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New Zealand: @GayWhistler Travels with Apple Watch

Traveling with Apple Watch – a practical product review

review by Dean Nelson @GayWhistler

The Apple Watch is now just over two months old and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to use it everyday to determine if the smart wearable devise is worth the investment and hype. Is the Apple Watch really the most personal devise you will own? How well does the watch travel and more importantly will it make my travel experience better?

My observations are as follows:

Likes:

-> Love having the Apple Watch keeping me on task. The iCalendar feature with reminder alerts is great. We live hectic lives and the haptic tapping on the wrist alerting me when a meeting is coming up is great. I have programmed reminders 10min before the meeting is up to ensure we start wrapping it up. It also helped while traveling in reminding me to get back to a meeting point while I was on tours. We all get distracted in some of the exciting sights and sounds, and it is easy to lose track of time. While on a cruise with Paul Gauguin, similar to other cruise lines, they have various activities. I would create appointments in my calendar to remind me of some of the unique and interesting events I wanted to take in.

-> Love getting notifications such as email, SMS, twitter, Facebook, Swarm, etc. on what is happening with the tap tap on the wrist, a quick glance to determine if I need to go to the iPhone or laptop to take action, quick reply, or dismiss the notification. You are able to limit the notifications by choosing which apps you will get a ping for, as well as, you can “Do Not Disturb” your watch which will stop any alerts coming in.

-> Love the health App. I appreciate the “Reminder to Stand Up” and move about. It is so easy to get into a groove and before I know it I have been sitting in front of my computer for six hours or more. This app in particular is great in two ways:

1) it gets me up and moving

2) it gives my eyes a break as I am no longer staring at my screen, this makes my optometrist happy in preventing eye strain. I have found by doing this I have been able to be a bit more focused and productive. The “Move” and “Calories” goals is also great. It makes me much more conscious on how active I am in a day and the watch will give gentle reminders to say “hey get up and start moving.” When you achieve goals the watch suddenly gives you a “reward” and really, who doesn’t like getting a gold star occasionally?

 

-> Love that I am now able to keep my iPhone on silent and the Apple Watch will notify me when my phone is ringing. I can take calls on my wrist even if my phone is at my desk and I am in the lunch room. Being out at a night club where you need to shout at your friend standing a foot away, it is virtually impossible to hear or feel your phone vibrate, but with the Apple Watch, that electric pulse on the wrist, grabs your attention where you can answer the phone and head off where it is a bit quieter or perhaps decline the call and call back – so much better than having a missed call.

-> Love “PING” my iPhone – if you are like me, I am forever misplacing my phone. It is usually buried in a mountain of paper work or fell out my pocket and down in between a seat cushion. Since I usually have my ringer on silent, calling my phone is not very practical. However regardless of the ringer/volume of your phone when you Ping from your watch an audible ping is sounded guiding you back to your lifeline.

-> Maps – Navigation synchs nicely with the iPhone. The tap tap on the wrist alerts you nicely on your next direction notification. A quick glance at either your wrist or iPhone to get the info you need and your eyes on the road.

-> Like the Traveling Apps. I was able to use United, Air New Zealand, Passbook, and TripIt on both domestic and International travel. Having the QR code as a boarding pass on your wrist was great for Domestic travel, however International travel it was not practical. Most airlines require a paper boarding pass that has been stamped to verify you have the correct travel documents (passport, visas, etc.) to travel to your next destination. So using the QR code technically would work, the gate agents will not accept it. Also some of the scanners are designed for paper documents making passing your wrist under the scanner impossible so you would need to remove your watch and hand to the gate agent to scan. Also, going through security scanners you will need to remove the watch as it will set the scanner off.

 

Like that the watch just works. For instance when your notifications go crazy instead of going in and clearing them individually you can use “Force Touch” and clear all. You can use the “Force Touch” in other applications like mail to to “unread”, “flag”, or “delete” the mail message right from your wrist.

Dislikes:

! Battery life for the most part, last for a day. I usually get the watch to last two days by shutting the watch off at night and turning it one the next morning. If you use some of the features like iCamera remote for the iPhone or GoPro the battery dies quite quickly.

! If you are not on data roaming or WIFI with your iPhone many of the Apps naturally do not work. The upside is that this will actually extend your battery life slightly.

