at Monte Albán from my friend Suzanne, I was intrigued but felt a little meh about going. Would they be the same as Teotihuacan? I wasn’t sure. I did know that I didn’t want to be stuck there for three hours, so, when Suzanne (who does guided tours in Oaxaca) offered to take me, I jumped. Yay, a friend to show me around the ruins. This is already sounding like a better experience.

A local man selling hand carved trinkets at Monte Albán

With my camera in my hands and ready for use I listened intently as Suzanne spoke about the history of the ruins, and the Zapotec tribe who built them. We walked slowly, and as Suzanne talked, I started to understand more about not just the ruins, but about the traditions of the Mexican people. I could literally close my eyes and envision what Monte Albán would have been like back in the day.

I could see the plaza being abuzz with tribespeople selling their wares, priests walking around, the rich and royal looking down on the scene from above. I could see the priests using the underground tunnels to get from one end of the city to the other and avoid the crowds. I could see the pristine and natural views of the Oaxacan valley below Monte Albán, which rests on a mountaintop.

Zapotec images

It was such a different experience in comparison to my time at Teotihuacan. Within a short period of time I was making connections between observations I had made during my travels, history classes from when I was in high school, and things I had learned in church as a teenager. I was geeking out in epic proportions, and at one point I think I even decided I should add my own personal knowledge (which I don’t even have) by explaining the resemblance one of the pyramids had to King Solomon’s temple. Guides love it when you do that. No, really. Okay, they don’t…

An upper level at Monte Albán

In my not-so-humble opinion the ruins at Monte Albán were far more interesting. Yes, I had a fabulous guide, but it was also the layout. I loved the various layers and levels to the ruins. If it wasn’t so hot outside, and Suzanne didn’t have a family (the nerve!) I probably could have spent the entire day sitting on one of the pyramids, staring at the ruins around me.

Chichen Itza and Tulum may be the most popular ruins in Mexico, but there are many other sites that are just as interesting and worth your time. I am a big advocate for travel in interior Mexico (I think you guys have figured that out by now) and as such I think everyone needs to visit Oaxaca, and Monte Albán.

A guided tour is ideal, but you can also go on your own and catch a shuttle bus from downtown Oaxaca for about 50 pesos. The entrance fee for the ruins is 57 pesos (it’s a standard rate for ALL of the ruins in Mexico). 

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Charm of Mexican Taxi Drivers
• The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Black & White
• The Day My Boobs Went Luxe

 

Located on the corner of Bay and Adelaide in downtown Toronto, the Trump International Hotel & Tower is all about champagne and caviar, and is designed to shock and awe guests the moment they walk in the door (Well, guests who are not regulars that is). Because 300 pounds of Czech crystal designed to look like cherry blossoms is definitely shock worthy.

Lobby at the Trump Hotel & Tower in Toronto

Accented with black, white, gold, crystal, and employees who are always cheerful are the type of details that make hotels like the Trump a luxe experience. After all luxe is in the details. And with the prevalence of young millionaires, the luxe world is becoming less aristocratic. Yay for feeling welcome in a luxe hotel instead of feeling like dirt under some pretentious snob’s fingernails!!

My time with the Trump hotel in Toronto was absolutely delightful, and not because it was the Trump. As I’ve said before luxe is in the details, and the Trump hotel is all about the details. It’s about making guests feel welcome, kind of like a luxury version of Cheers. And yes, the staff will know your name, and they’ll use every time they see you!

I know what you’re thinking, there MUST be a downside to staying with the Trump International Hotel and Tower, right? Well there is. Are you ready for it? I simply do not make enough money to justify living there for the rest of my life. Actually I’m not sure I could do that, I’m afraid overindulging my Diva side would be a bad thing. A very bad thing. Well, after the first year or five it would be a bad thing.

So, if I’m willing to overindulge my inner Diva for a year or five (after I find myself a sugar daddy), what does the inside of the Trump International Hotel & Tower look like? Well, here are a few black & white shots of the hotel from during my stay (and hotel tour).

