Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 352
November 25, 2014
Thattekad riot of colors, Paradise of Birds in India
Being born with a lazy born I avoid every chance to go for birding trips. I would rather sit in 4×4 vehicle for hours spotting a Tiger coz it’s probably easy way out. Birds are super active species and will make you run around the jungle, so I must have done thousand coin tosses to see if I can talk myself out of it. On my way to Thattekad I was officially in ‘GOD’S OWN COUNTRY’ driving through sleepy towns of Kerala enjoying beautiful churches, temples, spice and rubber plantations and shining waterbodies on both sides of the road. However, purpose of the trip was way beyond beaches, heritage and food, it was time to admire Mother Nature’s flying Miracles called Birds.
First place I visited was dense rainforest, locally known as ‘Bhutathakitt’ literally meaning built by demons. Local myth says rocky dam on water body flowing through the forest was built by demons. We treked into deep and dark jungle and birding has officially started. We reached a small puddle and I carmped myself on small rock keeping an eye out of evening reptlies to shoo away. No matter how much brave face I put up I am scared of them and more so in depp dark forest which is known to be build by demons. However Mother nature as always surprised me and rainbow of colors and Mother nature’s dance of the beuties was in full swing. Ruby throated Bulbul, dancing paradise flycatchers and tree pie were at arm length, playing hide and seek in evening light around the dense bushes. I simply called it ‘Festival of feather dipped colors’.
Next day marked an excellent beginning and we walked through local rubber plantation into deep woods to a rocky clearing on Table Top Mountain giving 360 degrees view. The streaming sunlight in the woods announced that the sun has arrived. An open house show of birds from minivets, hornbills flying overhead, barbets, bulbuls, sunbirds was a delight to eyes of birders and photographers. Nothing could beat the tea and breakfast on the mountain top (a breakfast experience to die for). Evening was a treat to sour eyes of concrete jungles. Within minutes of setting off in the woods on mission to spot ‘FrogMouth’ the rare and elusive bird was spotted. With happy faces group began a walk through deep woods, thorns, bushes and water streams in search of oriental dwarf Kingfisher. Though we couldn’t find the Bird, I doubt in my lifetime I would ever walk through such an adventurous patch of woods. I called it the ‘paisa vasool trail aka every penny worth trail’ of the trip.
The highlight of the trip was certainly the visit to Munnar and happily posing birds like black and orange flycatcher, Nilgiri Pippet and family portrait of Painted bush quails, Eurasian Black Bird, Nilgiri Thars and rare Nilgiri Flycatcher. A was amazed to see Munnar outside Travel guides and Mother Nature’s romance with palate of colors for creating the feathered angels. As I thought just a day left and time to head back home, Mother Nature packed the time table with Malabar trogon, Fairy blue bird, Velvet fronted Nuthatch, Heart spotted woodpecker, mix hunting parties of birds till it was time to jump into vehicles to head back home.
On my way back, I was trying to drink in, pack in, and fit in all the colours of Nature in my eyes. I don’t think any Photoshop, artist or biggest paint manufacturing giant can create the shades which decorated each Bird. It has to be Mother Nature and no one else, who can touch my soul and being in such a colourful way. A trip may fade out memory eventually but it remains in heart forever if it becomes an experience. Thattekad was one such amazing Experience.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Gratitude Travel Writing competition and tell your story.
The post Thattekad riot of colors, Paradise of Birds in India appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
Gratitude: Be Brave and Share Your Story
Share your story of strength and gratitude in my We Said Go Travel Writing Contest.
WeSaidGoTravel.com invites you to enter its Travel Writing Contest with CASH prizes and no fee for entry. The theme for the Fall 2014 contest is “Gratitude: A Place That Inspires You to Feel Strong and Hopeful.” We hope your article will inspire others to travel more and find their inner hero! Enter until November 27, 2014
We are looking for an article about your act of gratitude–a place you chose or that allows you to stand up for yourself. Where are you most able to be your true self? Your place of freedom might be far across the globe or in your own backyard.
Get inspired by Sara Bareilles‘ song: “Brave”
You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle ‘neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
Everybody’s been there,
Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done some disappearing,
Bow down to the mighty
Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue
Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good,
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?
Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
See you be brave
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
The post Gratitude: Be Brave and Share Your Story appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 24, 2014
T Shirts for Haiti
It was 1984 when my husband of just over a year suggested Haiti as a vacation destination. He had an acquaintance who recently returned from the popular Club Med resort and suggested I bring T-shirts for the Haitians.
“They need clothing,” he informed me, “and they are grateful for anything you can give.”
I dragged my much too heavy suitcase outside.
“What’s in that thing, rocks?” my husband mused as he grabbed the big sky blue suitcase from my hand. “You’re not going to need much clothing here, it’s hot as hell.” I smiled to myself.
Once in Haiti, all along the road on the way to our resort I spied Haitians hauling children in makeshift carriers on their back, others bore colorful fruit in handmade baskets, while still others balanced massive sacks of what might have been flour or rice on their heads. Between the rows of tin shacks women were bent over in a single file washing clothes and pots in a stream. The smell of wood burning filled the air stinging my nostrils. It was their only fuel source for cooking.
We learned that Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and the third poorest in the world. The annual income of a typical Haitian was roughly a dollar a day. Those statistics hold true today, 30 years later.
The resort was a stark contrast against the extreme poverty seen during the ride over. Scattered about were three story bungalows that faced the beach. Pink roofs topped the bright buildings, each one a different color, as if a child opened a box of crayons across the welcoming blue sky.
The locals were allowed on the far end of the beach off the grounds of the resort. Every day they lined up hundreds of paintings facing the ocean, like soldiers guarding the coast. One morning, I grabbed my bag filled with items from my much too heavy suitcase. Taking out an array of new and gently used t-shirts I collected from family, friends and my own stash, a swarm of Haitians surrounded me. I started handing them out; one to a little boy who donned a tattered ripped red shirt as if a cat clawed at the front, another to a young man whose shirt too small for his frame showed his midriff and still another to an artist whose paint splatter made the shirt look like its own work of art.
Appreciative beyond words, the Haitians shook my hand, hugged me and flashed wonderful wide smiled grins. Deeply touched, the warmth and honesty from strangers was something I never experienced before. In return I was gifted with a painting from an artist named Michelet. In bright hot Caribbean colors, a familiar scene of women in their colorful garb tending their chores exemplified typical Haitian life. To this day the painting adorns my family room wall.
Another day I was approached by a no nonsense Haitian woman, grinning with a smile as beautiful as the perfect sunrise, she was holding the hand of a little girl. While most tourists turned away, I eagerly met the woman half way, excited to find out what she was selling. The girl struggled to hold a basket filled with soft cloth filled dolls. Brown fabric for the skin, the doll adorned a multi colored striped skirt and blouse and bejeweled dangling shell earrings. A matching turban covered the head as simple stitches of thread created the facial features.
“Would you like?” she asked with that lovely thick Creole accent I’d come to enjoy, “You stick a pin when you want to curse someone.” She joked half-heartedly.
Smiling and giddy, I inquired, “A voodoo doll?”
“Yes,” her hearty chuckle made her belly jiggle, “you buy one?”
Handing her one dollar, the full price for the doll. I was ashamed to haggle. I then reached into my bag, and pulled out a few t-shirts. “Here”, I said, I hope you can use these.” She took my hand in both of hers. “Thank you, thank you” she kept repeating. I reflected on how a few T- shirts could make someone so happy and I am not referring to the woman’s happiness, I am referring to mine.
When my time in Haiti ended, I left the resort with an almost empty suitcase and a very full heart. I set out on a vacation solely for rest and relaxation however, the reward from giving was way greater than what I set out to achieve.
About the Author:
Sandra Ruyack is the Vice President of direct response fundraising for a consulting firm in Brewster, NY. As a short story non-fiction travel author and freelance food writer.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Gratitude Travel Writing competition and tell your story.
The post T Shirts for Haiti appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
Mossa’s Wheelbarrow in Haiti
Like many people, I have wondered if I could make a difference in someone’s life. I am just one person. I’m no hero. So what could I really do? I’ll tell you….
I met Mossa.
Mossa spends her life curled on an old foam-rubber mattress on the ground in northwest Haiti. Her one-room home has four cement walls that encircle her like a dark, cool, cave. There were doorways, but no windows. There was a table, but no chairs. Just Mossa lying on a foam mattress in the corner, where I imagined she’d spent a countless number of years.