! Some of the customized watch faces would be nice if they stayed on all the time rather than being a dark screen until you turn your wrist to check the time. When you have a Rolex, TAG or for that matter a SWATCH it is a fashion accessory that you would like to show off. Personally I would love to have the butterfly or Earth glowing all the time. This of course would no doubt drain the battery.

! Waterproof or lack there of. My apprehension of getting the watch wet was put at ease when I saw the review posted by triathlete Ray Maker “DC Rainmaker” showing that the watch is able to withstand being submerged for up to thirty minutes and up to 40 meters underwater. There were a couple times when I forgot to take the watch off when I went snorkeling or hanging out at the pool. The touch screen does not work so well with wet fingers and as Maker also shared in his review.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Apple Watch, works for me. Sure there are a few flaws but for the first “most personal device” Apple has ever made, I think they have done a pretty good job. I enjoyed traveling with the watch and I am sure I would have enjoyed it even more if all the applications worked that require Data Roaming / WIFI from your iPhone. Would I invest in only the Sports Apple Watch at this stage. They still have a few things to work out and I feel the premium watches are nice, they are just not worth the investment at this time.

Follow me on Social Media

You can follow Dean Nelson on Social Media at @GayWhistler on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr,Pinterest

Be sure to follow @WeSaidGoTravel for other great travel tips and ideas

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The Bachelorette Falls in Love in Dublin

Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe at The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland Photo Credit: ABC

 

Watching Kaitlyn Bristowe at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin  last week reminded me how much I loved my trip to Ireland in March 2015.

VIDEO: Guinness Storehouse in Dublin–The Bachelorette was here 2015!

Have you always wanted to travel to Ireland? I loved seeing Newgrange with Brendan Vacations. This historic site which is sometimes called Baby Stonehenge is over 5000 years old! It is 1000 years older than the pyramids.

Staying in Dublin at the Brooks Hotel and participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade was incredible. I wrote about Whiskey Tasting and visiting Wicklow for USA Today 10best. Exploring 50 Shades of Green in Ireland was fantastic.  Kaitlyn , this year’s Bachelorette, and I had both always wanted to see the Irish countryside. I want to go back to discover the sites of the Game of Thrones Tour and see more of this wonderful country.

Where was Kaitlyn Bristowe?

She had a private date at the TOP of the storehouse in the Gravity® Bar

The highest point of the building, you can sit in the Gravity bar and enjoying breathtaking 360° views of Dublin and beyond.

Shawn showed her pictures in the area where you can learn to pull the Perfect Pint

I learned to pull the perfect pint on the fourth floor and “graduated” with my very own certificate, exclusive to the Storehouse, for mastering the craft of the perfect pint.

I think she missed the Connoisseur Bar

But you should reserve this most exclusive Guinness tasting experience in the world in this luxurious and private bar, discretely tucked away from the main attraction.  While in the Connoisseur Bar, you can learn about the tastes, traditions and stories of these four popular variants – Draught, Original, Foreign Extra Stout and Black Lager.  Plan for an hour and a half with up to sixteen special guests–there is an additional charge for this private experience.

There is so much to see and do in Ireland. Here are some highlights of my journey–more videos and stories to be published soon!

 

 

@Guinness where the bread and chocolate mousse are made with #Guinness! They baked 1000 loaves of this bread for last years #StPatricks 4-day festival. #StorehouseStory #LoveDublin

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Mar 14, 2015 at 6:26am PDT

#StPatricksFest near Parnell Square North by Abbey Presbyterian Church from the media bus 2015 #LoveDublin #StorehouseStory amazing to be in the parade! A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Mar 17, 2015 at 8:10am PDT

During a private recital in the Lady Chapel by Lay Vicars Choral of Saint Patrick’s, Judith Lyons performed a solo. In 2010, she was appointed the first ever female choral scholar in the 800 year history of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. She is a familiar face on Dublin’s choral scene, performing regularly as a member of internationally acclaimed New Dublin Voices, as well as St. Ann’s Church Choir and Close Chorale. #LoveDublin #MyBrendanStory #StorehouseStory

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Mar 23, 2015 at 5:49pm PDT

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Beer and Cheese, California Style

Golden Road Brewery is in a secluded, out-of-the-way spot in Los Angeles. As I pulled up through a quiet, industrial area, I was shocked to see the place was packed with people! Hundreds were gathered in their large bar and their two outdoor seating areas on Wednesday afternoon! Their massive, delicious beer selection and great atmosphere might be the reason most people were there, but I came to try their new pairing with Follow Your Heart vegan cheeses. Golden Road is currently working to develop fun, vegan recipes that pair well with their beers.

