The Lost Girls

The Truth About Holly Corbett and Eat, Pray, Love

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:58:00 +0000

HCC: Awhile back I met a freelance writer for Page Six magazine who later asked if she could profile me about my travels. I thought it’d be a short piece, but the magazine’s editor turned it from a profile into an “as told to” feature story complete with a photo shoot. Apparently, the editor wanted to get publicity by framing me as following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gilbert in her famous memoir Eat, Pray, Love. And then she titled the story with words that would never come out of my mouth, “My year-long trip changed my life—FOR THE WORSE.”

I never fully addressed the article or the gossip blog that later commented on the Page Six story because I didn’t want to fan the fires, and it seemed ridiculous to me that anyone would believe travel could ever ruin someone’s life. I decided to post only a short blog in response after my colleagues gave advice such as, “Let it lie because it could become much worse. What happens is they create a stock character and keep flogging them over and over.” In a previous blog entry, I said I had no regrets. But now I regret that I didn’t address the lies in depth sooner. As the opening quote in Eat, Pray, Love says, “Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth.” So I wanted to set the record straight.

1. The title of the story is 100 percent false. I found it odd that the writer of the story asked me, the interview subject (not the writer!), for title suggestions because that’s usually the editor’s job. But I did what the writer asked, and looking back through old emails saw a title I'd submitted: “On The Road to Inspiration: One New Yorker Ditches It All To Travel the Globe With Her Friends.” That’s obviously a very different angle than the one that was spun.

2. I did NOT take the trip because I read Gilbert’s book. I also found it odd that the writer kept asking me to comment on Gilbert’s book, saying the editor thought I could be “an inspiration for the Eat Pray Love generation.” Though the story writes that I “followed in [Gilbert’s] footsteps” and got the idea to travel while reading the book, it could not be farther from the truth. The idea to go on a yearlong trip actually came from Amanda when she, Jen, and I were on our first vacation together in Argentina. Few people get to explore the world for an entire year, so when the opportunity was in front of me, I made it happen.

Though a gossip blog covering the print story titled the post, “Eat Pray Loathe: Editor Follows Eat, Pray, Love Around The World—And Hates It!,” that’s yet another ridiculous statement that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Like I said before, travel is one of those life decisions that I'll never regret. And I didn’t follow Gilbert’s journey, though I fully respect it and agree with this mention from the Bhagavad Gita in her book, "...it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection."

I am on no one’s journey but my own.

3. I believe Gilbert's writing is among our generation's most influential. All that being said, Elizabeth Gilbert’s account of the pilgrimage she took both within her self and the world at large has inspired many, many women. I don’t think she’s trying to be a spokesperson for an entire generation, but her personal tale runs into the deeper issues that Western woman face today: Given the freedom to blaze our own path for one of the first times in history, which way do we turn? Every woman must decide for herself whether to take the road of marriage, or motherhood, or career. Or all three. Or something else entirely. Our grandmothers and mothers worked hard to get us to this place, but left us no map in which to guide us. Gilbert’s personal search offers a real-life example of taking all the amazing (and sometimes confusing) choices we’re given and crafting a life that fits with what matters most to us.

The deeper, universal theme of her story is, of course, the search for peace. Whether you are born a man or a woman, rich or poor, healthy or sick, I believe that sense of peace is what we all want.

4. No, I did not get paid for the story, and the Burberry jacket I wore in the picture wasn’t mine. Among some of the colorful comments posted on the gossip blog were that I received money for the story (you don’t get paid for being interviewed), and that my expensive wardrobe/suitcase choices for the photo were tacky (actually, when editors set up a photo shoot they have the wardrobe already picked out for you and hire makeup artists to style you). However, the comment referring to a picture of me in Africa while on the trip saying I’d gained weight was true (“workout clothes don’t equal cardio”). Thanks for noticing!

5. I’ve learned to trust myself more. There were many things about the whole situation that felt wrong to me, but I didn’t think it’d be right to back out of something after I’d agreed to it. It may have been a hard lesson to learn, but it showed me the right thing to do is to always, always listen to my insticts. If something feels wrong, I can change direction and walk away.

The thing I won’t change, however, is to always believe that people are good until they prove me otherwise. That belief may get me into trouble sometimes, but I’d rather fall on my face (and break every limb doing it) than stop trusting others. Travel taught me that.

How to Shop and Dress Like an Italian

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Lost Girl Patty Hodapp—currently studying abroad in Florence—shared 8 ways to eat and drink like an Italian and 5 ways to Walk and Ride like one. This week, she offers her tips for striking a deal with Italian vendors (legally), dressing like a local, plus a bonus on surviving advances by wanna be Romeos.

Today's Lesson: How to Shop and Dress Like an Italian

Shopping

1. Head outdoors for bargains In Florence there are a few open-air markets where you can find everything from food to wallets, bags, leather jackets, hats, t-shirts and jewelry. As long as it isn’t an actual store, it’s legal to negotiate prices with street vendors in Florence. Never pay full asking price for an item.

2.. Offer vendors half of what they originally ask. Don’t be afraid to shake your head and walk away when they tell you how much something costs, because nine times out of ten they will chase after you and keep lowering the price till you are satisfied.

3. Sellers prefer cash to credit cards since they’re a huge hassle (and usually charge a small fee per transaction), so when I get them down to a decent price, I’ll offer them a few euros less in cash, which they grudgingly accept—usually.

4. Buying fake designer bags and paintings anywhere is illegal Vendors need a license to sell outside and open air markets are totally legal but if a police officer sees you buying a bag or sunglasses you will be heavily fined. Whenever a police car drives by one the guys selling their items from a tarp on the ground quickly pack up and vanish into the crowd before you can blink twice.

5. Don’t be fooled by imitations Florence is world-renowned for its leather products. Be careful however when you buy leather goods. Unless there is a stamp inside saying something like “Italian Leather Firenze” or “Leather Made in Florence” etc. you’re most likely getting a product made from Chinese leather that’s been imported and sold unsuspecting and ignorant tourists for several times what its really worth.

6. Take a friend to the market If you are a foreign female under 30 years old, especially if you’re American and blonde, DO NOT go shopping for a leather jacket on your own. Salesmen at the leather stores and leather stands are reputably slimy and extremely aggressive. They may be overly complimentary and will repeatedly ask if you have a boyfriend or fiancé (even if you say yes they won’t desist their advances).

Dressing for the Day

1. Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals After a week of sporting my very cute (but excruciatingly uncomfortable) but flat, support-free gladiator sandals, I purchased the Italian version of Birkenstocks at an outdoor market for 25 Euro (down from 55). So far they have been the best investment I’ve made because Italian streets and piazzas are predominately made from cobblestone or large, flat hard stones that from the surrounding region. Only newer much streets are paved.

2. Skip the spikes Many clubs have a dress code, part of which requires women to wear heels. Do not bring stilettos to Italy. Most likely you will have a walk from your hostel to the clubbing area and stilettos get stuck in between the cobblestones, ruining both your shoes and your poor feet. Instead sport a nice pair of wedges or thicker heels.

3 Throw a scarf or sweater in your bag before leaving for the day. To enter churches you need to have your shoulders and knees covered, and cannot show any cleavage. In summer months it’s hot and people wear shorts and tank tops but you will be denied entrance if you aren’t properly attired. Some churches will give you an embarrassing felt-like, garbage bag-type garment to wear over your clothes if you ask for one or pay for it, but most will just deny you entrance flat out until you are properly attired.

Italian Men

1. Ignore the sweet talk “Ciao, Bella” (“Hello, Beautiful”) is NOT a compliment if it comes from a man less than 70 years old. Most Italian guys will catcall you, whistle, try to talk to you etc. At first I thought it was a compliment, after a while I was offended and annoyed, and now I’m simply immune.

2. Keep your eyes to yourself Italian men will try to make eye contact with you on the street and if you do make eye contact for more than two seconds they see that as an invitation and will descend upon you like a pack of wolves. Not kidding. If you want the freedom to look around bring a pair of sunglasses with dark shades so they can’t see your eyes. I wear mine all the time. Otherwise look straight ahead and keep walking no matter what they say.

3. Don’t believe the hype They will also try to get you to stop or get your attention by saying cheesy things like “Miss, you dropped something!” or “Can you fix it? My heart—you are breaking it!” Trust me, you didn’t drop anything and his heart will be fine, until the next cute American girl walks by…

Couch Surfing Around the Globe

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0000

In August 2008, fresh out of school, Lost Girl Heather Stein took a four-month contract working as everyone's favorite service professional: an international debt collector. As the economy started to tank, she realized that getting a job in a different field was going to be next to impossible. Not wanting to make a career out of harassing people to pay their bills, she decided to wait out her next career move--and save up to visit friends and family around the globe. We asked her to share why she went couch-surfing and what she learned during her epic adventure

*****

Heather: In five or ten years, I knew most of my friends would be married, have kids, or be so busy with careers—so crashing on their couches would no longer be a viable option. During this transitional period in all of our lives, I figured the opportunity was still ripe to impose on their generosity and strengthen relationships that might otherwise fade away.

Canada

In mid-January, after a farewell poutine (that's French fries with gravy) at a Montreal landmark, I boarded on a bus bound for Vancouver. Over the course of the next 5,000 km and 75 hours, I met up with my aunt for a quick coffee in Ottawa, played countless games of crazy eights with my fellow-travelers, learned dozens of dirty jokes, read two books and gotten the BEST view of the sunrise in the Canadian Rockies.

Long-distance bus travel is cheap if you buy your tickets ahead of time and, since you sleep on the Greyhound, also saves on accommodations. People with days to spare traversing the continent inevitably have interesting stories and the inclination to share. I got on the bus half-convinced I would regret my penny-pinching. Now, I cherish it.