There were bowls on the floor, like a dog’s bowls, and I was pained to see that they were empty when our mission group visited her one day. I wasn’t sure how often someone came by and filled them. I knew that she couldn’t care for herself; her body was folded up like a pretzel. One foot was behind her head. One arm was functioning, the other was shriveled and small; the result of a childhood illness for which she received no treatment. It hurt to look at her. We couldn’t help but stare. In return, she smiled up at us, happy to have visitors. We stayed the whole day.
This was rural Haiti. Clothes were washed by being beaten on rocks at the trickling stream. Electricity was non-existent and water was carried in water pouches slung over the back of a donkey. Small cinder block houses contained families of 8 or 20. Dirt footpaths lead to the church, where the minister ran a generator to power a few lights for the nightly service. I wondered how often Mossa was carried into sunlight. Who cared for her? Who fed her? What kind of life did she lead curled onto her foam mattress in a house with little else?
The folks in my group wondered what we could do to help her. Pastor Mike had an idea. If we could raise enough money, he would send a truck to town (3 hours away) and buy her a wheelbarrow. The price was steep by Haiti standards — $100.
Those of us with cash on hand eagerly pitched in. Pastor Mike sent a truck to town and three days later they returned with a brand new wheelbarrow for Mossa.
She cried when the pastor picked her up and placed her in it. He wheeled her two miles on dirt lanes to church on Sunday. Mossa was surrounded by her community, singing and rejoicing with the whole congregation. It was a beautiful sight and we felt blessed to have been a part of it.
I didn’t change the world by going to Haiti. But I did something to change someone’s life. I pitched in and helped pay for a wheelbarrow; something so oddly easy, but with tremendous impact. It only takes a small gesture to change the world for one person. Mossa taught me that. Here, I’d tried to change her life, but really, she changed mine.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Gratitude Travel Writing competition and tell your story.
The post Mossa’s Wheelbarrow in Haiti appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
USA Today: Holiday Attractions of Los Angeles
USA Today: Holiday Attractions of Los Angeles
Wondering how to make your Holidays in Los Angeles special this year? Explore new and old traditions and make lasting memories for you and your family. Imagine taking a surfing lesson by day at Santa Monica beach and an ice-skating lesson at night only a few blocks from the beach. Kids and adults need to play in the surf and ice and learn new things to keep young at heart. Take your children to the LA ZOO to experience real live reindeer and think about the history of some of the most famous holiday stories. If you want to see and be part of living history, visit El Pueblo Historical Monument for Las Posadas which have been continuously celebrated since the 1930s at that site.
2014 will be the 94th year for Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena! This all volunteer spectacle should not be missed! See carolers dressed like Dickens at the Original Farmer’s Market and enjoy festivities from many religions. At the renown Skirball Cultural Center, learn about Chanukah with a Latin American flavor at The Luz y Libertad. Watch the boats sail by or join a team and get onboard in the 52nd Marina Del Rey Boat Parade or add flowers to the world famous. Choose a concert with organ music at Walt Disney Concert Hall or fireworks in Manhattan Beach. Los Angeles brings you endless options for participating in unique ways. Happy Holidays!