The Head Brewer, Victor Novak, explained to me how beer and cheese are actually more compatible in flavor than wine and cheese. This has apparently been proven at many taste testings. He passionately explains how he carefully paired each appetizer (made with Follow Your Heart vegan cheese) with his Golden Road beers. While the partnership is still in the works, there will soon be plenty of (delicious) vegan options at Golden Road.

Here are some of my favorite beers and appetizers to try:

Beers to try:

-Golden Road Hefeweizen– Refreshing and perfect! My favorite beer of the day. They paired it with their mozzarella sticks!

-Heal the Bay IPA- This is an excellent summer citrus beer, which benefits cleaning up the beaches in Los Angeles.

-Black House Nitro Coffee Stout- I would drink this for breakfast if it wasn’t alcoholic! Delicious, rich, coffee perfection.

Appetizers to try:

-Mozzarella sticks – Melty and delicious, made with Follow Your Heart Garden Herb Cheese, and paired with their Golden Road Hefeweizen.

-Classic Grilled Cheese – A perfect classic, made with Follow Your Heart American Cheese, and paired with their Point the Way IPA.

-Tomato Caprese Melt – A yummy Italian treat, made with Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Cheese, and paired with Golden Road Saison Citron.

If you think the bar is a blast, consider hosting an event in their private room, Chloe’s! They will also be opening a beer and food counter in Grand Central Market late this summer and will be serving vegan pierogi! And late this year, they are opening a tasting room in Anaheim.

 

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Los Angeles: You’ve got #ClicquotMail

Last night I experienced #ClicquotMail at Shore Bar, one of the happening and welcoming bars in the H.Wood Group in Santa Monica. Tonight join in by mailing a postcard and tasting the 2004 La Grande Dame sourced from top 8 grand cru vineyards in the Champagne region of France at Fig and Olive. Veuve Clicquot has been my favorite champagne since I worked on Princess Cruises.

Veuve Clicquot and their yellow mail truck is coming to a city near you on a cross country tour to share their story honoring Madam Clicquot and her letter writing style behind the business. I love that they are inspiring people to mail my postcards and share their feelings.

Who would you send your postcard to?

Find the stop on the tour near you:

“The Veuve Clicquot National Tour will be en route this summer to a city near you! We’ll be traveling nearly 15,000 miles, visiting more than 20 cities, and hosting parties at hip venues along the way.

Whether poolside or curbside, at each event you’ll experience a bit of Clicquot magic, complete with live music, lawn games, a photobooth, letter writing station, champagne features, food pairings, and more.

Our vehicle of choice? A giant Clicquot Yellow mailbox, inspired by our mailbox gifting offer, available at your local wine shop. Spot our trailer on the road or at a party and let us know using #clicquotmail.”

More H.Wood Group Venues to discover: I love the Nice Guy in West Hollywood.

Champagne delivered @veuveclicquot en route @shorebar_sm #clicquotmail

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:41pm PDT

Wish you were here! @veuveclicquot @shorebar_sm #clicquotmail writing postcards! A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:09pm PDT

Tasting @veuvecliqout 2004 La Grande Dame sourced from top 8 grand cru vineyards in the Champagne region of France @shorebar_sm #clicquotmail with Daniel Jun

A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:45pm PDT

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Los Angeles Athletic Club’s Stately New Lounge Is Behind A Bookcase

The Los Angeles Athletic Club recently revealed the Blue Room, a new, hidden lounge on the club’s fourth floor.

LAAC was founded in 1880, but moved to its present spot on 7th and Olive in downtown L.A. in 1912. It currently serves as a boutique hotel, a gym, a restaurant, a lounge, a meeting and work space and a trove of history. In 1913, an all-male social club known as the Uplifters Club formed and frequently met in a lounge then known as the Blue Room. Members included Clark Gable, Walt Disney and L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz. Jokingly, the club was sometimes referred to as the “cup lifters” more than uplifters and as such, the club moved out of LAAC in 1920, buying their own ranch to avoid prohibition.

