Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 135

Happy 85th Birthday Gloria Steinem!

Happy 85th Birthday Gloria Steinem!
We have not met yet in person but you have changed my life.
Thank you for all you have done for women and men.

I had the honor of being taught by Joannie Parker for high school English and senior elective, Women’s Studies. She brought the women’s movement to our all-girls high school. We held hands at Hands Across America, we registered voters at supermarkets on ironing boards, and we stood our ground at clinic defenses. She was president of CARAL and active in NARAL and NOW and brought Ms. Magazine into our classroom. She was part of NWPC and brought inspiring speakers to our school every year for Women’s History Month.

For my special mikvah ceremony, she gave me a copy of your book, “ My Life on the Road,” and inscribed it to me: “For my treasured friend, Lisa, who herself might someday write a book with this title.” Abiding Love, Joannie.

I read your book in honor of your birthday and have been thinking of all the ways you changed life in America and how many of the topics were part of what Joannie brought into our classroom. We are all strong women together as Marge Piercy describes in her poem: “A Strong Woman,” “A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done,” but when we come together collectively what we can do is amazing and as Piercy says: “Strong is what we make each other.” Thank you for making me stronger and helping me find my community.

I have now published six stories on the Ms. Magazine website and one story about a women’s economic development project in Zambia in the Winter 2019 print issue of Ms. Magazine. I am proud to be part of the writing community you created. When I saw your play, “Gloria: A Life,” I shared that I was now writing for Ms. Magazine and it was one of my greatest accomplishments. Thank you for allowing me a place to share my stories.

I know that 85 Artists, Activists, and Journalists are sharing toasts and tributes to you today for your 85th birthday.

Gloria Steinem at her play, “Gloria: A Life,” in NYC with Lisa Niver January 2019.

I wanted to what inspired me from your work, your travels on the road and your book, “My Life on the Road.”  

I have traveled for much of my life working on cruise ships for seven years and backpacking for almost three. Many people suggested that these were mistakes. I loved reading about your time on the road living in Europe for a year and in India for two. I know you traveled with your father and for much of your feminist organizing. I love when you wrote: “My purpose here is to tempt you to explore this country. American travel seems to need an advocate.” I agree that many people discount traveling within their own borders and want to go somewhere internationally but there is so much to see in the USA.

I appreciate that you wrote: “My hope is to open up the road—literally. So far it’s been overwhelmingly masculine turf. Men embody adventure, women embody hearth and home, and that has been pretty much it.” I want to have my own travel show and share my scary challenges and adventures with a larger audience. Reading your words makes me more determined to make it actually happen. As you wrote: “Perhaps the most revolutionary act for a woman will be a self-willed journey—and to be welcomed when she comes home.” I would like to write “the story of a modern nomad…In many languages, even the word for human being is “one who goes on migrations.” Progress itself is a word rooted in a seasonal journey. Perhaps our need to escape into media is a misplaced desire for the journey.” I have taken many steps on my journey and will continue to share it.

In your book, you tell the story about your an invitation to give the address at the Harvard Law Review banquet and recommending “Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a brilliant lawyer who was one of the first female students at Harvard Law School, and who has just created the first Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union.” My favorite thing at the Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibit at the Skirball Center was your letter to her on Ms. Magazine stationary. By writing for Ms. Magazine, I feel I am part of this collective and community of women who have changed and are changing America.

I loved reading your stories about the 1977 National Women’s Conference, organizing for 1975 United Nations International Women’s Year and “NWPC’s goal to increase the number and diversity of women delegates to both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions of 1972, and to get the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive freedom, and other basic issues of equality written into both parties’ platforms.” It was painful to think about 1992 and “the aftermath of the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings. Watching the dignified Anita Hill face an all-white and all-male Senate Judiciary Committee—and then seeing Thomas confirmed for the Supreme Court—had inspired more women to be elected to Congress in that single year than had been elected in any previous decade—though they still made up only a little over 10 percent of a body that should have been more like 50/50. This record wouldn’t be surpassed until 2013, with 20 women in the Senate and 81 in the House.” More women have been elected since your book was published and hopefully we will get to 50/50.

November 20, 2013 – Washington, D.C., United States – U.S. President Barack Obama and feminist Gloria Steinem stand at the podium before Obama presented Steinem with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. (Paul Hennessy/Polaris)
(Newscom TagID: polphotos250811.jpg) [Photo via Newscom]

Your book shares what you uncovered on the road, “the unPrison Project. It provides children’s books to mothers in prison so they have another way to connect with their children during visits, minds fly over prison walls, and mothers also improve their literacy.” You share the struggles of farm and migrant workers, sex workers and modern day enslavements, working with women, politicians, doctors and clinics on issues of reproductive freedom and choice as well as  the problems with our voting systems and how each person really does make a difference.

