Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 212

Jumping Jacks

I used a Nikon D3100 for this shot with a 70=300mm manual lens. This image is straight out of the camera. No filters, no editing.

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Beautiful Coast

I took this photo on my first and only trip to Italy. This was taken in Praiano with my 8 year old Canon point & shoot. No filters used.

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Will you see will.i.am and The Revolution?

MojaMoja to Honor Hip Hop Icons will.i.am, The Beat Junkies and Prince’s band The Revolution at 10th Anniversary Celebration in Hollywood 2-10-18

MojaMoja is celebrating a decade of music discovery and honoring pop and hip hop icons at the historic Avalon Hollywood, Saturday, February 10, 2018.  This year’s honorees are Prince’s band The Revolution (Vanguard Award), will.i.am (STEAM Award), and DJ crew The Beat Junkies  (Soul Controller Award).

The MojaMoja 10th Annual Brunch & Benefit Concert are open to the public and will be followed by a day-time afterparty at the same venue. MojaMoja will feature breakout performances by Jungle Fire with their highly explosive psychedelic afro/latin funk sound; The Steoples, a genre-fusion alternative R&B duo; Wajatta, the collaborative between comedian-musician Reggie Watts and electronic musician, DJ and producer John Tejada; along with the drumming prodigy Elise Trouw, a gifted modern indie pop multi-instrumentalist who has a viral mashup of “Everlong” by Foo Fighters and “What You Won’t Do for Love” by Bobby Caldwell with more than 7 million views on Facebook. Soulection, an independent music platform, radio show, and artist collective featuring DJs Kronika and Sasha Marie, will headline MojaMoja’s afterparty.  All artists are donating their performances to benefit the MojaMoja Innovation Fund and House of Blues Music Forward Foundation.

MojaMoja is a volunteer driven event with more than 20 professionals who have volunteered approximately 100,000 hours collectively during the past decade. MojaMoja’s 10th annual event  will be produced in association with Senovva, a leading global design and management group offering production services to the entertainment industry, including major music award shows.

“MojaMoja spotlights breakout international talent and honors iconic artists and our growth over the years speaks to the demand for more space for alternative music,” said MojaMoja co-founder and 89.9 FM KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad. “Through our benefit concerts, we have created a unique community event and nurtured a cultural renaissance that raises the profiles of entertainers at its forefront that deserve recognition. I am proud of that, and proud to be celebrating our 10th anniversary.”

Established in 2009, the annual MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit Concert is a premier charity event that presents breakout performances by independent talent and honors distinguished artists. During the past decade MojaMoja performers have included Janelle Monáe, Questlove, Flying Lotus, Little Dragon, Los Amigos Invisibles, Anderson .Paak and more than 60 artists from around the world. Also, during the past 10 years music icons including Sheila E., Nile Rodgers, along with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Mavis Staples, George Clinton, and Sly Stone have all been honored with the MojaMoja Vanguard Award. MojaMoja has been featured in Vanity Fair, Variety, The Huffington Post, SPIN Media, Billboard.biz, Essence, and VIBE.

The annual MojaMoja Brunch & Benefit Concert raises awareness and funds for the MojaMoja Innovation Fund at Liberty Hill Foundation; which supports nonprofits like this year’s charity partner the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. This year’s goal is to raise $25,000.00 to provide (10) ten $2,500.00 stipends to underrepresented students at trade schools and community colleges who want to pursue an internship/apprenticeship in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).

MojaMoja was co-founded in 2009 by Garth Trinidad, an NPR affiliate and KCRW 20-year veteran DJ; Ramona Wright, a strategic communication influencer, author, and host of The Chair podcast; and Oscar Merino, founder of 52BLEND, a creative agency specializing in the best live event experiences, talent, and supporting an inclusive culture. 

 LIMITED TIME OFFER

 

Use and share promo code mojamoja10 to get tickets at a special $55 rate.

Take advantage of this limited offer, a $15 savings off of the $70 General Admission and $90 at the door.

The $55 promo code will only be active until, Wednesday, 2/7.

There are a limited number of reduced tickets available, so act fast and grab yours today!

Get Tickets: Promo Code: MojaMoja10

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Want to Win A Valentine Gift from KTLA?

Watch my segment on KTLA TV to discover the code word to enter to win an incredible Visit Ogden “Getaway Giveaway”

Click here to watch the VIDEO: You must enter by February 8, 2018 and follow the contest rules on KTLA

What can you win for the KTLA Visit Ogden Getaway Giveaway?



Two night stay at Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton
Ski3 Pass to Nordic Valley Resort,  Snowbasin Resort, and  Powder Mountain
Social Axe Throwing
Union Station Museum Family Package
Dinner at Zucca Ristorante



Lisa Niver at Nordic Valley Resort
Why Ogden?