I was alone for only a few days during four months abroad. My night at the Pender Lodge in Vancouver was the first and the most unpleasant. Unable to find the showers (and you REALLY want to shower after 75 hours of bus) and traumatized by the sketchiness of the other lodgers, I couldn’t wait to get on the ferry to Victoria where Ana, who is doing a master’s at UVic, was waiting for me. After the most glorious hot-water extravaganza, I set out to enjoy Victoria’s fantastic climate: I kayaked in Canada in mid-winter! We had tea at the Empress Hotel and stared awe-struck at the little sandwiches and desserts. I convinced Ana to join me in Vancouver for the weekend where we shared a hotel room with a king size bed, walked Stanley Park and gorged on sushi, shopping and dancing.

Australia

I’d been to Australia a year earlier and was prepared for the intense screening at customs. The plan: To take Sydney’s public transit out to Bondi Beach where I planned to stay with Ben, a café owner, whom I had met twice before but chatted with for hours online.

We left the city and visited his family in the Blue Mountains (an hour or so west of Sydney) where I spent an afternoon reading Naomi Klein’s Shock Doctrine and waiting for the white cockatoos to perch on a tree above me. I was not disappointed.

Ben and I were planning to drive up to Byron Bay to camp on the beach for a week, so we bought a gazebo to rig up on the side of Ben’s delivery van. I spent my days in Byron reading under a large umbrella (which I never got the knack of putting up) and my evenings skinny-dipping under moonlight, playing soccer with other travelers and staring at the clouds while listening to Radiohead albums.

Whenever we needed an escape from the roar of the waves and the sun’s heat we drove to a teatree pond’s still waters. Rather than let ourselves get tired of this nomadic living, we took up a local resident’s offer to stay at her home in Tyagarah for four days and visited the neighboring towns, all the while searching for free wi-fi and the perfect soy latte. Ironically, as a Montreal native, found the best almond croissant EVER in Bangalow at the Choux-Choux pastry shop.

New York

After a short layover in Toronto—where I shared a bed with my best friend and did my best to avoid the city altogether by watching Woody Allen movies and eating imported candy and chocolate—I returned to Montreal to check-in with family and friends before heading off to New York.

My friend Bryan let me crash on a spare bed in his NYU graduate residence, then took me on a whirlwind grocery tour of Little Italy, Chinatown, Soho (and, of course, Trader Joes) with a brief foray into the Blue Owl for free drinks. After taking the shuttle bus to Newark airport and the LONGEST eleven hours of airport security and airplane mechanic problems, I was on a plane for the Holy Land.

Israel

It took until two weeks before my next departure to figure out that Bethlehem is in Israel. Preoccupied by planning adventures in Australia (and, in the end, not following the itinerary at all) and so excited to meet up with two of my favourite Montreal ex-pats Merav and Arieh, I'd somehow completely forgotten all about visiting the Christian pilgrimage sites.

My hosts had never before walked the Stations of the Cross, visited Nazareth’s churches or walked through the Garden of Gethsemane. Israel’s landscape is…other-worldly. We climbed the cliffs around Mount Sodom and took in the colours of the setting sun reflected on the Dead Sea the same day we scuba-dived with dolphins and “camped” in the Makhtesh Ramon under the stars. Since we didn't have a tent, we pulled down the back seats of our vehicle and slept like sardines in a can. Although I drank pomegranate wine, walked in the footsteps of Christ, climbed Masada, swam in a waterfall and got smacked in the head by a sea turtle—I never did make it to Bethlehem.

Home again

I’m back in Montreal now, working again as a debt-collector for a few more weeks before I get on a plane for four days in Rome and a month in Perugia where a friend and I have rented an apartment. These past four months have been an adventure well worth the maxed-out credit cards and frugal living.

My advice to anyone planning a couch-surfing trip around the world—don’t be afraid to impose! While having houseguests is a huge hassle, if you make it clear that you will return the favor in the future and do your best to ensure your host is enjoying him or herself (i.e. be flexible, avoid overly touristy attractions and embrace impromptu relaxation), you’ll bring vacation to an acquaintance and leave with cherish memories of time well-spent with a life-long friend.

Consider yourself a professional couch-surfer—or just a pretty darn good one? Write to us at LostGirlsWorld@gmail.com to share your experiences. We want to know more about this thrifty way to travel!

The Lost Girls Love…Adventure Life

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:39:00 +0000

HCC: When Jen, Amanda and I made it back home after our yearlong trek around the globe, the place that stuck with us the most wasn’t the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the Franz Joseph Glacier in New Zealand (though both are breathtaking), but rather a small farm town in Kenya called Kiminini. We had the chance to work with students at a local school through the Village Volunteers program. We read Harry Potter to the girls and they instructed us on how to do laundry by hand. We wrote a play for the students to perform and they taught us how to play cati (a game that’s kind of like dodge ball). Spending time with the kids and their teachers reminded us that the people we encountered along the way would change how we saw the world more than any landmark ever could. The program also taught us that what we leave behind is as important as what we take away.

So we’re looking for companies that emphasize travel is a two-way street between the visitor and the locals. One we’re loving is Adventure Life. The company focuses on small group tours to Central and South America that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment, all the while making sure travelers get a unique experience hard to come by with typical package tours.

Started 10 years ago by Brian Morgan, a University of Montana grad who was just 24 years old, Adventure Life has been recognized by National Geographic Adventure as one of the best adventure travel companies on earth for two years running. They use local guides and family-run hotels (which might mean building a homestay into your tour, or staying at an Amazon lodge owned and operated by an indigenous community).

“I worked in Peru, and spent several weeks interviewing local guides,” says Brian. “I would ask, ‘If a friend of yours was visiting your country, what would you show them?' Those that got excited and had ideas beyond typical tour stuff were the ones we hired. One guy thought the best way to understand his home city of Cusco was to show visitors the cemetery. You only get to do this if you’re with this guide.”

If you’d like to do a volunteer vacation, but don’t have a lot of time or money, Adventure Life offers a great solution: philanthropic extensions you can add on to your trip. Ranging from four hours to five days, these volunteer options let you rub elbows with the locals and give back to the place you’re visiting.

“One of traveler’s biggest responsibilities is to understand the local community, and one of the best ways to do this is to volunteer next to the people,” says Brian. “It’s hard to find meaningful experiences that could create a long-term change and also help our travelers understand the local culture.” So Adventure Life spent lots of time researching opportunities and interviewing people from the area, and have come up with some great add-ons for their Peruvian adventures. You can spend a day combating deforestation with a native tree-planting trip. Or fight illness by delivering hygiene kits packed with soap and toothbrushes to poor villages. Or help restore homes battered by the harsh Andes’ elements by working side-by-side on renovations with local families—and spending the night.

“We also offer a healthy breakfast program for students at the Cachiccata school in the Andes. Our travelers visit a market with a local guide to buy food and learn about what's sold—rather than simply taking pictures. Then they cook and serve breakfast to students who may have walked more than an hour to get to school.”

Adventure Life is now working on volunteer extensions in Ecuador and Costa Rica. “We don’t want to pretend going on a trip will save the world, but these extensions are a unique way to say thanks to the community for the hospitality, leave a positive impact, and to increase your understanding of the place you’re visiting,” says Brian.

Lost Girl of the Week: Merry Padang

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:19:00 +0000

From the moment The Lost Girls touched down in Indonesia during our RTW trip, we were completely enchanted by the peaceful and effortless existence held so dear by islanders, who are without a doubt some of the kindest and most smily people we encountered on our journey. So we're thrilled, and definitely a bit nostalgic for our old nomadic life, to have a native Indonesian, Merry Padang, as our Lost Girl of the Week. Merry's traveled extensively since she was a little girl, choosing to "move around in the world, for really, no apparent reason, but for adventures" - no better reason if we do say so ourselves!

*****
Merry Padang on getting lost: The travel bug caught me early on in life. I was born in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, where the world famous Bunaken National Marine Park, a diving paradise, is situated. This is a city that recently hosted the 2009 World Ocean Conference. After spending the first ten years of my life there, I made the first big move with my family to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Seven years later, I lived in the farthest address from home, studying aboard in an international boarding school in Kooralbyn, near Brisbane, Australia. A year after that, I was on vacation to Disneyland, Los Angeles, California, and decided to stay to experience a college life in America. I was a student for two semesters and a summer and I used that time to travel around the US.

Wanting to be closer to my family, I left the US and went back to Melbourne, Australia to finish my undergraduate degree. This second time around, I stayed in Australia for four years and spent every one of my vacation days traveling around Australia and New Zealand.

Post-college, after spending approximately seven years abroad, I went back to Jakarta, Indonesia. I was traveling back and forth to Australia, but always had the urge to come back to the US. Exactly four years after I graduated from college, I moved to New York.

I give my highest appreciation to my grandparents, who infected me with the travel bug and took me with them to travel the world. I remember my very first trip overseas to Singapore when I was four years old. The next one after that was the trip to Australia during Christmas and New Year when I was eight years old. I must say that I did not do well on the tour bus when I am tired and missing my own bed at home but I was always excited to check on the itinerary of places we will visit the next day.

Since then, I have visited more than thirty countries and planning to visit more. I currently live in New Jersey with my husband Chris and have tried hard to infect him with the travel bug. So far so good and we are planning to take a year off in the future to travel.

To me, traveling is a journey to experience life through different eyes and to capture the world through different lenses. So far, I have moved continents six times, visited more than 30 countries, hold dual citizenships and a Permanent Resident of a third country, have literally circled the globe one time, and have been to one “antipode” (the farthest distance of two cities in the globe measured diagonally – the polar opposites). I love photography and although my day job is a senior financial analyst (in Manhattan), I hope that my passion in Anthropology will take me closer to my own country Indonesia. I hope to write a book about Indonesia through my camera lenses, to closely examine my own cultures, a backyard that was a stranger to me.

5 Ways to Walk and Ride Like an Italian

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Earlier this week, Lost Girl Patty Hodapp—currently studying abroad in Florence—shared eight ways to eat and drink like an Italian. This week, she offers up her tips for surviving the notoriously terrible traffic (and crazy drivers) in Italy.

Today's Lesson: 5 Ways to Walk and Ride Like an Italian

1. Italians love to drive fast I’ve been to lots of big cities including Paris, London, and New York, and out of all of them Italian drivers are hands down the most aggressive (and often the most reckless!)

