There are No Words

Today is Friday of the second week of Advent.  I am Catholic and try to prepare for Christmas by reading daily readings, reflections and prayers.  Today's daily action asked me to "read Psalm 23 slowly, letting the words stir my heart and convey God's nearness."  Given the tragedy that happened today in Connecticut, of which I have no words, I wanted to share this psalm with you.  I believe it offers words of support and I hope it offers you the comfort it did for me when processing the events of today, regardless of your personal creed or feelings on religion.

My prayer is that these words can rain down upon all those impacted by this senseless act.  And that the choirs of angels are embracing those that lost their lives.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.  
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Our Spice Island Adventure

I am bit behind.  I mean, hello, we are in DECEMBER!  I don't know how that happened.  Now I find myself thinking ahead to the impending holiday season, about what is ahead in 2013 and finishing up my work year strong.  I am feeling a tad bit frazzled.  Truth be told, I am dreaming of a few days to just relax and slow down.  When I catch myself thinking of such things, past vacations come to mind.  That is what I love about traveling in general - the ability to call upon exciting explorations, adventures and, heck, even some good ol' R&R!

Those fond thoughts lead me to this post...earlier in the year Nick and I were extremely fortunate to visit one of our dream destinations...Grenada.  Due to the wonder that is the Internet, we were able to score a fantastic deal!  Thank you TravelZoo!  Sometimes, when you really want and hope to visit somewhere waiting around for a good deal is tough.  However, our patience paid off and allowed us to experience this wonderful, beautiful, spiritual place.  Here's a little bit about Grenada -

The state of Grenada is a three-island independent nation of the British Commonwealth - islands
include Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique - which are located at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean.  Grenada has a rich history and culture.  The people are extremely open, kind and very willing to share their insights, tips and history.   It is a tapestry of many cultures who have overtime melded into the uniquely special place that is Grenada.

In case you might be interested in having your own adventure in the Spice Island - here are a few words about travel logistics:

• Information is not overly available - you have to dig for it a little bit.  I found most travel books only included a few pages of basic info.  I found some travel blogs about personal experiences traveling in Grenada helpful as well as Trip Advisor and the national tourism board's website.  

• Flight options are not abundant so you need to be flexible.  
• There are many choices and types of lodging available.  We stayed at LaSource, located near the airport at the tip of the island.  It was an all-inclusive that was a mind-body-soul type of place.  Meaning that there were plentiful healthy food options, many activities including Tai Chi, yoga, daily morning hikes, short par-3 golf course and more ("typical" all-inclusive activities were also available).  Last but certainly not least was the daily spa treatment included with your stay.  My only caution is if you stay at an all-inclusive it is sometimes difficult to leave.  I know first hand because you are thinking, "well we paid for these meals or activities, etc"...but on Grenada you want to get out and explore.  It's important that you do.  Thankfully, staff at LaSource made it extremely easy to book activities off-site as we didn't prebook prior to arrival.  Just something to be mindful of when selecting your accommodations.  

• Seek out a traditional menu.  Agriculture is an important industry and there are many things you really should try.  Our favorites included the locally grown chocolate, soursop (I loved soursop soup) and of course the spices!  
• If you are considering traveling to Grenada and want to discuss with a fellow traveler, feel free to contact me.  I'll be happy to answer questions and share any info/feedback.  

Travel Reflections: Dreary Weather & Good Memories

It’s a dreary, misting, cloudy sort of Friday.  It’s the kind of day where it looks like it will be chilly and it’s actually kind of muggy. You end up putting your jacket on and then taking it off because a nice medium is never really found.  That same medium tends to evade one’s mood too.  You might awake up-and-at-‘em but once the mist gently dampens your clothes on your way out the door, it can occasionally dampen your mood as well. 

My mind wandered a bit and I found myself thinking upon a day, much like this day, several months ago.  As I recalled that rainy, cloudy, misty day, I remembered all the beauty and peace that surrounded me.  I thought how about how we might have missed it all if we let the gloomy weather deter us.  Thankfully, we didn’t.  Because now I realize that was the day that I really began to appreciate these sorts of days.

For me, that day was really one of the neatest travel experiences I’ve had so far.  We were traveling in Vancouver Island, BC, and exploring many of the provincial parks within a moderate drive from our condo.  The weather couldn’t decide what it was doing most of the day, but by the time we arrived at Stamp River Provincial Park, it pretty much decided it was going to be raining and chilly.  It took a while to get there.  In fact, I thought we were lost and I could feel the anxiety building with the four of us as we followed curve after curve.  Just when we were all starting to get antsy, we arrived seeing just one other car in the lot. 

View Up Stream

We decided to forge ahead and I am so glad that we did.  The rain came and went, but mostly came.  The gentle and steady pace was so calming that the worry and anxiety that built up as we drove seemed to softly fall away.  The river was the main attraction as it was salmon run season.  I know it may sound weird to say this, but that was an amazing thing to witness and one I won’t soon forget.  The force of the river’s current, so loud, roaring and racing by. These exhausted fish; they just kept swimming, kept fighting, to get up stream.  The mist acted as a veil slowly dancing in and out to cloak the panoramic view.  It was early fall and some trees couldn’t hide that fact anymore with pops of red, yellow and orange peaking through.     

There was a peace I found that day, deep and quiet.  Occasionally, yells of excitement would break that quiet as we watched a brave Coho salmon make a leap into the air to jump the falls and inch closer to his goal.  We never did see the black bear we knew had to be lurking by, hoping he could catch a few worn out fish as his afternoon prize. 

Coho Salmon Making the Leap 

It was a time that stood still, almost, with no real interruptions.  As I look back on it, through pictures or thoughts, I always remember the feeling of just being.  The peace.  The quiet.  The sound. It was a perfect day for soothing a tired and weary soul.  I think that’s what helps me to enjoy days like today more than I did before. After all, isn’t that what traveling and exploring and doing new and different things is all about? 

Stamp River

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