One of the street views inside Suits Lounge

Suits Lounge

These stairs have seen a few brides..

Intimate vignettes

Black and crystal chandelier

Stock restaurant on the 31st floor

The bar at Stock – amazing city views!

The lobby at Quartz Spa

Poolside – the pool is salt water

Saltwater Pool

Lobby to the residence tower

I. Want. These. Chairs.

Piano sitting in the residence lobby

A stay with the Trump International Hotel & Tower is gorgeous, and while not everyone can afford to stay with them, I do recommend splurging on a gourmet lunch (the Wagyu beef hot dog is really good) or dinner, or perhaps treating yourself to a spa treatment.

A luxe experience while travelling (or near home) can be rejuvenating, and affordable with some planning.

I’d like to thank the Trump International Hotel & Tower for hosting my stay, and allowing me to hide in my room while I was sick. I must say, if you have to be at a hotel when you’ve come down with a head cold, the Trump hotel is definitely a good choice!

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Day My Boobs Went Luxe
• Exploring Monte Albán in Oaxaca
• The Charm of Mexican Taxi Drivers

 

Since then I have often thought about doing a weekly post featuring travel news, deals, tips, and highlighting blog posts and articles I’ve enjoyed throughout the week. And so I bring you ‘In The World of Travel‘.

Travel Deals

Air Asia‘s flight deals are hard to beat, especially when they’re advertising flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Bangkok Thailand for only $11 USD one way! Check out other destinations and deals here.

Get last minute train deals with VIA Rail. Visit VIA’s Express Deals page to grab your route deal before they’re gone. **Note: deals go quickly. You may need to wait a day or two before checking back for more listings.

Modcloth is having a SALE! I know I’m not the only girl out there who likes to find deals on Modcloth for her next trip!

Fly from Washington DC to Stockholm with KLM for only $946 round trip (taxes and fees included) this summer.

Learn a new language fast and for FREE! Duolingo is a HOT language website that offeres language courses in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian. Plus, you can compete with your friends and ‘show off’ how quickly you’re learning.

Travel News

Poolside at Topnotch Resort & Spa

• Originally built in 1959, Topnotch Resort & Spa is a boutique resort in Stowe, Vermont. In recent months Topnotch Resort & Spa has undergone a multi million dollar remodel that includes a new lobby, two new restaurants (The Flannel and The Roost), renovated rooms and tennis facilities as well as a new activities center, giving the resort a fresh new look. Topnotch Resort & Spa will reveal their dramatic renaissance on June 28, 2013, so be on the lookout!
• Yay! It’s Sea Turtle release season in Cancun! Join volunteers in the hotel zone to gather eggs, and watch over the release of the turtles. Hotels work closely each year with City Council and the Department of Ecology to set up the Campo Tortugero (marine turtle conservation program). Ask your hotel about how you can volunteer.
• June 21st-23rd is the 6th Annual Whale Shark Festival in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Roughly 1,400 whale sharks pass through the waters near Isla Mujeres each each from May to mid-September, making it the perfect location for whale watching!
• 2014 marks the 10th Anniversary of The Adventurists (the dudes behind The Mongol Rally, Rickshaw Run, etc.) and as such they are giving discounts on their 2014 adventures. Visit them here.
• Canadians no longer need a Visa to travel to UEA!! This is huge as the impromptu visa change in 2012 meant Canadians would require a $150 visa. So glad this has been redacted!

Travel Contests

Flight Centre Canada is having another fabulous contest for Canadians where you could WIN a trip to ANYWHERE in the world with ANYONE! The prize is… Enter here and use the code: fc27520.

Travel Reading

Binge on A Budget – “In our quest to find 50 cheap and cheerful bites for under Rs100, we scoured dhabas, street stalls, cafes and delis, and polled a variety of foodies who regularly frequent these haunts (and it should be said that none of us fell sick over the course of reporting). ”  A great post breaking down food in India’s busiest city. A definite MUST read!!