10 Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Since 1963, Marina Del Rey has hosted a Holiday boat parade with judges, prizes and a giant event. You can see the decorations on each boat as they will circle the main channel of the Marina del Rey Harbor at least 3 times. Fireworks will be set off just beyond the south turn of the parade from the jetty on the Playa del Rey side of the channel.The top viewing spot, with music, announcers is at Burton Chace Park located at the end of Mindanao Way between G Basin and H Basin. There is live commentary about each boat from several announcers including Lisa Osborn, a newscaster on radio KFWB-AM and Mickey Czegledy, a cartoon voiceover actor and former traffic reporter on KABC-TV Consider viewing the boat parade from a Hornblower Cruise Ship or one of the nearby restaurants on the main Marina channel at Fisherman’s Village. (310-670-7130)
9 Walt Disney Concert Hall Complex
The iconic structure of this Los Angeles treasure is a wonderful choice for Holiday Celebrations. Concerts are fantastic here all year long but choose to ring in the New Year or the entire Holiday season with a symphony. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts the LA Philharmonic, treating visitors to an unforgettable experience in one of the most musically sophisticated concert halls in the world. Self guided audio tours and guided tours are offered most days. Take in some fine dining at the award-winning Patina Restaurant or grab a bite at the Concert Hall Cafe; before settling down to a bliss-filled journey into classical music and beyond. (213-972-7211)
8 ICE Santa Monica
Ready to ice skate in Santa Monica? ICE returns November 1, 2014. Downtown Santa Monica is known for being a beachside community but always creates a winter wonderland for its residents and visitors. Across from Zanzibar at 5th street and Arizona, a premier outdoor ice skating rink appears until January 19, 2015. Enjoy the 8,000 square foot rink by the beach to play and skate during the holidays. Come with friends, family, host an event or take a skating lesson. Shirin Yagedar from LA Mom Magazine told me, “I love the outdoor ice rink in Santa Monica. It’s inexpensive and a great way to spend an hour skating with the kids. You can wear a t-shirt and jeans. You get the winter activities without the winter weather. it’s perfect!” (310.393.8355)
7 The Original Farmers Market
The 2014 holiday events will be from December 19 — 24 with wonderful holiday decorations all over The Market. During New Year’s week, Rose Bowl fans from around the country flock to The Market along with our other holiday and regular visitors. The Original Farmers Market of Los Angeles opened in the summer of 1934 when a handful of produce farmers gathered on a vacant street corner to vend the season’s crops. Today’s market, easy to spot thanks to the famous clock tower that soars above it, has taken on a completely different persona and now offers more than 30 delicious restaurants as well as an impressive array of specialty shops and open-air food stalls. (323-933-9211, 866-993-9211)
6 El Pueblo Historical Monument
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is near the site of the early Los Angeles pueblo or town where forty-four settlers of Native American, African and European heritage journeyed more than one-thousand miles across the desert from present-day northern Mexico and established a farming community in September 1781. Christopher Espinosa, General Manager, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument: “Our Posadas have been going on since the 1930s. The events are held December 16th through 24th at 7:00 p.m. nightly.” El Pueblo is a living museum that continues to fulfill its unique role as the historic and symbolic heart of the city, reflecting the Native American, African American, Spanish, Anglo, Mexican, Chinese, Italian and French cultures that contributed to its early history. (1 (213) 485-6855)
5 Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The vital connection between flora and fauna is highlighted at Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Zoo’s unique and diverse plant collection includes Chilean bald cypress and cycads. Indigenous plants cover the native gardens of the region, while cactus and succulent gardens emphasize a global representation of plants. The Zoo holds more than 7,000 individual plants of over 800 species. One of 62 plant rescue stations in the nation, the Zoo is often called upon to save an exotic or rare plant. The edible garden across from Papiano Play Park produces tasty rose, figs and beets for the animals. Interested in native Southwest plants? Check out the Baja Garden between the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo and the meerkat exhibit. (323-644-4200)
4 Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks
As The Beach Reporter says: “It’s as if the entire town comes to the pier to see the show and see their neighbors…by the time the sun sets and the fireworks explode, the merriest people in the world on that day and at that time are probably the people sitting on Manhattan Beach Boulevard wrapped in blankets and gazing into the night sky.” Participate in The Beach Cities Community Event for its 26th year. The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Show has become one of the biggest and best events. Enjoy fireworks with colorful star bursts, loud explosions near enough to The Strand and the sand. A unique event that could only happen here. ((310) 801-2202)
3 Skirball Cultural Center
Skirball Cultural Center is a treasure in Los Angeles. For the holidays there will be a special menorahs/Hanukkah lamps family tour but they are part of the permanent collection in the exhibition Visions and Values. Hanukkah Family Festival: Luz y Libertad with a Latin American lens will be the theme of the 2014 Celebration of Light festivities. The mission to explore four thousand years of Jewish heritage in light of the vitality of American democratic ideals inspires people of every ethnic and cultural identity in American life. Enjoy the museum, changing exhibitions and many engaging talks, films, musical performances and the wonderful Zeidler’s Café. You can visit the Noah’s Ark exhibit and start your own collection of treasures from Audrey’s Museum Store. (3104404500)