2. Stop signs and cross walks are optional for drivers in Italy. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you unless...

3. Be an aggressive pedestrian Otherwise, you’ll wait for hours at a corner waiting to cross the street. At the beginning of my trip I was on a run waiting to cross a busy street and cars just weren’t stopping at the crosswalk. I waited for a few minutes and then this little elderly Italian man came right up, hobbled out into the street, threw his palm out and (embarrassingly for me) the traffic stopped dead until he was on the other side of the road. Since then I’ve followed his lead and cars let me cross right away. I always see groups of tourists in the city center waiting to cross forever, so don’t be afraid to make your presence known.

4. Double check for bikes and motor scooters before crossing because they are hard to spot and they whip out of nowhere on sharp corners at high speeds. My Italian mom’s friend’s son has taken me for a few rides on the moped and he drives fast. They all do.

5. Don’t bike in an Italian city unless you want to die. Period. I met an Italian girl last week who was born and raised riding bikes in Italy. She certainly knows how to ride in a big city with buses and mopeds swerving in and out, but even she was hit by a bus, a moped and a few cars. To my surprise, she told me that it wasn’t uncommon for accidents and people on bikes to get bumped and hit by the traffic. Essentially, Italian traffic is a blood bath.

Got some tips for surviving Italian traffic? Send us an email at Lost Girls World.

My Five Favorite Destinations: The Brittany G Edition

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

When Lost Girl Brittany Gotschall wrote to share some of the places that she'd already visited by her early 20s, we had to tip our caps. When it comes to the sheer number of passport stamps and miles traveled, she's almost got the three original LGss beat! Since she's she's quite a seasoned vagabond, we figured she could handle our super-simple travel challenge: To come up with a short list of her five destination and her reasons why. Picking favorites wasn't easy, but Brittany handled our request like a champ!

******

In my short 25 (almost) years I have been fortunate enough to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world. As most of you fellow travel enthusiasts have most likely come to realize, traveling becomes addictive and, for me, it's what makes the mundane responsibilities of everyday life a little more exciting.

I have truly loved every place I’ve ever visited, so when I sat down to think about a “Top 5” it was really difficult for me to narrow it down. The places I chose each offered me a glimpse into a completely different way of life and reminded me how much there is to see and experience. Keep in mind these aren’t in any particular order—there's no way I could pick a favorite!

1. Beijing, China

I visited Beijing in 2006, right after graduating college and before I got a job. I was having a lot of trouble accepting the fact that I was an adult and expected to fully support myself (what?), in lieu of looking for a job, very strategically weaseled myself into a family trip that had originally been planned without me.

My brother was studying abroad at Peking University, so during our 4 days in Beijing I got a true taste of local culture as well as the traditional tourist experience. The first night we stayed at a lower cost hotel near the university. My brother had been attending daily “language sessions” in the park, which was really just a group of American and Chinese students that sat together each afternoon to talk with each other.

After nearly a month of these sessions all of the students had become good friends and in honor of our visit one of the Chinese students invited us to his home for dinner. He lived in a Hutong in a 10x10 room with two other students. He cooked us dinner, about 7-8 different dishes in total, on one small gas burner in a single pan. Then, we all sat on the floor in a circle and ate out of community bowls – probably the most unique experience of my life. Amazingly, even though we couldn’t speak the same language, conversation never stopped.

The rest of my time in Beijing consisted of the typical (and absolutely incredible) tourist sites. We stayed at the 5-star Peninsula hotel, which was stunningly beautiful and hands down one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. We visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen’s Square. We took a Hutong tour and visited a traditional Chinese food market. We walked down one the main street with a string of food vendors that served just about anything you can imagine fried (birds, crickets, snakes, tarantulas...yes, I’m serious).

One recommendation for those planning to visit - pack the COOLEST clothes possible. A thick fog hangs over the city at all times and the temperature in the summer hangs right around 100 degrees with 100% humidity. I literally would have worn a bathing suit if that wasn’t socially inappropriate.

2. Mykonos, Greece

I visited Mykonos for about 8 hours during a Mediterranean cruise I took with my family in the summer of 2005. I instantly fell in love with the clean and quaint feeling of the city and beautiful beachside location. We were only there during the day, but had lunch at this amazing little restaurant off one of the side streets. Unfortunately I can’t remember the name, but there is definitely not a lack of restaurants to pick from. One of the best ways to see the island is to rent a 4-wheeler or a scooter. Since there isn’t much traffic, you can easily jet around the island. I wasn’t there during the evening, so I don’t have much to offer in the way of nightlife, but definitely stop at one of the little dessert/pastry shops and try some Baklava. Absolutely AMAZING dessert!

3. Costa Rica

Scene: Winter in Chicago – February 2007

Key Players: Me and my two best friends

Destination: Costa Rica

One word to summarize the trip: CRAZY!!

Costa Rica is my #1 recommendation for twenty-somethings looking for a unique beach vacation on a budget. Pretty much every hotel offers an all-inclusive deal. I know this might sound lame, but I promise it is worth it. I was able to pay off my entire trip before we went and literally spent only a few hundred dollars the whole week there. We visited Tamarindo, a really popular surf destination (translation – lots of cute guys)with no paved roads and just a handful of restaurants, bars and shops. We stayed at the Barcelo Playa Langosta, but for those planning to go I would recommend staying at the Tamarindo Diria. It’s right in the middle of town and draws a much younger crowd.

Ziplining is an absolute must! We went on a full day tour that allowed us to zip line, horseback ride and swim in hot springs. It was probably one of the best tours I have ever done on any vacation. We also went on a half-day snorkeling/catamaran tour, which was fantastic. The snorkeling is beautiful and nothing beats a sunset from the water. The nightlife scene in Tamarindo consists of seven to eight bars and the locals have created a rotating schedule that each bar has its big night. Once you’re there, just ask around and someone will let you know which bar is the place to be on any given night.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was also a stop on the Mediterranean cruise of 2005. Pulling into port provided a breathtaking view of the expansive city, and as I looked at the skyline dotted with mosques I immediately realized that I was someplace very different than home. We had a private guide that showed us around the city on the first day. We visited a number of sites, but the most memorable were the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. At night the glow from the Blue Mosque is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

Five times a day there is a siren of sorts that sounds throughout the city requesting people to pray. Since Istanbul is a modern city with a number of tourists, prayers aren’t required but highly encouraged. You will also see a lot of women in western clothing even though the majority of the city is Muslim.

5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

In December 2008, my family and five other families decided to visit the Galapagos Islands. Because they are a national park, the number of visitors allowed each year is limited. We started the trip on a private yacht with just our group and two tour guides. Each night began with a “briefing” of the next day’s activities and lessons about the wildlife we were going to see. Morning wake-up calls were promptly at 7 am, breakfast at 7:30 am and then off to the island of the day by 8 am. I had no idea what to expect, but when most people think of islands they picture someplace lush and green. That doesn't describe the Galapagos. They are volcanic and mainly home Sea Lions, Blue Footed Boobies and other rare birds and iguanas. One thing I learned is that Sea Lions are related to the dog, which explains why they are so cute and friendly. I seriously wanted to take one home!

The second half of the trip was spent at a small private resort on the island of Santa Cruz called the Royal Palm. The best part of the resort was the 20 person round table that fit our entire group for dinner. Each night we went into town, which was full of adorable shops, restaurants and bars.

So there you have it…five of the best places I have visited in my life. Heading towards 30, I don’t plan to slow down. Even though work becomes a bigger and more important part of my life, there will always be a place for travel.

—Brittany Gotschall

PS:

At the Lost Girls behest, I've also included the top 3 the destinations I hope to visit before I’m 30. Here goes!

Africa

I can’t imagine anything more amazing than an African safari. If I can follow up the Safari with a trip down to Cape Town, South Africa for a little relaxation by the beach, I’ll be set.

Spain

This could possibly be the next big trip I take. Ideally I’d like to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Ibiza, but that all depend on how much time I can put towards it. Am I eligible for a sabbatical yet?

Prague

Every person I’ve ever talked to about Prague has said it is the most picturesque city they’ve seen. I hope to build this in to a bigger Eastern European vacation, and hope to visit soon.

The 10 Best Tours in America

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:18:00 +0000

ADP: While I've always been a fan of independent travel—exploring a place with little more than a map, a phrase-book and a sturdy pair of walking shoes to guide you—there's still something to be said for the packaged tour. By putting yourself in the hands of someone with considerable local know-how, you're bound to discover aspects and angles of a destination you might never have discovered by wandering around on your own.

As you've probably already realized through personal trial and error, some tours—and tour companies—deliver the goods just a little bit better than everybody else (In some cases, a lot better). Earlier this month, the consumer travel website TripAdvisor released the list of the Top 10 Tours in the US based on reader feedback. Once you've read through this nationwide round up, better get on the horn and make your reservations. Something tells us the spaces on these outdoor adventures are gonna fill up fast...

1. Flying High in Kauai: Wings Over Kauai, Kauai, Hawaii

Unforgettable views await those who take a unique tour of Kauai – from 1,500 feet in the air. Travelers rave that this plane tour is the ultimate way to experience this lush, sought-after island, and invariably return with extraordinary photographs.

2. Southern Charm: Explore Savannah, Savannah, Georgia

An intimate walking tour of Savannah's historical beauty, Explore Savannah not only takes travelers through the history and culture of the city, but beloved tour guide Bobby gives insider recommendations for exploring the city on your own.

3. New York Scoop: Real New York Tours, New York, New York

Setting itself apart from slow-paced tours that provide well known facts about the city, Real New York Tours is beloved for its "real" approach – educating travelers about big tourist spots as well as providing exciting and little-known city tidbits, with true New Yorkers as guides.

4. Comforting Companions: Wild Earth Llama Adventures, Taos, New Mexico

Llamas may be unconventional modern-day travel companions, but these surprisingly friendly and industrious animals provide just what travelers need to explore the wilderness of New Mexico. The llamas will bear your load and escort you on your hike, as tour guides educate you on the surrounding area. The day's exploration concludes with a picnic.