Ogden’s motto “You cannot go anywhere without coming to Ogden” is related to a time 150 years ago when the railroad across America first connected our country.

There was a railroad from Omaha to the East coast but in order to increase the economy there needed to a faster way to bring produce from California to the other side of the country.

It used to take three to six months to travel by covered wagon what would take 8 days on the train. Getting your cattle to market or oranges on the dinner table was possible with an 8 day journey but not with a 3 month journey. The train changed everything. In Ogden, you could dine on oysters from the California coast and steak from Omaha. New York City could have fresh oranges! Not only was commerce changed by the connecting of the continent by rail but also communication. Telegraph poles were run along side the tracks and mail was carried in the cars.

Every single president stopped in Ogden to change train lines on his way from one coast to another. Every Ambassador on their way to Washington Dc and movie star going to New York City made their way through Ogden.

The Union Pacific Railroad was built by mainly Irish workers starting in Omaha and moving west. The Central Pacific Railroad needed the knowledge of over 10,000 Chinese workers who could dynamite their way through the mountain passes. Union Pacific Train 119 moving west burnt coal and brought beer and The Jupiter Central Pacific #60 burnt wood and brought champagne when the rails met May 10, 1869 at Promontory Summit for the Golden Spike ceremony.

The names of the Central Pacific leadership include Leland Stanford who was a miner and then governor in 1861 and was Central Pacific’s president. Collins Huntington was a trader, part of the railroad leadership and now his legacy includes the Huntington Museum.

Lisa Niver at Union Station Museum in Ogden, Utah

Before the trains, there were over 300 time zones in the United States. With 100 trains coming through Ogden every day, it was necessary to know which train was arriving at what time. Four standard time zones for the continental United States were introduced at noon on November 18, 1883, when the telegraph lines transmitted time signals to all major cities. In 1918, one hundred years ago, Congress passed the standard time act which made the time zones official.

Engineers were watching the track and needed to know when trains would arrive as there was a single track and trains moved in both directions. Time became life and death and pocket watches became all the rage.

How do you get to Ogden?

Fly into Salt Lake City from Los Angeles or Burbank. It is less than a  two hour flight and there is a one hour time difference. It is about 35minute drive to downtown Ogden.

Skiing in Ogden

There is a Ski3 pass which gives you a day at each of the 3 resorts and is 30% savings. The Ogden Valley is one of the most accessible, family and budget friendly ski areas in the country.

Lisa Niver at Nordic Valley Resort, 2018

Nordic Valley Resort opened 50 years ago in 1968. It is the perfect place to take lessons and get comfortable on the slopes. Nordic Valley was one of the downhill training ski areas for the 2002 Winter Olympics. There are 140 acres of terrain for skiers and boarders with 3 chair lifts: Apollo, Bridger and Crockett. There are after school programs for elementary school students and 80% of the lessons here are for “Never-Evers!” Stop by on Sunday for prime rib at the lodge. Thank you to Dave Mariani for the lessons in both skiing and Nordic Valley History! If you are ready to really learn to ski, he is waiting for you.

Come join us in the snow at Snowbasin Resort, 2018

Snowbasin Resort has 3000 skiable acres and 3000 feet of elevation. There are 106 trails and stunning gold chandeliers imported from Italy. The three lodges were upgraded for the 2002 Winter Olympics and are ready for your enjoyment. There are five terrain parks with 65 rails. It is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the nation and started in 1940. I skied all day in falling snow and it was magical. I loved my instructor, Phil Miller, and his life lessons. My favorite run of the day was Herbert’s and I was proud to challenge myself and crush it!

There are monthly themed dinners all year long with elevated dining. In the summer, come for hiking, biking and Sunday brunch with a free concert. And don’t forget to bring your dog! When you take the gondola, you can see the flags of Olympic gold medalists and their names. Remember there is a vast variety of terrain here so everyone in your group can find the right spot to enjoy.

Lisa Niver at Powder Mountain 2018

Powder Mountain’s 8000+ acres is located in the town of Eden and if you are looking for powder this is your eden to discover. Only 1500 tickets are sold per day which means this location has the highest ratio of skiable acres per skier of any resort. It opened in 1971 and in 1984, was the first Utah resort to allow snowboarding. If you are looking for powder, this is the place to explore! There are two new lifts adding 1000 acres of terrain. I loved Hippie Hill which is now accessible by both Village and Mary’s Lift.

