Why Others Don’t Travel

I was having a discussion today with one of my closest friends. He and I are practically brother and sister and we have quite a bit in common, except the topic of traveling. I, an avid traveler who would love nothing more than to spend my days traveling and seeing as much of the world as humanly possible, cannot understand why others simply express disgust when mentioning the word “travel.”


He and his family have lived in numerous states across the country; however, he has absolutely fallen in love with the state of Arkansas. Spending much of his teen years here, he has grown quite close to many of his friends and looks forward to coming back “home” whenever he can. He believes that there is nothing to see that is worth seeing unless it is within the Arkansas state lines.

Don’t get me wrong, Arkansas is a beautiful state. Yes, we have portions that are nothing but flatlands and old cotton fields, but the northwest portion of the state especially, it has hills, beautiful land, and not to mention, three of the biggest businesses in the world; Tyson, Wal-Mart, and J.B. Hunt Trucking. There is a lot to love about Arkansas, but having grown up in this great state all of my life, a girl needs to get out and see the world.

His argument to me was, “how can you go and appreciate the places of the world if you don’t understand and appreciate your own.” I can answer that…I took Arkansas history my 8th grade year, I’ve grown up in Arkansas my whole life, I have traveled to many areas within my state, and after all of that, I can say 100% that I appreciate where I come from and understand that it really is a great place to live. HOWEVER, I also know there is a bigger world out there and it’s just waiting for me to come see all of it.

After talking with my friend, I started thinking though….why don’t other people like to travel? Is it because they are scared? Are they too comfortable where they are that the thought of actually planning a trip is exhausting? Are they scared of what they might encounter or find on their travels? Or are they just too close-minded to believe that there is anything worth seeing that lies outside their comfort zone?

I have always told myself that whoever I marry or end up with in life, they must enjoy traveling. It is one of my few pieces of criteria that I look for in the opposite sex. I don’t require much, just that you love traveling. As far as I am concerned, life isn’t worth living if you don’t have God, family, friends, pets, and a need to travel.

Pray for Japan

Although I have never visited what I have heard is a beautiful and wonderful country, my heart goes out to those effected by the most recent earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan a few days ago. As humans, we should reach out to those in need and offer our assistance and aid during these trying times.

Unfortunately, not everyone feels that way. Just the other day, I was reading an article about the situation in Japan and read a comment made by someone who was obviously, anti-Japan and anti-Japanese. The person mentioned that they wished ill-will towards the people of Japan because of the atrocities of their past. Blaming the generations of today for the mistakes of those in the 1930s is absolutely ridiculous.

For those who do not know, in the 1937, Japanese forces marched into Nanking, China and massacred hundreds of thousands of people, as well as raping nearly 20,000 women. If you know nothing of this event, it is called “The Nanking Massacre.” What occurred back then though has absolutely nothing to do with the people who live in Japan today. Why should they be responsible for the atrocities committed by their ancestors? That is like blaming me, a 25 year old, for what my ancestors did to Native Americans or for events that took place during the Civil Rights Movement.

Those who harbor these kinds of feelings wouldn’t give 2 cents to help their fellow man. I remember when the country reached out to those in Haiti and people remarked that we should be donating our money towards those in the U.S. and not in Haiti.

Wake up people! Does anyone NOT remember Hurricane Katrina? People opened their wallets and donated their time to help those in New Orleans. You can argue all you want about governmental issues, etc…but I’m talking about downright human decency. The people of the United States are some of the most charitable people in the world and will do as much as they can to help others in need.

I’m deeply saddened by what has happened in Japan and am grateful that a close friend of ours, who lives in Tokyo, was not in the country when all of this occurred. However, those who have experienced this destruction, whose family members have died or are lost, who have lost everything they own, I pray that they find peace during this difficult time. As a religious person, I trust that God will provide solace and peace to those in Japan and to those effected by these recent events.

According to ABC News, there are various organizations that are helping to aid in the relief effort. The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, International Medical Corps, as well as Save the Children and the Salvation Army are just a few organizations that are taking donations. I encourage you to donate whatever you can. You hear people say that no matter what the dollar amount, it helps. They are right…it does.

Hard Rocks Around the World

If you noticed in my last post, I mentioned that it is a tradition for my sister and me, to find a Hard Rock Café wherever we travel. Whether we are in Dallas, Texas; Maui, Hawaii; Destin, Florida; or Rome, Italy, we always find the Hard Rock.



