What Makes a Great Trip Even Better?

Olympic National Park

What makes a great trip even better?  This is a question that almost  anyone who is planning a trip considers.  How do I make this holiday even more fantastic?  There are so many factors to consider.  For me, anything and everything about vacation is exciting.  Even the not so “fun” parts.  I actually loathe when people tell me my vacation is “only (x) amount of days after you take out the flying/driving time”…because when I travel, it’s ALL part of the vacation experience…even the airport with all its hustle and bustle. 

Something I never really “got” before and wasn't part of my vacation experience was how other people and can impact my vacation.   I have read countless magazine articles that talk about the people of a place.  And, while I have been to many places and always enjoy hanging with the locals, I never felt or, truthfully, really believed that people could make my travel experience better.  Heck, if anything, people usually only entered my equation when I had a negative experience while traveling. That is until my recent trip…and now I know exactly how people can make a trip of a lifetime that much better. 

Recently, my husband (and dedicated travel compadre) Nick, along with my parents, journeyed to the Pacific Northwest.  We spent time in Washington (Seattle and Port Angeles) and British Columbia (all over Vancouver Island and Vancouver).  Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe it.  I could go on and on and on about the places we visited.  What I would rather describe are the people we encountered…in retrospect, people were awesome pretty much from the get-go.  Friendly, kind, warm, all great adjectives to describe those we met.    About three days into our adventure, we started reminiscing about the previous day’s events and it was then we realized wonderful individuals were entwined with each of the experiences.

Blooming flowers everywhere.

Like Ruth who we met at dinner the first night in Port Angeles.  By local recommendation, we found our way to Wildfire.  After a long day of travel, we were ready to sit back and relax with a good, local meal. Sure enough, we found that, but what we also found was a kind-hearted and helpful server.  That was Ruth.  She was entirely welcoming and when she couldn't answer a question, she happily went to find out.  She told us of her young son and her experiences since she moved to the PA area.  We entered as strangers but left feeling like family.  

Or Lee who gave us a tour of the Milner House at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach.  A volunteer who donates countless hours to a place he loves.  Willingly spending his days recounting histories of times that had passed and in doing so, helped to keep them alive.   

After spending a wonderful day horseback riding with a simple but completely fulfilled lady named Kay we stopped for a bite and found a funny, energetic, warm soul.  She was proud of the local foods his restaurant served and was very willing to share them, and a few laughs, with us.   

Then there was our zodiac captain/trained naturalist, Mike, who took us for an unbelievable experience from Painters Lodge.  Exuding from him was an absolute love for the wild places he ventured everyday.  He was a steward, so professional, yet you could still feel from him his boy-like awe for the wonder around him.  I can still hear his joyous "aaahhh-haaaa!" when the dorsals of two large orcas pierced the water's surface. 

Orcas at Campbell River, BC

There were so, so many others.  From the Bed and Breakfast owners in Vancouver who told stories of their native Hungary... to the personal tasting we received from the actual wine maker at a winery where his mistress was surely the grapes that led to his most prized creations ... to the guy working for the Ministry of Fisheries who educated us on the salmon ladders and helped us to find a better perch in which to view the salmon as they fought their seemingly futile battle upstream and then he yelled it excitement with us as one would make it up the falls ... to the young bartender who made us an Old Fashioned with his favorite Whiskey and at the pure joy of discussing the intricacies of the liquor made his eye twinkle ... to the people walking down the street and at the stores and in the restaurants ... it was the people.

At some point, we began to wonder what it was that made these people so happy.  Why were they this happy and friendly?  We all had theories ranging from one of the spectrum to another.  No matter what the reason, I can honestly say it was the people that made an incredible trip that much more rewarding, that much more memorable.  Not just the people I was able to spend so much quality time with--my parents and my husband--but all the strangers too.  It is the people that will keep us coming back to this wonderful part of our world.  

Totems in Vancouver's Stanley Park

Travel Review

Jessica's Best -  There are so many but I was most blissed-out horseback riding in the prairies at the foot of Mt. Arrowsmith.  