Powder Mountain 2018

There was great groomed corduroy and our first three runs all had Western names: Shot gun, Winchester and Kwick draw. My instructor, Loel, had been teaching for more than 4000 days and had many great secrets to share about powder skiing. I loved this one the most: “Look where you want to go, not where you do not want to go!” I also learned that you can “Turn shop.”  As you go through the trees, you can find your way and slowly pick the right place to turn. There really is magic at Powder Mountain. As Loel says, “Skis are your chariot to take you wonderful places.” There is no snow making at Powder Mountain. It is all natural snowflakes and it is fantastic. I cannot wait to go back and ride the snow cat and explore more of the terrain.

From the top of Snowbasin Resort and Powder Mountain you can see four states: Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada.

We are waiting for you at The Shooting Star Saloon, Photo by Kerri Zane
What to do?

Go to the oldest bar in Utah which is called the Shooting star saloon. It was open during prohibition because the husband and wife owner’s took turns going to jail! There are items on the secret menu including the Super Star burger and the Porn Star burger but if you want it, bring your own egg! There have only been 7 owners since 1847 and it is an experience! Ask to hear the story of the dollar bills on the ceiling.

Do you love craft spirits? Take a tasting tour through New World Distillery with the owners, Ashley and Chris. They have Oomaw GIN, Rabbit and Grass AGAVE SPIRITS, Blanco, Wasatch Blossom Utah Tart CHERRY LIQUEUR, New World Distillery’s Uncharted Series BARREL-RESTED GIN. They sell their liquor as well as mixers so stop by and create your own party!

Selfies in the Snow at New World Distillery

In Ogden, there is something to do all year long. Come for the Summer Rodeo on July 24 and enjoy Pioneer Days. There is a balloon festival in Eden in August and there is great food and drink all year long.

Try out the hidden gem, Daily Rise Expresso which has two drive throughs in Ogden and in Layton which you pass on the way to Antelope Island which is in The Great Salt Lake and is filled with antelope and buffalo!

Are you looking for something really different?

Try out Social Axe Throwing. Imagine darts on steroids and you begin to imagine your time axe throwing. You play indoor and on a team and it is AWESOME! Who doesn’t want to throw axes?!?

What will you name your team? Smart Axes? Kiss My Axe? or Are you checking out my Axe?

Smart Axes v. Short Axes at Social Axe Throwing
Where to EAT?

Zucca Ristorante like many restaurants in Ogden is locally owned and you will likely meet the owners during your visit in many of the shops, restaurants and activities in the area. Enjoy authentic Italian Regional Cuisine with a modern approach and seasonal organic menu on Ogden Utah’s Historic 25th Street with art-deco inspired decor, and a beautiful atrium exclusive to Zucca.

I also loved Farr better Ice Cream which has been in operation since the 1920s!

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton in Ogden, Utah
Where to STAY?

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton is your historic choice in Ogden!

Originally named Fort Buenaventura, Ogden, Utah was founded in 1845 making it the oldest settlement in America. With its longstanding history, a lot of events have taken place in this small, but distinguished city. Although the settlement was founded in the mid-1840s, it wouldn’t be until 1869 when the city would really begin to flourish. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the city grew into a profitable community. Ogden became a major railroad town with nine rail systems. The system operated as both a north-south and east-web hub. Soon after, the system also adapted intermountain west crossroads, which was inevitably called Junction City. The railroad system sat in the center of Ogden’s continual growth. Some of the first industries that flourished were livestock yards, canneries, flour mills, breweries, iron works, banks, woolen mills, hotels, telephone, telegraph and power companies.

Downtown Ogden
Thank you Visit Ogden for inviting me for a wonderful adventure! A giant hug and thanks to my fellow intrepid travelers: Mimi, Sydnie, Dylan and Kerri!
Remember enter the KTLA Visit Ogden Giveaway Getaway
by 8 February 2018 in order for your chance to win!

 

Dinner at Zucca with Mimi, Sydnie, Dylan, Lisa and Kerri

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See Lisa on KTLA and at the Hollywood IMPROV

See Lisa on KTLA and at the Hollywood IMPROV
We Said Go Travel Jan 2018 NEWS:

I was thrilled to tell you in December that We Said Go Travel was read in 222 countries in 2017 and even more excited for my January NEWS!



Watch me on KTLA 11pm news TOMORROW Friday night! I will also be talking about Ogden, Utah on the news on Saturday and Monday afternoon. Check the We Said Go Travel website and social media on Monday for a link to the segment and how to enter the “Giveaway Getaway!” I loved my visit to Ogden and hope you will be the one to win the prize! Here is a link to my Napa KTLA TV segment from November.

Please come see me LIVE at the HOLLYWOOD IMPROV on Feb 21 at IMakeALiving by Freshbooks. Tickets are free but going quickly so RSVP today on eventbrite.

Find all my article links on my LisaNiver website.