2
If you plan to be in LA during the winter holiday season, this traditional event is definitely worth seeing in person. Television cannot do justice to the intricacies of today’s floats, decorated with millions of flowers and tons of natural materials like leaves and bark. In fact, each individual float uses more flowers than the average florist will handle over the course of five years! The floats take nearly a year to construct, but the bulk of decorating is done after Christmas, and many of the flowers are attached to the floats in little vials of water to keep them fresh. Although reserved seating is available, you can stake out plenty of great spots along Colorado Boulevard starting at noon on the 31st. Expect crowds! (877-793-9911, 626-449-4100)
1 Christmas Tree Lane
The all-volunteer effort of the Christmas Tree Lane Association includes homeowners and renters, senior citizens and schoolchildren, and Altadena veterans. You are invited to be a part of this historical tradition and contribute to the community while having great fun with neighbors and friends. From CTLA, “In 1990, Christmas Tree Lane was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and became California State Landmark. Of particular interest to those who were reviewing the application, it was noted that Christmas Tree Lane brought about the singularly significant social convergence of two relatively new commodities: the outdoor electric light and the automobile. Christmas Tree Lane is also recognized as the only botanical landmark on the State Registry.” ((626) 403-1123)
HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS
1. Christmas Tree Lane
Photo courtesy of Maria Karras Photography
The post USA Today: Holiday Attractions of Los Angeles appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 23, 2014
A Hungarian Adventure
It has been a week now since I left Budapest. A busy week in which, however, I caught myself forgetting how scared and happy I was while living my Hungarian fairytale; how I struggled with finding my way around, memorizing in which utca (street) I lived, getting used to the fact that receiving auditory signals from the locals will not help me make sense of written Hungarian. Cautious about the tricks that the human mind often plays I decided to immerse myself in my most vivid memory once again, so that I ‘lock’ it on paper and know that at least it is partially true.
While in Budapest, I also periodically dragged myself out of bed to search for inexpensive food which in my case always meant a visit to the nearest supermarket. Yes, you got that right! What could I do? I had not even realised how engrained the British way of living had become in me that the news about the existence of Tesco here gave me sweet shivers of joy. My routine was simple and pain-free. To eliminate any inconvenience caused by the language barrier, I was going to their most central supermarket, moving quickly through its tight shopping lanes, choosing impulsively from its miniature shelves and eventually enduring punches from the locals who unlike Britons are not very polite and can easily hit you when passing. At the checkout I was greeted by a grey-haired lady who was soon not too happy to discover that I had still not learned the value of their coins. This usually ended up with her angrily counting the money on my behalf and charging me for the plastic bags (In Hungary they charge for the carrier bags and I always forgot to bring mine).
‘Horrible’ you probably think. However, I was enjoying my little supermarket battles – at least they were part of something familiar and I knew that eventually I will get out of there with my bags full of food packed in plastic boxes and jars.
However, my newly-created equilibrium cracked open when my boyfriend came to visit. Being the adventurous type himself, he was shocked by my lack of enthusiasm to explore. ‘Now, we are going to the local market!’ he said. Without even leaving me time to reply, we had gone out of the apartment. Following his intuition, he took me by the hand and turned right. In less than 10 steps we found ourselves in front of a baroque door. ‘Are you ready?’ he asked. I nodded bashfully. ..He opened the door and there it was – a food market, right in front of me. It was small but very well-supplied with a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, herbs and fruit, home-made cheese, smoked meat and fish. We ended up having Lángos for breakfast that day – a traditional deep-fried Hungarian snack, truly the best one I ever remember having.
From this day on I became so much stronger and confident. Looking back now I sometimes think how big of a difference a baroque door can make…
Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Gratitude Travel Writing competition and tell your story.
The post A Hungarian Adventure appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
Gratitude: King of Anything
Sunset at Palau Pacific Resort
Share your story of strength and gratitude in my We Said Go Travel Writing Contest.
WeSaidGoTravel.com invites you to enter its Travel Writing Contest with CASH prizes and no fee for entry. The theme for the Fall 2014 contest is “Gratitude: A Place That Inspires You to Feel Strong and Hopeful.” We hope your article will inspire others to travel more and find their inner hero! Enter until November 27, 2014
We are looking for an article about your act of gratitude–a place you chose or that allows you to stand up for yourself. Where are you most able to be your true self? Your place of freedom might be far across the globe or in your own backyard.