I now want to go to see “the mounds around this country that were spiritual centers or astrological observatories or burial sites. Most are pyramids, with openings inside for viewing solstices and equinoxes, but others are flat mounds at global magnetic points where seeds were spread out to make them more fruitful…Most of the big mounds were along the Mississippi River. People on this continent then known as Turtle Island had cultures as advanced as any on earth.”

I want to go to Moundbuilders Golf Course at the Moundbuilders Country Club and see “Great Circle Earthworks, which is protected as a state park. Its thirty acres are surrounded by a wall that even after two thousand years of erosion is still fifteen feet high. At the center are four mounds in the shape of a bird, its beak pointing toward the entrance.”

I agree with your question: why did “we learn about the pyramid builders of Egypt but not the pyramid builders of the Mississippi River?”

The Serpent Mound, is now on my bucket list, it “is a grass-covered, undulating serpent stretching out for a quarter of a mile on a plateau above a valley. It seems to emerge from the earth, rather than to be built on it. Astronomers realized that the head points to the sunset at the summer solstice, and the tail to the sunrise at winter solstice. Radiocarbon dating traces its age back to at least two thousand years ago, not the few centuries originally thought.”

I loved learning what you discovered about “Native languages, Cherokee and others—like Bengali and other ancient languages—didn’t have gendered pronouns like he and she. A human being was a human being. Even the concept of chief, an English word of French origin, reflected a European assumption that there had to be one male kinglike leader.”

Your birthday being during Women’s History Month makes sense as you have taught us all so much. I did not know that: “the Iroquois Confederacy was the model for the U.S. Constitution—or that this still existing Confederacy was the oldest continuing democracy in the world.” I have studied Benjamin Franklin and been several times to the National Constitution Center but did not know that he  “cited the Iroquois Confederacy as a model.” Franklin invited “two Iroquois men to Philadelphia as advisers and among their first questions was said to be: Where are the women?” I am glad that now there are more women in the room and that we have you as a chief organizer and “Trickster, a common figure in Native mythologies, a boundary crosser who can go anywhere. The Trickster is free, a paradox, a breaker of boundaries who makes us laugh—and laughter lets the sacred in. In Native spiritualities, there is often a belief that we cannot pray unless we’ve laughed.” Thank you for showing us we are more alike than we know and being an inspiration to keep going as there is so much yet to do.

I love that believe that spiders should be the totem of writers. “Serpent Woman of the Midwest is called Spider Woman in the Southwest—but she is the same source of creation and energy. She is the Thought Woman who names things and so brings them into being. Both go into a space alone and spin out of their own bodies a reality that has never existed before.”

Happy 85th Birthday! Thank you for creating a new reality with us, for us and among us!

Joannie Parker and Lisa Niver at Westlake School for Girls 1985
Joannie and I say, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

Learn more about Gloria Steinem at Women’s Media Center!
Lisa Niver and Joannie Parker, November 2016

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Poverty in Beauty. Venice, Italy

I took this photo on my DSLR Canon t5i with an 18-55 mm lens. I used the “Manual” setting, manual focus, and an ISO of 200. I adjusted the exposure (brightness, highlights, shadows, contrast) with PicMonkey, an online photo editing site. I also slightly adjusted the saturation of the photo. I waited until there were fewer people on the bridge to take this shot. I wanted to portray how amongst the beauty of Venice, there are also people living in poverty.

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On the Edge of the Wild (Vietnam)

This photo was taken with my iPhone 7Plus. I didn’t use any filters to alter the shot, but I did use Lightroom. I adjusted the contrast to bring out the green of the hills and used the vibrance spectrum to add a little more green.

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A curious vicuña, Ecuador.

I took this photo on my phone, a Huawei P20 lite. I was mountain biking in a group around Chimborazo, the world’s tallest volcano when the bikers ahead of me stopped and signalled to me to be quiet. Ahead of us were 5 vicuñas grazing, very close to the track. When we got too close they ran away, but the one poking its head out seemed a little curious and stayed around a little longer. That’s when I took this picture.

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What is Chef Chris Cosentino’s cooking for Hong Kong Airlines?

Thank you for Hong Kong Airlines for the opportunity to meet Chef Chris Cosentino and taste his new Hong Kong Airlines Business Class menu.