Nick's Best -  The zodiac wildlife tour -- wild nature at its finest -- from the orcas to the stellar sea lions to watching as the tide overtook the current.  

Least Favorite - I know I am stating the obvious here but...the wetness.  After a while you just don't want to be damp and water-logged.  

Food -  So, if you are a fan of cold water fish (salmon, halibut, rainbow trout) and enjoy locally sourced veggies, this will basically be your nirvana.  It.Was.Amazing. 

A Few Tips -  Please, if you go, properly gear yourself with appropriate rain gear.  It is not a frivalious expense; you will use it.  It will make your time WAY more enjoyable if you have it.  I was so glad we took the time to acquire good rain gear.  

Everything is far away so if you are looking for a 15 minute drive to 10 different activities, this is not that.  But, with proper planning and patience, you will find truly rewarding experiences around almost every corner.  

Use Canadian money while in Canada; Visa or MasterCard is more widely accepted than AMEX or Discover.  

I'll be posting full reviews at Trip Advisor.  

10 Years Later

Like countless others, I remember exactly what was happening ten years ago today.  I was in my sophomore year at UE and that Tuesday morning was a three hour painting class.  Since it was such a long class period, we normally took a break around 9 am and went down to Union Station on campus to get a beverage and/or snack.  We already knew something was going on in New York City because we listened to NPR in class.  We thought it was a pilot who made an error and ended up in one of the World Trade buildings.  After we went through the check out line, we stood there our eyes transfixed on the tv that was on CNN streaming live video feed of the WTC.  We hypothesized how it could have happened, I think I even made a joke about the pilot…saying something like “how could you NOT miss that?!”  and one of my classmates chuckled in agreement.  As we stood there, another plane came into the screen and, well, you know the rest. 

It felt like time stood still, the images still frozen in my mind.  When I recall it, which I don’t really like to do, I still feel that empty, sinking hurt in my chest.  We continued to stand there, transfixed, like our feet were in concrete until the first tower fell and then the next.  We watched on live tv the fear and horror of the gray smoke rolling down the streets engulfing New York.  After a little while, we returned back to class. 

It was healing to be in that painting class because words were gone.  The disbelief continued to grow.  Because as we saw that other plane barrel into the other tower, we knew it wasn’t an accident or error, it was a planned attack.  I was working on certain painting, it was a monochromatic landscape done in oil.  I threw myself into the shades of blue that I was using and only came out of that trance-like state when a fellow student shouted, “another one crashed…this time into the Pentagon!”  And shortly thereafter was Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.  I don’t remember much else until about 5 pm that night.  My close group of friends gathered together one of our friend’s older sisters apartments.  We had dinner together, glued to the tv, still in utter shock.  I know I talked with my mom 300 times that day.  Just to say we loved each other, making sure we were okay, checking about the safety of my cousin who lived in NYC, just talking to hear a voice of a loved one since so many other peoples loved ones were no longer able to do the same as to not take that opportunity for granted.  

I know we all have stories from that day.  I remember my mom telling me how this was my “JFK” moment…since she was about my age when he was assassinated.  Later that week, as a newly declared Political Science major (I spent my first year as an Athletic Training major till I realized I hated it and wanted to follow a passion), I was taking a political theory class with a highly opinionated but extremely insightful political theorist by trade.  He was gruff rather to the point and was sort of an enigma to me.  Well, my next class with him after 9/11 was a Friday afternoon when the campus was all wearing red-white-and-blue.  So here we were, bright eyed and bushy tailed in our best patriotic gear when in walks my professor who quickly looks over the room and rather abruptly states that we must "be careful and mindful so as to not blind ourselves to what our leaders will do in the aftermath.  We are no longer in a post-Cold War era, we are in post-9/11 era and our patriotism will be used to shield us from what is really going on."  I couldn’t believe my ears, I was mad, angry and so confused.  I remember later that day, a dear friend telling that she didn’t understand what the big deal was…this whole thing was in New York and the east coast, and we were in Indiana.  Why did it matter…that statement still bothers me to this day.  Now, it retrospect, that day shattered my idealism and my innocence.  It is that which leaves me raw. 