There was a secret stairwell in the LAAC, however, that worked for sneaky drinking during Prohibition, but had been forgotten about for the past several decades. It was during renovations to the club that it was discovered once more, walled away. It was decided that the stairs would again serve a purpose: a way to access the new Blue Room.

To get into the clandestine Blue Room, you’ll first need to find the bookcase that opens to that stairway. And while it’s 2015—which means you don’t have to be a man these days to kick back with a classic cocktail here—you do have to be a member. (Or if you’re lucky like yours truly, invited.)

Designed by Timothy Oulton, this stately lounge has a number of regal design points, including shimmering chandeliers and leather furniture. There’s also a tower of books, three large glass vases holding various hard candies and toffees, a crate of vintage playing cards, and walls hung with ephemera from the Club’s history and vintage sporting equipment.

Anglophiles will appreciate a couch emblazoned with the Union Jack and The Who’s logo painted on a silver locker bank. Incorporating nods to England is something of an Oulton design aesthetic, along with flags from other nations. If you’re curious to see other spots Oulton’s made lovely, you can check out their Instagram here.

A bank of lockers can be found in the back of the lounge. Guests can use these lockers to house their own boozy bottles, and LAAC has a partnership with one spirit in particular: The Macallan, a single malt Scotch whiskey.

 

For Blue Room‘s inauguration, bartenders mixed craft cocktails while a DJ played oldies and British Invasion tracks, and in another corner, a shoe shine stand had been set up. I stopped by the bar area downstairs as I arrived a bit early and while I missed out on the Macallan cocktails, I did get a rather interesting concoction: smoky mescal, pear and egg white made a unique blend of flavors with a frothy texture. It’s not too sweet, but it’s still very smooth.

The Blue Room is only one of the LAAC’s recent or planned renovations. They previously renovated the hotel rooms, opened new spots for eating and imbibing, and they’ll be adding a salt cave to the spa.

Membership at LAAC ranges from $109-173 and includes access to the club’s fitness facilities, restaurants, bars, discount stays the boutique hotel and of course, a chance to experience the Blue Room for yourself.

 

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Turkey: Visiting the House of the Mother Mary

A place of peace, serenity, and hope. I felt all of these – and a gentle wash of kindness – as I ventured up the path toward the House of the Virgin Mary, or Mother Mary (Meryem Ana), located just a few miles away from the busyness of the ruins at Ephesus, Turkey.

It was a hot day in spring, and we had a very important stop before exploring Ephesus. We were visiting a place of pilgrimage for many global religions – that of the House of Mother Mary.

History has it that when Jesus was on the cross, he tasked his apostle John with taking care of his mother. St. John and Mary relocated to this area, John to spread Christianity, and Mary to spend her last days. John is honored by a basilica over his burial site near Ephesus, the ruins of which you can also visit. Mary lived in a small stone cottage, far up on a mountainside. The structure of this building dates to around the 6 century AD, but the foundations date to around 1AD. It has been restored in the last century.

Educational signs, teaching about Mother Mary

Located on Mt. Koressos/Bülbül Dağı (Nightingale Mountain) near Selçuk, Ephesus, and Şirince, Meryem Ana is reached by driving up a narrow winding road. Park, and breathe a sigh of relief for being here at this quiet, historical outpost. Then wander to the outdoor café, where you can rest under beautiful shade trees and have a Turkish coffee – and perhaps a simit stuffed with chocolate, if you’re lucky.

Snacks at the cafe (including delicious Turkish coffee)

There are both indoor and outdoor tables at the cafe

Refreshed, we made our way up the stone path, through shady trees and blue skies. There was an open area to the left, in which you could look down and see the ruins of a baptismal cistern. We next came upon a small, outdoor chapel with benches. Then a statue of Mother Mary and some large educational signs amidst a beautiful, lush garden on each side of the path.

Remains of the baptismal cistern

Educational signs

Statue of Mother Mary

Small groups of people wandered up the path, taking their time, enjoying the gardens. At the top, everyone stopped and paused to take in the very small building that is the house of Mother Mary, now a chapel. Our guide, who told us much about Mother Mary, reminded us to take no photos inside, and that the chapel was still in use as a place of prayer.

