Solo with Others
Tales of journeys with others whether group tours, girlfriend getaways, business trips or whatever other opportunities come my way.
The Best Way to Experience Germany’s Christmas Markets
Psst. Want to know a secret to the best way to experience Germany’s Christmas markets? I’ll tell ya. It’s a cruise with Viking River Cruises.
Continue ReadingI Visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York and This Happened
I didn’t know her but unknowingly standing in front of her name etched in bronze, I was heavy with sadness. Blinking away tears and trying to hide them from my friend, I looked for distractions while he photographed the scenery.
Continue ReadingTravel to Thailand: Dancing with the Tai Dam People
During my March visit to Thailand, I tossed aside my inhibitions and danced with the Tai Dam people in Ban Na Pa Nat of the Chiang Khan district in the Loei Province. And yes, I did it without the assistance of good libations.
Continue ReadingTravel to Thailand: Almsgiving to Monks in Chiang Khan
My 4:30 a.m. alarm sounded and I hopped out of bed as if it were Christmas morning. The first activity of the day was participating in the merit making ceremony (an almsgiving) to the monks of Chiang Khan.
Continue ReadingPutting My Hot Air to Work With Glassblowing in Staunton, Va.
I huffed and puffed yet didn’t inhale while putting my hot air to work during a glassblowing session at Sunspots Studios in Staunton, Va. Receiving a consultation with a glassblower was like having a consultation with my hairstylist.
Continue ReadingBusiness is Business. Haggling is an Art Form in Guatemala
“I’ll make you a deal. Business is business and I’m a businesswoman,” said Clara, the street vendor outside the Porta Hotel (Antigua). Haggling is an art form in Guatemala.
Continue ReadingSeeing How Soap is Saving Lives in Guatemala with Clean the World
I participated in a soap distribution trip with Orlando-based Clean the World to see how soap is saving lives in Guatemala.
Continue ReadingVIDEO: Sweet Reaction From Kids in Guatemala When They See Their Photos
There’s nothing more precious than a kid’s genuine smile. I met amazing people during last month’s trip to Guatemala with Clean the World to distribute recycled used hotel soap and educate people about the importance of hygiene. Although I (still) don’t speak Spanish, I was reminded of the power of a smile in communicating.
Continue ReadingTravel to Ireland: Feeling Small at the Cliffs of Moher
Spend any amount of time in Ireland and you’ll discover the Irish are brilliant storytellers. Folklore and true tales have been passed through generations and if you have an open ear, hear these tales from your taxi driver, new pub mates, random folks on the street, and of course, your tour guide. I explored Southwest Ireland with Paddywagon Tours and discovered how they serve up a heaping bowl of fun storytelling to complement the Emerald Isle’s stunning scenery.
Continue ReadingTraveling to Guatemala with Clean the World, May 27 – 30, 2014
Does used hotel soap have a life beyond a one-night scrub? If it’s lucky, it’s sent off to Clean the World where it’s sanitized, processed and distributed to families and children in the U.S., Canada and more than 65 countries across the globe.
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