5. Zip It: Soaring Tree Top Adventures, Durango, Colorado

Accessible only by the historic and beautiful Durango & Silverton Railroad, the day-long zipline course lets travelers fly safely through the air, surrounded by the exquisite natural landscape of the forest. On top of the thrilling excitement the ziplining adventure provides, Soaring Tree Top Adventures works to minimize its impact on the environment.

6. Delicious Discovery: Savor Seattle Food Tours, Seattle, Washington

There's no better way to get to know a city than through its food, which is exactly how Savor Seattle helps travelers get acquainted with the history and culture of this vibrant city. A number of tours are offered, each with specific themes, but the principle is the same – discover Seattle via its epicurean side.

7. Food for Thought: City Food Tours Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

More than simply a tour, City Food Tours gives visitors a true taste of Philadelphia, introducing them not only to the city's delicious and diverse food, but to little-known facts about the city of brotherly love.

8. The Friendliest Catch: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, Ketchikan, Alaska

Aboard the Aleutian Ballad, the fishing boat seen on "The Deadliest Catch," visitors watch as fisherman pull massive king crabs, octopi, salmon and other creatures out of the cold waters and into viewing tanks where they can be observed and even touched.

9. Pizza Pizzaz: Scott's Pizza Tours, New York, New York

Scott's pizza tours take visitors inside the world of New York pizza, with history and mouth-watering pies at every turn. The three hour walking tour begins at New York's oldest pizzeria before tasting the rest of the city's best, while the four-and-a-half hour weekend bus tour brings pizza enthusiasts further afield, with equally appetizing results.

10. It's a Jungle Out There: The Urban Safari, San Francisco, California

Travelers aren't very camouflaged in The Urban Safari's zebra-striped tour vehicles, but they are privy to an exciting and eclectic look at San Francisco, from its well-known sights to the treasures that are off the beaten path, with city history and spectacular views sprinkled in.

Destination Sydney: Getting Vivid with It

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Earlier this summer, while friends were pulling out shorts and bikinis in preparation for Memorial Day barbecues, I was cramming tights and sweaters into a carry-on bag and preparing to go Down Under for the winter. Why head to Australia just as the chilly weather has arrived? I made the journey from New York to Sydney—a 26-hour marathon flight that included a three-hour layover in L.A.—in order to be one of the first to experience Vivid Sydney, a three-week sensory extravaganza that’s one of the city’s most extensive and anticipated celebrations since the 2000 Summer Olympics.

I wrote about my experiences Down Under in a five-part series for PeterGreenberg.com (the Today Show’s travel editor) and will be featuring snippets of that adventure here. Stay tuned!

Getting Vivid With it

Originally conceived to show off the city as one the major creative hubs in the Asian-Pacific region, the event organizers have called Vivid “the biggest international music and light festival in the Southern Hemisphere.” It's aim was to transform Sydney’s harbor-front in to a living canvas of light and sound.

Art lover or not, I’d employ almost any excuse to get back to Australia, where I lived and backpacked with friends for several months in 2007 (as loyal as I am to the Big Apple, I actually had a few weak moments where I considered overstaying my visa and becoming an honorary Sydneysider). The locals here have perfected the balance between being laid back and hardworking, ultra-friendly and genuine. Since traveling is in their blood, they often extend themselves hand over foot to help out a visitor.

And on May 26 the city began seeing plenty of new visitors, all arriving at time that’s typically considered the low season in New South Wales. Vivid Sydney, the first major festival held during Sydney’s winter, ran through June 14 and brought tens of thousands of additional tourists into the city (not to mention millions in revenue). Visitors attended four cornerstone events that took place across the city’s iconic sites and districts, including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay, and the City Center. In an effort to make Vivid Sydney an inclusive event that’s available to everyone, the producers made of these offerings free of charge .

While I couldn’t spare all 19 days it would take to see Vivid Sydney program in its entirety, I decided to visit for the first week when the vast majority of the exhibits came to life...

To read more about my experiences at Vivid Sydney, view the original article at http://www.petergreenberg.com/2009/05/28/destination-sydney-getting-vivid-with-it/

Best NYC Cafes for Writers: EarthMatters

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Jen: Since posting my Viva La Vie Boheme blog a couple weeks ago, I'm embarrased to admit that I've slipped back into old bad habits. Although I've added a few sets of rather stylish pajamas and lounge wear to my 'freelance uniform' collection, that's still no excuse for keeping myself on house arrest. As luck would have it, fellow blogger, Larissa Olenicoff, responded to my plea for cafe suggestions - and with a location in my hood, to boot! So goodbye boxers and t-shirt, I'm setting up shop at the EarthMatters cafe.

Larissa Olenicoff, reports:

In response to your Viva La Vie Boheme! entry, might I suggest you check out EarthMatters in the Lower East Side. Well, a more sophisticated venue might be Epistrophy in Nolita (check that out too - http://epistrophycafe.com/), but I spent more time at EarthMatters during my 5 month stint in NYC trying to break into the writing world than I did in my apartment, so I have to give it props. It's just a cozy little organic cafe where you can spend hours surfing on their free wifi and sipping on the delicious, organic juices and coffee that they offer. The people who work there are a nice, eclectic bunch, and Moby was frequently my table neighbor, so you are in good company. Lots of seating upstairs and downstairs and they even have a roof patio which I'm sure is amazing in the summertime (unfortunately I was there in the dead of winter).

Follow Larissa on all her great travel adventures:
www.twitter.com/theblondegypsy
http://www.larissathetravelista.blogspot.com/

***

Earth Matters

Location: Lower East Side (177 Ludlow Street, between Houston and Stanton)
Their Philosophy: EarthMatters organic market was created to bring a change and a chance for better community life.
WiFi: Yes. And it's Free!
Caffeine Factor: Organic coffees and lattes
Food: Organic Breakfast, Salads, Soups, Smoothies and more.
Bonus Features: In house computers available for $9 per hour; A fully stocked health foods store providing organic prepared food, organic groceries and produce, environmentally-friendly household products, and a large selection of vitamins and herbal supplements.

For more, visit http://www.earthmatters.com/index.html

Ultra Cheap Flights to Sydney this Summer

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Earlier this month, I took a 26-hour marathon flight from New York to Australia to be one of the first to experience Vivid Sydney—a three-week music and light festival that transformed the city’s harbor into a living art canvas. During my trip, I blogged about the experience for PeterGreenberg.com. Read on for the first step of my trip—finding the right flight.

*************

Budget Travelers Rejoice: Competition Makes Australian Airfares Cheaper Than Ever

If you took an informal poll of the destinations most people want to visit in their lifetime, chances are, Australia would appear at the top of many travelers’ wish lists.

Unfortunately, the Land of Oz has long seemed out of reach for most Americans, not just because it’s tough to secure two consecutive weeks of vacation time, but because you practically had to take out a small loan to afford the trans-Pacific ticket.

But now, that’s all changing, thanks to some stiff competition between four major airlines, all vying for the opportunity to whisk you across the Pacific. While most carriers are taking steps to cut back their international service in the face of a global economic slowdown, Delta and the brand new V Australia have launched new wallet-friendly routes to Australia, while Qantas and United are offering serious incentives to fly their current ones.

What that means is that airfares have dropped by as much as 57 percent since last September. A year ago, the lowest fares between Los Angeles and Sydney exceeded $2000. Fast forward to 2009, and travelers could find rates as low as $299 one-way from L.A. and San Francisco to Sydney or Brisbane on Qantas (New Yorkers added $100 more for their tickets).

Prices have gone up slightly, but there are still plenty of unbelievable deals to be found on flights and airfare/hotel packages. If you can negotiate the time off work—or suddenly find yourself with a severance package and some serious spare time on your hands—you might want to look into these affordable options for making your way Down Under.

Need even more incentive to pack your bags? Compared to a year ago, the U.S. greenback has strengthened against the Aussie dollar, and a buck now buys you 22 percent more than what it did in summer 2008. So when you touch down at Sydney airport, your greenbacks can be put to good use.

To learn more about specific flight deals, read the rest of this post at PeterGreenberg.com.

LG Small Town Favorites: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:54:00 +0000

HCC: I love running, but it can be hard on your knees. I've always wanted to do a triathlon, and figured it'd be a good way to switch up my workouts. Still, swimming in a lake with hundreds of people—not to mention sorting through all the gear you’ll need—can be overwhelming. So I joined a local pool and practiced by swimming one mile twice a week. I scoured dozens of triathlon magazines. I spent hours trying on tri suits at Jack Rabbit in New York (is a unitard ever flattering?!). I went to seminars about sports nutrition.

After procrastinating for way, way too long, I realized all the preparation in the world wouldn’t get me over the finish line if I didn’t take the plunge (sorry, I had to). So I signed up for the Black Bear Triathlon last month. The race was in Pennsylvania’s Beltzville Park at the foot of the Pocono Mountains. It’s only about an hour and a half drive from New York City.

My mother and I turned the race weekend into a mini-vacation after hearing the nearby town of Jim Thorpe has been called “the Switzerland of America” and Budget Travel named it as one of America’s coolest small towns.

As soon as we got there, I could see what all the hype was about. Jim Thorpe is quaint. It’s like a country town married to a mountain village. It's filled with shops selling homemade jellies, cozy bed and breakfasts, and adventure outfitters that’ll take you white water rafting or mountain biking. The town is also home to historic buildings, an old railroad station, and a renovated opera house.

My mother and I checked into the Homespun Cozy Inn and that’s exactly what it was. Located on historic stone row across from St. Mark’s Church, the inn also houses a shop that sells delicious-smelling soy candles and homemade soaps. My mom bought a hand-painted sign with the words “Enjoy the Journey.” This is the owner, Deb, who is full of suggestions on what to do in and around town.