Find me in these new articles:

Travelocity: 10 Creative Ways To Stay Fit While You Travel: learn about my hula hooping in Erin’s article
Skiing with the National Ability Center on The Inertia
My Career Advice in The Ladders
See me in the Top 10 Travel Blogs for Entrepreneurs

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?

In January 2018, my videos were watched over 76,000 times!

Here are links to my video channels on YouTube, Amazon Fire Tv, and Roku Player. My total video views across all platforms is now over 1,600,000 (1.6M)! ! Thank you for your support! What should I do to celebrate when I get to 2MILLION views?

Recent videos:
Sunset at Tanque Verde Dude Ranch

Video #755: Sky Diving for my birthday with GoJump Oceanside!

Video #762: How Do You Create Freedom On The Mountain?

Video #763: Five Star Luxury Dreams Come True in Vegas!

Video# 764:  From City Slicker to Cow Girl at Tanque Verde Dude Ranch

 

TRAVEL PHOTO AWARD:

We are now publishing the entries from our Travel Photo award! After all the entries are published, we will announce the winners. This will take several months. Thank you to everyone who participated and to our judges, Gary Arndt from Everything Everywhere and Jeana from Surf and Sunshine. We hope you will submit a photo in our next award.

Want to make your own video? Use code WESAIDGO10 for 10% on your project. Lisa loves working with EpicMakers and they were a sponsor for our first Travel Photo Award.

TRAVEL WRITING AWARD: 

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our 13 We Said Go Travel Competitions! Find the winners for all of them here. We hope you will participate in our 2018 Awards.

 I was lucky to meet Daymond John in person at his book talk at Live Talks Los Angeles and learn about his new book, Rise and Grind. Remember to make goals and take the steps to make your dreams come TRUE!

Lisa Niver and Daymond John

My fortune cookies said “Nothing in the world is accomplished without passion!”  and “Good Opportunities ahead— set your mind to grasp the next.”

Thank you for your support. Lisa

Discover more on my social media accounts:  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com. My social media following is now over 85,000 and I am verified on both Twitter and Facebook.

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Sunrise Over Punta Cana Beach

I used my Samsung Galaxy 7 phone with the built in filter feature (retro).

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Embrace the world’s beautiful creations!

I got this shot with my iPhone, during a drive back from a weekend in the mountains with great people! I put a nature filter on it to bring out even more detail.

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The Majestic Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi

Used Sony A7Rii (DSLR). This photo is a blend of several frames in order to remove tourists and to balance the light. This was achieved in Photoshop.

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What destinations does Our Awesome Planet explore?

Our Awesome Planet documents the food and travel adventures of the Diaz family. They showcase the best of food and travel destinations focused on the Philippines and ASEAN, but also explore all over the world. Anton Diaz is also the co-founder of the successful weekend market called Mercato Centrale in Manila.

1.)Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..) 
Our first ever international travel that wowed us is when we visited Venice for the first time and rode the gondola in the canal. It was so romantic indeed, and this is when we got infected with the travel bug.

2.)If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do? 

We would travel and eat around the world with the family and go to all the culinary centers.

3.)What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?
I’m afraid to drive using right-hand-side car when I travel to Commonwealth countries, and I am still yet to conquer this.

4.)What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier?

I use Waze/ Google Maps, XE for currency conversion, Chat Apps – Viber/ What’s App/ Messenger, and Social Media sites – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Image apps like Snapsee, VSCO, Diptic.

5.)What place do you wish more people have seen? 
The awesome beaches in the Philippines!

6.)Best advice you have been given and by whom? 
Go for momentum and not for one-hit wonder.

7.)When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip? 
In Ireland, I was surprised all of them are very hospitable and with good stories to tell.

8.)What inspired you to travel for extended periods of time or live in a new country? 
We travel for food and we like to taste authentic flavors and discover new tastes and ingredients as we travel around the world.

9.)I travel because….
We love to discover and explore different culinary cultures.

10.) My favorite travel or business book is...

Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers Hardcover by Timothy Ferriss

11.) How about hotels? What’s your favorite or one you’d recommend? 
I would recommend staying in a castle like Kilkea Castle in Ireland.

Lastly, can you please recommend a resource for up-and-coming travel writers; this could be a course you know, a book, conference etc.
I would recommend a book by Don George and attend a travel blogging conference like TBEX.



Anton and Rache Diaz started the award-winning Our Awesome Planet as a written dedication their sons, so that they would have a documented history of their childhood and their family’s adventures. They focus on “foodie” travel and share the food and travel secrets of the Philippines through their blog.

Stay up-to-date on their travels through:

Web site

FaceBook

Instagram

Pinterest

Our next Travel Influencer interview will be up in a week, follow the series here.

Stay up-to-date with WSGT via our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube channel! 

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