How to Stick to A Vegetarian or Vegan Diet When It’s Not on The Menu – “I firmly believe that vegetarians and vegans should never have to relegate themselves to ordering a meager salad when dining out. A healthy vegetarian or vegan meal can be “invented” at any kind of restaurant whether or not the options exist on the menu—all it takes is a willingness to ask questions and make specific requests.” I’m not vegetarian or vegan, but I love this post on how to create a vegetarian or vegan meal no matter where you are.

Beyond Drinking and Dancing: 8 Alternative Evening Activities – “What if you’re not really into drinking, and dancing is your worst nightmare? Or maybe you’re simply traveling solo and don’t think that sipping a beer alone will make for a memorable evening.”  Shocking, I know! When travelling drink can be expensive, and I suck at dancing (plus I’m old), so I really appreciate this article!

What is a “Holiday” for a Full-Time Traveler? – “If you’re always on the go, experiencing a travel lifestyle that many would equate with “holiday” life to begin with – but you’re also concurrently always working – what constitutes a holiday?” I love this article by Nora Dunn. A great read for  digital nomads and full-time travellers about taking a “holiday” from non-stop travel and work.
CALL 651-321-4996 & Tell me your Story about… ”Call to share a story with me about facing a limitation, and watch LIVE as your stories collectively create a singular piece of art.” I absolutely ADORE everything about this project. Phil Hansen is a fabulous artitist, and his Kickstarter project has less than 30 hours to go, so pop by and give him support!

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Importance of Travelling for The RIGHT Reasons
• What You REALLY Need For The Mongol Rally
• Living with TBS

 

Usually I delete these emails and messages, but in an effort to cut down on the number of new older men on the facebook page and here on the blog I have decided to out them by publishing their emails in full (I’ll only delete their phone number. And yes, they have the gall to include their phone number!!).

Here is today’s gem, from wait for it…. ‘choco boy’, well that is his Yahoo ID.

Pam,
My name is Rich and I ran across your blog while searching for travel info for an upcoming trip. I have to say you are quite impressive regarding your knowledge, openness, self-confidence, and overall coolness. And okay, I’ll admit up front that your boobs are fantastic! (hate for you to think I was avoiding the obvious). There is so much more to you that I was really intrigued about, even beyond the travel and boobs. Like the fact that you’re ox strong is also really cool. Anyway, who am I and what do I want? I am a 38 yr old corporate lawyer of west Indian decent. I am divorced with one daughter who is 8. Very athletic and love travel, politics, sports, spirituality, and cultural events. I would love to connect with you to talk about your perspectives on various trips I’m planning. Also, I live in ct so if you’re ever in the Boston or NY areas, would live to buy you coffee or a meal.

You’re a very arttractive person inside and out and I basically want to get to know you better and maybe become friends as well. Hope I’m not being too forward. I really just cherish knowing quality, interesting people.

Please feel free to call or reply.

Best regards,
Rich

You know, I thought a ‘corporate lawyer’ would have more class and be slightly smarter. Perhaps I’m wrong, or may be he should aim lower in terms of his said profession because using ‘choco boy’ as your Yahoo ID, and including your phone number raises a few flags.

Dear Rich,

Thanks for the email, but I think I’ll pass.

Good luck,

Pam

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Importance of Travelling for The RIGHT Reasons
• What You REALLY Need For The Mongol Rally
• Living with TBS

 

I once spilled Lobster Bisque on a pristine white tablecloth. It wasn’t a lot, but it was orange, so it kind of stood out. Oh, and naturally I dropped Lobster Bisque on my white shirt cause you know, ‘the girls’ were like right there! Sigh.

Dropping things (read: food) on myself is somewhat normal, I do have erm… ginormous boobs (read more here) which keep me from seeing things like my feet. In other words they are a rather large target!  *It also means I will never be able to use a laptop ON my lap because my boobs prevent me from seeing my keyboard. No, really, I am 100% serious. No exaggeration needed. 

While dripping lobster sauce on myself and a clean white tablecloth is a little embarrassing and uncomfortable, it’s not nearly as bad as what happened this past week.