Right next-door is Moya’s, an eclectic restaurant run by a husband and wife team that’s named after chef/owner Heriberto Yunda’s hometown in Ecuador. The menu features dishes made with fresh food from surrounding farms, such as roasted quail and apple salad. And the atmosphere is both sophisticated and cozy, with walls painted in shades of sienna and abstract paintings hanging as if part of a gallery. I’d recommend making reservations in advance because this place was packed the night we went.

You can walk off your dinner by browsing in the mom and pop shops that line the narrow streets. I took home some strawberry jam and fresh jalapeno salsa from The Country Cottage (37 Race Street). My favorite store was Flights of Fancy (39 Broadway; flights@ptd.net), also run by a husband and wife team who stocks the place with exotic jewelry hand-picked by them during their travels to Thailand, India, Mexico, and more. You’ll find hundreds of pieces lining the shelves, but if you’re looking for something specific you don’t see, just ask the owner (pictured). When I mentioned I wanted garnet studs (my birthstone), he spent half an hour sifting through a collection behind the counter until he found me the perfect pair.

Satisfied with our dinner and our purchases, my mother and I went to bed as the sun set, knowing we’d have to get up before it rose again to beat the race traffic on the way into the park (about 1,200 people competed).

My stomach was in knots during the drive, and my mind flooded with questions: How will I find my bike after the swim? Will I be able to peel off my wet suit fast enough so as not be the last woman left standing? Will I get lost on the course (my sense of direction is terrible—I tend to get lost even in my hometown)? Rather than investing in expensive gear, I wore shorts from Target, rented a wet suit online, and borrowed my friend’s road bike. At least I wouldn’t have wasted much money if I decided triathlons weren’t my thing.

Once I arrived, my nerves melted away. The announcer pumped out cheers over loudspeakers, I made friends with the two women stationed next to me in the transition area (it was their first time too), and 500 volunteers were more than ready to show us where to go.

The first part of the race was a half-mile swim. Jumping into the cold mountain lake was disorienting: The water was black and the bottom hidden, the wet suit was tight enough to make it hard to breathe, and hundreds of swimmers diving in all together meant getting kicked and slapped in the face. Before I completely panicked, I simply told myself I didn’t have to be fast, I just had to finish—and enjoy the journey. So I did the breaststroke rather than the crawl to keep my head above the black water. I watched the people cheering from the shore. And suddenly, the swim felt exhilarating rather than scary.

The next leg of the race was an 18-mile bike ride through the mountains. I ripped off my wet suit, hopped on my borrowed bike, and spent a few minutes trying to slide the special cycling shoes into the clipless pedals. This part was a total high: The sun on my face reflecting off the lake, the wind through my hair as I sailed down hills, the sound of other bikers calling out as they passed, the smell of wild flowers mixed with pine trees.

An hour and fifteen minutes after hopping on the bike, I was back in the transition area and changing into my sneakers for the 3.1 mile run. My legs felt like jell-O, but I forgot all about the pain as I jogged past the mountain lake, over a covered bridge, through a forest, and across the finish line.

As soon as I crossed the line, a huge smile spread across my face: I finished my first triathlon! Okay, now I’m hooked. Does anybody have a used road bike they could sell me?!

Best Burgers NYC: The Spotted Pig

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000

This week, we're starting a fun new section called Best Burgers NYC..it will essentially require The Lost Girl (and anyone readers with a hankering for medium rare meat) to try out as many juicy 1/3 pounders in the city as we can handle, and post the photos of the winners of the web.

The gorgeous Spotted Pig burger was served with a thin layer of Roquefort cheese and served up alongside a veritable haystack of matchstick fries seasoned with fresh rosemary. The burgers tend towards the rare side, so keep that in mind when ordering.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Courtney Thom

8 Ways to Eat and Drink Like an Italian

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Patty Hodapp

My study abroad trip to Italy is approaching its three-week mark. Just by living with an Italian family—and being a tourist—and I’ve learned a lot about the local culture. My Italian has improved vastly and I’ve definitely eaten my weight’s worth in both gelato and olive oil! For all you backpackers, Italophies and Euro-culture connoisseurs, I’m sharing a few pointers I’ve picked up by talking to other tourists, my Italian host family and by learning lessons the hard way...on my own.

Today’s lesson: 8 Ways to Eat and Drink like an Italian

1. Avoid gelato from gelaterias around the touristy places like the city center. It's often overpriced and not even “genuine” gelato anyways. Skip the molded gelato (like the kind in the picture) I met an Italian man who told me that this variety has been infused with extra milk and dairy products. Instead, you can find gelato places outside the city center where you get twice the gelato for your Euro—and it's real. Trust me, I’ve hit up almost all of the gelaterias in Florence and the best stuff I’ve tasted comes from little hole-in-the-wall places on random corners and streets where only locals go. A good rule of thumb: If the tubs are elaborately decorated with fruit and whipped cream or mounded to stand very high above the tub itself, it’s probably an gelato impostor.

2. Get a great bottle of wine at the supermarket for 2 Euro. Expensive over here doesn’t necessarily mean it's better. Getting glasses of wine and bottles of wine at restaurants is very expensive and unless you have a lot of cash to drop you’ll only want to do this occasionally.

3. When buying olive oil look at the year on the bottle. Unlike with wine, the more recent the vintage, the better—and that's because it’s fresher. Incidentally, Italians put olive oil on everything. I became a fan pretty quickly and am inches away from literally pouring it on my breakfast cereal. It’s just that good.

4. Adjust your eating schedule Italians have their dinner around 8:30 or 9:00pm Just be prepared to eat alone if you're sitting down at a restaurant at 6:00pm.

5. Don't expect to order your old menu standbys I was devastated to find out from my Italian host mom that chicken Parmesan and chicken alfredo does not, in fact, exist in Italy. When I told her I love those “Italian” dishes she had no clue what I was talking about. The upswing is, you'll have to branch out and try new dishes—and you may realize that you had no idea what you were missing.

6. Sit and stay awhile Italians eat a few courses, typically starting with salad and bread dipped in olive oil or balsamic, then a light pasta dish, and afterwards moving on to prepared meat or fish (seasoned with home grown herbs in their little tomatoes gardens) and ending with a piece of fruit and coffee. They don’t eat dessert often here.

7. Give the green and white cups a rest There's no such thing as Starbucks in Italy. For a caffeine and coffee addict like myself, I thought I would pretty much die of caffeine-withdrawal headaches the first week. But then I learned to hit the bars.

8. Get your drink on Unlike America’s watering holes, a “bar” here is a coffee place where you can get a sandwich or a small pastry. There is no such thing as a “to-go” cup. When you order a café at a bar in Italy you will get a little tiny tea cup with a shot of espresso, sometimes with water or milk added, and you stand at the bar and drink it. Italians don’t actually brew coffee so the closest thing you can get to an American cup of coffee is called “un café Americano." It's essentially a shot of espresso with hot water and steamed milk.

The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India (a non-fiction book by Shelley Seale)

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Author Shelley Seale discusses her new narrative non-fiction book, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India, which depicts her journey into orphanages and through the streets and slums of India where millions of innocent children live without families. During her three years of writing The Weight of Silence, Seale has befriended and told the stories of many such children – and has born witness to their struggles first hand. Foreward by Joan Collins with endorsements by Geralyn Dreyfous (Executive Producer of Born Into Brothels), Kate Dancy (Save The Children), Dominique Lapierre (Author of City of Joy) and more.

Available In-Stores: June 15, 2009

For more information, please visit: http://weightofsilence.wordpress.com/

*****

Q: When did you first go to India, and why?
A: One day in early 2004 I was paging through a local magazine when an article grabbed my attention. It told the story of Caroline Boudreaux, who had visited India three years earlier and happened upon an orphanage full of children living in incomprehensible conditions. She had returned home and started the Miracle Foundation, a nonprofit which raises money and recruits sponsors to help support the home. I began volunteering for the organization and sponsored a child, and Caroline invited me to go to India with a volunteer group. My first visit was in March 2005.

Q: How did you first start thinking about writing this book?
A: When I arrived that first time, I assumed all the kids there were orphans in the true sense of the word – their parents had died. Instead I was shocked by how many of them had been “orphaned” by poverty; their parents had left them at the Miracle Foundation home because they were too poor to feed them, which in some ways seemed an even greater tragedy. I wondered when each of them had stopped wanting to go back home, or if they ever had. Many of them had also been affected by other issues such as disease or child labor and trafficking; some had been found living on the streets.

As I bore witness to the harm that lay in each of them because of their pasts, as I discovered the stories behind the faces and the names, there was simply no way to go on with my life afterwards as if they did not exist. So I embarked on a three-year journey researching the issues, traveling throughout India and talking to many professionals and those working in the trenches to uphold these children’s rights and improve their futures. I could see that they were “invisible” children, without a real voice of their own. My sole purpose in writing the book was to give these millions of children a voice that could be heard by others in the world who, I was convinced, would be as moved by their plights as I was.

Q: There is so much poverty and plight in the U.S.…what drew you to India?
A: This is one of the most frequent questions I’m asked: Why India? You’re right, there is much poverty and need in the U.S., and we must all be aware and active in the struggles against poverty, racism, sexism, social inequities and other challenges that create vast problems right here at home. I believe that, and I am also involved in a huge amount of work on behalf of foster children and children’s rights in the U.S.; I donate much money to these causes and volunteer hundreds of hours a year here at home. I truly believe it is all of our obligation as citizens. It’s not like I think only India has children in need.

My simple answer to the question “Why India” is, why not? Once I got involved and then traveled to India and the orphanages myself, and began researching the issues for my book, the vast differences between children’s issues and lives in the two countries were glaring. Extreme poverty in India is not the same as poverty in the United States. And there are very little, if any, safety nets for the children who fall through the cracks. Although we have vast problems as well, millions of children in the U.S. aren’t threatened by malaria and tuberculosis, denied their entire educations or trafficked – sold into factories or domestic labor if they’re lucky, to brothels if they’re not. A childhood cannot wait for the AIDS epidemic to subside, for poverty to be eradicated, for adults and governments to act, for the world to notice them. And quite simply, because those twenty-five million children exist.