In any case, I wanted to share my memories of that day and the days following.  I know everyone is doing that, especially with the 10-year anniversary, but I find it cathartic to share my story and read others too. 

As I do so, I often think that it’s 10 years later and I am still very raw emotionally when I think back to that day or see those images, usually moved to tears. I especially like to read the stories of those directly impacted…I have been pretty dedicated in reading the countless stories that Yahoo! has been publishing and encourage you to do so as well.  They are amazing and I feel like it is such a great way to honor those who perished that day. 

As I reflect on how to best honor those personally, I am drawn to the individuals that fought back on United Flight 93.  I find that story so incredibly amazing.  To see death and know its so close but to not let that reality paralyze but rather to be drawn into action.  My husband and I have decided to honor this day and celebrate the lives of all that were lost.  We are honoring them in our own way.  We have decided to spend some quite time at daybreak out in nature, kayaking to be exact.  Just to be in the quiet of the morning, to just be in the present, together.  I find being outdoors in nature to be the most healing, renewing and spiritual.  Because of being drawn to the actions of those on Flight 93 and our love of wild places, we have also decided to make a donation to the Flight 93 memorial that is in progress in Shanksville, PA.  Phase I of this new national memorial was dedicated yesterday but it is still shy of reaching it’s full fundraising goal.  Our donation won’t make a huge impact but it is what we can do…a little thing that collectively, with others, can be a big thing.  You know, I think that’s the real lesson.  Together we can do so much more. 

To learn about the Flight 93 memorial, visit http://www.honorflight93.org or http://www.nationalparks.org

The Yahoo! Studios 9/11 tributes can be found on yahoo.com's homepage.  

What Labor Day Means to Me

Well, yesterday was Labor Day and I enjoyed the holiday with my husband and pups and got new tires on my car.  I know, fun right?  I also was able to have a day where I slowed down from the usually busy routine and schedule to just enjoy the day as it unfolded.  I got to thinking about labor, working, mission, sacrifice, futures, plans and the holiday itself.  How hard it must be for the millions of Americans to celebrate a holiday that rewards and honors workers when so many don’t have work.  Or how bittersweet a holiday like that is for the millions more that are underemployed or working several jobs to “make it”.  Or how much of a struggle it is for those that hate what they do/where they work but have to just to pay bills.  For the first time I really pondered about this holiday that I for so long loved simply because it was a day off of school and as I aged, work.  It was a party, a celebration of the end of summer, but frankly it held not much more meaning than that.  But yesterday, my thoughts lead me to a different place…

…We all labor in different ways.  I bet if you asked 10 different people what they think of when they hear the word labor you’d get 10 different answers.   Heck, when I think of what it means to me, I might give several different answers myself.  Because to labor means so many different things. 

Lately, when I hear or consider the term labor, I immediately think of discipline and a quote from scripture that essentially calls those to be disciplined for the moment so they can be rewarded with a peaceful righteousness.  That is a good description for me and how I view working toward something—you have to stay focused and on point so you can enjoy the accomplishment when the goal has been attained.    

And last week one of oldest friends had her first baby.  She labored.  And, a beautiful gift came from it as little Aubrey entered the world.    

And, then my thoughts go to another dear friend who took a leap to start her own business to create a new and exciting chapter for herself despite worries and risk.  She kept her faith and followed that dream in her heart.       

Labor Day.  What an interesting and thought-provoking holiday.  To me, Labor Day is truly a celebration.  A celebration that I am content in laboring for something of meaning, endeavoring for something, creating something more; birthing a new chapter.  No matter the personal situation, we are all working toward something, for something, even if the end is not always so clear.  So I really believe that Labor Day is Gratitude & Hope Day.  Gratitude for our blessings and Hope for what and where our endeavors are taking us.  Even if unclear, having hope to go on, to embrace life, to risk and to create…for now and the future.    