Video: Watch Chef Chris Cosentino prepare two of his new dishes:

 

Hong Kong Airlines debuts Chris Cosentino’s Business Class menu on Los Angeles – Hong Kong route

[Hong Kong 22 March 2019]

Hong Kong Airlines has launched a brand new Business Class menu for its customers travelling out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from 22 March 2019. Designed exclusively by celebrity chef and television personality Chris Cosentino, the new LAX Business Class menu is an adaption of his current San Francisco Business Class menu and comes with a slight twist to cater to the preferences of Southern California travellers.

Chef Cosentino’s Hong Kong Airlines’ Business Class Menu: Charred Avocado Shrimp Louie

Chris Cosentino is the chef and owner of San Francisco restaurant, Cockscomb, where he reinterprets classic San Francisco dishes by adding his own unique twist. He is also known as the winner of Top Chef Masters, a contestant on The Next Iron Chef and for his appearance in Iron Chef America in addition to his extensive work raising awareness and funds for Chefs Cycle in support of No Kid Hungry, a national charity fighting to end childhood hunger.

Chef Cosentino collaborated with Hong Kong Airlines in late 2017 to design a comprehensive menu of 12 dishes, including a series of appetizers, main courses and desserts to be rotated regularly on the airline’s service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Hong Kong. His Business Class inflight menu was officially launched on the SFO inaugural flight to Hong Kong on 25 March 2018 and has received positive feedback from Hong Kong Airlines’ customers for his “big in flavour, rich in texture” dishes.

“When the opportunity came for me to work with Hong Kong Airlines to make delicious inflight meals in Business Class, I jumped at the chance,” said Chef Cosentino at a media preview event in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Using my years of education and experiences to create meals that would not only satisfy but excite the guests at 10,000 feet up and giving a fresh new approach to what inflight food can be has been a complete joy. Launching our new menu on the Los Angeles-Hong Kong route is very exciting. I am looking forward to flying on the first flight showcasing the menu,” he added.

Mr Chris Birt, Hong Kong Airlines Director of Service Delivery, and Chef Chris Cosentino, Hong Kong Airlines Business Class Menu Preview

Passengers travelling from Los Angeles can expect a hearty and cohesive three-course menu prepared by Chef Cosentino. Known for his creative use of ingredients and attention to balance, Hong Kong Airlines’ customers will be treated to Chef Cosentino’s refreshing appetizers such as Kohlrabi Caesar, shrimp, Parmesan and sourdough croutons followed by main courses featuring different proteins on rotational basis. They include his take on the traditional recipe of chicken piri piri with Piquillo pepper, potatoes, Castelvetrano olives and oregano or red wine braised beef short rib with white bean puree, fennel al Forno, pickled peppers and confit garlic cooked to perfect tenderness and more. No meal is complete without dessert and Chef Cosentino’s signature panna cotta with strawberries and balsamic vinegar is set to charm Hong Kong Airlines’ passengers with its delightful flavours.

Hong Kong Airlines has also introduced a new selection of wines to complement its Business Class inflight meal offerings. They include Canyon Road Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Lake Chalice ‘The Nest’ Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand as well as J. Moreau & Fils Chardonnay and Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon from France to pair with different meal options.

Mr Chris Birt, Hong Kong Airlines Director of Service Delivery said: “Hong Kong Airlines always strives to deliver the best services to our customers. We launched our menu partnership with Chef Cosentino exactly a year ago on our San Francisco route. His menu has proven to be such a hit with our Business Class customers that we are excited to now bring his signature innovative and creative cuisine to those flying with us from Los Angeles.”

Hong Kong Airlines’ Los Angeles service was launched in December 2017 and was the airline’s first destination in the continental United States. The daily service is currently operated by Airbus A350, one of the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. In September 2018, Hong Kong Airlines introduced its new Business Class product on the Los Angeles route, reaffirming its commitment to serve the USA market with its best products and services.

Chris Cosentino’s Business Class menu on Los Angeles – Hong Kong route

Appetizer

Charred avocado and shrimp louie

Kohlrabi Caesar with shrimp, Parmesan and sourdough croutons

Pâté de campagne with cornichons, radish and mustard

Marinated Monterey Bay sardines with cauliflower, raisins and capers

Main course

Chicken piri piri with Piquillo pepper, potatoes, Castelvetrano olives and oregano

Red wine braised beef short rib with white bean puree, fennel al forno, pickled peppers and confit garlic Alaskan cod with gigante beans with broccoli rabe salsa verde

Slow roasted lamb neck with creamy polenta roasted carrots and Ararat spice

Dessert

Chocolate cremeaux with fennel pollen shortbread cookies

Panna cotta and strawberries in balsamic vinegar sauce

Ginger dates sticky toffee cake topped with whipped cream and dried sugar dates Poached pear in red wine sauce with crème fraiche and lemon thyme

About Hong Kong Airlines

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong with a wide destination network covering over 30 major cities across the Asia Pacific region, including Gold Coast, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Sapporo, Bangkok, Bali and Okinawa. Hong Kong Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four- star rating from Skytrax since 2011.