Looking at this small building, with arched doorways and windows, ironwork on the windows, shaded by tall trees, you’d never guess it as a place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims (Mary, mother of one of the great prophets, is known as Isa Peygamber to Muslims). We approached the open door, and saw a small room within.

Once we stepped inside, though, something was markedly different about the house. The very air changed; it was noticeably still and peaceful, and sounds seemed to fade away. 

A few older, local women kneeled on small benches on the sides of the main room. Their kerchief-covered heads bowed in prayer, they reminded us of the holiness of this place. With quiet, deliberate steps, I walked forward, my footfalls softened and silenced by thick Turkish carpets. Moving slowly through an archway to the main altar, located in the smaller room where Mother Mary slept, I glanced around at the walls, the ceiling, the light streaming in from the windows. I wished I had my camera, but I was also grateful that I didn’t – for no camera can capture the utter peacefulness of these two rooms, the immenseness of millenia of belief, the stone walls holding stories no writer could ever tell as well. At the front, before the altar featuring a statue Mary surrounded by candles, I bowed my own head and paused to soak it all in, and gave thanks for this place.

I exited the house through a small, arched doorway. Once outside, everything seemed clearer, somehow. A few steps more and visitors can light a thin, white candle and place it in sand in large, iron boxes, saying a few words. Stopping to reflect here, I thought about all of the shrines, mosques, and cathedrals I’ve seen around the world. None of them were as peaceful as this small building, perched on a dusty mountain, in view of the Aegean. I like to think that Mother Mary loved being here – loved the view, the landscape, and the people – as I did. This love seeped down into the very rocks of the mountain, I think. We could feel it.

But the place wasn’t done with me yet. After turning a corner and heading down a few stairs, I came upon a few surprises.

First was a series of three natural springs, which were located in nooks in a tall stone wall. The springs are said to bring health, love, and wealth, so fill your bottle and drink, if you’d like.

Just past the springs is the Wall of Wishes, where I saw thousands of wishes tied to large, rectangular hangings on the wall. I didn’t look closely, because I think wishes are personal, but I was taken aback at the great quantity of them. Just imagine the power of these wishes, carefully tied by pilgrims from all over the world. It’s a startling and important reminder of the power of hope, and of belief.

Wall of wishes

 

Note: Our guide, a local, told us the story of the fire of 2006. It was an enormous forest fire, spreading rapidly across the mountains, burning all those dry trees and scrub in its path. She said that they all worked hard to stop the forest fire from reaching Mother Mary’s house, but it was a close call. The fire, which burned 1,200 hectares, stopped just 3 feet short of the house.

 

For more information:

http://www.meryemana.info/

http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN,39846/house-of-virgin-mary.html

 

Tips for visiting the House of Mother Mary

Do not walk to Meryem Ana – the road is narrow, winding, and there are cars and buses utilizing it. Hire a taxi, drive your rental car, or take a bus tour there, for safety. You can also take a bus from Kusadasi for Sunday Mass – be sure to reserve your space on the bus; check the official website above for more information. You’ll know you are on the right path when you pass a very large statue of Mother Mary, guiding the way. There is parking here, so you can hop out and take photos.

While most of the path is wheelchair accessible, there are a few steps in the walkway up to the house, as well as a steep ramp. Upon exiting the house and descending to the springs, there are a dozen or so stone steps.

There is a souvenir shop at the entrance, across from the café.

The entire area is very clean (including the bathrooms) – the caretakers work hard on this, as you can see. I didn’t see anything out of place here.

 

 

 

This article was originally published at: https://www.wanderingeducators.com/best/traveling/visiting-house-mother-mary.html

Note: I was part of a group of White House Travel Bloggers that Turkish Airlines flew in to experience Turkey (thank you, eternally!). Stay tuned for more posts about this special country I’d love for you to explore  – and check out our The Best of Turkey – an A-Z Guide for inspiration from travel writers around the world.

 

Jessie Voigts has a PhD in International Education, has lived and worked in Japan and London, and traveled around the world. She’s published six books about travel and intercultural learning, with more on the way. Jessie is constantly looking for ways to increase intercultural understanding, and is passionate sharing the world through her site, Wandering Educators. She founded and directs the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program, teaching teens all around the world, and is co-founder of Writing Walking Women.

