Get On Your Bike and Ride
I always thought touring by bike would be such a fun way to explore a destination. Talk about slow travel… touring by bike really does make you slow down and enjoy the scenery, and all of the experiences along the way.
Augusta – A Masters-ful Getaway
There’s more than golf in Augusta, Georgia. This piece I wrote for GirlsGetaway.com still rings true!
Nothin’ Can Hold Me Back
Four years ago today, I went under the knife for the first (and hopefully last!) time. After years of back pain, which escalated to severe and eventually caused paralysis in my left leg and foot, it was time to find a fix.
When I was told that a simple stumble or fall could cause permanent paralysis, I made the decision – it was time for surgery to remove the ruptured and herniated disk in my back that was causing the blinding pain and immobility. Now, for someone who enjoys being on the go and being active, this was a hard decision to get to. But immobility certainly wasn’t an option!
The surgery couldn’t have gone more smoothly – though there was an hours-long delay to get out of the prep room and into the surgical suite. Fortunately, I had my husband and parents with me to keep me entertained, and keep my nerves calm during the wait.
When Dr. Small, my surgeon with the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, came to check on me in the recovery room, I do recall asking him, through a drug-induced haze, “I’ve been invited to go to Bermuda next month. Can I go?,” proving that travel is always on my mind. When he agreed that I could go, I fell back into a restful sleep.
And sure enough, a month later I was Bermuda-bound, and my traveling continued. That year, just months after having limited movement in my left leg and foot, my girlfriends and I went swimming with the whale sharks in Mexico, and we later went out west and hiked Arches National Park, went on a full moon hike at Bryce Canyon National Park and hiked part of The Narrows at Zion National Park.
Diving in with the whale sharks off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Arches National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
The Narrows at Zion National Park
Traveling and adventures haven’t slowed down a bit since April 2010 – in fact, I’m going more places and doing more things, and loving it!
And I realize, nothin’can hold me back!
Glass Works of Art
Last week I stopped by the Chihuly Collection in downtown St. Petersburg to be inspired by the incredible works of art, and perhaps do a bit of shopping. Here’s a peek at some of the highlights of the collection, as well as pieces available in the newly remodeled shop, including works from local artists. Enjoy!
Art, to the Max
A never-before-seen collection of Peter Max’s vibrant artwork is now on exhibit – and available for purchase! – at Syd Entel Galleries in Safety Harbor, just outside Tampa. “Peter Max – A Retrospective 1960 – 2013” was curated by the artist himself, and includes some of his iconic Pop Art designs, as well as new works featuring Marilyn Monroe. Peter Max will be at Syd Entel Galleries this weekend to meet and greet, and talk about his work.
Benefits of Being a Travel Writer – More Than You May Think!
There are many benefits of being a travel writer, that’s for certain. Traveling to destinations near and far, exotic and urban, warm and cold. Trying new, crazy things, like bobsledding on an Olympic course, zip lining high above the ground below, flying along the Road to Hana, or swimming with whale sharks. Traveling is an adventure, and I’m thrilled that I’ve followed my dream to be a travel writer – to experience just these types of things, and to share with you.
Welcome, Spring!
Spring officially arrived a few weeks ago, but tell that to everyone who was snowed in again last week. Let’s warm up with thoughts of flowers blooming, warm breezes blowing and putting a ruthless winter behind us. Even – no, especially! – if that means traveling to do just that.
Feeling Right at Home in Belgium
It took me decades to return to the place where I was born. Just last May I first vacationed in Belgium, from where I’d moved at a mere eight months old. As chance would have it, I visited again last week in a writing capacity with Visit Belgium, as we toured WWI and WWII battlefields, memorials and museums throughout the countryside (more on this to come).
Go Ahead – Let It Snow!
At this point, how many versions of the Polar Vortex have swept across the U.S. this year? And on top of Snowmageddon? Enough’s enough, right?
Hit a Homerun – Travel for Spring Training
Spring Training’s in full swing, and fans are traveling south and west to see their favorite teams ready for the upcoming MLB season.
