Archive for the ‘ Enjoy the Planet ’ Category

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Review of ‘Distant Shores’ – Paul and Sheryl Shard Sailing the World

Monday, April 5th, 2010

“Of all the shows it’s my favorite.  I get in trouble around here because I talk so much about Distant Shores.” – Charles Herring, President, WealthTV

Have you ever longed to sail the world?  See new places, new people, new adventures?  Then you’ll love ‘Distant Shores’ on WealthTV as Paul and Sheryl Shard share their life of sailing, exploring and learning as they travel the world.  Sit back, enjoy, and appreciate everything the Shards have to offer.  Paul and Sheryl have sailed the world for over 20 years and their special combination of open water, stops in port, and trips to see local treasures and experience local culture makes Distant Shores armchair travel at its best.  None better. 

Paul and Sheryl’s voyage in the Mediterranean, and in particular countries in the Middle East, is a joy to watch.  Each episode is special.  My favorite?  The overnight sail on the Nile in Egypt.  As guests on a felucca – a traditional sailboat – Paul and Sheryl relax and enjoy the Nile, well cared for by a pair of gentleman who offer great hospitality and friendship, as well as delicious meals prepared on a small open flame.  With large tour ships in the background, there’s no contest – the felucca is the way to go; you truly long to be there as they enjoy the sail.  At a camel market the next day, watching the fun and energy of the market, you long for the way the Shards travel.  Open and friendly, they are welcome anywhere – and generously share the people and cultures they visit.

KissMyCountry had the chance to talk with Charles Herring, President of WealthTV, which broadcasts Distant Shores in the United States.  As it turns out, there is no greater fan of Distant Shores than Charles Herring himself.  “Of all the shows it’s my favorite.  I get in trouble around here because I talk so much about Distant Shores”, Charles says.  “It’s very entertaining, and takes you to different parts of the world that you may not have a lot of knowledge about.  Paul and Sheryl are giving us insight to the people and culture in many destinations.  It’s a great description of what we’re doing at WealthTV.”

In the past year, Paul and Sheryl have moved across the Atlantic and several  episodes have shown  adventures in the Carribbean.  “The last year or so Paul has done a great job doing some underwater photography.  The quality has been great,” Charles continues.  We agree.  The Carribbean episodes are dazzling – as Charles says the underwater scenes show the beauty underneath the beautiful sea, and Paul and Sheryl take time on shore as well.  In the US Virgin Islands, the chance to stay overnight in a tent cottage at Maho Bay Camps, an eco reserve, is a treat.   Also fun are the friends that Paul and Sheryl connect with everywhere to share their journey.

Paul and Sheryl have said goodbye to the Two-Step, their first boat, in a very touching episode.  They are now embarking on new journeys with the Southerly 42.  On their web site, coming in 2011 is the chance to ‘share the sail’ with them on the Southerly 42 which has two guest cabins, each accommodating two guests.   KissMyCountry is going to make a bold suggestion that Charles Herring consider signing on as one of the first passengers!  Charles, just a suggestion (you’re the President and we respect that) but we think it would make a great episode for both WOW! and Distant Shores. 

Paul and Sheryl, wherever you sail and whoever you take on board, KissMyCountry wishes you the best and we look forward to keeping in touch.  And for Charles Herring and WealthTV, we thank you too for broadcasting great programs for the armchair traveler in all of us.  We’ll be reviewing more of your shows in later posts.  You have a stellar lineup!

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Interview With The Young Girls of Girsa – Performing Irish Traditional Music (Pearl River, New York)

Monday, March 15th, 2010

“Living in Pearl River we’ve been constantly surrounded by Irish natives, Irish Americans, and even people who aren’t really Irish but still enjoy Ireland’s traditions and music.  It was nice to have the amount of support that we did when we first started.  “ – Blaithin Loughran, Girsa

“We’ve created our own style – the new New York style.  We have so many influences from different people.  Being so young and having so many influences, without knowing it we have our own style.” – Pamela Geraghty, Girsa

This week KissMyCountry’s thoughts turn to Ireland and all things Irish as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  We had the chance to interview Girsa, an all-female Irish-American singing group based out of the Irish and Irish-American community of Pearl River, New York.  Performing traditional Irish music at events and festivals, the Girsa members have known each other since childhood, bound by family, musical talent and cultural tradition.  They’ve appropriately chosen to call themselves Girsa, which means ‘young girls’ in Gaelic.  You’ll enjoy getting to know these girls and their manager, who is also one of their moms.  Don’t forget to listen to Girsa’s debut CD!