 

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators

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Couchsurfing in Venezuela, The Kidnap-Capital of the World

Desperate to explore the world but unsure how to do it without breaking the bank? Veteran backpacker, Will Hatton from The Broke Backpacker, has been travelling the world for seven years now on a budget of just $100 a week. Today, he tells us his top tips for exploring the world and having epic budget adventures…

Couchsurfing in Venezuela, The Kidnap-Capital of the World

She met me at the border, all smiles and friendly holas. I looked around nervously, dozens of police and soldiers eyed me suspiciously. I was the only gringo in site. Sensing my unease, she gestured towards a battered car and we made our way past numerous army-check points. A fat officer with a scrunched up face, peered into the back of the vehicle and spotted me. I handed over my passport. Esthela talked rapidly in Spanish and my passport was returned, we sped away from the check-point like criminals fleeing the scene of the crime.

I had been in touch with Esthela for a few months now. I had been nervous about visiting Venezuela, literally everybody I had met, including Venezuelans, had warned me that it was an extremely dangerous country. Seeking more information, I had turned to the Couchsurfing forums. I had received dozens of messages from Venezuelans beseeching me to go elsewhere or face certain death whilst exploring their country. People were making out that Venezuela was as dangerous as Somalia, that to visit was to dance with death. Venezuelans, especially, seemed adamant that to visit was suicidal. I was extremely disappointed, I loved to get off the beaten track, I enjoyed Indiana-Jones-Esque travel but this was looking like it was simply going to be too dangerous. Perhaps I would have to cut Venezuela from my plans?

Like a sign from heaven, a message appeared in my inbox.

“It is a little dangerous here, sure. But, if you would like to come, I would love to show you around. You can stay with my parents and I can meet you at the border to help you cross safely”

Esthela had quickly become my guardian angel. Every time I heard a distressing rumour about Venezuela, I would ask her what was going on…

“Yes, definitely bring toilet paper, it can be hard to get. Just bear in mind that the government-run media cannot be trusted and that Venezuelans themselves exaggerate a lot of the facts. We have some major shortages at the moment, if you can bring us some coffee we will love you forever”

I had instantly headed to the nearest Colombian shopping mall and stocked up on coffee and powdered milk before crossing the border into Venezuela.

Overnight, I joined a legion of international smugglers ferrying crucial yet illegal supplies into Venezuela. Venezuela’s spiralling inflation and crimped economy means that it is in fact more profitable to smuggle milk into the country than cocaine (not that I was thinking of becoming an international cocaine smuggler, I wasn’t!).

With Esthela at my side, guiding me through the police border crossings, we had made it to San Cristobel, a small city just two hours from the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Here, I proudly presented Esthela’s mum with coffee and milk, the whole family were delighted and we instantly began an impromptu chess tournament.

I spent the next two days exploring the surrounding area with Estella who helped me gain a first-hand insight into what the heck is going on in Venezuela at the moment and offered me practical advice on how to travel around the country safely.

I have been involved with Couchsurfing for years and have surfed over a hundred times. For some reason though, throughout my trip in South America, I had found it extremely difficult to get a host.

Venezuela was to prove the exception to the rule, wonderful, kind and unique hosts such as Esthela seemed to be drawn to Couchsurfing; to helping foreign explorers discover Venezuela safely. Whilst in the country, I met many wonderful people but the nicest, most helpful and most outgoing were always Couchsurfers.

Couchsurfing may be dying a slow and painful death in some countries but, in Venezuela at least, it is flourishing. Venezuelans, keen to show the world that their crazy government does not represent all of Venezuela, are throwing open their doors, unrolling sleeping mats and inviting more and more travellers into their homes…

If you head to Venezuela, Couchsurf – it’s a truly wonderful experience and, without Estella, I imagine I may have had a far more difficult time getting to grips with the safety situation during the first crucial couple of days.

To Couchsurfing, and to the wonderful Esthela herself, I want to say a huge thank you – your welcome in my home, wherever that may be, at any time

 

About Will Hatton: Writer and photographer. Adventurer and vagabond. Master of the handstand pushup. Conqueror of mountains, survivor of deserts and crusader for cheap escapades. Will is an avid hitch-hiker, couch-surfer and bargain-seeker. He is a devout follower of the High Temple of Backpackistan and the proud inventor of the man-hug. Will blogs over at The Broke Backpacker about his adventures around the world, you can follow him on Facebook and on Twitter or, if your really friendly, hunt him down on the road for a cheeky pint.