I’d be curious what Labor Day means to you.  If you feel so inclined, please share your thoughts.  I am always so inspired by the sharing of others thoughts/opinions/experiences. 

The Other Curacao

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller

The bright blue of curacao (keer-a-sow) liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the sour orange is recognizable to most people.  Think the blue color of the last Blue Hawaiian you've seen, and there you have it.  Well, come to find out, the name-sake of that liqueur, the island of Curacao, is quite vibrant itself.

Sometimes the blooms were on cactus.

In May, Nick (my travel partner/husband) and I ventured to this colorful island on holiday.  And, colorful it was.  Curacao is located about 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean (part of the ABC island chain); it was a major hub of slavery during the 17th Century slave trade; and, its widely spoken Papiamentu is a Creole mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, French and Arawak Indian.  Today it is self-governing within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  So to say that Curacao has many cultural influences is an understatement.  Geographically speaking, it is also more diverse than I was expecting.  Even with its mainly dry, desert-like terrain, it was, surprisingly, filled with bountiful flowers and shades of green that were endless.  

What we knew when we booked our trip was that Curacao was colorful, its downtown of Willemstad was noted as a UNESCO world heritage site and its waters are some of the worlds-best when it comes to snorkeling and diving.  After booking our trip, we learned more - for instance, it has a huge oil refinery and that oil refining is one of the largest industries, it has two really cool bridges and that it has a remote western side.  After having traveled there, we saw two Curacaos - the wild west and the modernizing historic city. 

Views from the Lodge

We stayed at the Lodge at Kura Hulanda  located near West Punt on the western side of the island.  It was remote and it was wonderful.  Mere minutes from two National Parks, unbelievable shore snorkeling and diving and a rural-island feel.  I loved it there.  People were warm and kind and the pace was slow.  Conversely, we had another experience of another Curacao...and that was in Willemstad.  Our time spent in the capital city was well, interesting.  On the surface it was beautiful, historic and colorful but when you really delve into the place, it is unique mix all its own.  Old with new, wind turbines and an oil refinery, a floating market filled with boats from Venezuela and huge cruise ships.  All in all, I am glad we spent some time there to see some of the sights, meet some locals and just get a feel of this unique place.  However, it still felt like a big city with Caribbean flair.  It wasn't the other Curacao we found, the one we really didn't know about until we experienced it, the one that was slower and greener.  

The heart of the West Punt area is filled with rugged nature, small townships and unbelievable waters.  You know, traveling is about exploring both your surroundings and yourself.  We found both in the other Curacao... 

Mt. Christoffel from trail head.

Kenepa Grandi - water so clear you could see the reef fish
atop a 60 foot cliff.

Sweeping Views

Nearing the Summit

Indian Caves 

Yum?  Well it tastes like pork, kinda. 

Travel Review

Jessica's Best - Climbing to the summit of Mt. Christoffel 

Nick's Best - Diving at Alice in Wonderland 

Least Favorite - strange experience with a local in Willemstad 

Food - Iguana.  enough said.

A few tips to offer  - there is broken coral on all the beaches, if you are tender-footed you may fair better 

with water shoes; you'll need a rental car to easily get around; it's HOT so be sure to have a water bottle with you so you can easily refill throughout your journeys.  

For more, you can check out my reviews of the Lodge; Mt. Christoffel and Boca (Boka Tabla) at Trip Advisor.  A few other helpful sites - www.unesco.org and www.curacao.com 

A Trip for the Soul

"Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts." 

                                                                                                   - Oliver Wendall Holmes

I spend a lot of time thinking about trips.  It's a hobby of mine; one of my most favorite stress relievers.  Most of the magazines I subscribe to are travel-related.  I research destinations that I am interested in going to, sometimes even if I don't have a trip planned there...you know, just in case.  I cut clippings out about potential destinations and spend countless hours preparing for trips that are in the works, researching histories of each place, the best transit options, experiences and more.  I even talk about travel a lot in this blog, in fact, that was one of my motivations for starting it.  