Hard Rock Cafe in Rome


You see, after stepping into the Hard Rock Café in Orlando, Florida, many, many years ago, we both sort of fell in love with the atmosphere and food. The chance to see some of the music industry’s most amazing pieces of memorabilia is something we thoroughly enjoy. No matter what Hard Rock you go into, you’ll always find something that makes you go, “Wow, look at that!” Whether it was a pink Cadillac that hung over the bar in Maui or the gondolas “parked” outside the one in Venice, each Hard Rock Café provides its own uniqueness that keeps tourists coming back for more.

Some of the Hard Rock Café’s we’ve visited are:

Rome, Italy

Venice, Italy

Paris, France
Orlando, Florida

Turks & Caicos

Destin, Florida

Maui & Oahu, Hawaii

Manhattan

Washington, D.C.

Baltimore, Maryland

Dallas, Texas

St. Louis, Missouri
Memphis, Tennessee
Nassau, Bahamas
Grand Cayman
San Juan, Puerto Rico

St. Maarten



Gondolas outside the Hard Rock in Venice

Providing their customers with an array of food ranging from deliciously, mouthwatering cheeseburgers to a mountain of nachos piled high with cheese, jalapenos, and beans…it is rare that anyone ever leave feeling hungry.
Of course, after eating, we tend to make our way towards the souvenir shop where our tradition takes effect. When we visit some place new, it isn’t always about eating there, but instead, buying something so that we may add to our collection. I can’t count how many Hard Rock t-shirts I own, but I would say no less than 20. (Many have come from the same place…just visited multiple times)

This is just one of the quirks we will always do when we travel and I will continue to add to my collection in my future travels. I am curious though; do you have any travel traditions? Certain places you have to go? Things you must see? I love hearing about people’s traditions!

Paris Hard Rock Cafe

Place: Turks & Caicos, Mission: To completely relax at Margaritaville

Arriving in Turks & Caicos, one cannot help but breathe in the fresh air and feel eager to experience an island that is visited by so many each year. Celebrities often vacation here and to be honest, I was keeping my eyes peeled.

Stepping off the boat, my family and I spotted what looked like the entryway to what we hoped would be paradise on the other side. Walking along, we entered an area full of small, private shops; the owners just waiting to lure you in with their shiny jewelry and colorful pieces of cloth. Curious as I am, I couldn’t help but take a peek into a few of these hidden jewels (a.k.a. tourist traps). Luckily for me, and my wallet, I opted to forgo the shiny enticements and instead, decided to rejoin the family before making our way to the excursion we had planned.

Now, anyone who knows me knows just how much I love snorkeling. Hand me a pair of flippers and a snorkel and I’m ready to go. This snorkeling excursion in Grand Turk was no different. I was excited and ready to see the wonders that Trunk Bay had to offer. You can imagine my disappointment when I was strapped and ready to go and all I wound up seeing was a big, black tire. The moment I spotted the monstrosity, I heard that “wha whaaaaaa” sound. Aside from that, the water was murky, something that I highly dislike when swimming in the ocean. Personally, I like to be able to see what is beneath me.

Deciding that this little snorkeling adventure was a bust, the family and I hailed the next trolley and made our way back to the cruise ship loading area. This doesn’t mean that we went back to the ship…no way; we still had plenty of time left on the island. So, what did we do? Well, after spotting the large blue flip flop, we decided that spending the rest of our day in Grand Turk, at Margaritaville, would hit the spot.

Loud music was playing as tourists and locals moved around and through the tables, all in their board shorts and bikinis. A small pool sat off to the side, giving those who wanted to take a quick dip, a chance to “beat the heat.” Spotting an open table, my family and I agreed that food was in order, so what did we order? Nachos! And boy, were those good nachos.

You’re probably wondering where the mention of drinks have gone. Like I would go to Margaritaville and not get a drink. The wonderful picture below showcases my mom, my sister and I enjoying a nice, relaxing drink. I opted for a strawberry margarita and in that little tube; that would be a rum shot…a bit too potent for my liking.

As the hours began to wind down for us, I decided that spending a day at Margaritaville definitely made up for the snorkeling bust earlier that day. Before we left however, I had to buy myself a t-shirt. It is tradition for my sister and me, every time we visit a Margaritaville, to buy a souvenir. I believe the shirt I bought said it all and is something I often wish for when sitting at my desk at work… “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere.”

A Private Cabana

I’m walking along the cushiony sand; my toes disappearing beneath the granules. The crashing waves to my left capture my attention and I look to see a wide ocean of blue, complete with a colorful balloon hovering above the water below; an anxious or excited parasailer looking down into the depths.