“The girls had a concert  last night.  Most of the families and even the grandmothers came.  We had so much fun,” says Pat Geraghty, Girsa’s manager, mother of Pamela and aunt of Emily McShane, two of Girsa’s members.  In the group some are sisters, some are cousins, all are from musical families who are an important part of the Irish traditional music world and have known each other, studied under each others’ parents, aunts and uncles, and sung together for many years.  It’s a unique combination with a wonderful result – respect for the value of tradition with an eye toward the new.   That’s Girsa.

“The biggest reward is hearing them today and seeing how they have turned out to be such a tight knit group of friends and band mates,” Pat reflects.  “This group of girls had been asked to represent the local Irish Traditional Teachers in our town at different events, and they were amazing.  Little gigs started to come in for them.”  The group’s popularity grew, and invitations came from festivals outside the New York area. 

Margaret Dudasik, Girsa member, talked about their most exciting moments -  and plans for more this summer.  “Getting to compete in the senior ceili band competition at the Fleadh in Tullamore last summer was a huge milestone.  I remember Bla (Blaithin Loughran) saying ‘I didn’t think I’d be competing in this ‘til I was 50,’ and we all agreed.  Our dream of playing the biggest Irish festival in the country is about to come true – this summer we’ll play at the Milwaukee Irish Fest.  It’s crazy to be able to say, “My band is touring this summer.”

Girsa’s popularity is not limited to the US – they’re developing a following in Ireland as well, and are considering a tour there during the summer of 2011 or 2012.  Emily McShane says, “Our CD is played all over Ireland, and our families over there are promoting them.   My aunt was driving down the road one day and heard Girsa being played in another car.”

Girsa’s love of music extends to other traditions.  Margaret Dudasik, a musical theater major, loves ‘everything Broadway’ and is a ‘jazz fanatic’.  Pamela Geraghty and Emily McShane are country music fans, noting that a number of country artists have gone to Ireland and collaborated with Irish musicians, including Kathy Mattea.

St. Patrick’s Day will be a busy time for Girsa, starting the weekend before.  “We have five performances, starting with the Big Apple Feis which is a dancing competition for Irish dancers.  There’s Thatcher McGee’s and a concert at Hofstra.  On St. Patrick’s Day we’ll go to the parade in New York, and then we have a gig at Brady’s on Maiden Lane. 

Although performing is exciting and fun, both Pat and the members of Girsa still enjoy time spent together with friends and family.  “My favorite times with the girls has been just sitting in my living room listening to them laugh, tell stories and of course create such beautiful music together,” says Pat.  Dierdre Brennan, Girsa member says “When my family gets together, my grandmother always asks me to sing Caledonia.  It’s her favorite song and I performed it at my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary last year.”

Girsa , Pat, and all your families – we wish you the best at your gigs this year, and we’ll be thinking of you on St. Patricks’ Day.  We’ll check in later this year because we want to stay in touch and hear how it’s going!

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Five Sure Ways to Love Business Travel

Monday, March 8th, 2010

KissMyCountry’s  interview with Bridget Brennan about women and travel inspired me to write my own thoughts about travel for business.   A Traveler by nature, I’m always challenged to get more ‘travel’ into a business trip – while taking care of business, of course.  Bit by bit, I’ve developed guidelines I’m glad to share.  Some are obvious, some take planning, some are left to fate.  But if you push yourself a little you’ll travel more and get more out of the trips you take.  Try these and you’ll see:

1. To enjoy business travel you have to go on business travel – be willing. Be the person on your team who says ‘I can handle that’ whenever your boss needs to send someone on a trip.  It might not always be the most glamorous, but there will be gems that make it all worthwhile.   Don’t think those chances to volunteer come up?  Listen harder and be ready to raise your hand.