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Daring Greatly: Share Your Story Summer Writing Contest

In Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, Brene Brown states: “Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage.” I realized after reading her books and listening to her talks that I am doing enough. When my focus is on Courage, Compassion and Connection as my goals, I remember that I am good enough.

The last year and a half has been a rollercoaster ride returning to America and getting divorced. I have felt like a failure and I have felt so very sad. For a long time, I thought about closing down We Said Go Travel. I just was not sure why I was doing it or if it was worth the time and effort.

I have really appreciated how people have shared their inspiring stories in my eight travel writing contests. The Summer 2015 Independence Travel Writing Contest is open and I hope that you will consider entering, reading or sharing the articles. Over 1700 writers from 75 countries have participated since I started the contest in January 2013.

In Daring Greatly Brown says: “We have to be able to talk about how we feel, what we need and desire, and we have to be able to listen with an open heart and an open mind.” I have found trusted friends who I can share my story with and who do not judge me. Brown says: “The most valuable and important things in my life came to me when I cultivated the courage to be vulnerable, imperfect, and self-compassionate…it is a long journey from “What will people think?” to “I am enough.” That journey begins with shame resilience, self-compassion, and owning our stories.” I hope you will share one of your stories of freedom in my summer contest.

As Brown says, “Much of the beauty of light owes its existence to the dark. The most powerful moments of our lives happen when we string together the small flickers of light created by courage, compassion, and connection and see them shine in the darkness of our struggles.”

Remember, “Hope happens when: We have the ability to set realistic goals (I know where I want to go). We are able to figure out how to achieve those goals, including the ability to stay flexible and develop alternative routes (I know how to get there, I’m persistent, and I can tolerate disappointment and try again). We believe in ourselves (I can do this!). So, hope is a combination of setting goals, having the tenacity and perseverance to pursue them, and believing in our own abilities. Hope is Plan B.”

The title of her book comes from this quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

I recommend you watch Brene Brown’s TED talk or read one of her books. I hope you will choose to share your story on We Said Go Travel.

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The Natural Gemstone of the United States

The Natural Gemstone of the United States

 

In the protective confines of my household, even a straightforward, five-minute walk to my music class requires strict accompaniment by a parent, much to my utter distaste. However, having been denizens of India for over thirty years, my parents and their motivations are understandable, and I respect their underlying rationale, regardless of how much I hold it in contempt. Nevertheless, I still dislike crossing the street with my fingers interlocked with my mothers’, or calling my father after a two minute jaunt, or periodically updating my family by hourly text messages or missed calls if I’m outside the sheltered enclosure of my residence. Yet, I abide by their rules because a small, surrendering part of my mind agrees with them, and appreciates my family’s concern for my well-being.

And so, for the ten years of my life spent in Bangalore- a crowded, metropolitan city of southern India, enveloped by the impenetrable cloak of pollution and unhindered development- I lived a life of absolute dependence, which I gradually grew to be accustomed to. I accepted my way of living- until I turned sixteen, and my family and I took a trip to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

A wooden cabin, in the midst of nature at its purest and most unfettered- akin to the versions of the woods and cottages one pictures in fairy tales. Simple ways of living, miles and miles away from the clamorous sounds of civilization, automobiles, and other symptoms of the technological advancements that plague humanity. Clear, refreshing, invigorating air. Green canopies of leaves shielding the ground from the sparkling rays of sunlight emanating from the golden orb hanging from the tapestry of the azure sky. Billows of eddying mist clouding our vision, accentuating the aura of enigma owned by the trees, the soil, the heavens. A sudden, newfound sense of independence blossoming in my soul, crashing down in implacable waves, sending sprays of anticipation relentlessly beating against my mind and heart.