Q: Who has inspired you on this journey?
A: From a very early age, my grandparents and parents always inspired me. I have the most wonderful, close, loving family who have always supported me unconditionally. It’s an amazing gift, which is why it breaks my heart to see other children go through life without that. While writing the book, there were so many people along the way who inspired me and have become my heroes. Caroline Boudreaux was the first one – this woman gave up a very successful television advertising career after meeting a group of orphans, by chance, on one evening – and dedicated the rest of her life to supporting them and ensuring their fundamental rights. Dr. Manjeet Pardesi, her Director of Operations in India, has a similar story – he left behind a successful accounting business in Delhi to open and run an orphanage and home for unwed mothers hundreds of miles away.

Outside of the social workers and professionals, there were so many people who awed me with the lives they laid bare to me. One woman in particular in Vijayawada in Central India, named Durgamma. This woman lives in a slum village that has been completely devastated by AIDS, which has wiped out a large portion of the middle generation there. What it has left behind are dozens of families in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren, after their own children have died of AIDS. This type of household is so prevalent there that the women have developed “Granny Clubs” to support each other. Durgamma is trying her best to raise her two young grandsons – one of whom is HIV-positive. She is a stooped, elderly woman who can barely walk, and yet she may be one of the strongest women I have ever met.

Q: If you could ask people reading this to do one thing, what would it be?
A: Give these children a voice by reading their stories. And, as I said, find the something that is “your thing” and take action to make a difference in someone’s life. Remember, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

About the Author: Shelley Seale is a freelance writer based out of Austin, Texas, but she vagabonds in any part of the world whenever possible. Shelley has written for the Seattle Times, Washington Magazine, the Austin Business Journal, Intrepid Travel and Andrew Harper Traveler Magazine among others, and is the Sustainable Travel Columnist at The Examiner. Her new book, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India, follows her journeys into the orphanages, streets and slums of India, where for millions of children the life portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire is their reality. Her mantra is “travel with a purpose.” She can be reached at http://www.shelleyseale.com/.

5 Things to Know Before Backpacking with a Boyfriend

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:29:00 +0000

by Hannah Dorland

I spent two weeks backpacking alone in Colorado--no problem. Last week my partner of 2 years and I decided to raft down the St. Croix River and sleep on an island. Chaos ensued! Backpacking is totally different with two people.

1. Two people equals two mouths. A few granola bars, jiffy pop, grapes, and turkey jerky just don't cut it. Besides, men seem to get ravenous towards evening... I think the bear that snuck into our campsite in the middle of the night was in a better mood than my guy.

2. Extra body heat in the tent does NOT mean that two sleeping bags aren't necessary. It's Minnesota. Even in the summer the nights get chilly, and as nice as cuddling may be it's no substitute for proper sleeping bags and/or blankets!

3. Being comfortable is key. When I backpack alone, I wear high-waisted baggy pants with tightly cinched belts, hiking boots, a bandanna, and a sleeveless men's tee-shirt. This time, I wanted to look pretty and instead ended up chafing after 12 miles because my low-waisted jeans conflicted with my backpack waist strap.

4. Just because he offers to carry things, it doesn't mean he actually should. Chivalry is nice and all, but the heavy pack was mine, specifically purchased to fit my tiny 5'3" frame, and his upper back was SORE the next morning.

5. Three person rafts are meant for three people, not two people and two giant backpacks. Remember that packs can often weight as much as a small child, so count them as one! I ended up sitting on top of the two packs and paddling at an awkward angle... guess we should have rented a canoe!

When Lost Girl Hannah Dorland isn't backpacking, she's attending class at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Her favorite spot is St. Croix State Park (about 15 miles from Hinkley, MN) and she's planning another adventure down the Namekagon River (WI) in a few weeks

Lost Girls' Cause: Armchair Volunteering

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:07:00 +0000

HCC: If you've been dreaming of doing a volunteer vacation but don't have the time or money, long-distance volunteering might be for you. It's free, doesn't require you to use up your vacation days, and can make a big impact on people around the globe.

A reader wrote in to tell us about the Alliance for Women's Rights Armchair Travel Program. The non-profit pairs professionals in places such as the U.S. with women in Central Asian countries via the internet to help share their skills, spark personal connections, and foster women's rights.

Our reader signed up for the Alliance Volunteer Chat and will soon be speaking online to a woman in Afghanistan to act as a mentor and cultural exchange advocate. You can also opt for the ESL program and use Skype to teach one-on-one English classes to a woman in, say, Mongolia or Kazakhstan. Another volunteer option is to help women write, edit, and translate grant proposals, website materials, and letters into English. Besides aiding women who have limited opportunities, you'll get insight into how people in another part of the world live.
Photo credit: Afghan's Women Mission

Romance Abroad: The Ultimate in Cultural Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:12:00 +0000

When Mindful Tourist Shadia Garrison went to live in Chile for a year, she didn’t expect to end up with a husband by the end of her trip—particularly one who couldn’t speak English, wasn’t thrilled about moving to the U.S., and had never lived outside of his parents’ house. But as she quickly discovered, working through a few cultural differences—not to mention a slight language barrier—was definitely worth the effort.

Here, Shadia shares her insights on dating a local, and how it can make you richer in more ways than one.

If you’re single and traveling, meeting and clicking romantically with a local is an experience that will make your trip even more memorable. Not just because you’ll have a partner to take tango dancing in Buenos Aires or walk hand-in-hand down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, but because you’ll have a unique window inside the culture of the place you’ve chosen to visit (not to mention your own). As you get to know one another, you might find yourself considering—and reconsidering—a few dating and relationship norms you might have taken for granted at home:

• Will your new partner want to smooch in the middle of the plaza or on a park bench? Is he or she more comfortable with PDA than you are? Less affectionate than you’d like?

• Does your partner want to incorporate his or her extended family into your daily life in a way that’s new to you?

• Do you find that gender roles you’ve experienced are reinforced, transposed, or just totally different from your expectations?

• Is language a barrier to intimacy —or do you find other ways to “communicate” without talking?

• Do your values about children, careers and traveling subjects put you at odds? Are these dealbreakers?

You can almost guarantee that you’ll meet new people—family and friends of your partner—through your new relationship. I heard stories from my husband’s parents and parents’ friends about their lives working clandestinely for human rights in Pinochet-era Chile. I stayed up late drinking tea with his mother and listened as she shared stories about her life growing up with eight brothers and sisters, getting married on her 18th birthday, and her travels to Cuba and Las Vegas.

Traveling may feel surreal at times, but remember that your new romance is happening in the real world. Even if you’re head over heels for this new person, you’ll probably have some kinks to work out, especially if you’re from two different cultures.

Ask yourself: Are your differences more superficial in nature (she doesn’t shave her armpits—ew!) or do they speak to larger issues and values (his religion dictates his wife may not work outside the home)? Understanding, honesty and communication are critical as you address these cultural differences, especially if one or both of you is interested in a long-term commitment.

And remember, even if the romance turns out to just be a fling, what you’ll learn about your destination—and yourself—will make the experience worth it. And every once in a while, you could return home with more than just an amazing story of romance abroad. As I discovered: You could end up with the love of your life.

Read more from Shadia at her newly redesigned blog Mindful Tourist.

Want to share your story of overseas love? How you made it work with the one you love back home? Drop us a line at lostgirlsworld@gmail.com

Viva La Vie Boheme!

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:50:00 +0000

Jen: Blame it on my television background/life-long passion for film, but when Amanda, Holly and I first learned that we were going to be book authors, a montage of romanticized images flashed in my mind: Lounging with my laptop in an East Village coffee shop surrounded by poets, artists and other quintessential bohemian figures…Discovering my very own Walden Pond-worthy hideaway, where I’d bask in the sun and tranquil solitude, penning deep thoughts in my journal for days on end...Jetting off to exotic locales with my fellow Lost Girls to hold self-imposed editing workshops on white sand beaches. Ahh! My new life as a writer was certain to be a sweet one, yes? Well, I did get the coffee and solitude parts right. But everything else? Hmm...not so much!

As it turned out, for me, churning out a memoir required only one scene on constant loop. Cue: The Jen character–dressed in sweats, pajamas and/or boxers and a t-shirt, hair in a pony tail, no make-up and glasses–sits all alone in her bed or on the couch in her parent’s den (during times when she felt forced to flee NYC all together) for 10-12 plus hours in a row with little to no interaction with the outside world. Needless to say, this oh-so-sexy existence only intensified during the final weeks before our deadline. Sleep time dropped to about 3-4 hours per day. Sunrise tallies hit an all-time high. Social calendars were ripped to shreds. Fingers bled. Tensions skyrocketed. And sanity levels plummeted to record lows! (in case you were wondering, my ability to overdramatize never waned).

Luckily after a few weeks of down time between handing in our draft manuscript and meeting with our editor, our social calendars have been taped back together, fingers healed, tensions melted (thank you Riesling and Pinot Noir) and sanity levels raised back to their normal, albeit still questionable, heights. Recharged and ready to hammer out the final version of our book, the girls and I are officially knee deep in the editing process, but with one very important modification on my part. The goal? I am bound and determined to breathe new life into the Jen character’s writer persona by doing something radical: changing into clothes that don’t look bound for a Good Will bin, utilizing my contact lenses and perhaps even a little lip gloss, throwing my laptop into a bag and heading outside to enjoy being a starving artist in the city that perfected the concept. “Riding my bike mid-day past the three piece suits,” as my RENT ‘bible’ so eloquently puts it. Of course in order to not slip back into my old hermit habits, it’s imperative for me to find an inner city space that’s conducive to doing actual work and not just looking cool sitting with a cappuccino and my computer.

So…this is where you, dear LG readers, come in. Let this blog serve as an official call-to action to send us suggestions on the most fabulous, funky and brooding artist-worthy haunts in Manhattan. I will happily test as many out as I can and feature the best locations on the blog along with a shout out to the person who submitted it. To kick-off the list, I’ve profiled two freelance-friendly venues below that Amanda and I discovered yesterday.