2. Business trips can materialize at a moment’s notice – be ready. You come to work, go to a meeting and you’re on a plane the next day.  Keep one or two business outfits – the entire outfit – cleaned and ready, and a suitcase close at hand – be able to grab it, not hunt for it.  Keep a bag of essentials together – toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, whatever you need every morning and every night.  Your packing will take minutes, not the whole evening.  Because when you’re traveling on business, you’ve got more important things to do.

3. The pros tell you to research a place before you vacation.  It’s no different for business travel – research your destination. The Internet makes this a breeze, and your research will give you restaurants to suggest to clients when it’s time for dinner, as well as events, shops and spots to visit when you have down time.  For restaurants, search Food Network’ Rachel Ray’s $40 a Day, and Giada’s Weekend Getaways.  Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown is another source – look at her Travel Guides for Europe, South America and the US.  Daily Candy covers 11 US cities and London with news about new shops, restaurants and events.  Use it for a quick look at recent ‘picks’ for a city or sign up to receive emails before traveling there.  You’ll be glad you made the effort.

4. Most business travel has down time – usually early morning or late afternoon.  Use that time for yourself, and get ‘out and about’. Try to use client dinners for restaurants you’ve earmarked, and get to shops, attractions or famous locations when you have time for yourself.   Pick two or three places in advance and when you have time, see what’s possible to achieve.   Have a favorite store?  See what they have to offer in another city.  Like the outdoors?  Head to a local park, rent a bicycle or take a ferry ride.  Art or architecture lover?   Local museums always have something special in their collections, and seeing buildings designed by a famous architect will be a dream come true.

5. Pick one hotel chain you like and stick with it on travel to different cities.  Hotels recognize a repeat customer and you’ll be rewarded with upgrades and special perks over time. Someone else making your arrangements?  They might do what you suggest as long as it’s within budget, and you’ll add points within one system, not many.  Using the same hotel chain in different cities will make you feel at home everywhere – you’ll know the layout, the amenities, the  food they serve – and the hotel will know you.  You can use the hotel as a jumping off point, and the concierge will be glad to help you figure out how to get to those shops, parks or museums on your list.

These are just a few ways to keep the ‘travel’ in business travel and we know if you try them you’ll get much more from your business trips.   Travelers – if you have a tip I haven’t mentioned, please share – we’d like to learn from you!  Otherwise, try these tips and let us know how it turns out!  Happy travels!

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A Review of ‘Travel As A Political Act’ by Rick Steves

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

“Tourists can go to Prague, Norway, Ireland and Central America and learn nothing of a people’s struggles.  Or they can seek out opportunities to connect with people (whether professional guides or accidental guides) who can share perspective-changing stories.” – Rick Steves, ‘Travel As A Political Act’

I’m sure that Rick Steves’ superfans have already devoured this book; I’m writing this review for everyone else.   Give ‘Travel As  A Political Act’ a chance; you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a different side to Rick Steves and some valuable advice about travel.  This book is a love story by a person who succumbed to the travel bug early on and never let go, and it’s filled with the heart of why many of us travel – the wonder and learning about others, and the ‘aha’ that follows about ourselves.

As Rick talks about stepping into someone else’s world and seeing it through their eyes, his book is filled with the people he’s met, what he asked, what they replied, and what he learned.  It’s a journey again and again from curiosity to confusion to insight.  For Rick, travel is more than a chance to relax and see new sights.  It’s a chance to learn about other people and as a side benefit learn more about yourself.  Anything less and you haven’t tapped into the true value of travel.  Rick agrees that not everybody wants that – and not everybody is ready for that – but makes clear the opportunity is there and for the asking.  And he emphasizes just how meaningful the experience can be.