As I trudged up and down the trails of Shenandoah, I was struck by the sense of familiarity my surroundings bestowed upon my spirits. Unlike in Bangalore, where everyone is a stranger, people here greeted each other as one does to an old friend. Contrary to my usual, reticent self, I found myself talking, asking people about their experiences, their countries of origin, and immensely surprising myself in the process. And after nights of thoughtful ruminating, I realized the reason behind my unexpected affability- nature. The untainted squalls, knolls of critters and quaint ambiance had given my soul the rare gifts of appreciation and gratitude. And much to my delight, my movements gradually became more autonomous- I was permitted to hike up paths in solitude, take short excursions to the restaurant just to bask in the warmth of a hot cup of tea, roam about idly… and it occurred to me that I wasn’t the only one who was changed by the sheer beauty of Shenandoah. Being an avid poet, I found tides of feelings, emotions and words lapping against my mind’s eye, subsequently eliciting a new found passion in what is most important to me. Rather than having to assiduously struggle for sources of inspiration, inspiration cascaded down as rain, instilling in me a powerful desire to pen down my experiences as I lived them- whether they were viewing a spider forming its web, the sight of rainbows of butterflies pirouetting with the breeze, light drizzles falling as tears, the exhilarating view from the peak of the highest hill… For the first time, I was free to be myself, free to imagine, free to dream as I had never done before. Away from the imprisoning banalities of populated cities and in the heart of nature at its proudest and most picturesque, I saw myself as an ambitious teenager with an innately independent spirit, with an urge to travel and to escape the old and enter the new. And if this park embodied the beauties of a fairy tale, who knew what other unacknowledged treasures the world boasts of?

All in all, it is fair to say that my stay at Shenandoah National Park was the most enlightening of all the trips I’ve ever been on. It imparted confidence to a person who had lived a life of dependence, gifted liberation to a young girl who had kept her wrath of emotions under the hood of inhibition, and also gave her a sense of identity- as a girl with an unappeasable fancy to explore, to discover, and to add to the magic of nature that the earth possesses.

About the Author:

Richa Gupta is a sixteen year old girl living in Bangalore, India, who has an avid interest in creative writing, poetry and travelling. She loves visiting new places and penning down her experiences in the form of creative non fiction and short stories. She plans to publish a book of her poems and short stories before long.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

 

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Spanish Inspiration

Located three hours by bus northwest of Madrid, Gredos is a quiet farming community surrounded by snow capped mountains.  My husband and I went there with 21 other Anglos to converse in English with an equal number of Spanish business people and students.  We were part of a program in which people learn the language by being immersed in conversation with English speaking folks.  The program was the most unusual experience I’ve had.  It’s not that our activities were so different, no rock climbing or mountain summiting, but nonstop conversation with strangers for one week was outside of my usual comfort zone.  There were great variations in the amount of English each Spaniard knew, but all were there to improve their skills.

 

Our daily routine began with an 8 am wake up call so we could get ready for breakfast at 9 am sharp and begin conversation.  After that we spent the morning meeting one-on-one, switching partners on the hour.  During this time we could take a walk, sit in the lobby, have coffee, or do whatever else we desired, as long as we were conversing.  Talking for an hour allowed us to get past just commenting on the weather and into meatier subjects such as whether there is life after death.  We ate a late lunch and had a break from 3-5 pm.  Then it was back to work, participating in group activities, more one-on-one, and for some, planning entertainment for the rest of the group.

What made this trip so unique?  I hardly saw any of the surrounding area and pretty much spent my time cooped up in the hotel.  However, I have one special memory that will stay with me.  We arrived on a Friday and the following Monday a party was scheduled.  It was held in a room cleared for dancing, with low lighting and recorded music provided (Elvis to Disco to Hip Hop).  The decorations looked leftover from a kindergarten class and the sangria was only drinkable if you were already drunk.  But it was the best party I’ve ever attended.  Everyone and I mean all 46 of us, took part and danced.  I have been to parties with people I’ve known much better than this and we never danced.  Everyone seemed at ease moving to the music.  Not that we moved very well – there were probably two or three who could really dance and the rest of us could’ve used a few lessons.  We all hung out together too, no breaking up into smaller groups separate from the others.    It was such an eye opener to the power of communication.  I thought to myself, three days ago I first met these people and now we’re partying like good friends.

That night is the best way I can simply describe the special aspect of that week.  We learned plenty from each other and it was more than just language.  We shared stories, culture, and best of all, ourselves.

That experience has been my inspiration for feeling free to be myself.  I saw that large group of people come together and unite in spite of differences.  Feeling free is a state of mind and I got a glimpse of how wonderful it can be.

About the author:  Marikay is a world traveler sharing her passion with others through her stories.   She has been a cost estimator, college instructor, accounting assistant and currently, an academic advisor.  Travelling has enhanced all areas of her life.

Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

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