Solo with Others

Tales of journeys with others whether group tours, girlfriend getaways, business trips or whatever other opportunities come my way.

Stars at the Frankfurt, Germany, Christmas Market, Dec. 2015
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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.

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Rose in the Mist at the 9/11 Memorial, New York City, N.Y., Feb. 2016
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I 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.

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Amulets Made by the Tai Dam People in the Loei Province of Thailand, March 2015.
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Travel 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.

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A monk chants a prayer after receiving his alms in Chiang Khan in the Loei Province of Thailand, March 2015
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Travel 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.

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Glassblower Seth Hendrick with Sunspots Studios Helped Me Create a Beautiful Glass Ornament, Staunton, Va.
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Putting 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.

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Clara, a Smart and Witty Businesswoman in Antigua, Guatemala, May 2014
Solo with Others Travel Resources

Business 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.

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People Waited in Line for Soap during this Soap Distribution Trip with Clean the World
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Seeing 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.

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Recycled Used Hotel Soap Being Distributed to School Kids in Guatemala with Clean the World and Children International, May 2014
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VIDEO: 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.

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Feeling Mighty Small While Visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
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Travel 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.

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Used Hotel Soap Ready to Be Cleaned at Clean the World, Orlando
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Traveling 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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