Reading ‘Travel As A Political Act’ made me recall my first trip to Poland.  I’d learned a lot about the country from Polish friends, but before I left a friend who’d said very little to me about Poland gave me her advice.  She said, “To understand Poland you have to taste the bread.”   I knew what she meant, and during my trip I dissuaded well-intentioned guides from showing me what ‘Americans like to see’.  I experienced life in Poland as a non-tourist.  It didn’t take much coaxing; anyone guiding me around was visibly relieved, and we had fun simply doing what they wanted – or needed – to do that day.  Years later, I remember every instance of that visit, every place I saw, even the temperature of the day, the quality of the light.  The memories are vivid.  It changed what I thought about Poland, and it changed what I thought about myself.

This is what Rick Steves is telling us in his book, using his own experiences and memories as the valuable lesson.  So, thank you Rick for sharing those thoughts and conversations with us.  You’ve made us look at you in a new way, encouraged us to consider travel in a new way, and to anticipate the rewards this can bring.  Great job.

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The Traveler You Meet In Line

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

I’ve liked meeting people from other countries all my life.  Living in Washington, DC there’s no end of people from all over the world who visit, work, or live in the area.  It’s a crossroads.  I hear different accents and different stories whenever I reach out and start a conversation.  I love it.  I enjoy those chats, and remember them for a long time.  I learn a lot too.  People respond to genuine interest, like the person I met the other day – a traveler I met in line.

I was at Trader Joe’s  – a long line the night before our big snow.  This is going to take awhile, I thought.  I looked at the woman next to me.  She smiled, didn’t look down or away, and we started to talk.  When I heard her accent, I smiled.  I was in luck – someone from another country.

She was from South Africa – Durban, not Cape Town – a place I’ve always longed to visit.  She’d been a CEO for a company back home, gave up that life when she moved to the US with her husband, started a family.  She was a full time mom by choice, completely happy.  Her husband had ended his high powered career a few years ago and the family traveled around the world for a year and then came back to DC.  Wow, I thought, they really know how to live.  I listened, transfixed by her accent, her ease, her comfort.  Life was a great adventure, she was relaxed, enjoying her life as it came to her.  I said I’d love to visit South Africa, and asked about Paarl, the wine region.  She responded eagerly, suggesting her favorite places and talking about Durban.

She started to talk about her favorite places in the US.  It turned out she was a Traveler, loved the road and the road trip.  She’d driven all over the US; said proudly she’d visited all but nine states.  She loved the size of the US, saying, ‘It’s so vast….’, and had a dreamy look when she said ‘vast’.  With a brother in Montana, she’d often driven there and then over the border to Canada.  Her goal was to drive to the Arctic Circle – she’d reached the border but wanted to venture further next time.  I love road trips too, and it was great to recognize the yen to go further, see what’s around every bend, until you’ve gone as far as anyone can go.

When you meet a fellow Traveler, you can share your travel dreams, mention the craziest travel ideas, and you get questions, interest, and sharing.  That’s a rare treat, and it was a prize to meet someone so interested in the United States, and hear their wonder at our vast country.  I admire that interest, that curiosity about our country.  Most of us stick to the major cities, the coasts, the high points.  To want to see each state?  How many Americans have seen each state, I thought?  I certainly haven’t.  She wanted to see them all, to see our country by driving.  Thank you, I thought, thank you for that interest.

The line moved ahead, her turn at the register.  Bag in hand, she looked over her shoulder.  ‘Nice talking with you’, she said.  ‘Likewise’, I replied, ‘Take care’.  We were both in a good mood – Travelers love the chance to meet another Traveler.  Until the next chance meeting, I thought, as she headed out the door.

Have you met someone by chance and talked about travel and places?  Tell us – we’d like to know!