Get inspired by Sara Bareilles‘ song: King of Anything
“King Of Anything”
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Keep drinkin’ coffee
Stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I’d say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet
And count the cars that pass by
You’ve got opinions, man
We’re all entitled to ‘em
But I never asked
So let me thank you for your time
And try to not waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast
I hate to break it to you, babe
But I’m not drowning
There’s no one here to save
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything?
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best
But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
And ride off into your delusional sunset
I’m not the one who’s lost
With no direction oh
But you’ll never see
You’re so busy makin’ maps
With my name on them in all caps
You’ve got the talkin’ down
Just not the listening
And who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died and made you king of anything?
All my life
I’ve tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt
And hide
Waitin’ for someone to tell me it’s my turn
To decide.
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me.
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be.
Who died and made you king of anything?
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me.
Who made you king of anything?
So you dare tell me who to be.
Who died and made you king of anything?
Let me hold your crown, babe.
Oh ohhhhhhhhhhh
Ahhhhhhhhhhh
The post Gratitude: King of Anything appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 22, 2014
Georgia O’Keefe Land: A Place that Allows You to Feel Strong
GRATITUDE: A Place that Allows You to Feel Strong, Hopeful and Free.
Georgia O’Keeffe Land
My fifty-fifth birthday, was full of gratitude: in a place that allowed me to feel strong, hopeful and free. It was a girls four day trip planned to Georgia O’Keeffe land. I was excited, had been smitten, and awe struck by the artist Georgia O’Keeffe for quite some time. This past birthday year,I asked for my celebration be in the homeland of Georgia O’Keeffe,Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by a visionary legend. I consider myself a creative visionary as well. I created a vision wall in my bedroom of my hopes, desires, passions, and dreams, and in the very corner of my vision wall was a small clipping entitled “O’Keeffe land.” Yes, I was going to make it happen; living so close to Georgia O’Keeffe homeland.
I had wanted, like her to become a strong believer in my convictions, the possibility envisioning my dream to come true; was knowing and believing dreams really do come true. Arizona,at the time, was my home away from home. I still have a deep connection present there with friends I’ve known for almost twenty years. A reason ,with gratitude, I recognize this place, also,as a link that had allowed me to be free in becoming the person whom I truly am. When I think about my transitional phases within my life; it was in this very transient town I realized my transformation was taking place.
I was seeing myself as someone truly becoming her own individual ;my thoughts, desires, dreams and wishes were unfolding themselves to me. I was becoming more aware as my subconscious had me questioning my true motive, reason and purpose why I was there. I was starting to observe myself seeing things in another perspective; spiritually, esoterically, and artistically, as I was evolving to become a writer. I was feeling I wanted to live my life beyond a day to day mundane lifestyle within a community. I believed something else was calling me. This “aha” moment helped me to honor that space with gratitude in a particular place allowing me to be free to explore my purpose by opening my heart to sing, dance, yoga, hike, travel, write, create and venture into the core of my soul. This place carried my soul to another level and dimension of being as I was meant to live. It unraveled like the wrapping on my birthday gift given to me making my trip truly happen to O’Keeffe land.
I stayed present opening and enjoying all the gifts I was receiving from a place I allowed myself to be empowered and uplifted by its offerings. I was seeing things happening serendipitously,with synchronicity and beauty unfolding right before my eyes and my girlfriends were witnessing it too. The messages and the gifts brought to me physically, mentally,emotionally, and spiritually were mystical, magical and miraculous occurrences to everything and every one surrounding me. It began the very moment I arrived in O’Keeffe land, as two girlfriends and me ventured a day ahead to tour the well known Ghost Ranch. Georgia O’Keeffe had lived and painted her days at Ghost Ranch, outside her beloved home Albique, New Mexico.
It was like Georgia sent me an invitation, waiting for my response, opening her home to me, embracing and engaging me to see the magic,feel the joy, and live the wonder she shared independently as an artist, woman, and a legend, whom lived in New Mexico. The flat rock butt” Pedernal”,she painted so vividly and abstractly in her paintings inspired me to write a poem dedicated to her. My imagination ran wild with visions, deep contemplation threading brilliant, vibrant colorful words illuminating a tapestry intertwined with her visionary artistry. The signs and symbols were everywhere awakening my spirit to be humble with gratitude; in a place that allowed me to feel strong, hopeful and free. My gratitude to O’Keeffe land became the place allowing self discovery be manifested,strong, being bolder creatively within expressing my convictions, hopeful, breaking free from my day to day mundane lifestyle by seeing, breathing, listening, creating and being the life source I was meant to live.