It all started when I was invited to lunch at the Tump International Hotel & Tower in Toronto prior to the start of TBEX (travel blogging conference). I made sure I was dressed in presentable clothing (no shorts), and changed out of my flip flops and into some ballet flats. Sure, I had blisters within 5 minutes and I was in pain the whole time, but I was eating lunch at Stock! Inside the Trump Hotel!

So, I had to suck it up and deal with it (my blister pain, not the fact that I was eating at Stock)

As we all sat down I looked at the menu resting on my plate and debated about my options, however when I saw Wagyu Beef Hot Dog on the menu, my choice was pretty much made for me. I’m a sucker for a good hot dog or sausage (don’t even try to talk me out of it, I don’t care what others say about hot dogs), and when I see that there is a fancy hot dog on a menu at a place like Stock, I simply cannot resist. After all how many time can I eat a gourmet hot dog? (as it turns out, a few times, but that is beside the point)

I thought I was ordering a fancy hot dog made with wagyu beef, I had no idea that I was getting a gourmet hot dog topped with slowly cooked wagyu beef (truth be told, it wasn’t until I turned my plate around that I actually realized there was a hot dog in the bun, there was so much wagyu beef  on top.

It. Looked. Delicious.

Wagyu Beef Hot Dog at Trump Toronto

I turned my plate around a few times, taking in the immense size of the hot dog and trying to decide the best way to eat it. I was wearing white, so I didn’t want to risk dropping wagyu on myself. And I was at the Trump, so holding my plate close to my mouth was not an option either.

“I’m not sure how to eat this”, I said to no one in particular.

“Use your knife and fork”, replied Erika, the Trump hotel’s social media coordinator.

It was kind of a V8 head slap moment. Of course I should use my knife and fork, how did I not think of that?! So in an effort to be as ladylike as possible I gently cut through the wagyu beef, hot dog, and bun, picked it up with my fork, and moved said fork towards my open mouth. Unfortunately as the fork made contact some of the wagyu beef escaped.

And fell directly into my cleavage.

It was like a foodie version of dunking a basketball without hitting the rim. I looked up to see if anyone had seen what happened. Thankfully they were all busy talking among themselves.

So, there I was, sitting in Stock, the gourmet restaurant on the 31st floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower with wagyu beef resting between my boobs. I must admit, it’s probably the most expensive food to rest there (so far). I know what you’re thinking, why didn’t I just discreetly dig it out, right? Well first of all, I was IN THE TRUMP HOTEL, and secondly, what if somebody (like Erica or the General Manager) saw me? How on earth would I explain the fact that while everyone was eating a gourmet lunch I had one hand digging around in my cleavage?! Yes, I could have just gone to the bathroom to do it, but by then my blisters were so big and painful that walking down to the bathrooms was out of the question.

So, there I was, sitting at the table in Stock at the Trump Hotel, their social media coordinator on my right, the general manager further down the table on my left, and some of the world’s most expensive beef resting between my boobs. Which is where it stayed for about 90 minutes until the event was over.

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Black & White
• The Charm of Mexican Taxi Drivers
• Driving My Parents to Washington for Their 40th Anniversary

 

Travelling Solo means little kids will braid your hair…

My first solo trip was in 1998. I was working as a data entry clerk and decided to throw caution to the wind and backpack through Scotland for two weeks. My family thought I was completely insane. I was over-the-moon happy. I bought a Rough Guide’s Scotland book, purchased a Scottish rail pass and a youth hostel card. Other than that I had no plans. All I knew was that I was going to Scotland alone for two weeks.

I still remember that trip. I remember what it was like to hike up to the castle in Culrain where I was going to sleep. I remember jumping onto the railroad tracks and chasing the train because it forgot to stop. I remember laying on the grass near Waverly station in Edinburgh on a Sunday afternoon listening to bagpipes and staring at Edinburgh Castle off in the distance. And I remember reading the wrong train schedule and spending an entire day on the train, only to end up back in Edinburgh that night.