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Valentine’s Day – Romancing a Girl Who Loves Travel

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Is the love of your life – or your current obsession – a Traveler?  Loves to travel, go places, see new things? Get close to her heart on Valentine’s Day by connecting to a place she  loves – or a place you’ve shared together.  You don’t have to buy tickets to an exotic locale – although, hmmm, great idea.  There are lots of ways to evoke a favorite spot or a shared memory right at home – with great results.  Here are a few to consider as you get ready for a day of romance and love.  Be creative, show her you remember, and enjoy!

Flowers and Chocolates – the ‘Standards’.  If you’re traditional and stick with the standards, consider flowers or chocolates from a place she dreams about visiting – Europe, Asia, Hawaii – anywhere she gets ‘that look’ when she talks about traveling.  If you’ve been somewhere together, consider chocolates or sweets from a place you discovered with her – many have web sites just for this reason, and are glad to ship.

Dinner out – or in.  Food is a great way to create the feel of a country, a place or a culture – and a lovely dinner is a must for her on this romantic day.  Go to a local restaurant with the cuisine of a country she longs to visit – or cook a meal at home of favorites from a vacation together.   Southern, Spanish, the beach, whatever – anything you do will show you’ve been listening and that you’ve enjoyed your travels together.  Not sure about recipes or ingredients?  Epicurious or the Food Network will be helpful.

Music to set the mood.  Nothing brings you to a place like music, and a CD of an artist from a country she loves, or your own mix of famous melodies from a familiar place will make you feel you’re there.  If you create it ’just for her’ she’ll feel really special and save that CD forever.  You’ve probably got your own ideas – guys always know more about music than girls, but  Putamayo is a great place to find music from all over the world just in case.

Movies.  Some of the best movie romances are red hot because the dramatic and beautiful setting adds another notch to the chemistry.  Does your Traveler love Europe – and elegance?  To Catch a Thief with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant was filmed on the French Riviera and Last Holiday with Queen Latifah and LL Cool J is set in Karlovy Vary, a famous ski resort in the Czech Republic.  Is your Traveler an outdoors type? The Last of the Mohicans with Madeleine Stowe and Daniel Day-Lewis – set in the Adirondacks in the 18th century – is a romantic must if your traveler is a nature lover.  More exotic tastes?  Try The Year of Living Dangerously with Sigourney Weaver and Mel Gibson, set in Jakarta, Indonesia or Out of Africa with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.  So, rent a movie and relax for the evening.  You’ll set a romantic mood and will both feel you’ve traveled to another place and time.  Netflix has a great library and films arrive to your door, or there is on-demand.

Jewelry.  Jewelry is tricky on Valentine’s Day – just so you know.  Girls will know what I’m talking about; it starts with a ‘D’.  But Travelers are a little different.  If you bought something in a place you visited together, now’s the time to give whatever you slipped back to buy at the market or shop you visited when (again) you saw ‘that look’ on her face.  If not, keep that in mind for your next trip together.  It’s a sure thing for a Traveler – trust me.

So these are a few ideas for your Traveler on the day for romance.  Whatever you do, your Traveler will appreciate – and remember – how thoughtful you were on Valentine’s Day by including the places they love.  And when you’re thoughtful to a Traveler, you always get more than you give in return.  Enjoy the day.

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For Those Who Get Us Safely Home

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

I live in DC, and we’ve got a weekend of snow.  Lots of warning this time, the worst quietly arriving while we’re snug in our beds.  But I’m thinking of last weekend and a different Saturday.  I was traveling from sunny Florida to snowy Baltimore, home from a long vacation.  And I’m thanking those who got me safely home.   Are they helping others safely home today?

Last Saturday, sitting in Florida my flight looked tricky.  The storm was moving quickly.  First a delay, then word that Baltimore airport was ‘under advisory’ and our flight could be diverted.  We boarded, settled in our seats, and looked around.  The pilot spoke, ‘We are going to Baltimore.’  His voice strong, we all relaxed and had our drinks.  Rough flight, no visibility, but we got to Baltimore – five minutes early and a good flight all the way.  Leaving the plane, we thanked the pilot.  He stood smiling, confident, and had never wavered.