I was surrounded by a woman, an artist, a legend whose authenticity inspired me as she welcomed me to live, as she naturally and creatively with gratitude: in a place allowing a higher purpose be revealed, feeling connected by strong inspirations, hopeful, through creative visualization, setting our souls free. May I always celebrate with grace fulfilling a space of gratitude; within a place that allowes me always to feel spiritually,physically, mentally,and emotionally strong, hopeful and free as I did connected in Georgia O’ O’Keeffe land.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Gratitude Travel Writing competition and tell your story.
The post Georgia O’Keefe Land: A Place that Allows You to Feel Strong appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
USA Today: Rodeo Drive Shopping in Beverly Hills
Thank you to USA Today 10best for sharing my article about Shopping on Rodeo Drive!
Style and Los Angeles go hand in hand. One must-visit shopping spot here is the three blocks of Rodeo Drive, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world.
Located in Beverly Hills, this section you are seeking is between Wilshire Boulevard and Little Santa Monica Boulevard; its many stores are known for both luxury and opulence.
Brooks Brothers, located on Rodeo Drive, is nearly 100 years old; they offer clothing for your entire clan
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
Brooks Brothers — the oldest clothing retailer in the country, having provided quality clothing for nearly 200 years — is on the corner of Rodeo and Little Santa Monica. While well known for classic clothing and apparel for men, they also offer women’s and children’s clothing, as well as a full tuxedo shop.
Brooks Brothers’ Red Fleece Collection is a spirited twist on Brooks Brothers’ classics, mixing classy yuppie style with modern sensibility. Red Fleece has a much lower price point, with all the quality you expect from Brooks Brothers for fashion-forward, preppy men and women.
Cool cars on Rodeo Drive in front of David Yurman
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
At Rodeo and Brighton, discover what makes David Yurman jewelry so highly collected, as precious metals and rare gemstones are transformed into original and beautiful wearable art.
Explore the iconic Albion Collection of colorful and expertly crafted rings that will catch your eye. The bracelets are stylish, and when you cannot decide which one to buy, realize they are often worn stacked.
Find the watch that is perfect for you at Geary’s Rodeo Drive, with choices from Rolex and Patek Philippe. You may even find the owner, Thomas Blumenthal, on the floor to help you, just as his aunt Ruth Meyer used to assist customers after they bought the store from A.J. Geary in 1953. Blumenthal is a third-generation shop owner here.
Find your style with Rolex and Philip Patek on Rodeo Drive
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
Want to sleep on this famous street? Stay in one of the 86 guest rooms or penthouse suites with private balconies at the Luxe Rodeo. The hotel was designed initially by Vicente Wolf, with elegant dark woods, brushed metals and oversized mirrors.
Enjoy a meal at the On Rodeo Bistro, with signature dishes from Executive Chef David Padilla as well as farm-to-bar cocktails created by Matthew Bianceniello.
Stay on Rodeo Drive at the Luxe Rodeo Hotel
Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver
How did the fire spark what’s now a shopping destination? The property that would become Beverly Hills was purchased in 1906 by Burton E Green and other investors and then named Rancho Rodeo de Las Aguas. The first luxury store added to the area was Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1967 by Fred Hayman, who’s considered “the father of Rodeo Drive.”
Consider planning your Rodeo Drive outing during Father’s Day and see the Concours d’Elegance, an annual show of some of the world’s most expensive cars. This vintage car show is free to the public, and it was featured in the book300 Unmissable Events and Festivals Around the World.
The post USA Today: Rodeo Drive Shopping in Beverly Hills appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 21, 2014
Napa Valley Grille: 3 P’s of Thanksgiving!
Napa Valley Grille in Westwood is ready to assist you for Thanksgiving!
Just remember the 3 Ps:
Pre-order, Pick up & Pretend!