Having just returned from my last trip on Tuesday evening, I find myself now reflecting of my time spent.  And, in doing so, I realized that sometimes that best trip is a trip home.  Home for me is St. Louis, Missouri.  I know, not exotic at all.  But something about home far outweighs the allure of a fancy location.  Now, that's not to say I don't love going to new and different places, but I've come to understand a trip home, is really a trip for my soul.  

This particular trip, I co-hosted a baby shower for one of my closest and oldest friends; had a girls day bumming with my mom; kayaked the lake with my dad; enjoyed my extended family as we partook in a family tradition of celebrating the Fourth together with a fast-pitch whiffle ball game and fireworks on the lake; watching a great movie with my niece, nephew and sister; spending the afternoon with my in-laws and great-nephew; there are so many others.  Some of my favorite times were just being in my childhood yard, having my best friend spend the night at my house (like we did when we were kids!) and taking a long family walk through the neighborhood at sunset.  I realized, I don't have to do anything out of the ordinary to gain a sense of renewal, fullness and peace.  And, that is very good for the soul.  

So as I am settling back into my routine in the 'Burg, I find myself thinking about the simplicity of home, of what that means and why it's important.  As I create new memories, experiences and a new sense of home here in St. Petersburg, I know while I can share my heart, it will always be intertwined with the first community I ever felt a real sense of place, of belonging, of home...and, that's with my St. Louis.  It’s part of who I am.  My feet may leave you, but you are always in my heart.  I know that as I create my new home experience in Florida, I am set up to be happy and fulfilled because my soul is reminded of what makes a home—family, friends, a sense of place

—

of what's important.  And, for all of that, my soul is glad.  

I will happily share my thoughts on why St. Louis is an awesome place to check out.  If you are interested in learning more, I've included some links - www.explorestlouis.com  and www.lakesaintlouis.com  
Same goes for St. Petersburg - www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/articles/st-petersburg 

Dog (noun) : a loyal companion; faithful friend; a wise teacher

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"The great thing about a dog is that you can make a fool of yourself in front of her and not only will she not scold you, but she will frequently make a fool of herself too." 

-unknown 

Swimming at St. Joe State Park in the Panhandle.

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I am a dog lover.  I grew up with lots of dogs around me.  Almost every picture of me as a child has a dog in it.  Luckily for me, I married a dog lover.  Nick and I couldn't wait until we had a place so we could finally have a dog.  In fact, we often say the only reason we bought our own home was so we could finally get a dog.  The longest either of us had ever been without a dog was the first four years we were married because we were renters and no one allowed big dogs.  In 2008, we were finally in a position to be pet-parents!  We decided to adopt from the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.  I became familiar with GRR when my parents adopted our last family dog, Jake, from the St. Louis, Missouri chapter.  He was a great guy who needed a second chance.  So when Nick and I considered our options, we knew we had to check into GRR.  The Mid-Florida chapter had just what we were looking for...a beautiful red golden girl.  Her name was Jordan which we thought was fitting since our niece's name is also Jordan.  We took it as a sign.  The bonus for us, is that we found out Jordan came with her brother, Zeus, a golden blond boy.  They grew up together and GRRMF didn't want to separate them if at all possible since they were seniors and had lived their whole lives together.  We had intended just one, but thought, "why not?"  Goldens, after all are quite social and like interaction.  They would keep each other company and we'd be helping to keep them together.  Finally, after a long adoption process full of applications, interviews and house visits, we were awarded Jordan and her brother, Zeus... 

Eyeing up the bird on Thanksgiving 2009.