The large white cruise ship sits in the distance, providing the perfect postcard shot; however, my sights are now set on the miniature, intimate house that I will take up residence in for the next few hours. Its green exterior blends in with the atmosphere surrounding me. My parents, sister, and I set down our things and are welcomed by a man carrying fruit and drinks; he fills our refrigerator and kindly explains the delicacies he has brought us.

My eyes wander over the plate of fresh, juicy strawberries; plump grapes that create an explosion in your mouth when bitten into; slices of kiwi and honeydew that provide your taste buds with a welcoming hello.

Stripping out of my shorts and tank top, I step out onto the deck and breathe in the air around me. Reaching for my sunscreen, I apply a generous amount before sinking my toes back into the sand and setting up shop on my towel for a bed. The sun beats down on me and I can feel the heat penetrating my skin; a welcomed feeling that helps me to relax and enjoy my time in this tropical haven.

The birds make themselves known as they vocalize themselves while flying overhead; a welcomed sound that helps to add to the beach bum attitude I’m currently sporting. The Bahaman breeze feels warm, as if it and the sun are working close together to make me feel completely and utterly relaxed.

My body starts to cry out for some sort of relief; it burns from the sun exposure. Stepping into the waters of Half Moon Cay, I feel instant relief against my skin. I wade out until I’m chest deep into the water, not fearful of what lies beneath me. My eyes break through the transparent waters as it ripples around my body. My feet kick up and suddenly I am on my back, floating through ocean. I can hear laughter and screams from far away, alerting me of the other beachgoers; I simply smile and fall back into my floating heaven.

Quenching my body of its thirst, the only thing left parched is my mouth. I make my way back to our little cabana home and greeting me are the lush strawberries that beat a vibrant red on the plate. Grabbing its green stem, I bit into it and am immediately satisfied. A bottle of water waits in the cooler as I twist off its top and drink it down. My mom joins me at the small table; a tray of salsa and guacamole stares back at us, along with the bowl of chips. Unable to say no, we eagerly partake in the special treat.

As the day progresses and time slips away, we pack up our things and bid adieu to Half Moon Cay. Taking my final steps off the small deck, I hate to see it go. With my bag on my shoulder, we walk back to our stop, leaving our small private cabana behind.

Recommendations: Travel Movies and Travel Books

If you are a travel lover like me, you probably find yourself watching and reading anything related to travel. Much of my Goodreads list is composed of either books dedicated to historical events, specifically World War II, or you guessed it…travel books. Whether it is a memoir, a piece of fiction, non-fiction, or a book compiled of short stories, I’m interested in reading it.

Now, when I’m not reading, I love watching movies, so while my taste in film include comedies, action, dramas, and even a few horror and rom-com flicks, what matters most to me is a good, solid story.

I’m hoping to use this post as a chance for all of us to recommend and share our favorite travel books and movies. It is always a joy for me to learn what other people are reading and watching. So without further ado, here are my favorites…

BOOKS:

“Eat, Pray, Love”: Some of you may say this was a typical “travel writer” dream/fantasy book, but I loved it. I don’t know how many times I sat on a plane and saw someone reading this book. I held off for quite some time as I figured it would be one of those “everyone reads it but it’s only a mediocre book” kind of reads; however, I decided to see the movie and quickly decided that I had to read the book. Elizabeth Gilbert is an author, writer, traveler and pretty good story-teller if you ask me. Having been to Rome, I immediately grew interested in her experience and time there. Traveling through Italy, India, and Bali, I found myself wishing I could follow in her footsteps and experience exactly what she did that life-changing year she spent away. Although I wasn’t the biggest fan of the whole divorce/woe-is-me/finding love aspect of the book, the details of each destination and experiences helped to make up for all of that.

“By the Seat of My Pants”: Donald George has compiled numerous short stories by travel writers who have experienced some humorous, eye-opening, and even somewhat dangerous adventures while traveling the world. At times, I found myself literally laughing out loud at these stories. Some of the stories you can expect to find are a man’s experience with a “friendly” taxi driver in Prague, a couple’s experience of staying in a tent on an animal reserve in Africa, and even a man’s unlucky experience of being trapped in a Dutch men’s bathroom. If you want a quick read that will have you laughing, you must check out this book.