I’d used a car service for the airport, and called when my flight arrived.  I had to wait – they were sending an SUV, the town car had to turn back.  I got my bags and waited.  I listened to travelers on the phone with family – terrible roads, icy roads, cars all over, delays, accidents.  I waited.

The SUV arrived.  The driver, smiling, headed for my snow covered bags.  ‘Get in, get in!’ he urged, ‘It’s warm inside!’  We headed out of the airport.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  The highway wasn’t plowed, cars were in ditches, cars were fishtailing, sticking, spinning.  My driver went slowly, in the grooves of other cars.  Police cars, tow trucks were helping drivers.  It was dark, snowing, no plows in site.

‘What happened?’  I asked.  ‘It came quickly and now it’s this,’ my driver said.  He was an older man, from Ghana, and a careful driver, staying at 35 miles per hour.  ‘It doesn’t pay to go fast,’ he explained.  ‘Do what you think is best’, I said, ‘You’re doing great.’  I couldn’t believe he had come out in this night.  The road was dangerous, snowy, icy, cars off the road everywhere.  He drove slowly.  It was a long hour on the road.

We reached my exit, and I guided him the safest way  – few hills, few curves.  We reached my street – a downward hill.   ‘I can walk and carry my bags from here – don’t go down that hill.’ I said.  ‘Let me see’, he said as he drove a few yards down the hill.  ‘It’s okay’, he said, ‘I can do it’.  He stopped in front of my house, then carried my bags to my door.  I was home.

When you travel in bad weather, thank yous and tips are not enough for those who get you safely home.  They do a hard job well.  I flew Southwest and will fly them again, and will always ask Roadmasters for the older man from Ghana who drove me safely through the snow.  And I’m thinking of him and the pilot on this snowy day as they’re no doubt guiding others safely home.

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Girl’s Weekend

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Photo by Gwennypics

Girl’s Weekend.  It’s just three days and two nights, but we talk about it all year – what we saw, what we ate, who said what.  It’s our time together, our time for ourselves.  It’s Girl’s Weekend.

My  best friend’s cousin organized the first one three years ago.  Friends from home, a college roommate, my best friend and I.  We were thrilled.  ‘Someone invited us!’, we said, broad smiles on our faces.  Dates were set, reservations made.  We decided on a midpoint  – a wellness spa with massages, facials, and gluten-free food.  We brought our own snacks and bottles of wine.

That road trip became our routine for the next two years – off in the morning, stop at Harry and David’s for pepper salami, lunch at Bob Evans.  Then on to the spa.   Hours on the road to talk about work, friends, and life in general.   Fall color, truck stops, and winding roads on the way to the spa.

The first year eight of us came.  Instant friends, we arrived and walked to the lodge for dinner.  Meal over, we walked to our rooms, saying our meal was delicious and filling.  Five minutes later, in the door and up the stairs we attacked the pepper salami, cheese, chips, cookies, cakes and chocolate we’d brought.  So much for gluten-free.  Wine in hand, we talked and laughed telling the stories women tell when it’s ‘just the girls’.  Laughing until tears rolled down our cheeks.

The weekend disappeared and we talked about next year – a cruise, Las Vegas, Cape Cod.  But the year passed and we were back at the wellness spa.   Just three of us this year – my best friend, myself and her cousin sharing a room.  Our talk grew closer.  We watched TV and ate cheese, crackers and sausage in between spa treatments, meals and sharing our lives.   Hours and hours of laughing, listening and learning about each other.

This year?  Our third and last year at the spa; three of us again.  The spa will close and re-open as a rehab center.   We had our last walk in the woods, the last treatments at the spa.   More closeness, more sharing, more stories, more snacks.  The best Girl’s Weekend yet.

We’re thinking about Las Vegas and the Bellagio next; maybe a weekend cruise to Bermuda. Wherever we go, Girl’s Weekend is about being together – talking, eating, laughing.  No excuses, no apologies and ‘just us girls’ for a time that’s more special each year.

Do you go on a Girl’s Weekend?  Where do you go and what do you do?  Tell us – we’d like to hear!

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