Ever since that trip to Scotland I have travelled alone. It wasn’t something I had set out to do on purpose. When I was younger I would have loved to travel with friends, but they all had other priorities.

Travelling alone definitely has its benefits. I’m usually more open, which makes it easier to interact with locals. I can get up at the crack of dawn and wander the quiet streets of a new city/village without having to drag someone along with me. I can be utterly lazy and stay inside all day long if I need a rest day. It’s complete freedom. Empowering even.

And sometimes it’s also my own personal prison.

The more I travel alone, the more introverted I become. I have to force myself to stay in hostels so I can interact with other travellers from time to time. And when events roll around, I have these big internal debates about whether or not I should go. Why? I’m shy.  I’m that girl who quietly sits at the back of a room and watches everyone else. I’ve been that girl since I was around 12 years old. As a teenager my friends thought I was doing it for attention. I can even remember some awkward chats about that. That was never the reason though. I am just that shy. Sure, if you know me, you’d say I was crazy, but it’s true. Things like small talk are difficult for me unless I feel a connection with the person I’m speaking to. Otherwise I stand there feeling like a moron because I have absolutely nothing to say.

There are days when I wish I had someone to travel with. Days when I’m tired of making ALL of the decisions, and doing ALL of the work myself. I dream of having someone take charge and being able to sit back, relax, and just tag along. Oh, how sweet that could be (with the right travel partner of course). I could actually have a discussion with another human, rather than talking out loud to the walls and having the people around me wonder if there is a mental institute offering a reward for my safe return.

I usually don’t realize how bad my isolation is until I meet someone and morph into some kind of deranged speed talker. Which is exactly what happened when I met Suzanne Barbezat in Oaxaca. It was sad. Like really, really sad. After having lunch with Suzanne I saw her the following day at a tamale cooking class, which is when my brain overloaded and switch my mouth into overdrive. Poor Suzanne was bombarded with random non-stop chatter because she was the first foreigner (and Canadian, and travel writer) I had conversed (and connected) with in several days. My verbal diarrhea was so bad that I started apologizing, and then continued to speak non-stop. (Wow, kind of like this whole paragraph. OMG!) And it continued liked every single time I saw her! I’m not even kidding. Ask her, she’ll tell you.

Isolation can be a good thing, in small doses. Too much isolation can be dangerous; especially when you’ve created imaginary friends with complete back stories!

I know, I should write them all down on paper or something. But then y’all would know the extent of my insanity and I’m not sure that would be a good thing. You know?

As much as the downs get me, well, down, there are far more ups. The trick is to remind myself exactly what those ups are!

“The way I look at a solo project is, I create what I want with whoever I want.” – Sebastian Bach

As a solo travellers I make all the rules. I choose where to go, for how long, what I do or don’t do. I have control over most of my decision making.

When I travel solo I find myself being more adventurous and daring. I do things that others don’t think I’m capable of (mostly due to my Scottish/Irish/English stubbornness) . I come up with completely insane travel ideas and then email friends to tell them how awesome it is that I am completely off my rocker, and OMG you wish YOU had thought of this rad idea, right?! If I won $50,000 tomorrow I could say “See ya! I’m off to live in a hut in Bora Bora!!”, because I have nobody to answer to. I can literally log off right now and board a plane to anywhere in the world (as long as I had the money to buy the plane ticket, and had the required visa…).

Solo travel is a balancing act, and as with almost everything in life, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. I love being open to new cultures and experiences, but I would also love a chance to share those experiences with someone else (let’s not even attempt to talk about travel, and dating).

While solo travel is not a cake walk, I think it’s something everyone should try at least once in their life. Test yourself. See what your limits are. Learn how to balance your isolation, and make it work for you. And know that it’s totally okay to spend a day in bed and be bummed from time to time. I mean, nobody can be 100% happy 24/7, right?! Everyone has their down days. The trick is to let the happy ones outweigh the downers (Days, people. Not pills.).

Share and Enjoy

             

Related Stories

• What You REALLY Need For The Mongol Rally
• Living with TBS
• Reader’s Exposed, Vol 1