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”: Okay, if you read my review on Goodreads, you will probably wonder why this is on my list of favorite travel-like books. Mainly, I loved the movie but somewhat disliked the book; however, I LOVED the portrayal of Savannah, Georgia. Having never been to Savannah, the way that John Berendt describes the city, the people, and the atmosphere; I’m ready to jump on a plane and go experience it all for myself. I’ve always wanted to go to Savannah and sit on someone’s porch and sip some sweet tea (that’s what I imagine) but I imagine the moss hanging from the trees, the big white plantation homes, and of course, the southern charm of the people. In my opinion, Berendt drags the story along for far too long, but he does a fabulous job of making you a part of Savannah culture and making you wish you had that southern drawl and were sporting a wide-brimmed hat.

MOVIES:

“Eat, Pray, Love”: I won’t go into detail since I did above. But let me just say that I love Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem is seriously growing on me so yes, I loved this movie.

“Chocolat”: Okay, for all you women, if the title doesn’t entice you, then maybe the mention that Johnny Depp is in this film will do the trick. Set in a small village in France, Vianne and her daughter, Anouk open a small chocolate store, which is located across the main square from the town church. Opening her shop during the time of Lent, the church’s priest and many of the townspeople resent her efforts to entice the community with her chocolates. However, her efforts are not in vain when the people of this tiny French village learn to let-go a bit and enjoy the finer and sweeter things in life.

“Mamma Mia”: Yes, this is by far one of my favorites. I just recently saw the play for the first time and loved it. Not only do you see the gorgeous country of Greece, but you will have a hard time staying in your seat when you heard the great songs of Abba. Sophie and her mother Donna live on a small island of Greece. Sophie is getting married but wants to find her dad, which could be three possible men whom her mother had some wild times with back in the 70s. Upon their arrival, hilarity ensues as Donna struggles to deal with her past while her daughter works to find out which man she can call “dad.”

“Schindler’s List”: In 1993, Steven Spielberg created a movie so true, so realistic, and so heartbreaking, that anyone who can sit through it and not be touched by Oskar Schindler and his story must be lacking a heart and emotion. Filmed in Poland and Jerusalem, movie watchers get an intimate look into the world in which so many Jews experienced loss, terror, and death. Spielberg filmed outside the gates of Auschwitz-Birkenau; an entrance that led to the deaths of millions of Jews, homosexuals, and gypsies just to name a few. This movie will not only provide you with a historical lesson of the Holocaust, but it will provide you with a look into the county of Poland and the terror that rained upon it during World War II.

“South Pacific” (1958): Although this was filmed in Hawaii and Spain, you certainly get the feel of being in the South Pacific with all of the lush green scenery and vibrant blue oceans. This movie tells the story of an American nurse (from Arkansas—my home state!) who falls in love with a Frenchman who is involved in a secret military mission. With songs dedicated to Bali Hai, you can’t help but wish you were sailing to this magical and exotic island.

What are some of your favorites?

A Car Full of Girls, A Pot Full of Chocolate, and A Farting Elephant

This past August, my four best girlfriends and I decided to take a little road trip six hours north to the great city of St. Louis. Having family from that particular area, I have grown up absolutely loving this city. Spending time down on the river, listening to the great music in the parks, and watching the great fireworks show during the Fourth of July are all wonderful memories that I have of this enjoyable city. With all of this previous knowledge of the area, my friends and I agreed that it would be a great road trip for us.


Unfortunately, due to finances and other personal reasons, this was the first road trip my friends and I have taken since we graduated high school almost eight years ago. Now, we are not these wild and crazy kinds of girls but we certainly know how to have fun, and the car ride was no exception. One thing we all agreed on was that none of us had ever seen so many adult stores on the side of road in our lives. I bet I counted at least 50 on the six hour drive. Considering that we left around 8:00 that Friday morning, by the time we started seeing these lovely roadside treasures, multiple cars were already in their parking lots. It reminded me of the cars I see parked outside of the liquor store before it opens in the morning.

When we weren’t laughing hysterically over the adult stores we passed, we spent our time rocking out and reminiscing to songs of the 80s and 90s, reading Cosmopolitan and Glamour, and of course, engaging in the ever popular “girl talk.” This usually consists of drudging up memories of high school and all of the ridiculous and unnecessary drama, as well as what is going on in our current lives, which of course means work, and for two of us who are single…our non-existent “love lives.”