...fast forward this story to last December.  Zeus was going in for surgery to remove a tumor that was on the outside of his front elbow.  Since we were in and out of the vet for that, we took Jordan in for her yearly check-up.  She is the type-A golden--healthy, likes to retrieve everything and is a big fan of swimming and going for her daily walk.  We did not expect the news we were given.  The vet found a softball-sized tumor on her spleen.  Surgery wasn't really an option and we would not put her through chemo, so we decided to leave it as is.  It is terminal and the vet informed us it could be anywhere from one month to a year, depending on how quickly it spreads.  She could maintain her normal lifestyle with the exception of frisbee.  She could no longer bound around, jumping for the frisbee because the motion could puncture the tumor...if that happens she has just 12 hours...

Hanging out by the campfire.

...so here we are in late April and Jordan is still with us.  She is deteriorating and seems to be shrinking away to me, but she is still active, still eating, still wanting to go to the park and loves her daily walks around the neighborhood.  But she is dying.  

There are hardly words for me to express the pain I feel watching her and trying to care for her and soothe her on her bad days.  And, then turn to soothe Nick or have him try and soothe me.  It's a heart-breaking, wretched feeling.  You know, I can't compare this to death of a loved one because in that case, I was able to say things like, "she lived a long, healthy life."  "she didn't suffer."  "he was ready to go and no longer in pain."  and, other coping statements that accompany a long-life lived.  But, when it's your dog...and your first dog, at that...there are no coping statements.  It's just a reality when you are a pet owner.  You love a dog, care for it, it is part of your family, but you always know at some point they have to move from this life.  I've gone through this with my other family dogs, but Jordan is my dog.  My very own; my first dog.  She is part of mine and Nick's family.   

We would often dress them up in polos during our house remodel...it always made us laugh in an otherwise stressful time.

Zeus is doing well so far.  I am confident that he knows there is something up with her.  He occasionally  smells her tummy where the tumor is, like he knows it is in there.  He sleeps near her a lot of the time and is more gentle when they play without us even reminding him to be that way.  Their little pack is resilient and flexible and understanding; it an amazing thing to witness.  

What's more amazing to me is how Jordan has been behaving since the diagnosis.  At first there were hardly any signs, but slowly, over time, they've developed and are now continuing to manifest in different ways.  Thankfully, many days are still good days.  She is sleeping well, still has an appetite most of the time, gets excited for walks and acts as our yard-sentinel.  Beyond that, she has bright spots even on her bad days.  She knows she is dying but she is enjoying the hell out of each day.  

She loves snoozing by the Christmas tree.

What a great lesson, little Jordan-girl has given to us.  She doesn't complain, she doesn't whine, she goes on about her day enjoying each little thing she can.  She isn't worried about the walk next week, she is happy to be on the one she's on now.  She isn't snippy and barking because she couldn't eat breakfast.  She still loves, she is still loyal, she is still retrieving.  It reminds me of all the time I can sometimes waste being caught up in the negative aspects of a situation.  Watching her go through this has taught me a lot about being grateful, about being in the present and about carrying on even when there is a lot crap that I don't like, don't understand or don't want.  She's also brought a lot of joy.  

I am going to miss her when she finally passes.  I tell her each night that it's okay if she wants to go to sleep and not wake up because if she's in pain, I don't want her to suffer just to stick around with us since she's loyal almost to a fault.  I have this visual of her going to join my grandparents and good friend, Annie, in some form of heaven.  It helps me to feel better thinking they'll all be together...  


In any case, I appreciate you for reading this story about my good dog, Jordan.  It is hard for me to talk about but sharing this story through the written word greatly helps.  Throughout this article, I've included some of my favorite pictures of her from many of our experiences together.  I hope you enjoyed them.  Now, I am going to go and enjoy some time with her...

It's been awhile

Well it’s been about five months since my last post.  There is really no good excuse for why its been so long, since its been on my to do list for quite some time.  I am, to be quite frank, disappointed in myself. 

I have really enjoyed my first endeavors into the blog-o-sphere last year and have big plans for the future.  Along with upping the travel stories, I am planning to explore some topics that I’ve found are often on my mind.  As always, I will throw in some musings and reflections. Some guest-bloggers will also be featured. 

So, I first ask for your pardon in my delay.  Secondly, I ask that you continue to check back with From Here to There and please let me know your feedback.