Official website: www.hkairlines.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hkairlines

Sina Weibo: weibo.com/hongkongairlines

WeChat and Instagram ID: hkairlines

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-airlines

 

Thank you @hkairlines I loved meeting @ChefCosentino1 and seeing him #cook his #BusinessClass #Menu for #flights from #LosAngeles to #HongKong.

Video: https://t.co/T2PB8PjIVB

Article: https://t.co/WFbx6S5XEa#HKAirlines @cockscomb_sf #WhereHKBegins #TrulyHK #HK #hongkong #香港 pic.twitter.com/QEkjwZHlj5

— Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) March 22, 2019

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thank you @hkairlines! It was fantastic to meet @chefchriscosentino and watch him prepare his #BusinessClass #Menu for #flights from #LosAngeles to #HongKong. Video: https://youtu.be/QTzQI6tgS_w Article: https://wp.me/p8fbOw-aWP #HKAirlines #hongkongairlines @cockscombsf #WhereHKBegins #TrulyHK #HK #hongkong #discoverhk #discoverhongkong #香港 #Airbus @Airbus

A post shared by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Mar 22, 2019 at 3:27pm PDT

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Mountainous Appreciation. Saas-Fee, Switzerland

I took this photo on my DSLR Canon t5i with an 18-55 mm lens. I used the “Manual” setting, manual focus, and an ISO of 100. I adjusted the exposure (brightness, highlights, shadows, contrast) with PicMonkey, an online photo editing site.

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Morning Education in Bangladesh

Nikon Dslr Camera

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Who is the TOP FEMALE Travel Blogger on the top 1000 list?

Are you wondering who is the TOP FEMALE Travel
Blogger on the top 1000 list?
Wonder no more! It is ME!
I have been listed as the top female in 2018, Feb 2019
and now in March 2019 again!
Thank you for your support!
And #3 on the top 1000 list!

 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on
my journey with We Said GO Travel!
I am so honored that this happened during Women’s History Month!

Did you see me on TV?

BROADCAST: 

KTLA Oscars: “Countdown to Gold!” Feb 24, 2019

KTLA President’s Day: Visit Historic Philadelphia Feb 18, 2019

5.8 million impressions on Twitter. social links


KTLA Star Treatment: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for award season

2.9 Million impressions on Twitter Jan 19, 2019

KTLA Travel Smart: Chill and Thrill in Palm Springs Aug 30, 2018
KTLA Valentine’s Giveaway Getaway to Ogden Utah, Feb 2018

7.3 million impressions on Twitter


KTLA Money Smart segment on Napa Valley Travel, Nov 2017

2 million impressions on Twitter

Lisa’s bio:

Lisa Ellen Niver, M.A. Education, is a television host, travel journalist as well as a passionate artist, educator and writer who has explored 101 countries, 6 continents and sailed for seven years on the high seas. She is the founder of We Said Go Travel which was read in 212 countries in 2018 and named #4 on the top 1000 Travel Blogs. Find her talking travel at KTLA TV and in her We Said Go Travel videos with over 900,000 views on her YouTube channel. She has hosted Facebook Live for USA Today 10best, is verified on both Twitter and Facebook, has over 140,000 followers across social media and ran fifteen travel competitions publishing over 2500 writers and photographers from 75 countries.


She has been a finalist for five Southern California Journalism Awards in the past two years and won an award for her Jewish Journal article. Niver has written for AARP, American Airways, Delta Sky, En Route (Air Canada), Hemispheres (United Airlines), Jewish Journal, Luxury Magazine, Ms. Magazine, Myanmar Times, National Geographic, POPSUGAR, Robb Report, Saturday Evening Post, Scuba Diver Life, Sierra Club, Ski Utah, Smithsonian, Trivago,  USA Today 10best, Wharton Magazine and Yahoo. She is writing a book, “Brave Rebel: 50 Adventures Before 50,” about her most recent travels and challenges. Look for her underwater SCUBA diving, in her art studio making ceramics or helping people find their next dream trip.


See all my videos, TV segments, articles and social: Click Here!

Are you subscribed to me on YOUTUBE?
I now have over 900,000 views!


Lisa Niver on KTLA with Lu Parker and Glen Walker

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Sounds of Granada, Spain

To take this photo, I used my Canon Rebel DSLR with my 18-55mm lens. After I took it, I slightly altered it using lightroom to bring forward some of the colors.

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Placa de la Villa de Gracia, Spain

Galaxy S9. Photo has not been altered.

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