Viva La Vie Boheme!!

***

Doma
An airy, sunlit cafe and gallery that was hailed as "the archetypal Village bohemian" by the New York Times; http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/doma/

Location: West Village (17 Perry Street at 7th Ave)
Ambiance: Cozy, Artsy, Lots of tables and couches, Great music (mostly jazz and classical when we were there), Friendly-vibe
WiFi: No
Placed to Plug-In: Yes, but limited
Caffeine Factor: Variety of lattes, espresso and steamed milk drinks (the Americanos were perfect strength -stiff, yet mellow -and served in large mugs)
Food: Breakfast (served all day), Salads, Sandwiches, Soups, Desserts, etc.
Bonus Features: Donate three current magazines (published within past 6 months) to the Doma rack on Fridays and receive a free cup of coffee; Beer and wine available

Photo by: Konstantin Sergeyev (see nymag.com link above)

Soy Luck Club
A snug, vibrant juice bar/health food cafe; http://www.soyluckclub.com/
Location: West Village (115 Greenwich Ave, at Jane Street)
Ambiance: Laid back, cozy, quiet
WiFi: Yes (FREE with staff-provided password)
Placed to Plug-In: Yes, Tons on all walls
Caffeine Factor: Soy lattes, Fair Trade Organic Coffee
Food: Breakfast, Salads, Crostinis, Crepes (meat/cheese and dessert)
Bonus Features: Sleek and comfy furniture, Extra electric outlet strips, Free ethernet broadband service

Photo by: Kate Attardo, http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/soy-luck-club/

The Girls' Guide To Camping

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:40:00 +0000

Our guest blogger today is Britt Reints, who has been blogging at Miss Britt since 2005. Offline, she says she has a fancy title that includes words like "VP" and "marketing" - which essentially means she sells stuff. Online, she's says she's entirely too open about her personal life and has embraced the motto, "Dignity is Overrated." She neglects to tell any of this to her editors at her paid blogging gigs where she writes about vacations for the travel site Uptake. If you're a camping virgin, check out her tips for what to pack and how to find a campsite near you (with showers!).

I remember the first time I asked my mother if I could go on an overnight camping trip with friends. She raised an eyebrow, titled her head, and asked me where I was really planning to spend the night.

"You hate nature," she reminded me. "You hate bugs and trees and dirt. You do know that camping happens outside, right?"

Her surprise hasn't wained in the 15 or so years since I made that first request. Every single time I recount a camping trip to her, she laughs out loud and shakes her head. "You hate nature," she repeats.

While hate is a rather strong word, it's true that I am not what you'd call an "outdoorsy" girl. I am certain that I am both allergic to mosquitoes and genetically engineered to attract them. I spend most of my days in high heels and prefer Kenneth Cole to Coleman. And still, I have grown to love camping.

I like being temporarily disconnected from the real world and circling a campfire with good friends. I like seeing new things and having grand adventures - even if that requires enduring a night or two of sleeping on the ground. While most of my time is spent reveling in being A Girl, I have learned how to make the most of any camping trip. Here are a few tips:

I highly recommend staying at a campground with showers. At the very least, a campground with bathroom facilities are nice. State and county parks often have large, well maintained bathrooms and showers for campers. If you're forced to camp without the convenience of indoor plumbing, make sure you locate a water source of some kind and pitch your tent as close by as possible.

The most important part of any camping trip for me is the packing process. I actually have a camping tub that I keep stocked with camping supplies.

Every camper, whether male or female, should bring a tent, sleeping bag, pillow, garbage bags, food for dinner AND breakfast (the meal most commonly forgotten by amateur campers), plenty of water, camping chairs and a lantern. Those are the minimum requirements for a camping trip.

In addition to bringing food and shelter, remember to bring all of your necessary toiletries. Bring deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush. It's also a good idea to bring feminine hygeine products if there is even a remote chance of you needing something while you're camping. I also bring body spray and hand sanitizer, because it's nice to freshen up a little bit in the morning. If you have a campsite with a shower, remember to bring shampoo and conditioner and a brush or comb. There is absolutely nothing wrong with cleaning up while you're camping. It doesn't make you less of a real camper, and will probably make you more comfortable for during your trip.

Do not bring mascara on a camping trip. Seriously. The squirrels do not care how long your lashes are. However, it is a good idea to bring some type of lip balm and sunscreen to keep you protected from the sun and wind.

When it comes to packing clothes, remember that you're dealing with nature in it's purset form - without heat or air conditioning. Bring long pants, sweatshirts and socks to keep you warm when the sun goes down. Bring lighter clothes for the heat of the day. It stands to reason that you should wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. It's also a good idea to bring at least one more change of clothes than you think you'll need, just in case. For footwear, I always bring one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of flip flops. If you're planning to hike, you'll want a supportive pair of hiking boots as well.

The main thing to keep in mind is that it's perfectly acceptable to make yourself comfortable - within reason. There's no shame in taking a break to clean up or bringing a brush to comb out your hair at the end of the day. Take the time to plan for the elements and bring everything you'll need to stay warm, fed and hydrated for the duration of your trip.

And of course, bring plenty of bug spray.

To find a campground in your area (with showers!), check out KOA Camping and Reserve America.

An End to Hot Dogging

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

For the past several months, LG Molly Fergus has been co-piloting the world-famous Wienermobile, hot-dogging across the country and blogging about her experiences here. This weekend, her yearlong journey inside the mustard-slathered mothership came to a close. While driving the vehicle was a role she truly relished, Molly is now looking forward to a few specific comforts of home.

******

On Sunday, June 7th, I passed off the Wienermobile keys to the next class of hotdoggers. Finishing any long-term travel – whether it’s a three-week sabbatical or a one-year round-the-world trip – is bittersweet. I’m sad, of course, because the party’s over. But I’m happy, because a girl can only live out of one suitcase for long! So, in the spirit of optimism I’m listing the top four things I’m looking forward to post-hotdogging. LGs, what do you enjoy most about regular life after a long getaway?

Regularly scheduled activities Most people fantasize about beach vacations and room service meals; now, I dream about joining book clubs and going to church and seeing the same group of people every, say, Wednesday night. After my homeless year, normal things seem exotic.

Grilled cheese The actual sandwich is just symbolic (because, I actually did have a great grilled cheese three nights ago at a coffee shop in, of course, Wisconsin). But the freedom to make that sandwich means I have a stovetop, a refrigerator, and cheese that I’ve picked out myself. How luxurious.

Pretty suitcases I try to tell myself that, like well-read books, a scuffed-up backpack or luggage set is a sign of love and use. But really, the black marks on my purple set (a graduation gift from my aunts and uncles last year), make me sad…if only because it means my year of hopping across the country is over. Here's the "before" and "after" photos of my bags...

A closet A place to hang my clothes—instead of shrink-wrapping them in space saving bags! Of course, the irony here is that I’m moving to New York, where I will literally be using a file cabinet as a dresser and storing my hanging clothes in the living room closet.

—Molly Fergus

To read more about the Molly and her co-pilot Selena's hot dogging adventures, click here.

Want to apply for a job driving the Wienermobile? Click here to learn more.

Dispatches from the Road: The Netherlands

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Travel not only changes your scenery, but can also alter the very way you live your life. When Canadian Lost Girl Heather Pals left everything familiar behind in to live in the Netherlands, she discovered how to focus more on her relationships, and why she doesn’t always need to have a plan. Here’s her inside scoop on living the Dutch life.

One year ago, a week after finishing my undergraduate degree, I packed my life in two suitcases and set off to the Netherlands. Looking back, it was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, although at the time, it seemed crazy, unexpected, and scary.

I’m the type of person who likes plans. I make lists, follow them to a tee, and methodically cross off items along the way. When I didn’t know what to do after graduation, the logical choice seemed to pursue more graduate studies, and make smart use of my time. After all, that is what most of my friends did. However, I knew that higher education was always something I could return to, but the opportunity to live abroad and experience a different way of life may never happen again. Armed with a small amount of knowledge about Dutch culture (my paternal grandparents are from the Netherlands), a supportive boyfriend, and a hefty Skype credit, I did what seemed unthinkable to professors and traditionalists back home: I moved to the world’s most liberal and invigorating cities, Amsterdam!

Living in Amsterdam, you definitely get a different perspective on things than if you were just passing through on a quick visit. We frequent places where the locals hang out, and live in the most up and coming neighbourhood in the city: De Pijp. Right around the corner from the Heineken brewery, it has all the greatest cafes, bars, and shops in the city...it is Amsterdam’s best-kept secret! De Pijp is a little corner of the city filled with young professionals, and has been called Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter. Previously famous for its prostitution and brothels, it is now home to an eclectic mix of international cuisine and culture, a perfect escape from the seedy Red Light District and “coffee shops” of the city center.

The greatest thing about Amsterdam is the laid-back culture of its citizens. Sitting for hours at a sidewalk cafe, sipping a beer or a cup of coffee, and talking with friends is the national pastime. People are warm, inviting, and helpful. They are curious about North Americans, and aren’t hesitant to tell you in typical Dutch bluntness what they think.

We spend hours boating down the beautiful canals, munching appetizers and sipping champagne, learning about the lives of our new friends. It’s so relaxed here, and a much different mindset than in North America. Here, people work to live, not live to work. There is a clear separation between work-life and personal life. When people return home from work, they completely devote themselves to family time, a close group of friends, and travel.

Oh, and the Dutch love to party! Festivals, carnivals, and national holidays abound. Most are excuses for people to dress up in costumes and taste all of their fabulous local beers. The country can definitely be summed up in one word that has no literal English translation: gezellig. Gezellig is a staple in Dutch vocabulary, and conveys a feeling of coziness, warmth, and intimacy. It can be applied to people, situations, or an overall feeling you have, and it’s what the Dutch thrive on.