By the time we reached St. Louis, which is a fairly easy and semi-pretty drive; it was early afternoon. Our hotel was right across from Busch Stadium; however, there was no Cardinal game that weekend so the parking lot remained vacant. After checking in, the four of us were ready to hit the pool. Unfortunately, to our dismay, the only pool the hotel had was indoors and the water was 80 DEGREES!!! Now, here it was, late August and the only pool in the entire hotel was INSIDE with sauna-like temperatures…no thanks.

Seeing as we were planning an easy night, we opted to chill out for a while before heading down to the Jazz Festival that was taking place just a few blocks down from where we were staying. Once again, unfortunately, the festival had yet to start and there wasn’t much around, so we walked another few blocks to Union Station and ate dinner at The Hard Rock Café. Now, what I failed to tell you is that considering all of these places were within walking distance to our hotel, it took much longer than we had expected. I wasn’t too familiar with this particular area so we relied on my friend’s GPS that was on her phone. Apparently, that proved a bit more difficult than we had thought. All in all, we made it there and had a deliciously good dinner.



I'm in the middle

Now, if you visit the great city of St. Louis, you MUST go to the St. Louis Zoo. Not only is it quite large, but it has a wide array of animals and can be loads of fun for four young girls on a weekend getaway trip. Not only were there adorable little penguins, dressed to the nines in the cute tuxedos, but the seals, giraffes, gorillas, and zebras were all quite entertaining to watch. However, the best part of that day had to be the elephant exhibit.

I have to ask…have any of you ever heard an elephant fart? I’m not kidding, in fact, I’m dead serious. We spotted this beautifully large creature just enjoying the sunny day, minding her own business and not paying any attention to the crowd gathering around. Standing there, my friends and I took pictures and waited to see if she would give us a glimpse of her face. Suddenly, we start to see food flying into the elephant area and the voice of a trainer/zookeeper. That giant, grey behemoth turned around and made her way towards the delicacy lying on the ground. After eating a bit and doing some tricks, we were graced with the lovely sound of what sounded like a trumpet.



The Farting Elephant



“What was that?” I asked my friends, with a somewhat laughable grin on my face. Looking around at each other, we burst into a fit of laughter and agreed with everyone around us that the elephant had indeed…farted. It was a first for me that is for sure. I’m proud to say I even have it on video 

Later that night, when we got all dolled up for a dinner out to The Melting Pot, we still couldn’t stop laughing about that elephant. I must say, for any of you who have never been to The Melting Pot, it is an ideal place if you are not in any hurry and enjoy the company around you. (Talk about awkward if you’re on a first date and it’s not going very well) Now…when you’re there, you must get all three courses: cheese, meat, and of course, what everyone goes there for…chocolate.


Me and my besties (I'm in the white top)

 Due to the fact that one of my friends is quite picky, we ended up with plain ol’ cheddar cheese fondue; however, it was still quite delicious. Next, came the shrimp, chicken, and steak fondue with a spicy little simmering sauce. With about four different dipping sauces, our entrée was divine. Of course, it always helps to have the veggies and potatoes to add to the meal...I love my taters hehe

And the portion of the meal that needs no introduction, the creamy, decadent, and lick-the-bowl goodness of chocolate, caramel and pecans; otherwise known as the Turtle fondue. With two plates of strawberries, pound cake, pineapple slices, marshmallows, rice krispies treats, and brownies for dipping, I was in heaven eating this stuff. (I would like to mention that during the meal, I popped two Excedrin migraines because if I eat too much cheese or chocolate, those pesky migraines hit me with a vengeance) I was more than happy to pop those pills those; especially for that yummy goodness.

The rest of the night was spent downtown near the riverboats, cozying up inside a piano bar, singing loudly to Journey songs and partaking in a drink or two. Since we were in Missouri, it was only natural that the piano players poked fun at the Arkansas people; something that didn’t set too well with me and my friends, but we’re nice enough to take it in stride. Continuing with the night, a short jaunt to the Four Seasons hotel and us gals were trying our hands at the slot machines and blackjack tables inside the casino. Now I love a good game of blackjack. With all the cruises I’ve taken, I’ve spent many nights sitting at a blackjack table, winning then losing, winning then losing…it’s a viscous cycle. However, don’t think that I have a gambling problem, I only play with a $20 bill…I guess Kenny Rogers wouldn’t qualify me for being “The Gambler.” 

By the time we left the following day, I was fortunate enough to have spent a weekend with my best gal pals and in a city that provides loads of fun without spending loads of money. Not only did I get a quick getaway weekend with my besties, but I got some fabulous memories, some deliciously and sinfully good food, and who could forget…video of the farting elephant!