Seriously the food is delicious and everything is homemade from the exquisite sourdough bread to the olive tapanade. Don’t miss out on simply grilled fish like a whole branzino and Prime London Sirloin but save room to tempt yourself with rainbow carrots and out of this world apple tarte tartin. Menus are printed daily and the food is seasonal. Feel good about your choices as this fourteen year old restaurant supports your health and local growers with CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture). If you are wondering where to go for Thanksgiving or where to supplement your dinner, this is the place!
Personally I cannot wait to go back for Late Night Happy Hour with the incredible kale chopped salad with Lemon-Parmesan Vinaigrette (recipe below), Chorizo Mac & Cheese, Turkey Meatballs and Stuffed Peppers! See you in Westwood!
Video: Napa Valley Grille Nov 2014
Ready for holiday flavors @NapaValleyGrille in Westwood? Join me!
A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:00pm PST
Enjoying central coast “Treana” #wine from @Alex_Somm_top_picks @NapaValleyGrille @NVGWestwood A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 6:39pm PST
A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:19pm PST
Amazing sweet corn agnolotti handmade pasta and mascarpone! Merguez Sausage: lamb sausage, poached egg, cannellinu bean cassoulet, spinach & oven roasted tomatoes. The food here is phenomenal! @NVGWestwood #NapaValleyGrille A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 7:23pm PST
A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:20pm PST
A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:50pm PST
A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:20pm PST
Apple Tarte Tartin: vanilla streusel, calvados ice cream. Tasty treats to end a spectacular dinner. Highly recommend @NVGWestwood #NapaValleyGrille A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:53pm PST
Tantalizing gluten free Chocolate Marquis: flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, poached fig compote and vanilla ice cream @NVGWestwood #NapaValleyGrille #Amazing chocolate dessert!! A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:50pm PST
Thank you to my great dining companion @sagepporter! #gratitude A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Nov 11, 2014 at 9:33pm PST
FOR THANKSGIVING:
Three-course rustic dinner ($48/person) as well as classic holiday fixings for takeaway ($9-85). Using locally-sourced ingredients, Napa Valley Grille’s rustic three-course dine-in option includes:
Autumn Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash, Kabocha Squash, Pomegranate, Toasted Pepitas, Farro, Arugula, and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Natural Deistel Turkey with traditional Stuffing, Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Orange-Cranberry Chutney, and Turkey Gravy
Braised Lamb Osso Bucco with Goat Cheese Polenta, Sautéed Swiss Chard, Rum Raisins, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Braising Jus
Vegan Organic Quinoa Stack with Fuji Apple, Brussels Sprouts, Golden Raisins, Cider Vinaigrette, and fig and port reduction
Maple and Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brown Sugar and Pecan Sauce
Butterscotch Bread Pudding topped with a housemade Marshmallow
Thanksgiving dinner takeaway menu offers a classic holiday banquet that serves 8–12 people. Housemade options include Turkey Gravy ($12), Cranberry Orange Sauce ($9), Roasted Yams ($12), 10-inch Pumpkin Pie ($18), Roasted Diestel Turkey Breast ($85) or Leg ($65), and more. Angelenos can reserve their Thanksgiving meal by calling 310.824.3232 or emailing westwood@napavalleygrille.com, and pick up orders on Thanksgiving Day between 10am – 4pm.
Chopped Kale Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Vinaigrette
Lemon Parmesan Vinaigrette Dressing
2 T Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Blended Oil
1 T Parmesan Cheese, granulated
1 small clove Garlic, minced
1 T Shallots, minced
1 T Basil, minced
1 T Dijon Mustard
Combine all ingredients except oil and whisk until well mixed. Slowly drizzle in blended oil while whisking to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper.
Salad Ingredients:
3 oz shredded kale
2 oz shredded romaine
1 T fresh grated parmesan
1 oz golden raisins (soaked in simple syrup or rum and orange juice)
2 oz cooked quinoa
1 T sliced toasted almonds
2 oz vinaigrette
In a non reactive bowl combine kale, romaine, raisins, quinoa, and almonds. Season with salt and fresh black pepper. Incorporate dressing and toss. Place onto a cold salad plate and garnish with fresh grated parmesan.
(Optional: Chef Taylor likes to fresh seasonal fruit as well for an additional pop of flavor and color, like diced apricot, pomegranate, or pear.)
The post Napa Valley Grille: 3 P’s of Thanksgiving! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
We Said Go Travel
- Lisa Niver's profile
- 57 followers