Perhaps the greatest piece of Dutch wisdom is one that most of the citizens share. It has been passed on to me through my grandfather, and is the general mentality of people here: Act Normal, That’s Crazy Enough. When I eventually return home to North America, I hope to take with me a piece of the Dutch way of life, and try to recreate the laid-back, friendly atmosphere of this awe-inspiring country. Until then, I’m content visiting flower markets, touring the Netherlands, and learning to live (as hard as it may be!) without a plan.”

The Lost Girls in US Airways

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:51:00 +0000

We got a shout out in an issue of US Airways magazine! They published a post of ours about how to find cool things to do when you're in a new neighborhood. Hopefully, many of you are taking advantage of the summer months to explore other towns, so here's how to find fun stuff to do within walking distance of where ever your travels may take you. Here's to hoping you get lost this summer (all while keeping your final destination in mind, of course:) In case you can't read the small print, we've posted the original blog below...

HCC: Being in a new place can be disorienting: Where can you grab coffee? Take a yoga class? Find a good book? To learn what’s around, check out walkscore.com. Simply type in your address to get a list of grocery stores, coffee shops, libraries, parks, restaurants, bars, gyms and more within 2 miles of where you are. Then dress for the elements and head outdoors—you’ll fit in some exercise, and do the planet good by not burning gasoline. WalkScore.com also ranks the "walkability" of over 2,500 neighborhoods in the largest U.S. cities.

And though you may have a specific destination in mind, walking can help you uncover stuff you might not have otherwise found. In my own wanderings, I’ve unexpectedly stumbled upon community gardens, sidewalk art drawn in chalk, and—I kid you not—an old highschool friend. That’s why my favorite way to explore a city will always be on foot.

Studying Abroad: How to Choose a Backpack and What to Pack

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Earlier this year, Lost Girls intern Patty Hodapp was accepted to the Syracuse study abroad program in Florence, Italy. She has her visa, her passport and her ticket. Her next big step was choosing a backpack, and figuring out which essentials were really essential. As the Lost Girls discovered, it's better for your back to get caught wearing the same outfit a few days in a row rather than bringing half your closet along for the ride. Check out Patty's tips for choosing a pack that fits, pairing down your belongings, and why she decided to leave her laptop at home.
*****
Two Weeks 'Til Departure—Luggage Predicament
We Americans tend to think bigger is better, but when it comes to buying a travel pack for a European adventure like my own, it took me a while to abandon that philosophy. When I got back to Minnesota from college a few weeks ago, my parents offered to take me travel pack shopping at R.E.I., a huge camping/adventure sports store in Minneapolis/St. Paul. The idea of a legit travel pack as my main piece of luggage never crossed my mind. They are expensive and there was absolutely no way I’d fit all my dresses, shorts, pants, blow-dryer, laptop computer, hair straightener, and several pairs of shoes (heels included, ehem) in essentially a huge backpack. I just assumed I’d be hauling my big red suitcase to Florence and then figuring out another backpack to use on my two week travel jaunt at the end of July. Wrong.

10 Days 'Til Departure—Buying the Bag
When we got to the store, a clerk eyed up my torso size and fitted me with a size small women’s pack, which he weighed down with 50 pounds in beanbags. The first time he strapped on the bulky bag, I nearly fell backwards. Once I got used to the feeling of carrying most of the weight on my hips—the packs are designed this way to minimize pressure on the upper back—I tried a few more packs. The ones I looked at ranged from 60 to 80 liters at packed capacity. Each large pack had a smaller day-pack attached to it that would come in handy for short trips.

Surprisingly each pack felt very different on my body—it wasn’t like shopping for a normal book-bag-type backpack where you grab one and go. Since the type of pack can make or break a trip, and since they’re a healthy investment of 200-300 dollars, I wanted to be sure I bought the best one for me. Three hours and 230 dollars later I finally bought an Eagle Creek 75 L pack that (fingers crossed) will see me through Italy, the southern coast of France and hopefully Barcelona.

Tips from the store clerk on buying a bag:
1. Don’t buy a too big of a backpack. Remember you have to carry it and your back will thank you later.
2. Go easy on souvenirs. Shipping to the US is expensive and heavily taxed to try to keep purchases to things you can carry.
3. Make SURE the backpack you choose has hip belts and adjustable straps
4. It’s good to research travel packs online but go to a store and try them on before you buy one. It’s almost like shoe shopping, you need to make sure the bag fits your body just right or you’ll be in for a long trip.

Five Days 'Til Departure—Packing…Again, and Again…and Again
I consider myself a seasoned traveler, but most of my trips have involved living overseas for months on end, which always meant bringing clothes for multiple seasons in a big suitcase. Since this trip is only two months, my parents encouraged me to narrow down my stuff to fit in my travel pack. Though I was doubtful, I crammed it till it was pulling at the seams, strapped the pack on and promptly fell over. There was no way I wanted to haul all this stuff through Europe, and if I was going to travel this lightly I’d have to take time to do it right.

So I dumped out the bag and started over, making choices between shirts and shoes, pants and shorts. Did I really need seven dresses…? Or brown AND black heels…? Maybe fifteen tank tops was slightly excessive…The fact that I’d be carrying it ALL, quickly helped me eliminate about a third of its contents. I packed again and again, moving weight around, rolling up shirts, Ziploc bagging liquids, eliminating item after item until I finally had it down to four dresses, my running shoes, black heels, sandals, a few tank tops and shorts, travel size toiletries, my swim suit, first-aid kit, a quick dry travel towel, two cardigans and room to spare for a few purchases I’m sure I’ll be making. Excellent.

Packing Tips I learned:
1. When you first pack, take out about one third of your clothes and put them back in your drawer. No one will remember you wore a shirt two days ago and trust me, I’m as fashion conscious as the next New York girl.
2. Don’t forget to bring nice shoes and heels for the ladies. Unlike the United States, bouncers won’t let you into many clubs or bars if you're just wearing sneakers or flats.
3. Skip the blow dryer, buy bandanas, cute headbands and pick up a travel size hair gel.
4. Remember you’ll probably buy a few clothing items there so try to budget room in your pack for that.

Two Days 'Til Departure
With most of my big bag packed I set about packing the day pack, which I plan to use as carry-on luggage. I made two copies (one for me, one for my parents) of all of my travel documents: passport, visa, health insurance card, driver’s license, plane ticket passenger receipt, flight itinerary etc. Then I added a journal, my monthly agenda, my external hard drive (I opted to leave my computer behind in exchange for internet cafes), my iPod and headphones, a book, my American cell phone, an empty water bottle, and a quart-size Ziploc bag with hand sanitizer, lip gloss, lotion, hair gel and deodorant (all less than 3.0 fluid ounces for airline regulations).

One Day 'Til Departure
I’m getting more and more excited as I write this blog and reflect on the whirlwind of travel preparations I’ve been through in the last few months. This trip has been a long time coming, and tomorrow morning it’ll finally kick into motion when I check my travel pack and fly out of the Minneapolis airport at 7 a.m. to meet the Syracuse group flight to Florence at JFK, New York. I’ll arrive in Florence, Italy early Thursday morning and the adventure begins!

Ciao!

LG Cause: DC Walk to Beat the Clock

noreply@blogger.com (The Lost Girls) — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Jen: As one of the world’s most passionate and skilled night owls, it’s a near impossible feat to persuade me to voluntarily rise with the sun. But during my recent weekend stint down to MD/DC to visit my hometown VIPs, I was presented with several compelling incentives to join the ranks of those perky, early morning types. Ok, so I wasn’t exactly perky, but my two adorable surrogate nephews, baby Chase and little man, Jake, kept their Auntie Jenny laughing and cooing despite the shocking 6:50am alarm clock digits.

And considering my best girlfriends (Steph, Aimee and Nadji –pictured from left to right) and I were heading into the city to participate in the 3rd annual Walk to Beat the Clock hosted by Tamika and Friends, Inc. (T&F) – a national non-profit organization designed to raise awareness about and work to eradicate cervical cancer –I couldn’t think of a better and more meaningful way to start my day. Sure, Steph and Aimee managed to get not only themselves, but also their sons, ready on time and in an orderly fashion, while I, on the other hand, frenetically shoved a few bites of cereal down my mouth, before racing out the door, hair still sopping wet and shoelaces untied. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

By the time all six of us, two strollers, sippie cups and teething rings made it successfully downtown, we were wide awake and ready to get our walking groove on for an amazing cause. Joined by a dedicated crowd of supporters and cervical cancer survivors, we hit the sidewalks of Adam’s Morgan to Beat the Clock. Because, as cited by T&F, every hour a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer and every 2.5 hours a woman will die from cervical cancer -- therefore we must Beat the Clock! As a second year participant in this event, I am continuously inspired by the courageous work of this organization to educate women about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection. And between now and next year’s walk, which I proudly plan to attend, I’ve pledged to stay on top of my own screenings and encourage all my girlfriends (and/or vehemently push, if need be) to do the same. And I incite all you fellow Lost Girls and Lost Boyfriends out there to please do the same!

For more information on Tamika and Friends, including facts, survivor stories and how to donate, log on to http://www.tamikaandfriends.org/

*****
About the Walk
In 2005, cervical cancer survivor Tamika Felder created Tamika and Friends, Inc. (T&F) and joined a movement to eradicate cervical cancer. Based in the Washington, D.C. metro area and serving women nationally, T&F is a leader in HPV/cervical cancer awareness and support. T&F is committed to educating all women about HPV and its link to cervical cancer. In addition, the organization supports women who are fighting this devastating disease.

Cervical Cancer is almost ALWAYS preventable, and the third annual Walk To Beat The Clock which will be held in the D.C. Metro Area on Saturday May 16, 2009, is one way we are making women aware of this fact. The walk will raise awareness about cervical health and the tools that women have which can prevent this disease: pap tests, HPV testing, and HPV vaccines. The thousands raised will be re-invested in the community T&F serves.

The walk will be a chance to celebrate women who have survived, remember those who have been lost, and to support those who are still fighting cervical cancer. Approximately 80% of people will get HPV in their lifetime and most women have a friend or loved one who has faced the possibility of cancer after having an abnormal pap, so this disease truly affects everyone.